Unit 705: Leading a Strategic Management

Project
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Index
 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria 
 Indicative Content 
 Suggested Resources 
 Unit 705: Leading a Strategic Management Project 
 Module Aims 

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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

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Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
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1. Be able to identify and justify a strategic investigative project
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1.1 Determine a strategic topic to investigate that has significant implications 
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for the organisation
1.2 Discuss the aim, scope and objectives of the project
1.3 Take responsibility for and justify the topic of investigation and its aim, 
scope and objectives
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1.4 Formulate the project research methodology, including the project 
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structure and research base
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2. Be able to conduct research using different data sources, and synthesise 
data and options
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2.1 Assess sources of data and information that will support the aim of the 
project
2.2 Synthesise the data and information for options or alternatives that 
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support the project aims
2.3 Critically evaluate and determine an option that supports the project’s 
strategic aims

3. Be able to draw conclusions and make recommendations that achieve the 
project aim
3.1 Critically evaluate the research to enable conclusions to be made
3.2 Recommend a course of action that achieves the strategic aims of the 

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 project
3.3 Critically analyse the impact of the recommendations
4. Be able to develop and review the results of the investigative project
4.1 Determine the medium to present the result of the project and its 
contribution to strategic objectives
4.2 Take responsibility for the results of the investigative project and the 
substantial changes and developments it brings about
4.3 Critically evaluate the impact and success of the investigative project

Indicative Content
In this unit learners will examine;

 Setting Scope and Boundaries

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 Project planning, e.g. use of Gantt and Time box

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 Project phases including diagnosis and analysis

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 Messy problems
 Critical Success Factors and, assumptions

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 Project Initiation
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 Types of investigative project
 Generation and evaluation of options
 Implementation strategy and plans
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 Methods and Techniques for collecting Data and Information
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 Different Types of Research
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 Quantitative and Qualitative Research
 Basic/Applied research
 Deductive/Inductive Research
 Research Philosophies
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 Differences between data, information and knowledge
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 Trade off models
 Project Risks and risk model
 Earned Value Management formulation. (EVM)
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 Evolving Project Charters – Project Initiation Documents
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 Project techniques for managing Time – Scope – Quality – Costs
 Application for tender

Suggested Resources
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Core Text
Project Management, a step by step guide on how to plan and manage a 
highly successful project.
Richard Newton. 2006

Suggested Resources
 Project Management, a step by step guide on how to plan and manage a 
highly successful

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 project. Richard Newton
 The Project Manager, mastering the art of delivery. Richard Newton
 Brilliant Checklist for Project Managers. Richard Newton
 A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK­ The 
Project Management
Institute)
 Essential Maths for Business and Management. Morris, C. 2007, London: 
Palgrave Macmillan
 Business Research Projects, Jankowicz, Chapman Hall
 Researching and Writing Dissertations, Horn, CIPD
 Essential Guide to Qualitative Methods in Organisational Research, Cassell 
C. & Symon G. 2004 London: Sage.
 Research Methods for Managers, 4th ed, Gill, J. & Johnson, P. 2010, 
London: Sage

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 Market Research in Practice: Questionnaire Design: How to Plan Structure 

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and Write Survey Material for Effective Market Research, Bruce, I. (2008) 2nd

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edition, London, Kogan Page.

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 Embracing Complexity, Allen, Bowman and Boulton, Oxford University Press

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Unit 705: Leading a Strategic Management Project
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Unit 705 – Leading a Conducting a strategic
management project
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Introduction
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The unit will involve the Learner in formulating research and methodologies to
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support a strategic management project. They will be required to critically evaluate

options and data sources prior to presenting project outcomes.
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Scenario

Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation
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with which they are very familiar, to base their assignment. However, in the case that
they are not able to do so, please use the below scenario: -

You are a senior manager at a medium sized organisation. You have been asked to
conduct a project to investigate the high number of staff absences in your
department. In order to understand key issues there are many factors you need to
consider. Within the project you need to have clear aims and after your investigation

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 consider options to support the aims and evaluate the impact of the course of action
you wish to recommend.

Learner notes:

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Task 1:

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Create a project proposal document which aims to contribute to an organisational

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strategic objective. The proposal should include as a minimum:-
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1. Determination of a topic of investigation with justification for its contribution to
strategic objective(s)
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2. Discussion of the aim, scope and objectives for the project with justification
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3. Develop a suitable research methodology, to fully meet project and sponsor needs,
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research should consider the research bases suitability to provide the rich data needed to
inform your proposals, or Project Initiation Document format, should you wish
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The project proposal should clarify why this topic was selected and any strategic
implications.
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Guideline word count: 700 - 900 words

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A.C. 1.1 - Determine a topic of investigation that has a strategic implication

A.C. 1.2 - Discuss the aim, scope and objectives of the project

A.C. 1.3 – Take responsibility for and justify the topic of investigation and its aims,
scope and objectives

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 A.C. 1.4 – Formulate the project research methodology, including the project
structure and research base

Task 2:

Assess via qualitative or quantitative means three valid sources which can be used to
obtain data and information to support the aim of the project, both internal and
external sources should be used. You may present valid criteria for data gathering to
support your choice.

