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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1 - Identify the nature of different organisational structures (functional, matrix, project-based) and explain the historical development and contemporary application of management theories and practices
2 - Outline the roles, responsibilities, and purposes of key management functions (such as HR, finance, operations, procurement, marketing) in different types of organisations
3 - Identify and discuss the internal aspects (such as culture, resources, and processes) and external environment (using PESTLE/STEEPLE and SWOT analysis) of an organisation and how these factors influence project success
4 - Investigate various approaches to procurement and supply chain management, including lean, agile, and hybrid strategies
5 - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different supply chain models (push vs. pull, outsourcing, offshoring) in providing a competitive advantage for project success.
This module explores the nature and complexity of organisations, introducing functional specialisms in management (such as HR, finance, operations, procurement, marketing) and different organisational structures (functional, matrix, project-based). The development of management theory is explored, which encourages students to contrast Taylorism/Fordism and Human Relations approaches as ground work for future studies. Analysing an organisation’s strategic position using tools such as PESTLE/STEEPLE analysis, SWOT analysis, and Porter’s Five Forces. This includes measuring success, understanding external influences, synergy, organisational structure and culture, business objectives and models, and evaluating tangible and intangible resources. Exploring inventory management and various supply chain management strategies (lean, agile, and hybrid), comparing product push vs. demand pull approaches, and examining the implications of outsourcing and offshoring on performance. Additionally, covering risk management, contract management, relationship management, performance measurement, quality assurance, logistics support, and the concept of the virtual supply chain.
Relevant KSBs
K1.1 How to evaluate and establish appropriate project governance through the incorporation of policies, regulations, processes, roles and structures in different project types and organisational structures, accepting that different sizes of organisation require different levels of control.
K2.1 How projects contribute to businesses operating in local, regional, national and global economies.
K2.2 Knowledge of the main UK business sectors and the parameters within which they operate.
K7.1 How to apply quality management frameworks and monitor their impact in a project environment.
K8.3 The importance of supply chain management in a project environment.
K8.4 How to manage the procurement cycle and identify opportunities for maximising benefits through the effective establishment and management of contracts.
K11.1 How organisational strategy is the totality of actions a company needs to take to achieve long-term goals and how the processes used by organisations are applied to develop strategic plans.
K11.2 How programmes and projects enable organisations to achieve their short, medium and long-term strategies and how these can vary depending on the size of the organisation.
S2.1 Identify and analyse the context, opportunities and challenges presented by projects in a range of organisational settings, appreciating the differences within both large and small organisations and in different industry sectors and the consequent need for tailoring.
The sessions will be delivered on a 3-day teaching block. Lectures will deliver core theoretical frameworks, followed by tutorials and personal exercises for reflection and development. Tutorials will be designed to support learners to be self-directed in additional research and with particular emphasis on research within their own employing organisation.
The module will present students with selected scenarios for basic analysis in order to develop both analytical competence and the ability to identify and apply appropriate techniques in a range of typical situations.
The module will make use of case studies and developing business trends and so the nature of the topics and exercises will vary. Students will be provided with, and/or directed to, relevant reading and additional questions/ exercises to support their progress through the module material.
Planned LTU Off-the-Job Delivery Learning:
Lectures
Hours: 21
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Virtual Tutorial Cafe
Hours: 3
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Planned Off-the-Job Learning:
Training Plan Activities
Hours: 45
Intended Group Size: Individual
Minimum Self-Directed Off the Job Learning and Practical Training:
Hours: 228
Further Details Relating to Assessment
Apprentices will write a 5,000-word report based on a scenario where they act as a project manager at XYZ Ltd, a mid-sized manufacturing/services company facing global/local market changes and supply chain disruptions. The report will cover:
- Analysis of XYZ Ltd's organisational structure, including insights into functional, matrix, and project-based structures;
- Description of roles and responsibilities of key management functions such as HR, finance, operations, procurement, IT and Marketing;
- Conducting SWOT and PESTLE analyses to identify internal strengths/weaknesses and external opportunities/threats;
- Investigation and evaluation of the company's procurement processes and supply chain strategies;
- Assessment of different supply chain models and their impact on competitive advantage; and,
- Summarising findings and providing actionable recommendations for improving project success and strategic approach.
Students will be offered formative feedback throughout the module in order to help them to achieve successful coverage of the apprenticeship standard’s KSBs in conjunction with the modules aims and outcomes. This will be done via formal sessions and also via online interactions on the Moodle platform and the use of tools such as email and Microsoft Teams.
Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -