H7095 Business and Project Management

Coursework Brief

A Project Concept Note

You are required to write a project concept note for an organisation of your choice. A project concept note is a brief document that presents the basic idea of a new project to be proposed to the senior management of the organisation. It outlines why the project is needed, what it will entail, how it will contribute to the organisation's goals, what other impacts it will have, and how feasible it is. Based on this information and analysis, senior managers should be able to decide whether to commission a full proposal or not, or whether the idea needs some modifications, among other considerations. This report will be completed individually and it is worth 40% of the final grade for this module.

Learning Outcomes

This assessment addresses Learning Outcomes 2 and 4 of this module:

• Apply tools and techniques to evaluate a firm’s competitiveness in the business and technological environment.

• Explain how projects contribute to the overall business environment.

Report Structure & Content

The structure outlined below is intended as a guide. While you should cover all of the listed sections, there is flexibility in how you present them. The emphasis is on producing a clear, logically organised report that links your chosen organisation’s practices to theory and evidence. Your concept note should include the following sections with the suggested word count:

• Project Rationale (300 words): This section serves as the introduction to the report and it explains the background and motivation of the project. It should describe the organisation's current situation, mission, goals, objectives, and strategies. Additionally, it should also identify a problem or gap that the organisation faces in achieving its goals and propose a solution or improvement that the project will provide. Refer to the content discussed in Lecture Week 1 and corresponding readings to develop this section.

• Analysis of the Context (500 words): This section provides descriptive and analytical information about the external and internal environments of the organisation. It should identify and evaluate the opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses (via SWOT analysis) that affect the project idea. Additionally, it should apply one analytical tool or framework for external context analysis and another for internal context analysis, selected from those discussed in Lecture Week 2 and corresponding readings. While analytical tools don’t need to be explained, the rationale for their selection should be briefly justified. The use of graphical elements, such as charts or diagrams, is encouraged. All sources must be appropriately referenced. Ultimately, this section should demonstrate how the project is relevant and appropriate for the organisation's context.

• Project Outline (500 words): This section describes the main features and components of the project. It should include the project objectives and activities, the estimated timeframe. and suggested timetable, possible sources of funding, estimated costs, and/or potential income, potential partners and/or stakeholders, as well as the expected outputs and/or outcomes. The role of the organisation in the project should be outlined, including how the organisation will benefit from the project, its responsibilities in project execution, and any resources or support it will provide. Detailed plans, designs, methods, or resources for the project are not required at this stage. Refer to the content discussed in Lecture Week 3 and corresponding readings for stakeholder management, identification, and analysis.

o Subsection on Leadership (approx. 100 words, included within the 500-word Project Outline): Add a subsection that discusses the kind of leadership style. and role suitable for managing the project. It should consider factors such as the nature of the project, its objectives, activities, stakeholders and challenges. The subsection should also differentiate between management and leadership functions in relation to the project. Refer to what was discussed in Lecture Week 4 and corresponding readings on leadership to develop this subsection.

• The Case for Project Implementation (300 words): This section summarises the benefits and advantages of the project for the organisation. It should explain how the project aligns with the organisation's strategy, as outlined in the Project Rationale section above. Additionally, it should discuss how the project responds to the context analysis, referring to the Analysis of Context section for elaboration. This section also highlights any positive impacts the project may have on other aspects of the organisation or its environment. It synthesises the information and arguments from the previous three sections (Project Rationale, Analysis of Context, and Project Outline) to build a compelling case for implementing your proposed project idea.

• Feasibility Assessment (300 words): This section identifies and assesses various factors that could affect the success or failure of the proposed project. Examples of such factors include risks, strategic issues, gaps in skills, information, technology, or research. You should also suggest how these factors could be addressed or mitigated. Refer to the lecture and corresponding readings from week 3 on strategic issues to develop this section.

• Conclusion (100 words): Summarise the project’s key aspects and make a compelling, concise argument for its implementation.

