Assignment Brief
Submission Deadline
Marks and Feedback
Before 10am on:
16/02/2024
20 working days after deadline (L4, 5 and 7)
15 working days after deadline (L6)
10 working days after deadline (block delivery)
18/03/2024
Key assignment details
Unit title & code
Management and Administration of Projects and Operations BSS056-3
Assignment number and title
1 Written report
Assignment type
Report
Weighting of assignment 40%
Size or length of assessment
2400 words
Unit learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding
· Understand the strategic context of operations and project management and how
tools, techniques, frameworks and academic models relate to operations and project management solutions.
2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities
· Analyse the operational and project management requirements of organisations to generate appropriate and coherent solutions whilst demonstrating the practical application of project management software to develop a project plan
What am I required to do in this assignment?
Your assessment task is comprised of two main parts.
Part 1: Assessment Checkpoint No 1 (worth 15% of the overall assessment):
Checkpoint Task: During the assessment checkpoint session, students will be presented with three detailed project management simulation scenarios. They will be required to attend the checkpoint project
iefing session to cover the following items:
· Overview of the simulated project, objectives, and deliverables.
· Presentation of potential challenges and risks in the project.
· Introduction to available project management tools and techniques that can be used to address the challenges.
To pass the checkpoint successfully, students must actively participate in the
iefing session and submit a
ief project plan outlining their initial approach to tackling the simulation. During the checkpoint session, your tutor will confirm your project management simulation scenario. You must submit your in-class (5-minute presentation in the class). Students must present in the class and add their slides to the appendices of their main report. Presentation for Assessment Checkpoint 1 must be done in the 3rd week. So, students shall finalise their selected scenario and start working on their assessment.
Engagement Requirement:
Students are strongly encouraged to attend and actively engage in the checkpoint
iefing session. Failure to attend may lead to a viva. The specific date for the checkpoint
iefing session will be determined by your tutor and communicated to you during class as well as through BREO announcements. The checkpoint aims to ensure active engagement and prepare students for real-world application.
Part 2: Summative final report (weight: 85%)
2.1 Scenario Analysis (Weight: 50%)
Students will be presented with a real-life project scenario, complete with a project
ief, objectives, constraints, and stakeholders' details. They will be asked to thoroughly analyse the scenario and propose an appropriate project management approach. The proposal should include the following elements:
· Project scope and deliverables
· Stakeholder analysis and engagement plan
· Work
eakdown structure (WBS)
· Project schedule (Gantt chart or other suitable formats)
· Risk assessment and mitigation plan
2.2 Project Evaluation and Lessons Learned (Weight: 20%)
In this part of the assessment, you are required to assess the success of the completed project. You are required to analyse the project's performance against initial objectives and outcomes, identify key lessons learned, and propose recommendations for future improvement.
2.3 Process log (15%)
Make sure to complete the process log documenting the various steps you have taken on your learning journey. Process logs will help you identify gaps in your learning and seek help where needed. You can find the template for process logs in your BREO shells under the Assessment & Feedback page.
You may choose one of the scenarios below. During the assessment checkpoint session, your tutor will confirm your allocated project management simulation scenario. Your attendance and engagement with the checkpoint activity are compulsory.
Project Management Simulation Scenarios:
Scenario 1: "IT System Implementation for a Construction Organization"
Description: Managing and implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for a large multinational organization to assist in construction projects. The ERP system will integrate various business processes, including finance, HR, supply chain, and customer relationship management. The project aims to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
· Project Duration: 24 months
· Budget: £20 million
· Number of Employees: 5,000+ employees worldwide with IT and management experience
· Key Stakeholders: C-Suite Executives, IT Construction Department, Business Units, External Vendors
Challenges:
· Complex integration with existing systems and data migration from legacy systems.
· Ensuring user acceptance and conducting extensive training programs for employees.
· Managing risks related to data security and system downtime during the transition.
