Learning Outcome 1

Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme (Pearson-Set Theme and Topic Release)

Project management:

• What is project management and what does it involve?

• The key stages of project management. Project Charter etc

• The advantages of using project management and why it is important.

Initiation of the project and project planning phase:

• Scoping a project − defining objectives, scope, purpose and deliverables to be produced.
• Steps and documentation required in the initiation phase.
• Developing the project plan, including planning for timescales and time management, cost, quality, change, risk and issues.
• The work breakdown structure.
• Use of Bar and Gantt Charts for effective planning.

LO1 Establish project aims, objectives and time frames based on the chosen theme

• P1 Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.

• P2 Produce a project management plan that covers, aim and deliverables, time, quality, communication, risk and resources. 

• P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt Chart to provide time frames and stages for completion.

• M1 Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule and project schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project.

LO1 and LO2 

• D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and methods applied for gathering information and data collection

Learning Outcome 2

Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project

Project execution phase:

• Selecting appropriate methods of information gathering, data collection and material resourcing.
• The distinct phases which support a coherent and logical argument.
• Use of secondary research to inform a primary empirical study.
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Field work:

• Selecting a sample of the consumer market, businesses or individuals (those who meet certain characteristics relevant to the research theme) is used to gather data (qualitative or quantitative).
• Sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and non-probability sampling.

Ethics, reliability and validity:

• All research should be conducted ethically − how is this achieved and reported?
• Research should also be reliable (similar results achieved from a similar sample) and valid (the research should measure what it aimed to measure).

Analysing information and data:

• Using data collection tools such as interviews and questionnaires.
• Using analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding or typologies.

LO2 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project

• P4 Carry out small-scale research applying primary and secondary methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.
• M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of primary and secondary methods applied.

LO1 and LO2 

• D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and methods applied for gathering information and data collection

Learning Outcome 3

Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis

Communicating outcomes:

• Consider the method (e.g. written, verbal) and the medium (e.g. report, online, presentation).
• Both method and medium will be influenced by the project research and its intended audience.

Convincing arguments:

• All findings/outcomes should be convincing and presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no knowledge of the project process. 
• Developing evaluative conclusions.

Critical and objective analysis and evaluation:

• Secondary and primary data should be critiqued and considered with an objective mindset.
• Objectivity results in more robust evaluations where an analysis justifies a judgement.

LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis

• P5 Present findings and data using appropriate tools and techniques.
• P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of findings and data analysis to draw valid and meaningful conclusions.
• M3 Evaluate the selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support and justify recommendations.

LO3 and LO4

• D2 Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decisionmaking process and changes or developments of the initial project management plan to support justification of recommendations and learning during the project.

Learning Outcome 4

Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance

Reflection for learning and practice:

• The difference between reflecting on performance and evaluating a project − the former considers the research process, information gathering and data collection, the latter the quality of the research argument and use of evidence.

The cycle of reflection:

• To include reflection in action and reflection on action.
• How to use reflection to inform future behaviour, particularly directed towards sustainable performance.

Reflective writing:

• Avoiding generalisation and focusing on personal development and the research journey in a critical and objective way.

Generalisation:

• Many studies result in generalised findings. Research which has its basis in a specific field such as Human Resource Management (HRM) and in a specific context should avoid generalised conclusions.
• Outcomes should be specific and actionable.

LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance

• P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the project to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance.

• M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance.

LO3 and LO4

• D2 Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decisionmaking process and changes or developments of the initial project management plan to support justification of recommendations and learning during the project.