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Project Management

Module description

This module will help you design and propose a small-scale project that could eventually be implemented in your specific work context. This synoptic piece of work will be the accumulation of selected Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that you have been developing on the programme, and its completion will enable you to successfully address End Point Assessment (EPA) and module assessment criteria. During this module, you will develop an interest in subject areas that reflect your professional role and aspirations and an awareness of how these relate to the aims of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module provides the structure and support for apprentices to bring together and apply the knowledge gained during their training programme, and to propose a small-scale project that has the potential to advance their managerial practice and be of benefit to their department/organisation. The module will help apprentices to develop their ability to select and appraise relevant project management tools and techniques, and to understand process management in setting up and managing a project. It will also prompt them to be critical users of information in solving problems and making decisions relating to the planning of their project. Throughout the module, apprentices will be asked to evaluate their approach to initiating and managing change and gain an appreciation of the knowledge and interpersonal skills required to overcome barriers to change.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Differentiate between operational planning/ management and project planning/management, and demonstrate how the successful delivery of the proposed project can contribute towards the achievement of operational plans, KPIs and business improvement. (K1.1, K1.2. K1.4) (Links to S1.1., S1.3)
• 2. Select appropriate project management tools and techniques to be used during different phases of a proposed small-scale project. (K2.1) (Links to S2.1 and S2.3)
• 3. Identify, select and use a range of data, sources of evidence and information, including financial information, to guide decision-making and problem-solving processes. (K3.1) (K10.1) (Links to S1.5, S3.1 and S10.1, S10.2, K3.1)
• 4. Explain how organisational values and ethical principles underpin the design of the proposed project. (K10.2)

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Identify barriers to change and analyse own approach to initiating and managing change. (K1.5) (Links to S1.2 and S4.3)
• 6. Manage time, tasks and activities effectively using a variety of appropriate tools and techniques. (K9.1) (Links to L9.2)
• 7. Select established risk-management approaches relevant to proposed project and immediate professional context, using risk identification, measurement and management/mitigation. (K2.2)(Links to S2.2)

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Select appropriate content and format to successfully communicate management information, project proposals and personal learning to academic and work/professional audiences, including End Point and module assessors, and key stakeholders inside own organization. (Links to S1.2, S1.5, S3.1, S6.3, S7.1)

Syllabus plan

Weekly webinars

Independent learning activities

Individual advisory sessions

Library support sessions

EPA support sessions

 Content:

• Project planning vs operational business planning
• Scoping techniques and project management constructs (e.g. Project triangle)
• Project management tools and techniques used at different phases of a project (e.g. Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), SMART and CLEAR objective setting, Gantt charts, RACI matrix, Stakeholder mapping, Risk mapping)
• Working with quantitative data & presenting quantitative data
• Time management techniques (e.g. Eisenhower grid)
• Business communication

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

All passed components of the module will be rolled forward and will not be reassessed in the event of module failure.

Defer – as first time

Refer – capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Costley, C., Elliott, G. C., and Gibbs, P. (2010). Doing work-based research: Approaches to enquiry for insider-researchers. Sage.
• Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• R. Helyer, T, Wall, A. Minton and A. Lund. (eds.) (2020). The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. (3rd ed.) London: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Lock, D. (2013). Naked Project Management: the bare facts. Routledge

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

CMI - Management Direct - an online management resource portal. Management Direct allows managers at any level to learn, research and think. It offers fast, 24-hour access to the latest digital content to help overcome hundreds of managerial challenges from absence to performance to change: 5 minute, 20 minute and extended briefings; Creative tools for problem solving; Hundreds of checklists and interactive scenarios to aid self-directed learning; Self-Assessments and automatic CPD recording/reporting; Document templates and best practice guides. 

https://www.managers.org.uk/membership/resources/management-resource-portal/

Association for Project Management https://www.apm.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobec4KWF-QIVhGDmCh2bygL_EAAYASAAEgIhB_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Key words search

Project Management. Project Process. Portfolio