The Research Paper must demonstrate the understanding of new learning in project management and how it relates to cost and value management. This assignment should be six to eight pages (not including the title and reference pages) and should integrate the reading, multimedia, and class discussions. It is mandatory to have research from the classroom text, as well as at least three scholarly sources from the Internet or Ashford Online Library to support your views.

Consider the validity of your sources carefully before using them in academic papers. It is recommended to use examples from your professional experience where possible or build from your learning in the discussion boards.
Focus of the Research Paper
Use at least one project you have been a team member of or a project manager for as an example to contextualize the research topics below:
All of the following topics must be addressed in order for the paper to be complete:
•Discuss the importance of work packages to support the creation and use of the WBS.
•Examine how to establish a cost and schedule performance measurement baseline.
•Present examples of EVM and how it will help the PM understand project status.
•Examine how the PM uses project control charts to show project status and present value.
•Recommend an effective change management process to ensure a successful project.

Writing the Research Paper
The Research Paper:
•Must be six to eight double-spaced pages in length (not including the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
•Must include a cover page that includes:
– Title of Paper
– Student’s name
– Course name and number
– Instructor’s name
– Date submitted
• Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
• Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
• Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
• Must use at least three outside sources from the Internet or Ashford Online Library.
• Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
• Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.

Project Management.
Individual report.
Research:Use at least 15 academic sources.

Brief:
Imagine that you are planning a trip to London with your group. Decide who will go, when it will be, how you will travel, where you will stay, what you will do there etc. Think through the research, decisions, planning and execution phases, then:
a) Create a suitable work breakdown structure for all activities including the project management process and a network diagram based the WBS, with critical path. Include 20-30 work packages (25%);
b) Create an appropriate, resource levelled project plan for the 20-30 work packages, using MS Project (25%);
c) Carry out a risk management exercise for the project using a probability/impact matrix and create a risk register with 10-15 events, including details of planned responses (25%);
d) Critically analyse how the use of these tools improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the project management process and your control over the delivery project within time, cost and quality constraints (25%).

Sections (a), (b) and (c) of the report should give a detailed explanation of the tools and techniques in question, together with how they have been applied to this project and the benefits of doing so. Then the diagrams, the schedule and the risk list themselves should be put into appropriate appendices, NOT within the body of the report.

Suggested texts include:

Association for Project Management (2012)
APM Body of Knowledge. APM, Princes Risborough

Burke R (2013)
Project Management – Planning and Control Techniques. Wiley, Chichester

Kerzner H (2013a)
Project Management – A systems approach to Planning, Scheduling and Control. Wiley, New Jersey

Kerzner H (2013b)
Project Management – Metrics, KPIs and Dashboards. Wiley, New York

Maylor H (2010)
Project Management. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice-Hall
The two main journals for this subject are:
The Project Management Journal
The International Journal of Project Management

Project Management.
Individual report.
Research:Use at least 15 academic sources.

Brief:
Imagine that you are planning a trip to London with your group. Decide who will go, when it will be, how you will travel, where you will stay, what you will do there etc. Think through the research, decisions, planning and execution phases, then:
a) Create a suitable work breakdown structure for all activities including the project management process and a network diagram based the WBS, with critical path. Include 20-30 work packages (25%);
b) Create an appropriate, resource levelled project plan for the 20-30 work packages, using MS Project (25%);
c) Carry out a risk management exercise for the project using a probability/impact matrix and create a risk register with 10-15 events, including details of planned responses (25%);
d) Critically analyse how the use of these tools improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the project management process and your control over the delivery project within time, cost and quality constraints (25%).

Sections (a), (b) and (c) of the report should give a detailed explanation of the tools and techniques in question, together with how they have been applied to this project and the benefits of doing so. Then the diagrams, the schedule and the risk list themselves should be put into appropriate appendices, NOT within the body of the report.

Suggested texts include:

Association for Project Management (2012)
APM Body of Knowledge. APM, Princes Risborough

Burke R (2013)
Project Management – Planning and Control Techniques. Wiley, Chichester

Kerzner H (2013a)
Project Management – A systems approach to Planning, Scheduling and Control. Wiley, New Jersey

Kerzner H (2013b)
Project Management – Metrics, KPIs and Dashboards. Wiley, New York

Maylor H (2010)
Project Management. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice-Hall
The two main journals for this subject are:
The Project Management Journal
The International Journal of Project Management