Assessment Briefing 2023-2024

Module Code & Title: BUS9045 Delivering Projects, Programmes and Portfolios

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 75%

Description of Assessment Task and Purpose: 

Following the module’s lectures and seminars coupled with your additional study on the subject, you should be familiar with the practice, theory and contemporary research within project, programme and portfolio management. You will also have your own varied professional experiences to draw upon in order to help construct a comprehensive critique of this complex matter.

There is a selection of practically oriented project, programme, and portfolio management problems (situations or scenarios), from which only three must be chosen for this assignment. When developing an argument, you are expected to critically analyse various available options and suggest an optimal solution, while making use of relevant theoretical references and illustrative examples or case studies. Your standpoint should be balanced and analysis well-written, possibly referring to personal experiences, observations and insights where appropriate.LO1 justifies and integrates all crucial project management elements, processes, and methods in order to construct an original methodology to achieve the objectives of a particular project or organisation as a whole

Such creative problem-solving work is intended to allow the students to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to practical, realistic project contexts and demonstrate their ability to make robust managerial decisions under uncertainty and ambiguity.

The proposed questions for this academic year are as follows:

•  Would you agree that the traditional Waterfall model is undoubtedly the best approach to managing a global promotion campaign for the Business School? Critically appraise if some hybrid or sustainable project management methodology may be more suitable. 
• Who should be responsible for managing quality on a new painkiller research and development project within GlaxoSmithKline? Analyze the most popular quality methodologies, ascertain some of their limitations, and recommend what strategic approach should be taken for such projects. 
• You have been named a project manager for building a new multi-million shopping center in Sheffield, being part of a bigger programme of city regeneration and tourist attraction. What project management methodologies would you consider viable in such project and programme contexts?
• Compare and contrast the Critical Path and Critical Chain methods in terms of their advantages and deficiencies to conclude what would be the most suitable approach to planning and delivering a Glastonbury music festival.
• Examine the available project evaluation and portfolio selection methods and recommend an optimal mix of them to be employed by Toyota. For the practical context, research what types of projects they normally deal with.
• At Boston Consulting Group, you are asked to oversee the concurrent execution of the following consultancy engagements: business process improvement for company A, installation of a state-of-the-art enterprise resource planning system for company B, and a series of training events to promote the use of AI tools in company A. How would you best manage all these engagements: as a programme or portfolio of projects?
• Dutch chemical giant Royal DSM had moved away from petrochemicals to focus on sustainable food and health products. Soon it merged with Swiss flavours company Firmenich. As a consequence of the completed merger, senior management decided to implement a cultural change programme. Traditional project management was deemed too cumbersome so that now they require a recommendation as to what Agile and Lean tools may be useful when managing the necessary cultural change. 

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

• LO1 justify and integrate all crucial project management elements, processes and methods in order to construct an original methodology to achieve objectives of a particular project or organisation as a whole
• LO2  analyse and evaluate alternative paradigms to the traditional project management and make a robust decision on the best methodology for a given project
• LO3  assess the linkages between project, programme, portfolio and operations management and develop an organisational project strategy
• LO4 demonstrates originality in tackling and solving problems as well as synthesizing theoretical and practical management perspectives to foster a professional approach to project management. 

Knowledge & Skills Assessed: 

This problem-solving work is expected to allow students to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to practical situations, critically evaluate various options, and make meaningful managerial decisions. Except for the obvious opportunity to assess subject-specific knowledge and practical understanding of the key project, program, and portfolio management concepts, the portfolio questions will require students to establish a good level of evaluative understanding in their answers.

In terms of emotional intelligence, the assignment should improve the self-confidence of students in relation to their ability to synthesize an original project management methodology in professional life after graduation.

Assessment Submission Instructions:  

This assessment must be handed in on the 08th May 2024 (midday). You are asked to submit an electronic copy via Turnitin®.

Date for Return of Feedback: before 30/05/2024

Format for Assessment: 

The output should be presented as a 3,000-word portfolio written in an academic format.

All referencing must adhere to the Harvard Referencing System. All figures and tables are included in the word count and should be consecutively numbered and captions provided. The reference list is not included in the word count. Do not forget to indicate clearly how many words you have used in your submission.

Marking Criteria for Assessment:

Remember that all questions are worth equal marks.

The analysis should be based on appropriate and extensive research, which must be evidenced within the portfolio. A mere composition of theoretical material without the student’s own substantial elaboration, critical evaluation, and synthesis will not be deemed an original contribution and, consequently, will attract low marks. The portfolio should be properly presented and referenced, acknowledging all sources used and employing the Harvard Referencing System. Along with the usual criteria, such as the document’s structure, logical and smooth flow of argument, language style, and the correct use of grammar and punctuation, other more in-depth performance indicators will be employed (see the last page).LO2  analyse and evaluate alternative paradigms to the traditional project management and make a robust decision on the best methodology for a given project

Please note that all work is assessed according to the University of Lincoln Management of Assessment Policy and that marks awarded are provisional on Examination Board decisions (which take place at the end of the Academic Year.

Feedback Format: 

Summarised on Turnitin.

Additional Information for Completion of Assessment: 

Ensure that you have retained a backup electronic copy of the assignment submitted. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together and discuss issues, but it is not advisable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer. You should take reasonable care that your assignment is not, accidentally or deliberately, obtained by other students. Note that the content of your work will be treated as confidential and will only be accessed by the first/second marker and the external examiner.

Please make every effort to submit work by the due date indicated above. Students are advised not to assume that granting of an extension is a matter of course. Factors such as standard work pressures, holidays, etc., are not regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. Assignments received after the deadline (without an approved extension) will be subject to a penalty in line with the university policy 

Assessment Support Information: 

Assignment workshops during the term and support sessions at the end of it will provide opportunities to clarify any issues and provide formative feedback on students’ ongoing work.

Important Information on Dishonesty & Plagiarism:

University of Lincoln Regulations defines plagiarism as `the passing off of another person`s thoughts, ideas, writings or images as one`s own. Examples of plagiarism include the unacknowledged use of another person`s material, whether in original or summary form. Plagiarism also includes the copying of another student`s work`.

Plagiarism is a serious offense and is treated by the University as a form of academic dishonesty. Students are directed to the University Regulations for details of the procedures and penalties involved.

For further information, see www.plagiarism.org