This module is designed to provide students an opportunity to be an individual contributor, working on a project team to define, manage and plan a project. Particular focus is provided to hands-on practice of the processes, developing a project plan, and using project management software to build and then show the project team results in class with a debrief of key points.

This module introduces Project Management and identifies the techniques and tools to resolve problems related with bringing projects in on time and within an established budget. Discussion will include topics such as project scheduling, CPM/ PERT, resource leveling, team dynamics and cost estimates. The student may learn how to prepare project proposals and project reports.

The student may learn the primary elements of Project Management to such an extent that he/she is able to prepare a detailed project plan for a small or large- scale project. Additionally, the student will become familiar with negotiation, quantitative estimation skills and team building.

This module also focuses on both the service and manufacturing businesses and the internal and external operations involved at all levels of the supply chain in a global environment. Students may learn how the coordination of all the functions within these operations impacts on the movement and delivery of goods and/or services to the right place at the right time. Emphasis is placed on the significance of adopting a "total systems" approach by the firm and its networks, which improve the value adding activities of the supply chain and its logistical application to achieve customer satisfaction. The module also shows the strategic importance of developing and implementing comprehensive operations for both these kinds of business.

1.    Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the module, the student should be able to:

Understand the primary concepts and practices underpinning Project management

Be able to devise and implement a project management plan

Work effectively within a project team

Understand the contexts for project management and project planning in a localized and/or global context

Case Study

Johnsons is a major player in the UK dry cleaning industry.  Management has decided to move operations to a new site.  The new site will allow Johnsonsto expand its operational baseby 50% and bid for new public sector contracts.

currently at its site, Johnsons has a capacity to deal with 20,000 kg of laundry.  Thus, management prefers to work at 80% of its capacity.  At a recent board meeting, the HR manager has been asked to describe the reason forpoor workforce planning and lack of discipline which has reduced the working capacity to 60%.  Using information from the above case study:

Question 1

(a) Describe and determine the following:

  i. Designed Capacity

  ii. Effective Capacity

  iii. Actual Output

  iv. Utilisation

  v. Efficiency

(b) You have just been employed as a project manager to work with the HR manager. Your first task is provide options available to manage: Actual Output, Efficiency and Utilisation of the resources available

Question 2

Devise and implement a brief project management plan to include the subsequent:

• Scope Management
• Risk Management
• Quality Management
• Communication Strategy

Evaluate and interpret the importance of each three elements in a project