Choosing an Organisation and Proposing a Project Idea

Select an organisation and propose a project in which you are interested. The organisation should be a real one, either for-profit or not-for-profit, governmental or non-governmental. You can propose any type of project relevant to your chosen organisation, such as internal improvement, new product or service development, a CSR initiative, or a marketing campaign. While the project can be in the domain of Engineering and Informatics, it doesn't necessarily have to be. The nature of the project is entirely up to you. If you have any questions regarding your project idea, please contact your tutor for clarification. Consider the following factors while making your choice:

• Relevance to the organisation's current strategies or goals;

• Availability of information for research;

• Personal interest or expertise in the domain.

It is important to reiterate that this is a project concept note. You are expected to propose a new project idea to the organisation, aimed at addressing an opportunity, problem, or gap that aligns with its organisational strategy (as outlined in the Project Rationale section). This is not about analysing an existing or past project.

Target Audience and Writing Style

You should assume that you are writing this report for a senior manager who has limited time and attention span, yet you should maintain academic rigour by providing references and evidence. Therefore, your writing should be concise, clear, and persuasive. You are encouraged to use analytical tools and evidence from the reading list and beyond, and to reference these sources to substantiate your arguments.

Word Count and References

The total word count for the report is 2,000 words, with a tolerance of +/- 10% (1,800-2,200 words), excluding references and appendices. The suggested word counts for each section are indicative only, and you may adjust them as appropriate while keeping within the overall total. If your report falls outside the tolerance range, there is no automatic penalty. The marker will exercise discretion in judging whether the additional content adds value or whether the work could have been more concise. The emphasis will be on the quality and clarity of your analysis, and any decision regarding penalties for word count will be based on this evaluation.

You are expected to use materials from the reading list and beyond to analyse and critique your proposed project. In-text citations and references should follow a referencing style. of your choice. You may use Harvard, APA, or a numerical system, but whichever style. you choose must be used consistently throughout the report.

Presentation and Format

· Include a cover page featuring the module code/title (H7095 - Business and Project Management), the title of your report/project concept, and your candidate number (please do not include your name).

· Use Arial font, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing for the main text.

· Include a table of contents. This does not count towards the word count.

· If applicable, include a list of figures and a list of tables. These lists do not count towards the word count.

· Words in figures and tables in the main text usually count towards the word count.

· All diagrams, figures, and tables should be clearly labelled, numbered, and referenced in the text (e.g., “see Figure 1”).

Submission and Deadline

Please check the deadline on Canvas/Sussex Direct. Submission should be made through Canvas/Turnitin.

Assessment Criteria and Scoring Guidelines

The assessment focuses on your presentation of the project idea and the supporting analysis. This rubric is designed to evaluate the Project Concept Note for the H7095 - Business and Project Management module. It is based on the following assessment criteria, each with a specific scoring guideline.

Assessment Criteria Descriptions

Knowledge & Understanding

In this assessment, "Knowledge & Understanding" refers to the student's grasp of the fundamental theories, tools, and techniques pertinent to project management and business strategy. Students are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of the selected organisation's current status, goals, and objectives, as well as the broader business environment. This criterion also encompasses the application of models and theories to evaluate the organisation's competitiveness. Students should be able to discern the validity of various concepts, principles, and theories and their relevance to the proposed project. This criterion is aligned with Learning Outcomes 2 and 4.

Application

For this criterion, students should show a comprehensive ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Specifically, the focus will be on how well they utilise SWOT analysis and other analytical tools to scrutinise the internal and external environments affecting the project. Students should also display adeptness in applying relevant theories to develop viable project solutions. The coursework should feature a well-reasoned project outline that includes objectives, estimated timeframes, funding sources, and expected outcomes. This criterion is aligned with Learning Outcomes 2 and 4.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking at this level involves the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches and theories. In the coursework, this translates into the student's skill in evaluating the organisation's opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses, and rationalising the need for the project. Students should be capable of making informed decisions on which project management and business strategies are most appropriate for the given context. This criterion is aligned with Learning Outcomes 2 and 4.

