Coursework Assignment Brief
Module Title:
Logistics and Operations Management
Assessment criteria
Explanatory comments on the
Maximum marks for
assessment criteria
each section
Knowledge and
Clear demonstration of rigorous research
55%
Research (content,
from recognised authoritative sources.
relevance, and
Audience focus. Meeting the deliverables.
originality)
Writing and
Rigorous use of the Harvard Methodology for
10 %
Presentation (format,
citation and referencing; page numbering;
Page 1 of 4
references or
correct display of direct quotations.
bibliography, and
style)
Argument and
Constructive critical analysis, introduction,
35%
Analysis (Critical
conclusion. Demonstration of a clear
analysis, evaluation,
understanding of the issues. Use of
and application)
academic models. Full articulation of ideas
developed. Offering well-argued solutions
and/or alternatives if and where appropriate.
Assignment Task
As the Operations Manager of an organisation (select from the list below), you are tasked with analysing the company’s operations methods by providing a report to the Board of Directors which includes the following:
? Key elements of the company’s operations that requires improvement. ?
?
? Detailed analysis of reasons why improving the organisation’s operations is important. ?
?
? The broad approaches to managing improvement, and recommend one technique to the board, including explanation of the appropriateness of the recommended technique as well as the risks involved in implementing this. ?
You are required to select ONE of the companies below as the basis for your analysis:
? Google ?
?
? Halliburton ?
?
? Tesco ?
?
? Starbucks ?
?
? NHS ?
?
?
Total marks for assignment: 100
For the above, start by using the 3 basic function of an organisation to analyse the organisation operations methods.
Key elements of the company’s operations that require improvement.
For the key elements please list at least 5 elements, with your reasons and explanations.
Detailed analysis of reasons why improving the organisation’s operations is important.
With regards to the reasons, please analyse all five reasons that was mentioned in your tutorial class.
The broad approaches to managing improvement, and recommend one technique to the board, including explanation of the appropriateness of the recommended technique as well as the risks involved in implementing this.
As for the last please identify all techniques given in your tutorial class and recommend one that best suites your organisation.
Page 2 of 4
Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 5
Marks 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3rd) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1st) 86-100 (1st)
Assessment
categories
Major gaps in
Gaps in knowledge
Threshold level.
Broad knowledge
Very good knowledge
Very good, detailed
Exceptional knowledge
Knowledge &
knowledge and
and only superficial
Some knowledge
and understanding
and understanding of
knowledge and
and understanding of
Understanding of
understanding of
understanding of
and understanding
of material, of well-
material, of well-
understanding of
material, main
Subject
material at this
the well-established
of material, of well-
established
established principles
material, main
concepts/theories at
level.
principles of area(s)
established
principles of area(s)
of area(s) of study,
concepts/theories at
this level. Awareness
Significant
of study.
principles of area(s)
of study, and of the
and of the way in
this level. Awareness
of the limitation of their
inaccuracies.
Some inaccuracies.
of study, and of the
way in which those
which those principles
of the limitation of
knowledge, and how
way in which those
principles have
have been
their knowledge, and
this influences any
principles have
been developed.
developed.
how this influences
analyses and
been developed.
any analyses and
interpretations based
interpretations based
on that knowledge
on that knowledge.
Cognitive/
Unsubstantiated
Views/ findings
Threshold level.
Issues identified
Good level of analysis
Excellent analysis and
Exceptional analysis
Intellectual Skills
generalizations,
largely irrelevant,
Awareness of main
and critically
and synthesis. An
synthesis. A range of
and synthesis are
made without use
illogical or
issues. Structure of
analysed within
awareness of
perceptive points
consistent features.
(e.g. analysis and
of any credible
contradictory.
argument effective,
given areas. An
different stances and
made within given
Perceptive, logically
synthesis; logic and
evidence. Lack of
Generalisations/
but with some gaps
awareness of
ability to use
area for this level of
connected points made
argument; analytical
logic, leading to
statements made
or weaknesses.
different stances
evidence convincingly
study. Arguments
throughout the work
reflection;
unsupportable
with scant
Some evidence
and ability to use
to support argument.
logically developed,
within an eloquent,
organisation and
conclusions or
evidence.
provided to support
evidence to support
Ability to apply
supported by a range
balanced argument.
communication of
missing
Conclusions lack
findings, but not
argument. Ability to
concepts/ principles
of relevant evidence.
Evidence selected
ideas and evidence)
conclusions.
relevance and/or
always consistent.
apply concepts and
effectively beyond
Explicit
judiciously and
Lack of analysis
validity.
Some relevant
principles outside
context of study.
acknowledgement of
thoroughly analysed.