Scenario 2: "Infrastructure Development by the Construction Company"
Description: Leading project management team responsible for planning and executing a new metro system development for a rapidly growing city. The project involves designing and constructing multiple metro lines, stations, and depots, and implementing an efficient public transportation system.
· Project Timeline: 5 years
· Estimated Cost: £1.5 billion
· Total Length of Metro Lines: 100 kilometers
· Key Stakeholders: City Government, Transport Department, Civil Engineering Contractors, Local Residents
Challenges:
· Balancing the need for minimal disruption to existing city infrastructure while constructing the new metro lines.
· Managing environmental impacts and obtaining necessary permits and approvals.
· Ensuring the safety and security of the metro system for millions of daily commuters.
Scenario 3: "Waste Management of the Local Area "
Description: Students are leading the project management team responsible for planning and executing a new method of waste management for the local area of their choice for a rapidly growing city. The project involves designing and constructing multiple waste management tools and techniques, placement of waste collection depots, public awareness and implementation of an efficient project plan to ensure future consistency of the proposed system.
· Project Timeline: 2 years
· Estimated Cost: £0.5 billion
· Total area of the city: 600 square miles
· Key Stakeholders: City Government, Business Units, Waste Management Department, Contractors, Local Residents, Stakeholders
Challenges:
· Balancing the need for minimal disruption to the existing city's daily routine disruption while executing the waste management plan.
· Managing environmental impacts and obtaining necessary permits and approvals.
· Ensuring the safety and security of the residents while collecting and disposing off the existing waste from the local area.
What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)
To Pass Assessment 1, you will need to
· Apply project and operation management tools, concepts and techniques to provide an insight into a given context.
· Evidence of practical understanding of project planning using project management software.
How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?
Please make sure to make use of academic skills support services provided to you at the University of Bedfordshire, some of which are listed below:
1. Referencing support
https:
lrweb.beds.ac.uk/a-guide-to-referencing
2. Academic study and assessment writing skills:
https:
lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhu
3. Studiocity: Login in to your account to get writing and referencing feedback in just hours, services available 24/7
https:
studiosity.com/connect/partners/the-university-of-bedfordshire/student_home
4. Process logs:
Make sure to complete the process log documenting the various steps you have taken on your learning journey. Process logs will help you identify gaps in your learning and seek help where needed. You can find the template for process logs in your BREO shells under Assessment & Feedback page.
How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?
The assignment is designed to test your understanding of the main tools, techniques and theories discussed in the class.
How will my assignment be marked?
Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.
You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.
70%+ (1st Class)
60-69% (2:1)
50-59% (2:2)
40-49% (3rd Class)
Threshold Standard
30-39% (Fail)
0-29% (Fail)
Checkpoint No 1 and Project plan (15%)
Excellent justification of a choice of project within a business area. Introduction that frames and highlights the main issues. Formulates a clear plan by developing aims and objectives.
Professionally structured presentation with excellent standards of academic writing. Sourced throughout and uses High-quality sources.
Very good justification of choice of project within a business area. Frames and highlight the main issues. Formulates a clear plan by developing aims and objectives. Very good presentation managed well in time.
Clear and concisely-structured presentation, sourced throughout and supported with good quality sources.
Clearly justifies a choice of project within a business area. Attempts to frame and identify some valid and relevant issues. Formulates a reasonable plan by developing aims and objectives. Very Good presentation managed well in time.
Well-structured presentation. Good level of citations throughout.
Justifies a choice of project within a business area. Attempts to formulate a plan by developing aims and objectives. Good presentation managed on time. Few citations
Fail to justify a choice of project within a business area. No show of attempts to formulate a plan by developing aims and objectives. Appropriate presentation. Lacks time management. Lack of citations
Lack of understanding of the project shown. No clear Aims and Objectives were drawn from the chosen topic. Inappropriate presentation. Moreover, needs more time management. No citations or list of references were provided.
Project Scope and Deliverables (10%)
Excellent justification of a choice of project within a business area. Introduction that frames and highlights the main issues. Formulates a clear plan by developing aims and objectives.
