• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Project Management and Decision Making

Module description

This module is designed to enable undergraduate apprentices to define, design and propose a project that can be undertaken in their specific work context as part of the BSc (Hons) in Responsible Business Management/CMDA programme. It sets the foundation for the Organisational Research Project module and it is designed to address key learning areas of the CMDA standard (i.e. Operational strategy, project management, management of self, decision making and communication). During the module apprentices will develop an interest in subject areas that reflect their professional roles and aspirations and an appreciation of how the proposed work relates to the aims of (some of) the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In enhancing the student experience and reflecting the need to link society, the economy, business education and the environment, we actively involve organisations and speakers focusing on ethics, responsibility and sustainability.   

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module provides apprentices the opportunity to bring together and apply the knowledge gained during the first two taught modules of the programme, whilst developing a critical understanding of ethical and methodological issues in carrying out work-based research and initiating organisational change.

More specifically, the module will help apprentices develop their ability to analyse and synthesise a wide range of information and data as they seek to develop innovative and ethical solutions to address specific operational challenges, always taking into account the mission, values and wider strategic directions of their organisation.

It will also help them develop, and demonstrate, an understanding of sustainable management principles and relevant professional codes of practice that will support them to create visions of a better world through their managerial practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key stages of a project and how a project moves through planning, design, development, deployment and evaluation (B1).
• 2. Demonstrate knowledge of risk management models and reporting, risk benefit analysis and health and safety implications (B2).
• 3. Identify key project outcomes, developing and implementing plans to ensure that these are achieved (B4).
• 4. Evaluate risk management models and review own organisation's approach to the identifi-cation and monitoring of risk (A1).
• 5. Demonstrate knowledge of research, data analysis, problem solving and decision-making techniques. (L1).
• 6. Proactively identify risk and create plans for their mitigation (B5)

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 7. Produce reports that clearly present information and data, using a range of interpretation and analytical processes. (A5)
• 8. Different forms of communication (written, verbal non-verbal, digital) and how to apply them. (F1) Communicate clearly, effectively and regularly using oral, written and digital channels and platforms (F4)

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

Re-assessment notes

Defer – as first time

Refer – capped at 50%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Bibila, S. and Nottingham, P. (2020). Planning Practitioner Projects, in R. Helyer, T, Wall, A. Minton and A. Lund. The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. (3rd ed.) London: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Costley, C., Elliott, G. C., and Gibbs, P. (2010). Doing work-based research: Approaches to enquiry for insider-researchers. Sage.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thonrhill, A. (2009). Doing Research in Business and Management: An  Essential Guide to Planning Your Project.
• Marks, T. (2012). 20: 20 Project Management: How to deliver on time, on budget and on spec. Kogan Page Publishers.
• Maylor, H and Turner, N. (2022). Project Management. Harlow: Pearson.

CMI - Management Direct - an online management resource portal.

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