Write a short report by critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of your project.

27 AUG 18
0

Write a short report by critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of your project.

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UNDERGRADUATE

ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATION

Programme:	BABS	Module Level (3,4,5 or 6):	5
Module:	Project Management	Module code:	SBLC5001
Contribution to Overall Module Assessment (%):	100%	Assignment No(s):	Assignment 1: 50% Assignment 2: 50%
Assignment Title(s):	Assessment Component 1- Case study/individual essay Assessment Component 2- Individual report
Lecturer:	Chandranna Rayadurg	Internal Verifier:	Kamal Hossain
Hand Out Date:	04/12/2017	Submission deadline: Feedback deadline:	19/02/2018

Referencing:

In the main body of your submission you must give credit to authors on whose research your work is based. Append to your submission a reference list in Harvard stylethat indicates the books, articles, etc. that you have read or quoted in order to complete this assignment (e.g. for books: surname of author and initials, year of publication,title of book, edition, publisher: place of publication).

Disclosure:

Please include the following statement on the title page of the submitted assignment, followed by your name:

I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been duly cited.

Turnitin: All assignments must be submitted to Turnitin unless otherwise instructed by the Lecturer.

Note: the Turnitin version is the primary submission and acts as a receipt for the student. Late submission of the electronic version of the assignment will result in a late penalty mark. Penalties for late submission: Up to one week late, maximum mark of 50%. Over one week late, Refer. Only the UWTSD Extenuating Circumstances Panel may grant an extension.

YES

Learning Outcomes tested

(from module syllabus)

Assessment Criteria To achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:

1. Be able to devise and implement a project management plan and work effectively within a project team.

2. Understand the primary concepts and practices underpinning Project management.

3. Understand the contexts for project management and project planning in a localised and/or global context.

· Work as an individual to research, write and structure a report that demonstrates project management principles

· Understand the tools and techniques to solve problems associated with projects in real life scenarios.

· Enable the student to learn the primary elements of Project Management to such an extent that he/she is able to develop a detailed project plan for a small or large- scale project.

· Give students an opportunity to be an individual contributor, working on a project team to define, plan and manage a project.

TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 1-50%

BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION

You are required to identify a project and its suitable activities or tasks along with predecessors and durations. You must identify at least 10 major activities of suitable complexity so that each activity would have at least a few predecessors and successors as in real life. The project has to be approved by the lecturer before you start working on it at least four weeks before the deadline of the assignment. Please see your lecturer to discuss the project and its activities outside the lecture hours. However, lecturer would explain sample projects that you could consider for selection.

You have been working with your company for the last 3 years and it is the right time for you to take a project manager role and provide the answers for the following tasks.

TASKS

1. You are required to construct the network diagram illustrating the backward and forward pass with necessary attributes. You will have to determine and highlight the critical path explaining and evaluating what this indicates and what significant effects it has on the completion of the project. [1000 words or Equivalent](Total marks: 40)

2. Communication among the teams’ members and other stakeholders is one of the important factors for a project to be completed successfully. Critically discuss the importance of Communications Management with respect to the project you have selected. [750 words] (30 marks)

3. Critically discuss

a. Different options for accelerating project completion.

b. How projects would be implemented when resources are constrained and not constrained.

[750 words] (30 marks)

LENGTH REQUIRED

2500 words +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style

1. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.

1. Length: 2500 words

1. Formatting: Typed on A4 paper in Times New Roman or Arial font 12 with at least 2.5 centimetre space at each edge, double spaced and pages numbered.

1. Document format: Report

1. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.

1. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.

The use of a range of information sources is expected – academic books, peer reviewed journal articles, professional articles, press releases and newspaper articles, reliable statistics, company annual reports and other company information. All references should be in the Harvard style.

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK – ASSIGNMENT 1 (50%)

This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers use a similar format to comment on the achievement of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit from development/improvement.

