BMG 551/03 Project Management Tutor-Marked Assignment Two

(TMA 2 20%) Instructions:

This assessment covers you have learnt in Unit 1 to Unit 3. This is an individual assignment. The value of your work here lies in the kind of analysis and application of concepts you have learned from the three units. The total marks for TMA 2 are 100 and this contributes 20% towards the total grade of the course. The deadline for the submission of TMA 2 is 30th October 2009. Please submit your TMA 2 online into the OAS (On-Line Assignment System) Evidence of plagiarism or collusion will be taken seriously and the University regulations will be applied fully. You are advised to be familiar with the Universitys definition of plagiarism and collusion.

The purpose of this exercise is to study a project in your organisation, preferably a project in which you have actively participated as a project ream member. Alternatively you may choose any organisation to which you have access to. It can be any type of organisation, in any industry or sector. Imagine that you are a consultant hired by the president of the organisation to report and make recommendations for improving the project management performance. The paper will be no longer than 20 pages, including appendices (double spaced, 12 point font, with 1 margins). Do not get involved in issues outside of project management. Concern yourself with project management issues in relation to the concepts, techniques and tools in Unit 1 to Unit 3 of your course material. After collecting the project data through interviews, media reports (if they exist), and written documentation in the organisation (if you have access to such material), you must apply your understanding of what the data mean. From the concepts in Unit 1 to Unit 3, you may conclude that there are two or three areas in your project that represent a source of inefficiency or ineffectiveness. You are required to make some recommendations that you feel will enhance performance in the project. It is expected that you will synthesise conceptual models and ideas into your analysis. TMA 2 will be in the form of a report to the decision maker (CEO, Managing Director or similar positions) of the company. You need to follow the format provided in Section 8 of the Course Guide. For your convenience, this format is also shown on the next page, under the header Written Case Format. Please note the apportionment of marks to various areas of your report. The deadline for submission of TMA 2 is 30th October 2009 as stated in the Students Handbook.

Written Case Format

Required sections
I

Guidelines

Executive summary (10%)

Your executive summary is the key selling feature for your report . Decision makers may not read any further than the summary. Write it last. Emphasise clarity, brevity and persuasiveness. One page in length and does not count towards the page limit. Double spacing and no typographical errors. Briefly identify major problem(s) facing the key person(s). Summarise the recommended plan of action.

II Statement of the problem (10%)

Imagine you have the undivided attention of the decision maker. You have only one minute to convince him or her that you have a handle on the situation. Phrase the problem in the most succinct and compelling way possible. Length: 35 sentences. State the problem(s) facing the key person(s). Conclude with the decision facing the key person(s).

III Analysis of the causes of the problem (25%)

Theoretical material should link theory to case issues and should convince the decision maker of the validity of your analysis. Length: Approximately 3 pages. Provide a detailed analysis of the causes of the problems above, using theories and models from the text and readings. Do not summarise or repeat the case. Assume the reader is completely familiar with the case. Support conclusions and/or assumptions with reference to the text, readings or key points in the case.

IV

Decision criteria and alternative solutions (10%)

Decision criteria should reflect the top priorities of the organisation in this particular case (e.g., improve quality, boost productivity, cost less than $x, can be implemented in y months). Length: Approximately 2 pages. Identify criteria against which you will evaluate solutions. Include 2 or 3 alternate solutions. Evaluate all solutions against identified criteria.

Recommended solution, implementation and justification (35%)

Implementation should be detailed and realistic. State briefly and convincingly the best justification for your recommended course of action. Close on a strong note. Length: Approximately 3 pages. Solution and implementation should fit with problems and criteria identified above. Identify what should be done, when, how and by whom, to implement your recommended solution. Include a statement of downside risk and a contingency plan to address potential difficulties. A business report is similar to a rsum in that it should contain no mistakes of grammar, spelling or punctuation. Anything less than professional quality demonstrates lack of attention to detail.

VI

Format (10%)

Type double-spaced in 12-point font with a margin of 1 on all sides. Use headings and bullet points to maximise clarity. Use an additional 3 pages for exhibits.