Assignment 1, Part A

The purpose of A1, Part A The purpose of this assignment is to: -

Identify and explain a suitable project management problem that warrants research. 

Define the problem in the form of a research question that incorporates project management philosophies and principles.

Overview of Assignment

Assignment 1 consists of three components: -

(A) Problem statement and research question,

(B) Preliminary literature review,

(C) Research Methodology

The total weight for this assignment (Part A, Part B and Part C) is 80% of the total mark.

This is an individual assignment and students are required to choose a topic that is interesting and relevant to their career goals. 55 A1, Part A

- A 1000 word written report (exclusive of the cover & bibliography) on a chosen topic.

- Identify and explain a suitable project management problem that warrants research.

- Define the problem in the form of a research question and objectives that incorporates project management philosophies and principles.

- Students to list references as a bibliography after the end of the report. 56 A1, Part A

- Submit as PDF file

- State the word count in the cover page.

Suggest structure for A1, Part A
- Cover sheet
- Executive summary
- Table of content
- Introduction/Background
- Problem Statement
- Significance of Study.
- Research Questions/hypotheses,
- Aim and objectives
- Limitations/Delimitations (as applicable)
- References

Presentation and structure

The report is logical in its construction with no spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. It includes all necessary and applicable sections. The report is mostly logical in its construction with 1 or 2 consistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

The report is relatively easy to follow with 3 or 4 consistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

The report has all components, but is not logical in its construction or has a numerous inconsistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. Aspects of the report are missing or so poorly written due to numerous spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors so meaning is unclear.

Referencing - In-text and reference list consistently adhere to a single Authordate system throughout.

In-text and reference list adhere to a single Author-date system with 1 or 2 errors. In-text and reference list adhere to a single Author-date system with 3 or 4 errors.

In-text and reference list adhere to a single Author-date system with 5 or 6 errors. In-text and reference list do not adhere to the same Author-date system or there are more than 7 errors.

Problem Statement & Significance of the study

Project is original in its approach and will contribute to project management development.

Significance emerges logically from construction of argument in addition to being clearly articulated. Project is justified and will consolidate understanding in project management. Significance emerges from construction of argument in addition to being articulated. Project is relevant and will consolidate student's understanding of project management.

Significance does not emerge easily in argument but it is evident in addition to being outlined. Project replicates well established understanding in project management. Significance is stated but does not emerge from argument. Project is too simplistic or disorganised to offer any significance. Research questions/Hypothesis

Original and highly relevant research questions are clearly articulated. The specified RQs well align with the problem statement. RQs are specific and operationalisableClearly relevant research questions/Hypothe sis are determined. Relevant research questions/ Hypothesis outlined, but could be tighter in their focus. Research questions/ Hypothesis outlined but lacking in clarity, relevance to research problem or focus.

Research questions/ Hypothesis are missing, unclear or so poorly written and irrelevant to problem statement.

Aims and objectives - Aims and objectives are concisely elaborated. Original and highly relevant hypotheses or research questions are clearly articulated (if appropriate).

Aims and objectives are well selected. Clearly relevant hypotheses or research questions are determined (if appropriate). Aims and objectives are identified and mostly relevant to project.

Relevant hypotheses or research questions outlined, but could be tighter in their focus (if appropriate).

Aims and objectives are described in broad terms only. Hypotheses and research questions outlined but lacking in clarity or focus (if appropriate).