Level: 3 Module: SIM335 Managing Projects
Assignment Code: SIM335 Module Leader:
Return date:
Contribution to module assessment: 100%
This is an individual assignment – complete both tasks 1 and 2
Background: The assignment is intended to bring out the benefits and limitations of different approaches to project planning and control by relating these to the circumstances in the cases outlined. It is also intended to allow students to demonstrate their learning and competence in respect of the management of resources generally, but in particular elements of scope, schedule, quality, and cost.
Task 1 (40% marks) 600 words (+/- 10%) each short answer question requires a response in a few sentences for the questions awarded up to 4-6 marks and a paragraph for questions awarded up to 8-10 marks.
1) What are the core principles/characteristics of any project and why are they important? (8 marks).
2) How would you have defined the scope of the project in the case study (6 marks).
3) Using the information below, plot out a full project Gantt chart and identify the critical path? How many days does it take to complete the project? (6 marks).
4) What method(s) would you employ for cost management and why? (4 marks).
5) How would you have assessed and managed the risks on the project in the case study (6 marks).
6) What quality methods (project evaluation, monitoring and control) would you introduce to ensure this project is completed successfully (10 marks).
Tasks Precedence Time
a – 5 days
b – 4 days
c a 6 days
d b 2 days
e b 5 days
f c 8 days
g e 4 days
h f 3 days
Task 2: (60% marks)
Parker Ltd is a consultancy company specialising in the sport and physical activity sector. The organisations they are commissioned by includes: local authorities, charities, and private sector organisations. The company was founded in 2002 and has shown steady growth over the past thirteen years. They trade from office accommodation (80 square metres) in a major city in England. At present the company employs 1 General Manager, 5 Lead Consultants, 3 Administration staff, and 2 Marketing Officers.
Parker Ltd has provided a project manager – to a local authority – relating to a one off special project. This project is concerned with the ensuring the initial opening and operational requirements of the new leisure facility are identified. Please note this new leisure facility will already be built to a 21st Century standard. The provision includes: swimming pool, sports hall, dry and wet changing facilities, two dance studios with additional health and fitness provision in the form of a state of the art fitness centre.
As Project Manager you are responsible for the ensuring the initial opening and operational requirements of the new facility are identified. You are required to prepare a report concerning the main issues to be addressed from a project management perspective (2,500 words). From a project management perspective outline the activities required to successfully implement this new initiative, ensuring that it can open on-time, and within budget. Again you should note that you are taking possession of a purpose built building and have to address the issues that would allow the building to be operated by your client. You should note that the emphasis should be concerned with you communicating your knowledge of project management.
Although you have been appointed as the Project Manager, your analysis should include the skills and competencies that you already posses and which are required by a Project Manager to manage this type of major project. Use examples of the Project Management Process, for example concerns, stages, processes, leadership, administration and control problems associated with managing the lifecycle of this major project.
Assignment presentation and assessment
The answers to both tasks are independent and should be addressed separately.
Task 1 answers to six questions – (600 words) – completed as an individual task
Task 2 a report that is produced for task two (2500 words) – completed as an individual task
For your convenience both tasks should be submitted as one document, which contains both individual tasks.
The criteria for assessing the task two report will be:
Report presentation (20%) (12 marks)
The extent to which the assignment represents an effective report. This will be judged on:
Appearance: Is a word count included at the end of the report? Is it within the specified amount? Is the text double spaced?
Structure: Does the report follow the conventions of the format? Does it have a clear introduction, explaining how it answers the questions? Do the sections of the report develop ideas in a logical sequence? Are diagrams or other subsidiary information shown in appendices?
Spelling and grammar: Are all words spelled correctly and is the meaning of sentences clear?
Referencing: Have appropriate references been included in the report. Has a recognised referencing system been used for notation? (see relevant section in the Guide to Basic Study Skills)
Use of relevant theory (40%) (24 marks)
Has the right theoretical content been chosen as the basis for answering the questions? Is there evidence of the use of course notes and books? Is the theory that is selected significant to the questions?
Analysis (40%) (24 marks)
This measures the extent to which students develop a structured argument for the points they make, by combining relevant theory with the information provided in the questions.
Any work submitted is subject to the University’s rules and procedures governing infringement of assessment regulations.
Grading Criteria SIM335 Managing Projects Individual Assignment
First Class (70 – 100%)
A creative and original response to the question. Critically reflecting on perceived theory and experiences. Wide and appropriate use of sources (theory and practice) based on reading and experiences. Answer written fluently, with evidence of a highly developed capacity to structure work systematically and argue logically.
Upper Second Class (60 – 69%)
Comprehensive knowledge of concepts and theories. Appropriate application of theory and experience to the question answered. Ability to inter-relate concepts and ideas. Some originality in approach and awareness of scope and limitations. Answer systematically structured and coherent.
Lower Second Class (50-59%)
Evidence of knowledge of concepts and theories. Attempts to relate and balance theory and practice. Main issues addressed appropriately. Mainstream texts and lecture notes used. Work presented in a structured form but arguments weak in places.
Third Class (40-49%)
Evidence of uncritical knowledge of main concepts and theories. Limited attempts to relate theory and practice relaying on personal opinion or assertions. Limited evidence of reading. Presentation and structure weak in several places.
Fail (0 – 39%)
Some knowledge of main concepts and theory but major omissions and / or misunderstandings. Style and structure weak and overly descriptive. Considerable limitations in ability to perceive the relationship of theory and practice. Limited reading.
Last Completed Projects
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