Project Management/ Oil & Gas Managementrequirements:
The business Report should be submitted on the Students’
Portal. Work to be presented in a professional manner and as
directed by your lecturer.
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: 6,000 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway)
Deadline date for
submission:
Tuesday 19th April 2016
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.
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,
introduction,
conclusion,
evaluation and
application)
Demonstration of a clear understanding of the
issues. Use of academic models.
50%
Weekly
Activity/issues
log
Part of Report to be presented weekly and
included in appendix.
10%
Assignment
This project will constitute a phase of your firm’s annual operating plan for generating
revenues and competitive advantage.
Task Requirements:
Identify a business issue/problem, or opportunity as below;
Assignment Background
As pressure increases to meet climate targets by nations & corporations, and on the
use of fossil fuels, your oil & gas firm has taken a strategic move to reduce the
amount of oil they produce for energy use and have turned to gas production, as it is
cleaner, via the acquisition of a number of smaller gas firms, making it a “Gas Major”.
Assignment Task:
You have just started working for an oil and/or or gas company, and have joined a
project team. To inform the market & customers of its newly acquired status you &
your team have been tasked with an international short term project, with a duration
of 3 months.
You need to come up with business report detailing the resources needed to
produce this project. Other teams have also been asked to put together a report
along the same lines and the best one will be selected by senior management before
implementation begins.
Your project will be digital one. You are to upgrade the firm’s website, initially in two
of its biggest centres, to better communicate with your customers, your new
capabilities & also to allow them to conduct business via your digital channels. This
should 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”.
Source: 18th Annual Global CEO Survey findings. Explore the data at
www.pwc.com/ceosurvey
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 5 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. (To be included in the appendices)
? 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 to 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 robust information/research: Discuss the
Information/Research needs of your project – e.g. Primary/Secondary,
? Stakeholder Analysis
? Constraints Analysis (Internal and External).
o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log to Project Sponsor (2 mins max):
As per instructions in Milestone 1.
3. Milestone 3 (week 4)
? Risk – 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 to Project Sponsor (2 mins max):
As per instructions in Milestone 1.
4. Week 5: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log to Project Sponsor (2 mins
max): As per instructions in Milestone 1.
5. Milestone 4 (week 6) – Robust cost benefit analysis.
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
Costs/Budget for the project
Financial Benefits
Forecast, ROI, Payback, Breakeven
Non financial benefits
o Presentation of Activity/Issues Log to Project Sponsor (2 mins max):
As per instructions in Milestone 1.
6. Week 7: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log to 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 to Project Sponsor (2 mins max):
As per instructions in Milestone 1.
.
8. Week 9: Presentation of Activity/Issues Log to 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 to 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 week’s project update.
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.
Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 6 (Bachelors Degree with Honours)
Marks 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3
rd
) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1
st
) 70-85 (1
st
)
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
statements for the
degree programme.
Good understanding
of the field(s) of
study; coherent
knowledge, in line
with subject
benchmark, at least in
part informed by
current research in
the subject discipline.
Excellent knowledge
and understanding of
the main concepts
and key theories/
concepts of the
discipline(s). Clear
awareness of the
limitations of the
knowledge base.
Highly detailed
knowledge and
understanding of the
main theories/concepts
of the discipline(s), and
an awareness of the
ambiguities and
limitations of
knowledge.
Cognitive/
Intellectual
Skills
(e.g. analysis
and synthesis;
logic and
argument;
analytical
reflection;
organisation and
communication
of ideas and
evidence)
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
evaluate. Poor
communication of
ideas.
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.
Some relevant
conclusions
Evidence of some
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
evidence to support
the argument.
Valid conclusions
Sound, logical,
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
convincingly.
Sound, convincing
conclusions.
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
identify reasons for
contradictions.
Strong conclusions.
Exceptional work;
judiciously selected
and evaluated
evidence. Very high
quality analysis,
developed
independently or
through effective
collaboration.
Ability to investigate
contradictory
information and identify
reasons for
contradictions.
Highly persuasive
conclusions.
Use of
Researchinformed

Literature
(including
referencing,
appropriate
academic
conventions and
academic
honesty)
Little evidence 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.
Knowledge,
analysis and
evaluation of a
range of researchinformed
literature,
including sources
retrieved, analysed
independently.
Academic skills
consistently
applied.
Knowledge, analysis
and evaluation of a
range of researchinformed
literature,
including sources
retrieved, analysed
independently with
accuracy and
assurance. Good
academic skills,
consistently applied.
Excellent knowledge
of research informed
literature embedded
in the work.
Consistent analysis
and evaluation of
sources. High-level
academic skills
consistently applied.
Outstanding 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. researchrelated
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 relation to
graduate
employment, with
minor areas of
weakness.
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
graduate
employment.
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 graduatelevel
professional and
practical skills, and
act autonomously to
develop new areas of
skills as necessary.
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
evaluating own
strengths and
weaknesses and
developing
professional and
practical skills needed
for graduate-level
employment.
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
graduate-level
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, showing
outstanding attributes
for graduate-level
employment.
Marks for Level 6 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3
rd
) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1
st
) 86-100 (1
st
)