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Marks available	Marks Awarded
1. Research-informed Literature Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.
The very first task given is based on a specific problem given, which will have a unique network diagram. However, Tasks 2 and 3 are research-based questions. You must explore the literature and provide suitable references. Marks will be awarded based on the research that is relevant to finding answers to the given tasks.	10

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.
Knowledge and understanding of relevant theoretical models with respect to the network diagramming methods and the importance of identifying one or more critical paths must be evident. To answer the given tasks, students must have a clear understanding of the concepts and detailed working knowledge to arrive at solutions.	15

3. Analysis Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence
In answering task 1, solution must be analysed in detailed steps rather than simply arriving at it. An accurate key or legend must be provided for each node in the network diagram. Critical path analysis in general and its implication on current project must be carried out. For tasks 2 and 3, possible alternate solutions must be provided and justified. This is where students can apply their knowledge, skills gained through research and understanding of concepts that they have acquired through the above 2 criteria.	45

4. Practical Application and Deployment Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.
Practical challenges in applying theoretical concepts and any tools and techniques that could be used can be specified. Marks are awarded based on what tools and techniques students have employed to solve the given tasks. Credit will be given if there is any innovation and creativity.	20

5. Skills for Professional Practice Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.
Presenting your assignment professionally in an appropriate format	10
TOTAL	100

Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board. These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. )

Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate)

TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 2-50%

This assignment is based on the project and its tasks that you have identified in Assignment 1.

Part1: Initiation

Scenario

In continuation with the above project from assignment 1, you have the options either to:

· Get it done by out-sourcing it, or

· Complete the project using the companies’ own employees.

Tasks

1. Write a short report by critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of your project. [500 words]

Part2: Planning

Scenario

You have identified at least ten major tasks for the project in assignment 1. You have formed a team of five people to work on this project with various roles. Using the major activities you have identified, provide answers for the following tasks.

Tasks

1. Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with all the major tasks you have identified. In doing so, you have to identify subtasks at least up to level 3 under each project phase. You are free to add any relevant additional tasks. You can use the five phases of project management, Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitor and Controlling and Closing in creating Work Breakdown Structure.[500 words]

1. Provide a stakeholder analysis by identifying at least 5 stakeholders. Stakeholder register and management strategy must be created as well. Templates on the portal can be used[400 words]

Part 3: Execution

Scenario

Your project has been going well until now with no major challenges and your team is proud of it. It has been two months into the project since it has started, and you have another two months to go. One of the key team members, Mark met with an accident and has been advised to take bed rest at least for two months. This is a big setback for you, as you cannot afford to lose even a single staff.

Tasks

1. Prepare a milestone report for the project based on information or functionalities you have identified. Add additional milestones, if needed, to make the report more meaningful. Use the milestone report template on portal. [300 words]

Part 4: Controlling

Scenario

Due to Brexit uncertainties, Alex, one of the team members, could not promise any extra funds to hire a new staff member to replace Mark, whose work is being piled up. Three months into the project, you as a project manager and your team are very concerned about the progress of the project. After reviewing the progress, it has been decided to have a series of bi-monthly meetings with all affected staff.

Tasks

1. After the first bi-monthly meeting and consultations with business experts, you have convinced Alex that the only way to finish project successfully is to compromise scope by having only absolute essential functionality or by hiring the extra staff to finish the project on time with additional cost. Critically evaluate what functionality and/or tasks can be compromised compared to hiring additional staff with extra funding in the current project. [500 words]

Part 5: Closing

Scenario

It is one week before your final project presentation. You have been successful in meeting time and cost deadlines. However, scope had to be compromised! You have been really helpful in making this project a success.

Tasks

1. Prepare a lessons-learned report for the entire project. Include input from all stakeholders in summarizing the lessons learned. Use the template provided on portal.

[300 words]

LENGTH REQUIRED

2500 words +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style

2. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.

3. Length: 2500 words

4. Formatting: Typed on A4 paper in Times New Roman or Arial font 12 with at least 2.5 centimetre space at each edge, double-spaced and pages numbered.

5. Document format: Report

6. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.

7. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK – ASSIGNMENT 2 (50%)

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Marks available	Marks Awarded
1. Research-informed Literature Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Require students to carry out relevant research identifying various sources likes books, latest journals etc. Marks will be awarded based on the research that is relevant to finding answers to the given task. Good answers show evidence of research beyond the case material provided.	10

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.
This criterion assesses students’ acquired knowledge and understanding of different theories, models through research and independent study. Marks are given for identification and application of relevant theoretical models.	15

3. Analysis Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence
This criterion carries a significant amount of marks, as analysis is required in many complex tasks, which require many skills. Analysis comes from appropriate data and information to provide insights.	30

4. Practical Application and Deployment Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.
Application of concepts, theories, models, skills etc. to given tasks, which are similar to real life scenarios, is very critical to be successful in employment. ALL recommendations to be sourced from and relevant to the analysis provided.	30

5. Skills for Professional Practice Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.
Report format normally includes the following sections: Executive Summary, Introduction, Main Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations, References and Appendices. Your report should be written in a suitable academic writing style i.e. using the third person	15
TOTAL	100

Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board. These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. )

Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate)

GUIDANCE FOR Students IN THE COMPLETION OF TASKS

NOTE: The guidance offered below is linked to the five common assessment criteria above.