and relevance.
conclusions.
context of study
Valid conclusions.
other stances.
Persuasive
context. Generally
Strong conclusions.
conclusions.
sound conclusions.
No evidence of
Evidence of little
Threshold level.
Knowledge and
Knowledge of the
Critical engagement
Exceptionally wide
Use of
reading. Views
reading appropriate
Evidence of
analysis of a range
field of literature used
with a range of
range of relevant
Research-
are unsupported
for this level and/or
reading relevant
of literature beyond
consistently to
reading. Knowledge
literature evaluated and
informed
and non-
indiscriminate use
sources, with some
core text(s).
support findings.
of research-informed
used critically to inform
Literature
authoritative.
of sources.
appropriate linking
Literature used
Research-informed
literature embedded
argument, balance
(including
Academic
Academic
to given text(s).
accurately and
literature integrated
in the work.
discussion and/or
referencing,
conventions
conventions used
Academic
analytically.
into the work. Very
Consistently accurate
inform problem-solving.
appropriate academic
largely ignored.
weakly.
conventions
Academic skills
good use of academic
use of academic
Consistently accurate
conventions and
evident and largely
generally sound.
conventions.
conventions.
and assured use of
academic honesty)
consistent, with
academic conventions.
minor weaknesses.
Page 3 of 4
LEVEL 5 cont…
Little or no
Limited evidence of
Research skills:
Research skills:
Research skills:
Research skills:
Research skills:
evidence of the
skills in the range
Some evidence of
Can undertake
Can successfully
Can successfully
Evidence of exceptional
Graduate Skills
required skills in
identified for
ability to collect and
research-like tasks,
complete research-
complete research-
success in undertaking
for Life and
any of the areas
assessment at this
interpret
drawing on a range
like tasks, drawing on
like tasks, drawing on
a range of research-like
Employment
identified for
level. Significant
appropriate data/
of sources, with
a range of sources,
a range of sources,
tasks with high degree
(e.g. research-
assessment at
weaknesses
information and
limited external
with limited external
with a significant
of autonomy for the
this level.
evident, which
undertake research
guidance.
guidance.
degree of autonomy.
level. Can
related skills;
suggest that the
tasks with limited
Can communicate
Can communicate
Can communicate
communicate highly
written, graphical
candidate is not yet
external guidance.
effectively and
well, confidently and
very effectively and
effectively, with
and oral
on course to gain
Can communicate
confidently in a
consistently in a
confidently in a range
professionalism, in a
communication
skills necessary for
in a range of
range of formats,
range of formats,
of formats, including
range of formats,
skills;
graduate-level
formats, including
including orally,
including orally,
orally, appropriate to
including orally,
group working;
employment.
orally, appropriate
appropriate to the
appropriate to the
the discipline(s).
appropriate to the
problem-solving;
to the discipline(s),
discipline(s).
discipline(s).
Can work very
discipline(s).
practical and
but with some
Can work
Can work very
effectively and
Can work
professional skills)
weaknesses.
effectively with
effectively and
confidently with
exceptionally well
Can work with
others as a
confidently with
others as a member
with others as a key
others as a
member of a group,
others as a member
of a group, showing
member of a group,
member of a group,
meeting obligations
of a group, meeting
leadership skills
showing leadership
meeting most
to others, modifying
obligations to others,
where appropriate,
skills where
obligations to
responses
modifying responses
and meet all
appropriate,
others, modifying
appropriately.
appropriately.
obligations to others.
negotiating and
responses
Can identify key
Can identify key
Can identify key
meeting all obligations
appropriately.
areas of problems
areas of problems
areas of problems
to others.
Can identify key
and choose
and choose, with
confidently and
Can identify key areas
areas of problems
appropriate
autonomy,
choose, with
of problems
and generally
methods for their
appropriate methods
autonomy and
confidently and
choose appropriate
resolution in a
for their resolution in
notable effectiveness,
choose, with autonomy
methods for their
considered
a considered manner.
appropriate methods
and exceptional
resolution.
manner.
Able to take initiative
for their resolution in
effectiveness,
Able to recognise
Able to evaluate
in evaluating own
a considered manner.
appropriate methods
own strengths
own strengths
strengths and
Able to show insight
for their resolution in a
and weaknesses
and weaknesses
weaknesses in
and autonomy in
considered manner.
in relation to
in relation to
relation to
evaluating own
Able to show insight
professional and
professional and
professional and
strengths and
and autonomy in
practical skills, but
practical skills, and
practical skills
weaknesses re
evaluating own
with limited insight
to develop own
identified by others
professional and
strengths and
in some areas.
evaluation criteria.
and develop and
practical skills,
weaknesses, showing
.
effectively apply own
showing excellent
outstanding judgement.
evaluation criteria.
judgement.
Marks for Level 5 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3rd) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1st) 86-100 (1st)
Page 4 of 4

