Consolidated Portfolio: Learning Outcomes and Evidence of Negotiation Procedures

This paper discusses the summary of learning outcomes and evidence of supporting these ten learning outcomes in the context of negotiation procedures. It also includes a review of academic literature and personal reflection on the learning aspects.

Consolidated Portfolio
0 | P a g e

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
Summary of each learning outcomes...........................................................................................................2
Evidence of supporting this learning outcome.............................................................................................3
Review of academic literature.....................................................................................................................3
Reflection....................................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................5
References...................................................................................................................................................6
Appendix.....................................................................................................................................................8
1 | P a g e

Introduction
The paper will mainly highlight the summary of learning outcomes that have been discussed in
ten weekly portfolios. Also, the evidence of supporting these ten learning outcomes will also
provide in this paper. Apart from this, an academic literature review in concerning to the
negotiation procedures will also discuss in this context. Moreover, my learning aspects in
concerning this weekly portfolio will also be discussed in this paper.
Summary of each learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of all ten weeks provide knowledge regarding the commercial project
negotiation, and all these outcomes help to know about the different procedures of this
negotiation process (Cips.org, 2018). The learning outcomes of week one demonstrate the
operation of commercial projects and commercial planning in concerning the various range of
services, build agreement and ICT. The learning outcomes provide an idea regarding the various
types of agreements that related to ICT, building and also the complex non-government and
government operations respectively. This learning outcome can be achieved by thoroughly
studying the various concept relating to the negotiation process (Alfredson, T. and Cungu, 2018).
The second learning outcomes are related to the various theories of negotiation and its practices.
For completing all the aspects of this learning outcomes, all the theories of negotiation
procedures have to study and then applied it according to the context (William, 2010).
The third learning outcomes demonstrates the role of project manager in this commercial
negotiation procedure and for understand the role of manager it is essential to know the process
of negotiation because manager roles vary in concerning to different industries (Anbari,
Giammalvo, Jaffe, Letavec and Merchant, Date Unknown). The fourth-week learning outcomes
are based on the comparison between stakeholder's political interest and its commercial interests.
In achieving this learning outcome, a report has to be made where the difference between these
two interests are written and this help to understand the various approaches of this context
(Burke, 2013). The fifth, sixth and seventh-week learning procedures are based on the various
features of management authorities and in completing this outcome an idea about the
communicating process of both commercial negotiation and project communication should be
made (Kbmanage.com, 2008).
2 | P a g e

The eight-week learning outcomes mainly based on the negotiation procedure that occurs in both
government and private organizations and for achieving this outcome, all the negotiation process
should be studied that occur in both government and non-government or private organizations
respectively (Kerzner, 2013). The ninth week is based on project framework and standards, and
for determining this project, a clear idea about the procedure of project management and its
relation with the negotiation procedures should be learned (Larson, and Gray, 2015). The last
week determine the contracts procedure because it considered as an important aspect of handling
project. For completing the understanding regarding the contract procedure, it is important to
learn the different types as well as stages of contract (O’Haire et al., 2018). Hence all these
learning outcomes provide an idea regarding the use and application of negotiation process.
Evidence of supporting this learning outcome
From this weekly module, a clear idea of reading each of the learning outcomes are determined
which mainly demonstrate the process of negotiation. In such situation, the evidence of learning
outcomes can only be accomplished from the artifacts as well as assignments from classes and
also through pieces of writings, exams, and projects (Wick wire, Driscoll, Hurlbut, and Groff,
1991). Hence in this condition, the evidence of achieving the learning outcomes can be generated
by the weekly portfolios and also other resources like direct and indirect measures (Peña-Mora
and Tamaki, 2001). Direct measures constitute the evidence that obtains through course
assignments, exam and also by learning the portfolios whereas indirect measures determine the
surveys, interviews, reflection components and course evaluation.
Review of academic literature
All topics of this weekly portfolio mainly related to the commercial negotiation procedures in
concerning planning and projects respectively. Several contractual agreements are related to
building agreements and managed devices and this help to determine the complex government
and non-government operations (Kerzner, 2013). The author suggested that negotiation is an
interpersonal skill that are used to handle different conditions while communication helps to
maintain the good relationship with others and thus it defines as the key to success for any
project. Also, commercial negotiation is an important aspect of management that helps a
manager to manage the project (PMI, 2008). There are several aspects of project management,
and this depends on different perspectives that includes complexity, pace, novelty, and
3 | P a g e

