Analyse and critically evaluate the drivers of projects in various sectors.

Learning outcome:

LO1 Analyse and critically evaluate the drivers of projects in various sectors.

LO2 Synthesise the role of strategic project management in organisational life-cycle, particularly the links with change management.

LO3 Clearly define and apply the key phases of project management, project organisation and procurement.

LO4 Prepare and evaluate work breakdown structures for various projects.

LO5 Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of delivering projects to schedule, to quality and on budget.

LO6 Define and critically appraise the role of stakeholders, leadership, teams, risk and quality within the various aspects of managing projects.

Assessment Business Case

You are required to develop a business case for a project of your own choice.

The outline below is taken from the module and is offered as an overview of the issues which need to be discussed in any business case for a project.

Reasons for the project.
The reasons for the project should be stated first - why is this being done. If this is unclear it indicates that further thinking and questioning is needed before going further.

Options.
What different options are available for addressing the identified need? Why is the option you have chosen (the project) the best of the bunch? Showing that you have seriously considered all the possibilities will strengthen your business case.

Benefits - Tangible and Intangible.
This is where you persuade your audience that your project is worthwhile. Every possible benefit can be considered, tangible and intangible. Just make sure that you justify the benefits that you predict. If your project will increase profit, then present detailed figures as evidence. If the primary benefit is improved customer care or staff efficiency, then explain how this will happen and what the effects will be.

Risks.
What are the main risks to project success? Transparency will gain the confidence of your audience and will demonstrate your foresight, realism and capability.

Costs.
The senior project managers need to know the total projected cost before they can authorise the project. Justify each area of expenditure, so that nobody is in any doubt that the budget you have forecast is as accurate as possible.