Coursework Assignment Brief

Semester:     E15 Autumn 2015
Module Title:     Project Management
Programme      BSc (Honours) Oil & Gas Management
Level:     Level 6
Format:      Group Work: Professional Business Report & Regular Project Updates to Senior Management.
Presentation:      No – weekly activity/issues log
Any special requirements:      The business Report should be submitted on the Student Portal. Your work should be presented in a professional manner and as directed by your Module Leader.

Ability to deliver regular weekly updates in a succinct and professional manner and answer any senior management questions (as below) to show ability to manage a professional project on a regular weekly basis as a team. Therefore being assessed on managing a project as a team and to deliver weekly project updates via use of a action/issues log.

Word Limit:      4,500 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway)

Deadline date for submission:     5th November, 2015

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment (please note that this is NOT the assessment task)     •    Critically analyse the component parts of a major oil project.
•    Evaluate  the  time  and  cost  constrained  project plan  and  complete  a Critical Path Analysis on the project.
•    Analyse the planning process and management of a major oil project.
•    Discuss project management constraints of quality, time and cost.
Percentage of marks awarded for module:     •     The assignment is worth 100% of your module mark.

Assessment
criteria      Explanatory comments on  the assessment criteria       Maximum marks for each section
Knowledge & Research (Content, style, relevance, originality)       Clear demonstration of rigorous research from recognised authoritative sources. Audience focus.
Meeting the deliverables.     30%
Writing and
Presentation (Format, referencing, bibliography and
style)     Rigorous use of the Harvard Methodology for citation and referencing; page numbering; correct display of direct quotations.     10%
Argument and
Analysis
(Constructive critical analysis,   evaluation and application)      Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion.
Demonstration of a clear understanding of the issues. Use of academic models. Full articulation of ideas developed. Offering well-argued solutions and/or alternatives if and where appropriate.     50%
Weekly
Activity/issues log      Part of Report to be presented weekly and included in appendix.
10%

Background

Creating efficiencies from digital investments
“… data mining & analysis are the digital technologies energy CEOs rate as most strategically important. These are all areas where energy companies are investing, despite tight budgets, to better manage risk and improve operations.

For example, nearly four-fifths of energy CEOs agree that digital technologies are creating value for their organisations when it comes to data analysis and operational efficiency.

However, oil and gas CEOs stress the fact that maximising the value of the digital investments they’ve made requires a clear vision of how digital technologies can help achieve competitive advantage. Most also say it takes a well thought-out plan, including defined measures of success, and a CEO willing to champion the use of digital technologies”.

Source: 18th Annual Global CEO Survey findings. Explore the data at www.pwc.com/ceosurvey

Assignment Task

This project will constitute a phase of your firm’s annual operating plan for generating revenues and competitive advantage. Identify a business issue/problem, or opportunity as below:

You have just started working for an oil &/ or gas company, and have joined a project team that will analyse the business and identify a short term project to meet the opportunity or issue identified. In this context you have been tasked with examining the company’s digital capabilities. How does the company communicate with its customers?

You need to come up with an international business project  that  could  be  solved  by  undertaking  a  short-term   project  (up  to  12 months) relating to digital capabilities e.g. improvements to the Management Information Systems (CRM) for global customer communications, in some form for your energy firm, to meet the overall business need, of achieving increased sales and competitive advantage.

For this:
In order to create “a well thought-out plan, including defined measures of success”, and to convince your CEO to be “willing to champion the use of digital technologies”.

You, as a project group, will  need  to  analyse  your  organisation’s  current  situation  to  establish  a  need  for  a specific  project  in  this  area  that  will  improve  or  integrate  with  your  existing  operations. It  should  be  a  project  that  will  help  your  company  gain  competitive  advantage  with  a measurable  outcome  or  improve  operations  in  some  way.

As you will be recommending the project the dates must be in the future.

