Reference no: EM132919914

Learning Outcome 1: Formulate a project that will provide a solution to an identified problem.

Learning Outcome 2: Manage a project within agreed timescales and specification, documenting the process throughout.

Learning Outcome 3: Evaluate potential Project Management Solutions.

Learning Outcome 4: Produce a project report and deliver a presentation of the final project outcome

Assignment Brief

You have recently gained employment, as an Assistant Project Manager, for a large general contracting firm. The firm specialises in community/ government projects. As part of the company's drive to provide better services to clients, they are seeking to improve the construction that they undertake. You are asked to prepare a project report and a presentation of the solution of an identified and clearly defined civil engineering problem. Your approach to this should involve exploring different potential options that may be available, then make a choice and show how you have come to your conclusion. This assignment has four sections in line with the four learning outcomes covered by all tasks provided starting with an initial project problem identification scenario acting as a case study to be explored for a solution in line with your chosen topic.

Theme:
The potential for Modern Methods of Construction to continue to transform the Industry. Faced with skills gaps and an aging workforce, combined with the role that global construction plays in driving economies, new approaches are required to continue to allow construction to respond to the challenges of today and the future.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a broad term that covers many different approaches to change the way in which we design and construct our built environment. From offsite construction and modular buildings to new materials and even 3D printing, MMC is a link between technology and the construction industry. How might MMC, or specific types of MMC, transform the industry?

This unit will enable students to consider the different approaches to MMC and how these are and will create new opportunities and methods. Through engagement with the theme and topics, students will have the opportunity to undertake work that will embed the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a project

Topic:
Students are to choose their own Topic for this unit; based on the given Theme. Strong projects are those with clear, well focused and defined objectives. A central skill in selecting a project objective is the ability to select a suitable and focused research question. Students should be encouraged to discuss a variety of topics related to the theme and generate ideas for a good project objective.
The range of topics could cover issues such as:
• How might the use of new materials and processes impact on sustainability?
• How do modern methods of construction (e.g. offsite construction, modular construction) address skills gaps in the sector?
• How does MMC, combined with BIM, create more efficient and reliable buildings or infrastructure?.

TASKS
LO1 Formulate a project that will provide a solution to an identified problem
(This covers: project identification, research methods, feasibility studies, and project brief and specifications).

TASK 1
(a) Project Identification: Identify and explore a construction-based project following the theme stated

above and select a project aimed at its solution. Also give the reason of your choice.
(b) Research Methods Background reading to see how others have tackled similar problems. Sources could include journal articles, articles in trade publications, newspapers, information from work or observation of construction processes. It may even be possible to undertake primary research to test if something works.
(c) Feasibility studies Test the alternative approaches suggested for the construction process to ensure

that they work within the context of a given construction situation. Here comparison with similar processes given in published work would be of great assistance.
(d) Brief and Specification Clearly set out the aims of your project, giving reasons for the project. You will identify the main components of your project and define these in a clear project specification. In addition, you will need to explain why the clear specification of the project is a key to approach a successful outcome. As part of project process, you are asked to evaluate the relationships that may arise between project identification, feasibility, planning on time and resources.
LO2 Manage a project within agreed timescales and specification, documenting the process throughout.
(This covers: Resources and resource planning; costs and cost planning; Work plan: Gantt charts, PERT charts, CPM; Project tracking: progress tracking (including log book) and Milestones.)

TASK 2
(a) As part of your project scope identify the potential resources needed, costs, personnel and timescales involved.

(b) Identify and describe a range of techniques for potential solutions and stating them clearly indicating the costs and cost planning involve.

(c) Prepare and update as an ongoing project management plan with standard systems of time and resource tracking include work plans possibly using Gantt Charts, Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts or Critical Path Method (CPM).

LO3 Evaluate potential Project Management Solutions

(This covers, PERT analysis and CPM analysis)

TASK 3
(a) Undertake an evaluation of potential project management solutions using PERT or CPM this can be initially done within the log book then summarised in the main report

(b) Justify the selection of your preferred project solution with reference to your initial stated project specification as clearly provided earlier in your project scope.

(c) Make a comparison of the outcomes of your initial planned resources, timescales and costs with your actual outcomes of these criteria. This will contribute your performance review.

LO4 Produce a project report and deliver a presentation of the final project outcome
(This covers producing a report format and the report; presentation format and presentation techniques).

Task 4
(a) Produce a written report of your project stating each stage of the project or process.

(b) As your report may be shared with clients, it is critical that appropriate forms of referencing and citation are used throughout. The Harvard referencing system is recommended. Information on Harvard referencing is available from the library and on moodle for other styles of referencing see https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/citing- references/referencing styles

(c) In your presentation, to the company board of directors, you are asked to present your final project

outcomes using industry standard software.

(d) Present your final project outcomes and recommendations to a select audience. Presentation should not be more than 10 minutes be summarised in a maximum of 12 Power Point Slides.

(e) Evaluate and appraise your own performance in managing your project, drawing some conclusions and make key recommendations that would further assist you to improve your performance in the future and clearly stating these in both your report and in your presentation.

Attachment:- Assignment Brief.rar