Module Learning Outcomes to be assessed:

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

This module introduces Project Management and recognizes the tools and methods to resolve problems related with bringing projects in on time and in an established budget. Discussion will comprise topics like project scheduling, resource leveling, PERT/CPM, team dynamics and cost estimates. The student will learn how to develop project proposals and project reports.

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

This module as well focuses on both the manufacturing and service businesses and the internal and external operations comprised at all levels of the supply chain in a global environment. Students will learn how the coordination of all the functions within such 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 as well describes the strategic significance of developing and implementing comprehensive operations for both these types of business.

1) Learning Outcomes:

On the successful completion of the module, the student must be able to:

LO1 - Understand the primary concepts and practices underpinning Project management.
LO2 - Be capable to devise and implement a project management plan.
LO3 - Work efficiently in a project team
LO4 - Understand the contexts for project management and project planning in a localized and/or global context.

Case Study:

Johnsons is a main player in the UK dry cleaning industry. Management has decided to move operations to a new site. The new site will permit Johnson to expand its operational base by 50% and bid for new public sector contracts.

Presently at its site, Johnsons has a capacity to deal with 20,000 kg of laundry. Though, management prefers to work at 80% of its capacity.  At recent board meeting, the HR manager has been asked to elucidate the reason for poor workforce planning and lack of discipline which has decreased the working capacity to 60 %. By using information from the above case study:

problem 1:

a) Describe and compute the following:

• Designed Capacity
• Effective Capacity
• Actual Output
• Utilization
• Efficiency

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

problem 2: Devise and implement a short project management plan to comprise the given:

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

Find out and interpret the significance of each three elements in a project.