The final report should be presented in the style of a formal report addressing your senior management team.  Use business English and write in the third person e.g.  “It is recommended that…” not, “I think we should do this…” Ensure your tasks are clearly signposted for the examiner by using good formatting, headings, and titles that relate to the assignment question.

Based on your chosen project you will be required to cover the following points, which will form the sections of your overall Report:

1. Milestone 1 (Week 2)
•    Students to form groups of 3 members.
•    Teams to convene an initial kick off meeting.
•    The purpose of the project – why it’s needed and what will it achieve.
•    Appoint Project Manager (PM) – as leader/spokesperson to deliver weekly team updates.
•    A brief company background/snapshot – HQ location, operating territories, employees, revenues.
•    A Project Plan: This meeting should produce a project plan to deliver against the milestones set out in the document via an issues/ activity log as a control method.
•    Project’s Scope: What’s in , what’s out
•    Show use of action/issues log to demonstrate that all work and responsibilities for the group have been set for all tasks.

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): week 2 (during the tutorial) – Succinct project progress meeting; use of activity/issues log covering how project is being controlled and delivered; how any issues are being dealt with. All to be included in your appendices.

2. Milestone 2 (week 3)  •     High level analysis of:
•    Business Environment – Micro and Macro (internal, external factors) – analysis via but not limited to PESTEL analysis &/or Porters 5 Forces.
•    Why does a project need information/research: Discuss the Information/Research needs of your project – Primary/Secondary, Quantitative and Qualitative.
•    Stakeholder Analysis
•    Constraints Analysis (Internal and External).

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

3. Milestone 3 (week 4)
•    Risk Analysis & control – The associated organisational risk in context.
o    Sources/categories of risk & risk management,  o     Risk Analysis using Force Field Analysis.  o     Risk Control/ response/management Programme : – Risk category & type,
Assessment/impact of risk on the company, Evaluation of probability, Response to the risk, Contingency planning
•    Assess all resource capacity, capability and necessity relative to the proposed project:
o    Resource Reviews – 5 Ms of management – Men, Minutes, Machinery, Materials, Money.
o    Personnel Requirements – RACI Resource capacity, capability and necessity

o    Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

4.    Week 5: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

5.    Milestone 4 (week 6) – Robust cost benefit analysis.
•    Project Selection
•    SMART objectives
•    Cost benefit analysis o     Budgeting/ Type of budget used –
?    Develop costing for the project based on identifying (research required – prices should be based on realistic indicative figures) the main components that you will need).
?    You will need to set the budget and discuss critically the type of budget used to carry out the project
o     Costs/Budget for the project o     Financial Benefits
?     Forecast, ROI, Payback, Breakeven
•    Non financial benefits

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

6.    Week 7: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

7.    Milestone 5 (week 8) – Scheduling
Implementation/schedule plan for the project, and communicating with stakeholders (internal and external) using project management techniques of:
•    Work Breakdown Structure
•    Gantt Chart
•    Critical Path
•    Project Control
•    Methodology
•    Communication Plan

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

8.    Week 9: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

9.    Milestone 6 (week 10)
Discuss how the project will be;
•    Terminated & Hand over
•    Evaluated via Post Implementation review (PIR) and use of appropriate evaluation methodology.
•    An overall Conclusion to the business Report.

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

All Milestones are a group assignment and so each group is expected to be present at every weeks’ project update.

Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 6 (Bachelors Degree with Honours)
rd    st    st
Marks     0-25 (Fail)     26-39 (Fail)         40-49 (3    )     50-59 (2.2)     60-69 (2.1)         70-85 (1    )         86-100 (1    )
Assessment categories

Knowledge & Understanding of Subject     Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of
material at this level. Substantial inaccuracies.     Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial understanding.
Some significant inaccuracies.     Threshold level.
Understanding of key aspects of field of study; coherent knowledge, at least in part informed by current research in the subject discipline.     Systematic understanding of field(s) of study, as
indicated by relevant QAA subject benchmark     Good understanding of the field(s) of study; coherent
knowledge, in line with subject benchmark, at least in     Excellent knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and key theories/
concepts of the discipline(s). Clear     Highly detailed knowledge and understanding of the
main theories/concepts of the discipline(s), and an awareness of the

