Project Management Research Project Concept

Module Director: Dr Michael Emes

Credits: 15

Assessment: Project Concept Report (80%), Project Concept Presentation (20%)

The Project Management Research Project Concept (‘Project Concept’) with its associated Report (3000 words) and Presentation (30 minutes) is a compulsory part of the MSc in Management of Complex Projects. The purpose of the Project Concept is:

To explain the purpose and importance of the project, and to identify previous work that has been done that is relevant to the project (literature review)
To describe how the research project could be successfully completed (a ‘project plan’), including the tasks anticipated, the relationship between the tasks, and an assessment of any risks involved.

Soon after submitting the Concept Report, students will be asked to give a 30-minute presentation (including around 10 minutes for questions and answers) to explain their concept to a panel of tutors and other students.

The report should contain the following sections:

Overview
Strategic Importance of the Research
Background and literature review
Objectives
Success Criteria
Strategy
Risks
Safety
Work Breakdown Structure
Schedule
Project Organisation
Resources
Contact details

Whilst the Project Concept is a deliverable in its own right, it serves the additional function of ensuring that any subsequent Research Project is based on solid foundations.

The presentation of the Project Concept by the student to fellow students and tutors gives a valuable opportunity for feedback, helping to ensure that the subsequent Research Project makes a real contribution to the relevant body of knowledge, and is realistic in scope given the time available.