Project Planning Process for Employability - Assignment Tasks

Unit learning outcomes

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding:

From both agency and client perspectives, how client expectations can be met by establishing a clear project focus and direction, which will in turn inform your career choice and preparation

2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

•Develop a project plan by applying relevant tools and skills to develop appropriate measurable objectives, and use reflection to inform self improvement

What am I required to do in this assignment?

Select a company of your choice (use the opportunity to create a network in your preferred industry/job). Demonstrate your understanding of the project planning process by submitting a portfolio of five planning documents (see tasks 1-5) and a reflection for the project of your choice (task 6). You should choose a project that will help you better understand your fitness for employability.

The project you choose should achieve one of the following, depending on your subject area or interest;

a) Market research for a stated purpose

b) An idea generation activity linked to the development of a new product or service

c) A promotional activity designed to build relationships

d) The organisation and management of an event

e) An awareness building campaign

Your chosen project will be submitted for tutor guidance and approval by the end of week 4.

Your portfolio should be submitted in multiple formats (e.g. video, PowerPoint, Word document, mind-map software). Use at least three different communication platforms.

Task 1 – Identify client and agency roles

Task 2 – Create a briefing document that sets out the problem to be addressed, contains clear and measurable objectives for the project using appropriate KPIs and other key information e.g. house style

Task 3 – Provide a document that identifies the data that will be needed to inform the project and how it will be provided

Task 4 – Provide a project overview and schedule

Task 5 – Provide a risk register that reviews some of the issues and challenges that may be encountered, and how these may be countered or avoided

Task 6 (50%) – Submit a reflective report that gives a rationale for your preferred role(s) in the project, considers your professional and personal development during the process and that builds an action plan for further self-improvement. Include tactical steps and practical measures that you would fulfil to overcome weaknesses identified.

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

In order to pass Assessment 1 you will need to submit a portfolio that:

• Demonstrates at least a basic understanding of agency and client roles and demands 
• Communicates professionally across a variety of communication platforms 
• Demonstrates your ability to construct a focused and measurable plan 
• Demonstrates the ability to self-appraise within the context of the project, setting realistic and measurable goals for improvement

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

We will be filling this section in together in class on (Week 7) make sure you have downloaded/printed out the Assignment Brief and bring it to the session with you. How does assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

The assignment task draws on and explores your understanding of the various aspects of project planning that we explore in class. Involvement of relevant employers will be used to help you understand some of the challenges and issues that may be faced. The sessions on self-reflection will help you to critically reflection on your employment readiness