Cognitive/
Intellectual
Skills

(e.g. analysis and synthesis; logic and argument; analytical
reflection; organisation and communication     Unsubstantiated generalizations, made without use
of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable/
missing conclusions. Lack of any attempt to analyse, synthesise or     Some evidence of
analytical intellectual skills,
but for the most part descriptive. Ideas/findings sometimes illogical
and contradictory. Generalized statements made with scant evidence.
Conclusions lack relevance.     Threshold level.
Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and some attempts to synthesise, albeit with some weaknesses. Some evidence to support findings/
views, but evidence not consistently interpreted.     sEtvaidenctemenets o ff osr tomhe e
logical, analytical thinking and
synthesis. Can analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance.
An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use     paSoundrt inf,o lormegicda lby cu,     rrent
analytical thinking; synthesis and
evaluation. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to
review the reliability, validity & significance of evidence. Ability to communicate ideas and evidence accurately and     Thoroughly logical work, supported by judiciously selected
and evaluated evidence. High quality analysis, developed independently or
through effective collaboration..
Ability to investigate contradictory information and     ambExcepiguitiotinaesl  awnod rk;
judiciously selected and evaluated
evidence. Very high quality analysis, developed independently or
through effective collaboration.
Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify

Use of Research- informed Literature (including referencing, appropriate academic conventions and academic honesty)     eLivttaluale etveid. ePncoor e of reading. Views and
findings unsupported and non-authoritative. Academic conventions largely ignored.     Evidence of little reading and/or of reliance on
inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources.
Academic conventions used inconsistently.     Threshold level.
References to a range of relevant sources. Some omissions and minor errors. Academic conventions evident and largely
consistent, with minor lapses.     eKvnoidenwledge, ce to support
analysis and evaluation of a
range of research- informed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed
independently. Academic skills consistently applied.     convincingly. Sound, Knowledge, analysis and evaluation of a range of research-
informed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed independently with
accuracy and assurance.  Good academic skills, consistently applied.     idenExcelletify nrt eaksononwsledge o for f research informed
literature embedded
in the work.
Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level
academic skills consistently applied.     rOeasutsotannsdi for ng knowledge of
research-informed literature embedded in the work. Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level academic skills consistently and professionally applied.
LEVEL 6 cont…

Graduate Skills for Life and
Employment

(e.g.  research- related skills; written, graphical and oral communication
skills;
group working; problem-solving; practical and professional skills)     Little or no evidence of the required skills in
any of the graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at this level.     Limited evidence of the graduate skills identified in the
programme specification.
Significant
weaknesses evident, which suggest that the
candidate has not gained the skills necessary for graduate-level employment.     Research skills:
Can competently undertake reasonably straightforward research tasks with minimum guidance, but with minor weaknesses. Can communicate
in a range of formats, including orally, at a standard appropriate for graduate-level employment, and with limited weaknesses. Can generally work effectively within a team, negotiating
in a professional manner and managing conflict. Is largely confident and effective in identifying and defining complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to
their solution.
Able to recognise
own strengths and weaknesses in     Research skills:
Can competently undertake reasonably straightforward research tasks with minimum guidance Can communicate
effectively in a range of formats, including orally, at
a standard appropriate for
graduate-level employment, and with limited weaknesses.
Can     consistently work     effectively within a team,
negotiating in a professional manner and managing
conflict. Is confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to
their solution. Able to evaluate
own strengths and weaknesses
in relation to     Research skills:
Can successfully complete a range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with very limited external guidance. Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a range of formats, including orally, at a standard appropriate for graduate-level employment.
Can consistently work very well within a team,
leading & negotiating in a professional manner and managing conflict.
Is confident and flexible in identifying and defining a range of complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Able to take initiative in evaluating own strengths and weaknesses in
relation to graduate-     Research skills:
Can very successfully complete a range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with
a significant degree of autonomy. Can communicate
professionally and confidently in a range of formats, at a high standard appropriate for graduate-level employment.
Can work
professionally within a team,
showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations.
Is professional and flexible in
autonomously identifying and
defining a range of complex problems and applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Able to show insight and autonomy in     Research skills:
Exceptionally successful in a wide range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with a high degree of autonomy Can communicate with an
exceptionally high level of professionalism, in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate for graduatelevel employment.
Can work
exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict, and
meeting all obligations. Is exceptionally
professional and flexible in autonomously defining and solving
a range of complex problems and applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Outstanding ability to evaluate own strengths and weaknesses,
Marks for Level 6     0-25 (Fail)     26-39 (Fail)     relatio40n -to 49g (r3adurd)a te     50-59 (2.2)     level p60rof-e6s9s (iona2.1)l  and     evaluating owsnt
70-85 (1    )     st
86-100 (1    )

Notes:
•    Word count will not include material presented weekly.
•    No feedback will be given on weekly presentations.
•    Individual absence from weekly up-date will not impact others in team who update.