technology. The author states that commitment and trust help an organization to maintain their
working function and for this negotiation is necessary (Project Management Hacks, 2018). A
difference is noted between the negotiation procedure of both government and non-government
firm and this depends on their actions of interest. Hence these academic literature provide a view
of negotiation procedures in different contextual purposes.
Reflection
From this learning outcome, I have learned the various aspects of negotiation procedures, and I
have understood that it possesses different results in the different contextual matter. In other
words, I have gained knowledge regarding the complex non-government and government
operations in concerning to various agreements. Besides this, from this learning outcomes, I have
clearly understood the difference between conflict management, stakeholder engagement, and
project negotiation procedures (Snyder, 2013). Also, I have clearly understood that being an
interpersonal skills negotiation help in conflict resolution and it also helps to manage various
work-related matters (Walker, & Walker, 2015). The learning outcomes help me to understand
the role of project manager in commercial negotiation and also in managing the project (Turner,
2014). I have learned that in both government and private firm the role of commercial
negotiation is different and it depends on the organization's functions. Hence from all these
learning outcomes I have learned that good communication enhances the negotiation process
which thereby increases the business growth.
4 | P a g e

Conclusion
The paper concluded that all these weekly portfolios depend on the negotiation process and this
helps me to learn about the use of this process in the different contextual matter. Also, all the
theories of negotiation provide an idea regarding its importance in both government and non-
government organizations. Furthermore, it is noted that all these weekly portfolios provide me
knowledge regarding the complex behavior of both government and private firm and its relation
with different agreements.
5 | P a g e

References
Alfredson, T. and Cungu, A. (2008). Negotiation Theory and Practice A Review of the
Literature. [ebook] John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Easypol. Available
at: http://www.fao.org/docs/up/easypol/550/4-5_negotiation_background_paper_179en.pdf [Acc
essed 25 Jul. 2018].
Anbari F.T., Giammalvo P., Jaffe P., Letavec C., and Merchant R. (Date Unknown) “The
Chunnel Project”. PMI Case Studies in Project Management.
http://www.pmi.org/~/media/PDF/Academic/case%20studies/Chunnel%20Project.ashx
Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA.
Cips.org. (2018). Negotiations in Procurement - The Chartered Institute of Procurement and
Supply. [online] Available at: https://www.cips.org/en-AU/knowledge/procurement-topics-and-
skills/strategy-policy/negotiation/negotiations-in-procurement/ [Accessed 4 Aug. 2018].
James, G. and Zack (2017). Management of Variations & Construction. [ebook] Sydney:
Navigant. Available
at: http://projectcontrols2017.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Management-of-Variations-
Construction-Claims-Jim-Zack-complete.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2018].
Kbmanage.com. (2008). Negotiations in Procurement - What is it? Definition, Examples and
More. [online] Available at: https://www.kbmanage.com/concept/negotiation-in-procurement
[Accessed 4 Aug. 2018].
Kerzner H. 2013. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and
Control, 11th Edition. Hoboken, USA: John Wiley & Sons, pp.1712-1730.
Larson, E.W. and Gray, C.F., 2015. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge:
PMBOK (®) Guide. Project Management Institute.
O’Haire, C., McPheeters, M., Nakamoto, E., LaBrant, L., Most, C., Lee, K., Graham, E.,
Cottrell, E. and Guise, J. (2018). Descriptions of Stakeholder Engagement Methods.
[online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available
at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK62556/[Accessed 25 Jul. 2018].
6 | P a g e

