• To consider critically the role of project and risk management within Information Systems and the value of projects in achieving organizational objectives;
• To provide a firm grounding in project management and understand the critical role of risks;
• To provide a firm grounding in the process of analyzing the context, and planning, scheduling, monitoring and controlling resources (physical, technological, human and others) for the achievement of focused Information Systems project objectives;
• To consider the factors involved in promoting digital transformation of organizations, and critically examine the problems and risks of changes;
• To utilize techniques for the monitoring and the control of projects to improve effective problem solving, effective communication, numerical and quantitative skills, effective use of tools, self- awareness, effective teamworking, interpersonal and research skills;
• To understand the specific requirements of Information Systems projects within all taught sub-areas such as dynamic requirements, risks and uncertainty, etc.
• To understand the state of the art in terms of current research in a selected taught sub-area and being able to identify current challenges and knowledge gaps.

By the end of this course students should:

• Understand and evaluate the main factors and the range of different techniques that lay behind successful Information Systems project management;
• Appreciate and be able to discuss a range of approaches for different types of Information Systems projects;
• Be able to identify, assess and control risks (e.g. resource constraints) on achieving project goals;
• Evaluate the effects of organizational issues on Information Systems projects;
• Apply theoretical insights in relation to risks from current research potentially affecting the effectiveness of Information Systems projects;
• Understand the specific constraints, tools and mechanism of Information Systems projects with a focus on organizational change and digital transformation;
• Be able to apply assessment and learning techniques to develop Information Systems project processes.

According to the examination regulation full attendance is intended for a PI (i.e. at least 80 percent). 

The Covid19 pandemic causes several uncertainties for the upcoming semester. If possible within the valid health regulations, the Information Systems program plans to fully return to the usual mode of classroom teaching with mandatory attendance. Nonetheless, an additional “plan B”-scenario for distance and/or hybrid teaching will be prepared for every class, which can be enabled if needed.

This course will be using a combined lecture and seminar character. Seminars will develop key elements of an Information Systems project focused on the context of organizational change and risks, and also include short calculations, problem and task based discussions. Preparation of tasks prior to every unit is usually required. Discussions will help students in understanding the requirements and working on concepts of and prepare for the exam. A suitable reading list will be provided for each session. It is expected that students will engage and use learn@WU as digital learning environment.

• Exam(s) with a mix of open and multiple-choice questions (worth 40% of final grade);
• Group assignment (worth 40% of final grade);
• Individual assignment (worth 20% of final grade)

Students are welcome to discuss course-related issues during weekly surgery hours or by appointment (email: everist.limaj@wu.ac.at, peter.virag@wu.ac.at).