Coursework Assignment Brief

Semester:     E15 Autumn 2015
Module Title:     Project Management
Programme      BSc (Honours) Oil & Gas Management
Level:     Level 6
Format:      Group Work: Professional Business Report & Regular Project Updates to Senior Management.
Presentation:      No – weekly activity/issues log
Any special requirements:      The business Report should be submitted on the Student Portal. Your work should be presented in a professional manner and as directed by your Module Leader.

Ability to deliver regular weekly updates in a succinct and professional manner and answer any senior management questions (as below) to show ability to manage a professional project on a regular weekly basis as a team. Therefore being assessed on managing a project as a team and to deliver weekly project updates via use of a action/issues log.

Word Limit:      4,500 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway)

Deadline date for submission:     5th November, 2015

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment (please note that this is NOT the assessment task)     •    Critically analyse the component parts of a major oil project.
•    Evaluate  the  time  and  cost  constrained  project plan  and  complete  a Critical Path Analysis on the project.
•    Analyse the planning process and management of a major oil project.
•    Discuss project management constraints of quality, time and cost.
Percentage of marks awarded for module:     •     The assignment is worth 100% of your module mark.

Assessment
criteria      Explanatory comments on  the assessment criteria       Maximum marks for each section
Knowledge & Research (Content, style, relevance, originality)       Clear demonstration of rigorous research from recognised authoritative sources. Audience focus.
Meeting the deliverables.     30%
Writing and
Presentation (Format, referencing, bibliography and
style)     Rigorous use of the Harvard Methodology for citation and referencing; page numbering; correct display of direct quotations.     10%
Argument and
Analysis
(Constructive critical analysis,   evaluation and application)      Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion.
Demonstration of a clear understanding of the issues. Use of academic models. Full articulation of ideas developed. Offering well-argued solutions and/or alternatives if and where appropriate.     50%
Weekly
Activity/issues log      Part of Report to be presented weekly and included in appendix.
10%

Background

Creating efficiencies from digital investments
“… data mining & analysis are the digital technologies energy CEOs rate as most strategically important. These are all areas where energy companies are investing, despite tight budgets, to better manage risk and improve operations.

For example, nearly four-fifths of energy CEOs agree that digital technologies are creating value for their organisations when it comes to data analysis and operational efficiency.

However, oil and gas CEOs stress the fact that maximising the value of the digital investments they’ve made requires a clear vision of how digital technologies can help achieve competitive advantage. Most also say it takes a well thought-out plan, including defined measures of success, and a CEO willing to champion the use of digital technologies”.

Source: 18th Annual Global CEO Survey findings. Explore the data at www.pwc.com/ceosurvey

Assignment Task

This project will constitute a phase of your firm’s annual operating plan for generating revenues and competitive advantage. Identify a business issue/problem, or opportunity as below:

You have just started working for an oil &/ or gas company, and have joined a project team that will analyse the business and identify a short term project to meet the opportunity or issue identified. In this context you have been tasked with examining the company’s digital capabilities. How does the company communicate with its customers?

You need to come up with an international business project  that  could  be  solved  by  undertaking  a  short-term   project  (up  to  12 months) relating to digital capabilities e.g. improvements to the Management Information Systems (CRM) for global customer communications, in some form for your energy firm, to meet the overall business need, of achieving increased sales and competitive advantage.

For this:
In order to create “a well thought-out plan, including defined measures of success”, and to convince your CEO to be “willing to champion the use of digital technologies”.

You, as a project group, will  need  to  analyse  your  organisation’s  current  situation  to  establish  a  need  for  a specific  project  in  this  area  that  will  improve  or  integrate  with  your  existing  operations. It  should  be  a  project  that  will  help  your  company  gain  competitive  advantage  with  a measurable  outcome  or  improve  operations  in  some  way.

As you will be recommending the project the dates must be in the future.

The final report should be presented in the style of a formal report addressing your senior management team.  Use business English and write in the third person e.g.  “It is recommended that…” not, “I think we should do this…” Ensure your tasks are clearly signposted for the examiner by using good formatting, headings, and titles that relate to the assignment question.

