CMI 524 Assignment Example

Research in management and leadership can lead to valuable outcomes like innovation, product development, improved performance, and better customer service, among others. Without research, businesses risk becoming stagnant.

CMI 524 Conducting a Management Project has been designed to help learners conduct management research that can positively impact organisational practices. Learners are expected to plan and manage a real project in the workplace or carry out an academic study addressing a specific business need or challenge.

Assessment Questions

Learning Outcome 1: Know how to plan a management project

AC 1.1 Develop the aim, objectives and scope of the proposed management project

When planning a management project, it’s important to define the aim, objectives, and scope clearly.

The aim should be straightforward and realistic, ensuring it can be achieved within the available time and budget.
The objectives should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
The scope must be realistic and well-defined, outlining what is included and what is not.

AC 1.2 Specify a research approach for the proposed management project

The research approach for this management project will be qualitative. This means data will be gathered through face-to-face interviews, focus groups, and/or observations. The aim is to gain a deep understanding of the experiences and viewpoints of those involved in the project.

While quantitative methods are useful for identifying trends and patterns, they may not fully capture the complexity of human behavior. Therefore, qualitative methods are the best fit for this project.

To ensure the data is reliable and valid, multiple data sources will be used, and triangulation will be applied throughout the research. Additionally, member checks and peer debriefing will help ensure trustworthiness. With these measures, the research team can be confident in the quality of the data collected.

AC 1.3 Specify the research methods to be used to collect data and information

For this project, the research methods used to collect data will include interviews, focus groups, and observations. These methods were selected because they are effective for understanding the experiences and perspectives of those involved.

Interviews will be conducted with project managers, team members, and other stakeholders. The aim is to gather detailed insights into the planning and execution of the project, as well as the challenges and successes encountered.

Focus groups will be used to gather feedback from a group of individuals about their views, opinions, and experiences related to the project. This method is particularly helpful for exploring sensitive topics or obtaining in-depth information from a group.

Observations will be made throughout the project to record activities and interactions. This data will help understand how the project is being carried out and identify any issues or areas for improvement.

AC 1.4 Analyse the role of stakeholders involved in the management project

Projects are typically initiated by organizations to achieve specific goals, but they also have a significant impact on the individuals and groups involved. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the role of stakeholders in a project. Stakeholders can be divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary, based on their level of involvement and the impact the project has on them.

Primary stakeholders are those directly involved in the project and who stand to gain or lose based on its outcome. These include the project manager, who is responsible for ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the required quality standards. The project team is responsible for executing the activities and producing the deliverables, while the sponsor provides the resources and support needed to complete the project.

Secondary stakeholders are not directly involved in the project but may still be affected by its results. Customers, who are the end users of the project’s deliverables, are secondary stakeholders and are impacted by the quality of the product or service. Suppliers, who provide resources or services to the project, are also secondary stakeholders and are affected by the project’s schedule and scope. Shareholders, who own the organization, are impacted by the financial performance of the project.

Tertiary stakeholders have an indirect connection to the project. While they may be affected by its outcomes, their involvement is not critical to the project’s success. This group includes the media, which disseminates information about the project to the public, the government, which regulates the project to ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements, and the general public, who may be impacted by the project in their community or daily lives.

By understanding the roles of these stakeholders, it becomes clear that each group plays a vital part in the management and overall success of a project.

AC 1.5 Examine the factors that need to be considered when developing a plan for the management project

When developing a management project plan, several important factors need to be taken into account. First, the objectives of the project should be clearly defined, ensuring that they are achievable and in line with the organization’s overall goals. The scope of the project is also crucial as it determines what work needs to be done to accomplish the objectives.

The schedule is another key consideration, as it sets the timeline for the project, including important milestones and deadlines. The budget must also be planned carefully to ensure there are adequate funds available for the project and to outline how money will be spent.

Additionally, potential risks must be identified, as they could pose challenges to the project’s success. Quality is another factor, ensuring that the project meets the organization’s requirements and standards. Effective communication is essential to keep all stakeholders informed about the project’s progress.

The procurement process is necessary for acquiring the resources needed for the project, while stakeholder management is crucial for maintaining positive relationships and communication with those involved. Finally, change management processes must be in place to handle any adjustments that may be needed as the project progresses. All of these factors combined contribute to the overall success of the project.

Learning Outcome 2: Be able to conduct a management project

AC 2.1 Conduct research to deliver the management project

When conducting research for a management project, it’s important to first understand what the project aims to achieve. What are the specific goals and objectives? Once you have a clear understanding of these, you can develop your research strategy.

A key part of research is ensuring that the data you gather is accurate and reliable. Two effective methods for achieving this are using primary sources and triangulation.

Primary sources refer to first-hand accounts or information directly from people who were involved in or witnessed the event or phenomenon you’re studying. Triangulation involves using multiple data sources to verify findings and reduce bias. Both methods help ensure the research is trustworthy and valid.

AC 2.2 Analyse and interpret research findings using relevant tools and techniques

After collecting and analyzing your data, the next step is to interpret your findings. To do this effectively, you’ll need to use various tools and techniques.

A common method for analyzing data is creating charts and graphs. These help visualize trends and patterns. Another technique is regression analysis, which is used to identify relationships between different variables.

A useful tool for interpretation is SWOT analysis, which looks at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This method is often used in business to assess the organization’s competitive position.

Once you’ve interpreted your data, it’s important to share your findings with the relevant stakeholders. This can be done through reports, presentations, or memos.

AC 2.3 Use research findings to analyse options to meet the project aim

Once you’ve collected and interpreted your data, the next step is to use your findings to explore options for achieving the project’s goal.

A key part of this process is considering the risks and uncertainties that could come with each option. It’s also important to assess whether each option is feasible and achievable within the project’s timeframe.

After evaluating these factors, you can start developing your plan for reaching the project’s goal. This plan should aim to reduce risks and increase the likelihood of success.

AC 2.4 Draw conclusions and propose recommendations

After collecting and analyzing your data, the next step is to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

To do this well, you need to carefully review all the evidence you’ve gathered during your research. Once you’ve considered everything, you can begin to form your conclusions based on the data.

Once you’ve drawn your conclusions, you can develop your recommendations. These recommendations should be focused on helping achieve the project’s goals.

Remember, your recommendations should be directly based on your research findings.