MGEG15503 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ASSIGNMENT 1
FEB 2026
Assignment Question:
Select an appropriate project scenario to be analyzed as a hypothetical but realistic case study.
The project does not need to be implemented in practice; however, it must represent a mediumto-large scale initiative with sufficient complexity. Examples may include, but are not limited to,
digital transformation programmes, infrastructure development projects, healthcare system
implementations, renewable energy initiatives, or large-scale software development projects.
Assume the role of the Project Manager for the selected project. Using recognized project
management theories, frameworks, tools, and techniques, demonstrate how you would:
 Initiate the project
 Develop cost and time estimates
 Plan project activities and resources
 Identify and manage project risks
 Design an appropriate contract and procurement strategy
Your response should focus on analysis, justification, and application of project management
concepts rather than on the actual delivery or execution of the project.
Assignment Objectives
This assignment aims to evaluate your ability to:
 Critically analyse factors influencing successful project initiation
 Apply project life cycle concepts and justify the need for structured project management
 Develop cost, time, and risk estimates using appropriate techniques
 Construct and apply Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Product Breakdown
Structures (PBS)
 Evaluate tendering and contracting approaches
 Develop a formal project plan supported by scheduling tools
 Demonstrate critical thinking, academic rigor, and professional presentation
Total: 100 marks (30% CA)
Task Structure
Task 1: Project Initiation and Strategic Context
1.1 Project Overview
 Define the selected project, its objectives, scope, key stakeholders, and strategic
importance.
1.2 Critical Success Factors
 Critically discuss the key factors that should be considered during project initiation to
maximize the likelihood of project success (e.g., stakeholder alignment, governance,
feasibility, resources, leadership, organizational maturity). Support your discussion with
academic literature.
1.3 Project Life Cycle and Need for Project Management
 Analyse the typical project life cycle relevant to your chosen project and justify the need
for formal project management practices at each stage.
Task 2: Risks, Estimates, and Contracts
2.1 Project Estimation
 Develop and justify estimates for project cost, duration, and resource requirements
using appropriate estimation techniques.
 Discuss the limitations and uncertainty associated with your estimates.
2.2 Risk Identification and Analysis
 Identify key project risks and classify them (technical, financial, operational, external).
 Conduct a qualitative risk analysis and propose suitable risk response strategies.
2.3 Work and Product Breakdown Structures
 Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and a Product Breakdown Structure (PBS)
for the project.
 Explain how these structures support planning, estimation, and control.
2.4 Tendering and Contracting Strategy
 Evaluate appropriate tendering methods and contract types for your project.
 Justify your chosen approach in relation to risk allocation, cost control, and stakeholder
relationships.
Task 3: Project Planning and Scheduling
3.1 Formal Project Plan
 Develop a formal project plan that includes:
o Scope baseline
o Schedule baseline
o Cost baseline
o Risk management plan
o Communication and governance structure
3.2 Use of Project Scheduling Software
 Use a project scheduling tool (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) to:
o Develop a project schedule
o Identify the critical path
o Demonstrate dependencies and milestones
 Include screenshots and interpretation of outputs.
3.3 Reflection on Planning Effectiveness
 Critically reflect on how planning tools and techniques improve decision-making and
project performance.
Task 4: Critical Reflection and Lessons Learned
 Provide a critical reflection on the overall project management approach adopted.
 Discuss key lessons learned and recommendations for improving project outcomes in
similar future projects.
Marking Criteria
 Depth of critical analysis and application of theory
 Integration of academic literature and professional standards
 Quality and realism of estimates, risk analysis, and planning outputs
 Appropriate use of project management tools
 Clarity, structure, academic writing style, and referencing (APA/Harvard)
Submission Guidelines
 Submit via Weble (due date 15/3/2026 – Week 6 before 5 pm)
 Include a title page and reference list
 Plagiarism (similarity threshold as per university regulations)