Based on your chosen project you will be required to cover the following points, which will form the sections of your overall Report:

1. Milestone 1 (Week 2)
•    Students to form groups of 3 members.
•    Teams to convene an initial kick off meeting.
•    The purpose of the project – why it’s needed and what will it achieve.
•    Appoint Project Manager (PM) – as leader/spokesperson to deliver weekly team updates.
•    A brief company background/snapshot – HQ location, operating territories, employees, revenues.
•    A Project Plan: This meeting should produce a project plan to deliver against the milestones set out in the document via an issues/ activity log as a control method.
•    Project’s Scope: What’s in , what’s out
•    Show use of action/issues log to demonstrate that all work and responsibilities for the group have been set for all tasks.

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): week 2 (during the tutorial) – Succinct project progress meeting; use of activity/issues log covering how project is being controlled and delivered; how any issues are being dealt with. All to be included in your appendices.

2. Milestone 2 (week 3)  •     High level analysis of:
•    Business Environment – Micro and Macro (internal, external factors) – analysis via but not limited to PESTEL analysis &/or Porters 5 Forces.
•    Why does a project need information/research: Discuss the Information/Research needs of your project – Primary/Secondary, Quantitative and Qualitative.
•    Stakeholder Analysis
•    Constraints Analysis (Internal and External).

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

3. Milestone 3 (week 4)
•    Risk Analysis & control – The associated organisational risk in context.
o    Sources/categories of risk & risk management,  o     Risk Analysis using Force Field Analysis.  o     Risk Control/ response/management Programme : – Risk category & type,
Assessment/impact of risk on the company, Evaluation of probability, Response to the risk, Contingency planning
•    Assess all resource capacity, capability and necessity relative to the proposed project:
o    Resource Reviews – 5 Ms of management – Men, Minutes, Machinery, Materials, Money.
o    Personnel Requirements – RACI Resource capacity, capability and necessity

o    Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

4.    Week 5: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

5.    Milestone 4 (week 6) – Robust cost benefit analysis.
•    Project Selection
•    SMART objectives
•    Cost benefit analysis o     Budgeting/ Type of budget used –
?    Develop costing for the project based on identifying (research required – prices should be based on realistic indicative figures) the main components that you will need).
?    You will need to set the budget and discuss critically the type of budget used to carry out the project
o     Costs/Budget for the project o     Financial Benefits
?     Forecast, ROI, Payback, Breakeven
•    Non financial benefits

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

6.    Week 7: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.

7.    Milestone 5 (week 8) – Scheduling
Implementation/schedule plan for the project, and communicating with stakeholders (internal and external) using project management techniques of:
•    Work Breakdown Structure
•    Gantt Chart
•    Critical Path
•    Project Control
•    Methodology
•    Communication Plan

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

8.    Week 9: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

9.    Milestone 6 (week 10)
Discuss how the project will be;
•    Terminated & Hand over
•    Evaluated via Post Implementation review (PIR) and use of appropriate evaluation methodology.
•    An overall Conclusion to the business Report.

o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log tom Project Sponsor (2 mins max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.

All Milestones are a group assignment and so each group is expected to be present at every weeks’ project update.

Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 6 (Bachelors Degree with Honours)
rd    st    st
Marks     0-25 (Fail)     26-39 (Fail)         40-49 (3    )     50-59 (2.2)     60-69 (2.1)         70-85 (1    )         86-100 (1    )
Assessment categories

Knowledge & Understanding of Subject     Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of
material at this level. Substantial inaccuracies.     Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial understanding.
Some significant inaccuracies.     Threshold level.
Understanding of key aspects of field of study; coherent knowledge, at least in part informed by current research in the subject discipline.     Systematic understanding of field(s) of study, as
indicated by relevant QAA subject benchmark     Good understanding of the field(s) of study; coherent
knowledge, in line with subject benchmark, at least in     Excellent knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and key theories/
concepts of the discipline(s). Clear     Highly detailed knowledge and understanding of the
main theories/concepts of the discipline(s), and an awareness of the

