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This is an individual assignment - complete both tasks 1 and 2
Background: The assignment is intended to bring out the benefits and limitations of different approaches to project planning and control by relating these to the circumstances in the cases outlined. It is also intended to allow students to demonstrate their learning and competence in respect of the management of resources generally, but in particular elements of time, finance and human resource.
Case 1: Anntas Ltd is an organisation which provides inflatable toys to childrens retailers. These products include: beach balls, rubber boats, and an extensive range of swimming aids. As part of your job as the Anntas Ltd Special Projects Manager, you have produced a list of activities that need to be addressed to develop a new toy (non inflatable) for the retail industry . The details are shown in the table provided. Please note: You must use the methodology detailed above table 1 headed “essential methodology”.
Task 1 (40% marks)
1) Draw the network diagram (use activity on the node). (8 marks)
2) Explain how you determined the timing of activities and the total float. (6 marks)
3) Explain how you determined the project duration and the critical path. (6 marks)
4) If the project starts on the 11 January 2010 , what is the earliest date it can be completed using a 5 day working week? Assume no other holidays (explain how you calculated the figure). (4 marks)
5) If the following happened what would be the effect on the duration of the whole project? Explain the reasons. (6 marks)
a) A 1 day delay during activity P.
b) Activity N is completed 1 day before schedule.
c) A 2 day delay during activity I .
6) Explain and discuss the purpose of network diagrams. (10 marks)
Essential methodology (activity on the node):
• All the timings (i.e. earliest start, earliest finish, latest start, latest finish, total float, duration and activity) must be included within each node of your diagram. This essential methodology is detailed in the text: Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197,p.198 & p. 391)
• All timings must be in days – not dates
• To complete your network diagram assume that:
o If task A has a duration of 4 days (task A, earliest finish would be day 4), therefore, task B earliest start time will be day 4.
• This essential methodology is detailed in the text: Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197,p.198 & p. 391),
Table 1The Essay is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
Activity (Tasks)
Duration (Days) Preceded By
A 4 -
B 5 A
C 10 B
D 9 B
E 8 B
F 6 B
G 4 C, D, E, F
H 1 G
I 4 H
J 10 H
K 6 I, J,
L 1 K
M 2 K
N 6 L, M
O 8 N
P 2 O
Q 1 P
R 1 Q
Case 2: Touprom is an SME company specialising in the supply of plant (power tools, dump trucks, cement mixers, vibrating plates, compressors).They provide their equipment - which is for hire - to “do it yourself” enthusiasts, small building contractors, and large construction companies.
At present the company has a depot of (80,000 square metres) employing 15 staff. This depot is where the off-hire plant is stored and maintained As part of a strategy of expansion, Touprom are to open a second depot 250 miles to the south of their existing depot. This new depot will allow the company to compete with existing plant hire companies in the south of the country.
Task 2 (60% marks)The Essay is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
As Project Manager responsible for the opening of the new depot, you are contracted at the feasibility stage. You are required to prepare a report (2,000 words). Outline the activities required to successfully manage this major project of opening the depot, ensuring that it opens on time, and within budget.
The analysis should include the skills and competencies required by the Project Manager, along with the project management process. Use examples of the concerns, stages, processes, leadership, administration and control problems associated with managing the lifecycle of this major project.
Assignment presentation and assessment
The answers to both tasks are independent and should be addressed separately.
Task 1 (i.e. the network diagram information – (600 words) – completed as an individual task
Task 2 a report that is produced for task two (2000 words) – completed as an individual task
For your convenience both tasks should be submitted as one document, which contains both individual tasks.
The criteria for assessing the first task - the network diagram tasks – are detailed on page 6.
The criteria for assessing the task two report will be:
Report presentation (20%)
The extent to which the assignment represents an effective report. This will be judged on:
Appearance: Is a word count included at the end of the report? Is it within the specified amount? Is the text double spaced?
Structure: Does the report follow the conventions of the format? Does it have a clear introduction, explaining how it answers the questions? Do the sections of the report develop ideas in a logical sequence? Are diagrams or other subsidiary information shown in appendices?
Spelling and grammar: Are all words spelled correctly and is the meaning of sentences clear?
Referencing: Have appropriate references been included in the report. Has a recognised referencing system been used for notation? (see relevant section in the Guide to Basic Study Skills)
Use of relevant theory (40%)
Has the right theoretical content been chosen as the basis for answering the questions? Is there evidence of the use of course notes and books? Is the theory that is selected significant to the questions?
Analysis (40%)
This measures the extent to which students develop a structured argument for the points they make, by combining relevant theory with the information provided in the questions.
Any work submitted is subject to the University's rules and procedures governing infringement of assessment regulations.
Grading Criteria SIM335 Managing Projects Individual Assignment
A creative and original response to the question. Critically reflecting on perceived theory and experiences. Wide and appropriate use of sources (theory and practice) based on reading and experiences. Answer written fluently, with evidence of a highly developed capacity to structure work systematically and argue logically.
Fail The Essay is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
Some knowledge of main concepts and theory but major omissions and / or misunderstandings. Style and structure weak and overly descriptive. Considerable limitations in ability to perceive the relationship of theory and practice. Limited reading.
SIM335: Management of Projects
Task 1
1. 8 marks. 1 points to be taken off for each wrong node.
A maximum of 5 wrong nodes, after which the student gets 0 for the question.
No common start, 1 points off.
No common end, 1 points off.
Please note: Marks are only awarded if the methodology for Activity on the Node - detailed in Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197. p.198 & p. 391) is used.
Please note; Marks are only awarded if the timings are in days – not dates
2. 3 marks for explaining how the timings were determined .
3 marks for explaining how the float was determined.
Please note: Marks are only awarded if timings for all activities are included on the network diagram, and the explanation given. This approach is detailed in Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197. p.198 & p. 391)
3. 3 marks for correct project duration and explanation.
3 marks for correct critical path and explanation.
4. 4 marks for correct earliest date (and explain how the figure was calculated).
5. a) 1 mark for the correct identification of the effect on the duration of the whole project, 1 mark for right reason
b) 1 mark for the correct identification of the effect on the duration of the whole project, 1 mark for right reason
c) 1 mark for the correct identification of the effect on the duration of the whole project, 1 mark for right reason
6. 10 marks for the discussions of key purposes (including benefits) of network diagrams. 1 mark will be awarded for each mentioned key purpose (including benefits) and 1 mark for the explanation of it.
Total: 40 marks
Task 2
CriteriaThe Essay is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
Use of relevant theoryIndicative weighting = 40% of 60 mark (24 marks)
The report identifies all the relevant theories to answer to complete the task. The theories used are described in detail. There is clear evidence that course notes, books and other sources are used. Theories used are significant in listing the activities required to successfully plan and manage a major project.
AnalysisIndicative weighting = 40% of 60 mar k (24 marks)
There is evidence of extensive research from a variety of sources to provide better understanding to the background of the task. A structured argument is taken for the points made by combining relevant theories with information researched or provided in the task. The conclusions are clear and link into the requirements of the task.
Presentation and StructureIndicative weighting = 20% of 60 mark (12 marks)
The presentation is clear. There are no or few spelling or grammatical errors. The report has been referenced correctly, using the Harvard style of referencing. A word count is provided at the end of the report and is within the limit of 2000 words. The report is text double-spaced.
The structure of the project is clear, cohesive and logical. Each section has been clearly structured using sub-headings (signposts) and these follow a logical order. Additional diagrams and other subsidiary information are shown in the appendices and properly referenced. Appendices are relevant and are able to provide a better understanding to the report.
Total: 60 marks
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