28367 - Project Management for Arts Organization

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to understand the strategic aspects of cultural project management. In particular, the student is expected to learn: - the context of management of cultural organizations - the steps to realize a project for arts organizations - the role of cultural project management - strategic aspects of cultural project management.

Course contents

Course Outcomes

 The student is expected to learn the basis of the tools and methods of project management for arts and culture

In particular, the student is expected to:

- learn and discuss the steps to realize a project for arts organization

- understand the project manager’s role in the arts

- engage with, learn and discuss the challenges and issues relating to assigning and managing resources and scheduling work in the art and culture environment

- learn the basis of the use of project management software

Course Overview

The course is designed to introduce students to the current Project Management practices, tools and techniques used in the Arts and Culture environment

It examines key activities such as identifying the initial project idea, resourcing and scheduling a project, identifying partners and stakeholders.

The programme includes practical workshops and exercises enabling a hands-on approach to the use of Project Management techniques in exhibition design, performing arts and event conceiving, planning and delivery.

Course Objectives

To provide an overview of the dynamics and life-cycle of a project

To define the major tools and principles of a tailored approach to project management

To equip students with an understanding of the importance of balancing project scope and creative contents against available resources

To help students develop skills and understanding of the principles and practices of the critical path analysis approach to Project Management

Program/Contents

Introduction to project management practice and methods. Approach, terminology, project life cycle. The project manager’s role.

Project management techniques: concept, project scope, knowledge areas, work breakdown structure, organisation breakdown structure, schedule, baseline plan.

Project management: the idea and the initiation steps.Strategic profile of a cultural project, Feasibility: SWOT analysis, Stakeholders analysis.

Project management: the planning step.Planning tools: overview of organogram, GANTT, PERT, Network analysis: Critical Path. Budget and financial flow: elements.

Insight on project management software

Project management: the execution and monitoring step.Putting plans into action, tracking progress, maintaining control and taking corrective actions.

Elements of risk management. Closure activities

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides integrate or summarize the following books:

Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge V ed. (PMBOK® Guide). Pennsylvania: PMI, 2013. Print

Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge VI ed. (PMBOK® Guide). Pennsylvania: PMI, 2017. Print

O’Toole, William, Mikolaitis, Phyllis. Corporate Event Project Management. New York: Wiley, 2002. Print

Bowdin, Glenn et al. Events Management. London: Routledge, 2006. Print

Burke, R. Fundamentals of Project Management. Auckland: Burke Publishing, 2010. Print

Further readings

Schon, Donald A. The Reflective Practitioner. How Professionals think in action. New York: Basic Books, 1984. Print

Turner, J.Rodney. The Handbook of Project Based Management. Leading strategic change in organisations. London: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Further papers and materials will be suggested during the activity.

Preliminary readings will be available before the beginning of the term.

Teaching methods

Teaching method

The teaching delivery method for the course of Project Management for Arts Organisation combines taught modules, project works and guest lectures from professionals in the field.

During the course, students will be advised about and supported for the preparation of student-directed and managed group assignments, involving the design, development and delivery of a project, ranging from visual art exhibitions and displays, performing art festivals to the creation of social media and online platforms for the promotion of cultural events.

The participatory method will enable student direct experience and engagement in the learning process. The student-led project is based on their initiative and drive to suggest the content of the projects, to direct their research and develop their tools as well as make choices regarding partners, stakeholders and fundraising to support the project

The introduction to group assignments will be delivered during the first class meeting.

Participation and use of computers

In-class active participation in discussions or exercises is expected and questions regarding the examined topics are welcome both during the class meetings and after them.

It is recommended that computers and all technology devices should be switched off and put away during lectures. However there will be opportunities to use laptops during in-class activities.

Assessment methods

Grading:

1) 45% Written dossier (teamwork)

2) 45% Individual pitch on exam day

3) 10% class participation

Office hours

See the website of Simona Cavaliere