Leading a Strategic Management Project - Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership

Assignment Question

Scenario

Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation with which they are very familiar, to base their assignment. However, in the case that they are not able to do so, please use the below scenario:

You are a senior manager at a medium sized organisation. You have been asked to conduct a project to investigate the high number of staff absences in your department. In order to understand key issues there are many factors you need to consider. Within the project you need to have clear aims and after your investigation consider options to support the aims and evaluate the impact of the course of action you wish to recommend.

Task 1 - 450 words
Create a project proposal document which aims to contribute to an organisational strategic objective. The proposal should include as a minimum:

Determination of a topic of investigation with justification for its contribution to strategic objective(s).

Discussion of the aim, scope and objectives for the project with justification.

Develop a suitable research methodology, to fully meet project and sponsor needs, research should consider the research bases suitability to provide the rich data needed to inform your proposals, or Project Initiation Document format, should you wish.

The project proposal should clarify why this topic was selected and any strategic implications.

Task 2 - 350 words

Assess via qualitative or quantitative means three valid sources which can be used to obtain data and information to support the aim of the project, both internal and external sources should be used. You may present valid criteria for data gathering to support your choice.

Collate the data and information gathered and synthesise it to analyse relevancy to the project. Where possible use tools and techniques to support the identification of options and choices. Look for any clusters, stepping stones, patterns or trends.

Determine two options or alternatives which may be selected to support the project aims. Justify why these two options are suitable from synthesising the data and information obtained.

Analyse the two options and select one which will support the project aims stating why this choice was preferable to the other option. Where possible use a tool or technique to underpin your selection, or valid criteria for selection.

Task 3 - 350 words

Critically evaluate the research undertaken and evaluate the key features from the evaluation to draw relevant conclusions, to support positive and negative contributions to project direction and meeting project objectives and purpose. Ensure the evaluation processes are linked to the research analysis. State any constraints faced when analysing the information and how this may skew data.

Create an action plan that will support achieving the project aim stating clear recommendations. Include any resource implication and timescales. Ensure your recommendations are linked to research analysis, evaluation and conclusions.

Critically evaluate the impact of the project, you may wish to use san impact statement format for the purpose. The analysis should clearly critically judge any risks and the difference these will make to the identified project deliverables, and how these deliverables link to the project aims and objectives.

Task 4 - 350 words
Describe two possible mediums which could be used to present the results of the project. Evaluate and justify which of the two mediums should be selected. You may wish to consider the nature, category of project, conduct an audience profile, or a merits and demerits of each medium.

Produce an action development statement, which includes a project responsibility matrix to present your accountabilities. You may wish to consider how this mergers with your Job Description, roles and responsibilities.

Critically evaluate how the identified deliverables have contributed to the key elements of the project scoping.