Cognitive/
Intellectual
Skills

(e.g. analysis and synthesis; logic and argument; analytical
reflection; organisation and communication     Unsubstantiated generalizations, made without use
of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable/
missing conclusions. Lack of any attempt to analyse, synthesise or     Some evidence of
analytical intellectual skills,
but for the most part descriptive. Ideas/findings sometimes illogical
and contradictory. Generalized statements made with scant evidence.
Conclusions lack relevance.     Threshold level.
Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and some attempts to synthesise, albeit with some weaknesses. Some evidence to support findings/
views, but evidence not consistently interpreted.     sEtvaidenctemenets o ff osr tomhe e
logical, analytical thinking and
synthesis. Can analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance.
An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use     paSoundrt inf,o lormegicda lby cu,     rrent
analytical thinking; synthesis and
evaluation. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to
review the reliability, validity & significance of evidence. Ability to communicate ideas and evidence accurately and     Thoroughly logical work, supported by judiciously selected
and evaluated evidence. High quality analysis, developed independently or
through effective collaboration..
Ability to investigate contradictory information and     ambExcepiguitiotinaesl  awnod rk;
judiciously selected and evaluated
evidence. Very high quality analysis, developed independently or
through effective collaboration.
Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify

Use of Research- informed Literature (including referencing, appropriate academic conventions and academic honesty)     eLivttaluale etveid. ePncoor e of reading. Views and
findings unsupported and non-authoritative. Academic conventions largely ignored.     Evidence of little reading and/or of reliance on
inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources.
Academic conventions used inconsistently.     Threshold level.
References to a range of relevant sources. Some omissions and minor errors. Academic conventions evident and largely
consistent, with minor lapses.     eKvnoidenwledge, ce to support
analysis and evaluation of a
range of research- informed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed
independently. Academic skills consistently applied.     convincingly. Sound, Knowledge, analysis and evaluation of a range of research-
informed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed independently with
accuracy and assurance.  Good academic skills, consistently applied.     idenExcelletify nrt eaksononwsledge o for f research informed
literature embedded
in the work.
Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level
academic skills consistently applied.     rOeasutsotannsdi for ng knowledge of
research-informed literature embedded in the work. Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level academic skills consistently and professionally applied.
LEVEL 6 cont…

Graduate Skills for Life and
Employment

(e.g.  research- related skills; written, graphical and oral communication
skills;
group working; problem-solving; practical and professional skills)     Little or no evidence of the required skills in
any of the graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at this level.     Limited evidence of the graduate skills identified in the
programme specification.
Significant
weaknesses evident, which suggest that the
candidate has not gained the skills necessary for graduate-level employment.     Research skills:
Can competently undertake reasonably straightforward research tasks with minimum guidance, but with minor weaknesses. Can communicate
in a range of formats, including orally, at a standard appropriate for graduate-level employment, and with limited weaknesses. Can generally work effectively within a team, negotiating
in a professional manner and managing conflict. Is largely confident and effective in identifying and defining complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to
their solution.
Able to recognise
own strengths and weaknesses in     Research skills:
Can competently undertake reasonably straightforward research tasks with minimum guidance Can communicate
effectively in a range of formats, including orally, at
a standard appropriate for
graduate-level employment, and with limited weaknesses.
Can     consistently work     effectively within a team,
negotiating in a professional manner and managing
conflict. Is confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to
their solution. Able to evaluate
own strengths and weaknesses
in relation to     Research skills:
Can successfully complete a range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with very limited external guidance. Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a range of formats, including orally, at a standard appropriate for graduate-level employment.
Can consistently work very well within a team,
leading & negotiating in a professional manner and managing conflict.
Is confident and flexible in identifying and defining a range of complex problems and
applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Able to take initiative in evaluating own strengths and weaknesses in
relation to graduate-     Research skills:
Can very successfully complete a range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with
a significant degree of autonomy. Can communicate
professionally and confidently in a range of formats, at a high standard appropriate for graduate-level employment.
Can work
professionally within a team,
showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations.
Is professional and flexible in
autonomously identifying and
defining a range of complex problems and applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Able to show insight and autonomy in     Research skills:
Exceptionally successful in a wide range of research-like tasks, including evaluation, with a high degree of autonomy Can communicate with an
exceptionally high level of professionalism, in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate for graduatelevel employment.
Can work
exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict, and
meeting all obligations. Is exceptionally
professional and flexible in autonomously defining and solving
a range of complex problems and applying knowledge and methods to their solution.
Outstanding ability to evaluate own strengths and weaknesses,
Marks for Level 6     0-25 (Fail)     26-39 (Fail)     relatio40n -to 49g (r3adurd)a te     50-59 (2.2)     level p60rof-e6s9s (iona2.1)l  and     evaluating owsnt
70-85 (1    )     st
86-100 (1    )

Notes:
•    Word count will not include material presented weekly.
•    No feedback will be given on weekly presentations.
•    Individual absence from weekly up-date will not impact others in team who update.