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 2: 50%
Assignment Title(s): Assessment Component 2- Individual report
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I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people.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 weeks late, maximum mark of 50%. Over one week late, Refer. Only the UWTSD Extenuating Circumstances Panel may grant an extension. YES X
NO
TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 2-50%
Part1: Initiation
Scenario
Furniture4U is a small business selling variety of office furniture in your local area. However, the business has grown to a greater extent in the last five years. Number of employees has been increased from 25 to 100 in the last 5 years and the turnover from £100k to £500k. It has been planned to open four additional branches next year. Part of the reason for the company’s success has been their strong work culture.
The company’s founders wanted to focus on using information technology and innovation to improve sales further. The current system works fairly well, however, only offline, as the company does not have online presence. This is a major disadvantage for the company and hence the founder, Alex, who believes in e-commerce, wants to go with online sales. After several weeks of consultations with his senior staff, Alex decided to implement a system for online sales to increase the business further and is ready to invest substantially. Davis, the head of Furniture4U IT department, which looks after their local network of computers, printers etc., is very optimistic that his IT department can setup and provide the necessary IT infrastructure. However, he is also aware of many solutions like outsourcing the whole system development and SasS (Software as Service) and HasS (Hardware as Service), which are part of cloud computing.
Tasks
1. Write a short report by critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing of software development. [500 words]
Part2: Planning
Scenario
You have an important role to play as a team member of this project and should finish it successfully within budget and on time, not compromising any functional requirements for a typical e-commerce website. You promote the idea of working with highly talented and motivated individuals who can work well on self-managed teams.
After several consultations with Alex and staff at Furniture4U over 8 weeks, several functional and non-functional requirements have been identified and documented. These requirements have to be analysed and a solution has to be designed, implemented, tested and deployed. Some non-functional requirements like online security have become very important as online fraud has become very sophisticated.
Some of the functional requirements are, customers should be able to order several office equipment over the Internet, receive them via express mail, return via express mail, cancel the order before it has been dispatched, edit the delivery address, automatic email generation to confirm the order. Several companies already provide this kind of service. You also plan to serve an international market, providing information on products in several different languages. This system must be very user-friendly, providing customers, the ability to search for specific office equipment, customer reviews and so on. Registered customers must be able to track delivery and return of office equipment, pay online or via other payment methods (including credit card or bank payments, cheque, PayPal etc.), and provide reviews of their online experience with Furniture4U customer services. The system must also be able to track referrals to the site from corporate partners and customer referrals, display advertisements and track customer usage patterns.
Tasks
2. Research similar Web-based applications. Based on the scenario description about similar Web sites, and your personal opinions, summarise what you believe are the main functions this system should provide. Rate the functions as mandatory, optional, and nice-to-have. Also, provide an initial assessment of how difficult it would be to provide each function. Write your results in a short report, citing important references. [500 words]
3. Prepare a weighted decision matrix using the template provided on portal to evaluate the functions you identified above in task 2. Develop at least four criteria, assign weights to each criterion, assign scores, and then calculate the weighted scores for each function and prepare the spreadsheet and bar chart with the results. Write a short report describing this weighted decision matrix and what the results show. [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 four months to go. One of the key staff members, Bill met with an accident and has been advised to take bed rest at least for four months. This is a big setback for you as you cannot afford to lose even a single staff.
Tasks
4. Prepare a milestone report for the project based on information or functionalities you have identified in task 2. 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, Alex could not promise any extra funds to hire a new staff member to replace Bill, whose work is being piled up. Three months into the project, your 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
5. 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. Critically evaluate what functionality and/or features can be compromised. [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. Your project manager has recognized your project management skills and is recommending you to be a project manager for the next project, which is starting soon.
Tasks
6. Prepare a short presentation with eight to ten slides that you could use at the final project presentation to summarize the results of the project. Assume that you have fifteen to twenty minutes to give the presentation. Highlight the main challenges, actions taken, and results of the project. [300 words or equivalent]
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.
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 must be in Harvard style.
MARKING CRITERIA AND STUDENT FEEDBACK – ASSIGNMENT 2 (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.
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%
?
