Faculty of Business and Law

SIM335 Managing Projects

Level: 3

Module: SIM335 Managing Projects

Assignment code: SIM335

Contribution to the module assessment: 100%

Hand in: Week commencing 09 March 2015

This is an individual assignment-please complete both tasks 1 and 2
Both tasks relate to the units in the module guide and the attached case study. It is advised that you
read the case study thoroughly before attempting the tasks.
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) Define one of the following cost appraisal methods; NPV, Payback or IRR. What are the benefits of your chosen
method? (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
A
B
C
D
E
F

Precedence
a
b
b
c

Time
5 days
4 days
6 days
2 days
5 days
8 days

Task 2 (60% marks) A case study report of 2500 words (+/- 10%)
Please read the case studies of ABEK Limited. 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.

Assignment guidelines:
The assignment should be written as a formal academic report with a clear introduction and logical
presentation of points (2500 words +/- 10%). The Harvard referencing style is required for citations; a word
count must be noted.

Fictitious Case Study: ABEK Limited.

ABEK Ltd is a company specialising in the manufacture and supply of specialist auto parts to the automotive industry. The
organisations they supply includes: regional, national, and international companies. The company has been particularly
successful since it started trading in 2007. They trade from a single manufacturing site (25,000 square metres) that also
includes office accommodation. At present the company employs a General Manager, managing 250 staff. Their product is
manufactured and then delivered to a distribution centre.
As part of a strategy of expansion, ABEK Ltd has employed you as a Project Manager to manage a one off special project.
This project is concerned with the opening of a new building that ABEK Ltd has recently acquired alongside their present
site. This new building will allow the company to target and respond to large global organisations demands for more
products, especially in Europe. This project is concerned with ensuring the operational requirements of the new facility are
addressed and that there are no delays in continuing to supply present customers.
As Project Manager you are responsible for ensuring the initial opening and operational requirements of the new facility are
identified, ensuring that the facility 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 on the report should be concerned with you communicating your knowledge of
project management.
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.
Your analysis should include the skills and competencies required by the Project Manager, along with the project
management process. Use examples of the concerns, stages, processes, leadership, and 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: (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 yourconvenience both tasks should be submitted as one document, which contains both individual tasks