1. Research-informed Literature

Your work must be informed and supported by scholarly material that is relevant to and focused on the task(s) set. You should provide evidence that you have accessed a wide range of sources, which may be academic, governmental and industrial; these sources may include academic journal articles, textbooks, current news articles, organisational documents, and websites. You should consider the credibility of your sources; academic journals are normally highly credible sources while websites require careful consideration/selection and should be used sparingly. Any sources you use should be current and up-to-date, mostly published within the last five years or so, though seminal/important works in the field may be older. You must provide evidence of your research/own reading throughout your work, using in-text citations in the main body of your work and a reference list that is alphabetical at the end of your work. Please use the Harvard referencing system.

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject

Your work must demonstrate the growing extent of your knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the subject area. Knowledge relates to the facts, information and skills you have acquired through your learning. You demonstrate your understanding by interpreting the meaning of the facts and information (knowledge). This means that you need to select and include in your work the concepts, techniques, models, theories, etc. appropriate to the task(s) set. You should be able to explain the theories, concepts, etc. meaningfully to show your understanding. Your mark/grade will also depend upon the extent to which you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding; ideally each should be complete and detailed, with comprehensive coverage.

3. Analysis

Your work must contain evidence of logical, analytical thinking, evaluation and synthesis. For example, to examine and break information down into parts, make inferences, compile, compare and contrast information. This means not just describing What! but also justifying: Why? How? When? Who? Where? At all times, you must provide justification for your arguments and judgements. Evidence that you have reflected upon the ideas of others within the subject area is crucial to you providing a reasoned and informed debate within your work. Furthermore, you should provide evidence that you are able to make sound judgements and convincing arguments using data and concepts. Sound, valid conclusions are necessary and must be derived from the content of your work. There should be no new information presented within your conclusion. Where relevant, alternative solutions and recommendations may be proposed.

4. Practical Application and Deployment

You should be able to demonstrate how the subject-related concepts and ideas relate to real world situations or a particular context. How do they work in practice? You will deploy models, methods, techniques, and/or theories, in that context, to assess current situations, perhaps to formulate plans or solutions to solve problems, some of which may be innovative and creative. This is likely to involve, for instance, the use of real world examples and cases, the application of a model within an organisation and/or benchmarking one organisation against others based on stated criteria. You should show awareness of the limitations of concepts and theories when applied in particular contexts.

5. Skills for Professional Practice

Your work must provide evidence of the attributes expected in professional practice. This includes demonstrating your individual initiative and/or collaborative working. You must communicate effectively in a suitable format, which may be written and/or oral, for example, essay, management report, presentation. Work should be coherent and well structured in presentation and organisation.

Specific to this assignment: Report format normally includes the following sections: Executive Summary, Introduction, Main Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations, References and Appendices. Your report should be written in a suitable academic writing style i.e. using the third person.