Professionally structured presentation with excellent standards of academic writing. Sourced throughout and uses High quality sources.
Very good justification of choice of project within a business area. Frames and highlight the main issues. Formulates a clear plan by developing aims and objectives. Very good presentation managed well in time.
Clear and concisely structured presentation, sourced throughout and supported with good quality sources
Clearly justifies a choice of project within a business area. Attempts to frame and identify some valid and relevant issues. Formulates a reasonable plan by developing aims and objectives. Very good presentation managed well in time.
Well-structured presentation. Good level of citations throughout.
Justifies a choice of project within a business area. Attempts to formulate a plan by developing aims and objectives. Good presentation managed in time. Few citations
Fail to justify a choice of project within a business area. No show of attempts to formulate a plan by developing aims and objectives. Appropriate presentation. Lacks time management. Lack of citations
Lack of understanding of the project shown. No clear Aims and Objectives were drawn from the chosen topic. Inappropriate presentation. Moreover, needs more time management. No citations or list of references were provided.
Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement Plans (10%)
Demonstrates an deep, insightful and critical stakeholder analysis of the selected project management and evaluation of contemporary themes supported by evidence.
Demonstrates an excellent insightful and critical stakeholder analysis and evaluation of selected project management case study supported by evidence.
Demonstrates a good critical stakeholder analysis and evaluation of selected case study, supported by appropriate evidence.
Demonstrates a fair critical stakeholder analysis and evaluation of selected case study, supported by some appropriate evidence.
Fails to demonstrate a good critical stakeholder analysis and evaluation of selected case study. Lacks good, supported evidence.
Absence of critical stakeholder analysis and evaluation of selected case study. Lacks supported evidence.
Project Time Management (Project Schedule and WBS) (20%)
Professionally structured WBS with excellent project time management. High quality sources
Clearly and concisely structured WBS with good quality sources and excellent time management.
Well-structured WBS. Good time management.
Reasonable WBS. Good time management with some lackings.
Lack of WBS. In appropriate time management.
No proper WBS and poor time management.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation Plan(10%)
Demonstrates an deep, insightful and critical analysis of the selected project management and risk assessment evaluation of contemporary themes supported by evidence.
Demonstrates an excellent insightful and critical risk assessment analysis and evaluation of selected project management case study supported by evidence.
Demonstrates a good critical risk analysis and evaluation of selected case study, supported by appropriate evidence.
Demonstrates a fair critical risk analysis and evaluation of selected case study, supported by some appropriate evidence.
Fails to demonstrate a good critical risk analysis and evaluation of selected case study. Lacks good, supported evidence.
Absence of critical risk analysis and evaluation of selected case study. Lacks supported evidence.
Project Evaluation & Lessons Learned (20%)
Demonstrates an insightful and critical analysis and evaluation of contemporary themes supported by evidence. Debates the implications of the analysis.
The strategic issues regarding implementation issues are rigorously linked.
Clear evidence of originality
Demonstrates an insightful and critical analysis and evaluation of case studies/evidence, debates the implications of the analysis. The linkages and rigour will not be as explicit. There will be some omissions with respect to the clarity of argument and some of the analysis will have less strong evidence of originality.
Demonstrates a good critical analysis and evaluation of case studies/evidence, debates the implications of the analysis and develops a tangible deliverable. No great originality or organisation. There may be gaps in issues concerning scope and relevance and some reference to strategic issues but perhaps not fully or explicitly set out.
Demonstrates critical analysis and evaluation of case studies/evidence, debates the implications of the analysis. Significant description; Some gaps in reasoning.
Fail to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation of case studies/evidence, debates the implications of the analysis. Significant description; Some gaps in reasoning.
Absent of critical analysis and evaluation of case studies/evidence, debates the implications of the analysis. Significant description; Lack of reasoning.
Process log – 15%
Exceptionally comprehensive and detailed evidence for self assessment, assessment