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Collate the data and information gathered and synthesise it to analyse relevancy to

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the project. Where possible use tools and techniques to support the identification of

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options and choices. Look for any clusters, stepping stones, patterns or trends.
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Determine two options or alternatives which may be selected to support the project
aims. Justify why these two options are suitable from synthesising the data and
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information obtained.
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Analyse the two options and select one which will support the project aims stating
why this choice was preferable to the other option. Where possible use a tool or
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technique to underpin your selection, or valid criteria for selection.

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Guideline word count: 700 - 900 words

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A.C. 2.1 – Assess sources of data and information that will support the aim of the
project
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A.C. 2.2 - Synthesise the data and information for options or alternatives that
support the project aims

A.C. 2.3 – Critically evaluate an option or alternative that supports the project aims

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 Task 3:

Critically evaluate the research undertaken and evaluate the key features from the
evaluation to draw relevant conclusions, to support positive and negative
contributions to project direction and meeting project objectives and purpose.
Ensure the evaluation processes are linked to the research analysis. State any
constraints faced when analysing the information and how this may skew data.

Create an action plan that will support achieving the project aim stating clear
recommendations. Include any resource implication and timescales. Ensure your

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recommendations are linked to research analysis, evaluation and conclusions.

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Critically evaluate the impact of the project, you may wish to use san impact
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statement format for the purpose. The analysis should clearly critically judge any
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risks and the difference these will make to the identified project deliverables, and
how these deliverables link to the project aims and objectives.
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Guideline word count: 500 - 700 words

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A.C. 3.1 – Critically evaluate the research analysis to enable conclusions to be made
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A.C. 3.2 - Recommend a course of action that achieves the strategic aims of the
project
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3. 3.3 – Critically analyse then impact of the recommendations

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Task 4:

Describe two possible mediums which could be used to present the results of the
project. Evaluate and justify which of the two mediums should be selected. You may

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 wish to consider the nature, category of project, conduct an audience profile, or a
merits and demerits of each medium.

Produce an action development statement, which includes a project responsibility

matrix to present your accountabilities. You may wish to consider how this mergers
with your Job Description, roles and responsibilities.

Critically evaluate how the identified deliverables have contributed to the key
elements of the project scoping.

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Guideline word count: 450 - 550 words

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A.C. 4.1 - Evaluate the medium to be used to present the result of the project and

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its contribution to strategic objectives
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A.C. 4.2 – Take responsibility for the results of the investigative project and the
substantial changes and developments it brings about
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A.C. 4.3 – Critically evaluate the impact and success of the investigative project
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Learners are required to complete all tasks.

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Assignment Guidelines
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All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go
to the tutor and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to
the Centre Manager.

The assignment must be the Learner’s own work and not copies of theories or
models. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum, and shown in inverted commas.
Models described and other quotes used must be properly attributed and referenced

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 as appropriate. Learners must acknowledge or reference any sources that have been
used to complete the assignment, listing reference material and web sites used.

Learners are encouraged to produce a reflective statement of no more than 300

words (which does not count towards the final word count), describing the value and
knowledge gained from undertaking this assignment. The reflective statement is not
assessed; however it encourages you to review the value and application of your
learning.

Overall word count guide: 2500 - 4500

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Plagiarism and Collusion

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In submitting the assignment Learner’s must complete a statement of authenticity
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confirming that the work submitted for all tasks is their own. The statement should
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also include the word count.
Plagiarism and collusion are treated very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting
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work, excerpts, ideas or passages of another author without appropriate referencing

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and attribution. Collusion occurs when two or more learners submit work which is so
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alike in ideas, content, wording and/or structure that the similarity goes beyond what
might have been mere coincidence.
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Appendices
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Separate Appendices should not be used. Any use of tables, graphs, diagrams, Gantt
chart and flowcharts etc. that support the main report should be incorporated into
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the back of the assignment report that is submitted. Any published secondary
information such as annual reports and company literature, should be referenced in
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the main text of the assignment but not included.

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Confidentiality
Where a Learner is using organisational information that deals with sensitive material
or issues, they must seek the advice and permission from that organisation about its
inclusion. Where confidentiality is an issue, Learners are advised to anonymise their
assignment report so that it cannot be attributed to that particular organisation.
Word Count Policy
In total, the assignment report should be between 2500 - 4500 words. Learners must
comply with the required word count, within a margin of +10%.These rules exclude

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 the index (if used), headings and information contained within references and
bibliographies. When an assessment task requires learners to produce presentation
slides with supporting notes, the word count applies to the supporting notes only.

Referencing and Professionalism

A professional approach to work is expected from all learners. Learners must

therefore identify and acknowledge ALL sources/methodologies/applications used.
The learner must use an appropriate referencing system to achieve this. Marks are
not awarded for the use of English; however the learner must express ideas clearly
and ensure that appropriate terminology is used to convey accuracy in meaning.
Submission of Assignments

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All work to be submitted on the due date as per Centre advice.

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All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go
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to the tutor and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to
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the Centre Manager.
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 See assignment
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Module Aims
Module Aim
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The unit will involve the Learner in formulating research and methodologies to
support a strategic management project. They will be required to critically 
evaluate options and data sources prior to presenting project outcomes.
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