UNDERGRADUATE – COMMON ASSESSMENT AND MARKING CRITERIA
	OUTRIGHT FAIL	UNSATISFACTORY	SATISFACTORY	GOOD	VERY GOOD	EXCELLENT	EXCEPTIONAL
Assessment Criteria	0-29%	30-39%*	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
1. Research-informed Literature Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions	Little or no evidence of reading. Views and findings unsupported and non-authoritative. Referencing conventions largely ignored.	Poor evidence of reading and/or of reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Referencing conventions used inconsistently.	References to a limited range of mostly relevant sources. Some omissions and minor errors. Referencing conventions evident though not always applied consistently.	Inclusion of a range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently. Referencing conventions mostly consistently applied.	Inclusion of a wide range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently. Selection of relevant and credible sources. Very good use of referencing conventions, consistently applied.	A comprehensive range of research informed literature embedded in the work. Excellent selection of relevant and credible sources. High-level referencing skills, consistently applied.	Outstanding knowledge of research-informed literature embedded in the work. Outstanding selection of relevant and credible sources. High-level referencing skills consistently and professionally applied.
2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.	Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of material at this level. Substantial inaccuracies.	Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial understanding. Some significant inaccuracies.	Evidence of basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant concepts and underlying principles.	Knowledge is accurate with a good understanding of the field of study.	Knowledge is extensive. Exhibits understanding of the breadth and depth of established views.	Excellent knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and key theories. Clear awareness of challenges to established views and the limitations of the knowledge base.	Highly detailed knowledge and understanding of the main theories/concepts, and a critical awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge.
3. Analysis Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence	Unsubstantiated generalisations, made without use of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable/ missing conclusions. Lack of any attempt to analyse, synthesise or evaluate.	Some evidence of analytical intellectual skills, but for the most part descriptive. Ideas/findings sometimes illogical and contradictory. Generalised statements made with scant evidence. Conclusions lack relevance.	Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and some attempts to synthesise, albeit with some weaknesses. Some evidence to support findings/ views, but evidence not consistently interpreted. Some relevant conclusions and recommendations, where relevant	Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and synthesis. Can analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance. An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence to support the argument. Valid conclusions and recommendations, where relevant	Sound, logical, analytical thinking; synthesis and evaluation. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to review the reliability, validity & significance of evidence. Ability to communicate ideas and evidence accurately and convincingly. Sound, convincing conclusions / recommendations.	Thoroughly logical work, supported by evaluated evidence. High quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration. Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Strong, persuasive, conclusions, justifiable recommendations.	Exceptional work; judiciously selected and evaluated evidence. Very high quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration. Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Highly persuasive conclusions
4. Practical Application and Deployment Effective deployment of appropriate methods, materials, tools and techniques; extent of skill demonstrated in the application of concepts to a variety of processes and/or contexts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.	Limited or no use of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques. Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.	Rudimentary application of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.	An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of well established methods, materials, tools and/or techniques. Basic appreciation of the context of the application.	A good and appropriate application of standard methods, materials, tools and/or techniques. Good appreciation of the context of the application, with some use of examples, where relevant.	A very good application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques. Very good consideration of the context of the application, with perceptive use of examples, where relevant. Evidence of some innovation and creativity.	An advanced application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques. The context of the application is well considered, with extensive use of relevant examples. Application and deployment extend beyond established conventions. Innovation and creativity evident throughout.	Outstanding levels of application and deployment skills. Assimilation and development of cutting edge processes and techniques.
5. Skills for Professional Practice Demonstrates attributes expected in professional practice including: individual initiative and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media to communicate (including written and oral); clarity and effectiveness in presentation and organisation.	Communication media is inappropriate or misapplied. Little or no evidence of autonomy in the completion of tasks. Work is poorly structured and/or largely incoherent.	Media is poorly designed and/or not suitable for the audience. Poor independent or collaborative initiative. Work lacks structure, organisation, and/or coherence	Can communicate in a suitable format but with some room for improvement. Can work as part of a team, but with limited involvement in group activities. Work lacks coherence in places and could be better structured.	Can communicate effectively in a suitable format, but may have minor errors. Can work effectively as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities. Mostly coherent work and is in a suitable structure.	Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a suitable format. Can work very well as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities. Work is coherent and fluent and is well structured and organised.	Can communicate professionally and, confidently in a suitable format. Can work professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations. Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally.	Can communicate with an exceptionally high level of professionalism. Can work exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing advanced leadership skills. Work is exceptionally coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally.

Student Self Evaluation Form
Student name:		Student number:
Programme:		Year of programme
Assignment Title:

This section repeats in brief the common assessment criteria detailed on previous pages. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. Using these criteria, tick the box that best indicates the level of achievement you feel you have achieved with regard to each of them. Please note that this self-assessment is used as a developmental tool only and has no impact on the way in which your work will be marked.

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Level of Achievement
	REFER	3rd	2:2	2:1	1st	1st
	OUTRIGHT FAIL	UNSATISFACTORY	SATISFACTORY	GOOD	VERY GOOD	EXCELLENT	EXCEPTIONAL
1. Research-informed Literature	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%

3. Analysis	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%

4. Practical Application and Deployment	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%

5. Skills for Professional Practice	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%

PLEASE COMMENT ON AREAS IN WHICH YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE PERFORMED WELL	PLEASE COMMENT ON AREAS you feel that you need TO DEVELOP

Student’s Name		Date
Student’s Signature

Write a short report by critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of your project.