Learning outcomes:
LO1 – Contribute to the management and implementation of successful IT projects.
LO2 – Demonstrate a range of transferable skills in: complex problem solving; communication; project management; working in a professional manner; self management; and the ability to gather, synthesise, evaluate and reflect on relevant information from a range of sources.
LO3 – Demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles, practice and applications of Project Management.
Learning outcomes covered 2 and 3.
The Managing Director wishes to understand more about how managing by projects is going to affect the outcome of the overall business strategy.
In self directed study time you should review appropriate literature based around project management, and write business style report. The report should be 3,000 words and should include an appropriate title and an executive summary of 200 words. You should include the word count on the front page. Your report will be an example of secondary research, i.e. you will be reviewing and presenting the appropriate literature, you will not be undertaking primary research.
2. Content
You should discuss the relationship between business objectives, programmes, computer systems projects and benefits realisation. Consider how a business should be organised in order to take advantage of a project management methodology and a PPSO (Programme and Project Support Office) to achieve the business strategy.
Your answer should include how a PPSO could be implemented in an organisation and consider how its implementation would benefit all members of the project team. Your answer should also consider the project structures required to implement a project management methodology such as PRINCE2 and a review of the stages, processes and components necessary as well as how quality is built into a project.
When answering the question you should also: –
Demonstrate a clear understanding of how information and business systems are used and managed in an organisation.
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to the management of information / computer systems projects.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with users and practitioners.
Apply this knowledge and understanding in a practical and realistic way.
Demonstrate Synthesis/Creativity in approaching relating and structuring your answer.
Analyse the suitability of current approaches, relating theory to practice.