Reading & Research

This criterion evaluates the extent and depth of the student's research. Students are expected to use reliable and relevant sources to support their arguments. They should also demonstrate the ability to integrate reliable information into their analysis seamlessly. This could include identifying patterns and relationships that reinforce the project’s feasibility and its alignment with the organisation's strategy. Students are expected to go beyond the reading list, incorporating a range of academic and industry sources. This criterion supports both Learning Outcomes 2 and 4.

Presentation & Style

Students should exhibit a high level of proficiency in academic writing. The report should be well-structured, with clear and coherent arguments, logically flowing from one section to another. Accurate referencing and citation are crucial, following a consistent style. (e.g., Harvard, APA or a numerical reference system). The language should be concise yet academic, suitable for a senior management audience but still rigorous in its scholarship. This criterion underpins achievement of both Learning Outcomes.

Marking Scheme and Feedback

In accordance with the University of Sussex policy, you will receive feedback for the following criteria of your individual Project Concept Note report. Each assessment criterion is weighted as follows:

Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in this Assignment Only

Quick Reference - Do and Don’t

Do:

· Use AI for brainstorming, outlining, or generating draft ideas.

· Use proofreading tools (e.g., Grammarly) for grammar and spelling.

· Disclose all AI use in the AI Usage Disclosure appendix.

Don’t:

· Submit AI-generated text as your final work.

· Use AI to replace your own analysis, evaluation, or argumentation.

· Fail to disclose AI use: lack of transparency may constitute academic misconduct.

Limited AI Assistance:

You are allowed to use generative AI tools strictly for initial brainstorming or outlining ideas for your assignment. This means AI tools can help you generate ideas, suggest possible topics, or outline the structure of your assignment but must not generate any substantial content or text for the assignment itself.

Content Creation:

AI tools can be used to help generate initial drafts or outlines for your assignment. This means using AI to brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts, or provide a rough draft which you then significantly modify and refine. The key is that the final content should be your original work and not verbatim from the AI tool.

AI-generated content must not be used as the final version in the main body of your group written report. Your group written report should reflect your original thinking, research, and analysis. AI tools can assist in the brainstorming and drafting phases but should not replace your own writing and critical thinking.

Proofreading and Editing:

Generative AI tools like Grammarly can be used to identify basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. However, AI tools should not make significant changes to your content, rewrite sections, or improve argumentation. Ensure that all final content is your own work.

Disclosure and Acknowledgement of AI Usage:

If you use generative AI tools for brainstorming or outlining, you must include an ‘AI Usage Disclosure’ appendix in your assignment. This appendix should provide the following information in the table below:

Glossary of Tasks:

· Selecting the Topic: Choosing the subject or theme for your assignment.

· Generating Ideas: Brainstorming concepts, approaches, or perspectives related to your topic.

· Conducting Research: Gathering information, data, or sources related to your topic.

· Evaluating Sources: Assessing the credibility, relevance, and quality of the sources you have gathered.

· Creating an Outline: Developing a structured plan for your assignment, including the main points and organisation.

· Drafting Content: Using AI to generate initial drafts or outlines that are significantly modified and refined by the student to create the final content.

· Designing Media: Creating visual or multimedia content to support your assignment.

· Revising Drafts: Making changes and improvements to your draft based on feedback or further reflection.

· Final Polishing: Finalising your assignment by correcting errors and refining language and formatting.

· Other (Specify): Any other use of AI tools not covered by the above categories.

This ‘AI Usage Disclosure’ appendix does not count towards the word count.

Ethical and Academic Integrity:

Ensure that your assignment adheres to the University’s academic integrity policy. The use of AI tools should not replace your critical thinking, research and writing. Your assignment must be an original piece of work demonstrating your understanding of the module themes and your ability to engage critically with the subject matter.

Support and Guidance:

If you are unsure about the appropriate use of AI tools or need further guidance, consult your module convenor.