Peña-Mora F., and Tamaki T. 2001. "Effect of Delivery Systems on Collaborative Negotiations
for Large -Scale Infrastructure Projects”. Journal of Management in Engineering. Vol:April 2001
pp.105-121
Kerzner H. 2013. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and
Control, 11th Edition. Hoboken, USA: John Wiley & Sons.
PMI. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) (2008)
4th ed. [ebook] Pennsylvania,USA.: PMI, p.240. Available
at:https://www.works.gov.bh/English/ourstrategy/Project%20Management/Documents/Other
%20PM%20Resources/PMBOKGuideFourthEdition_protected.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2018].
Project Management Hacks. (2018). Conflict Management Techniques From the PMBOK Guide.
[online] Available at: http://projectmanagementhacks.com/conflict-management-techniques-
pmbok/ [Accessed 25 Jul. 2018].
Snyder, C., 2013. A User's Manual to the PMBOK Guide. Wiley.
Turner, J.R., 2014. Handbook of project-based management(Vol. 92). New York, NY: McGraw-
hill.
Walker, B., & Walker, D. (2015). Collaborative Project Procurement Arrangements. [ebook]
Newtown Square: PMI, pp.1-3. Available at:
https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/research/research-summaries/
walker_collaborative-project-procurement.pdf [Accessed 4 Aug. 2018].
Wick wire, J.M., Driscoll, T.J., Hurlbut, S.B. and Groff, M.J., 1991. Construction scheduling:
Preparation, liability, and claims (p. 158). Wiley Law Publications.
William T., C. (2010). Five Things Every Project Manager Should Know about
Negotiation. [online] Pmi.org. Available at: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/negotiate-
success-element-communication-managers-6504 [Accessed 4 Aug. 2018].
7 | P a g e

Appendix
Week 1
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 1 Topic:
Commercial
Planning and
Commercial
Projects.
Wikipedia article
Channel Tunnel;
Peña-Mora F.,
and Tamaki T.
2001. "Effect of
Delivery Systems
on Collaborative
Negotiations for
Large -Scale
Infrastructure
Projects”;
21 Apr 2016
Channel Tunnel's
unique status
confirmed;
29 June 2016
Brexit
negotiations:
Four ways to get
a good deal;
YouTube:
The Chunnel -
World's Longest
Underwater
Tunnel - History
Channel.
1. Describe the
operation of
diverse and
complex
government
and non-
government
project
contractual
arrangements
relevant to a
range of
managed
services, ICT,
and build
agreements.
The assignment experience helped me to understand the various types of
contractual agreements that are related to building agreements, ICT and a
number of managed devices. I came to understand the complex government a
well as non-government operations and how their expertise are listed. The
assessment also helped me to know about a number of contractual agreemen
3. Differentiate After reading the assignments and the unit learning courses, I was able to mak
8 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
methods of project
negotiation, conflict
management, and
stakeholder
engagement across
projects consisting of
differing technology
standards and asset
lifecycles.
out the difference between stakeholder engagement, conflict management an
project negotiation. I learnt about how the process of communicating
continuously to reach a joint agreement of ideas is necessary for complex
projects with a number of asset lifecycle and a number of technology standard
I also understood the importance of stakeholder engagement and how it heps
identifying and mitigating issues in an effective and balanced way. Due to the
complexity of the project, stakeholder engagement is also important as it affe
the people due to particular decisions taken by the institution.
4. Explain and apply
methods of
identifying and
reconciling
inconsistent and
conflicting objectives
and drivers that
develop, maintain,
mange relationships
and communication
with key
stakeholders.
After evaluating the unit, I understood the importance of addressing the vario
conflicting and inconsistent objectives that are responsible fir managing,
marinating and developing communication and relationships. I learned about
the methods of confronting where the parties are asked to collaborate face to
face for an agreement. To reach a decision, both parties have to compromise
something in order to reach a satisfaction level. Moreover, I also learned abou
the process of smoothing, avoiding and forcing if the issue turns out to be a w
lose situation.
5. Explain the
consequences of
project delays,
disruptions, and
changes to planned
activities and the
methods for claims
variations, liquidated
damages, contract
entitlements, and
arbitration.
After prior reading of the assignment, I got a sound idea about the list of cause
of project disruptions and delays. The delays can be caused by the client,
contractor, consultant, lack of material and equipment, labours and external
factors. The Chunnel Tunnel case helped me to assess the various consequenc
of the project delays such as lack of proper negotiation, dispute, cost overrun
and time overrun. I also came to know about the various methods of claim
variations such as risk, shared contracts and owner practices. The methods of
contract entitlement also helped me to learn several types of contracts such a
period, verbal and written contracts.
6. Evaluate project
management tools
that help avoid or
provide conflict
resolution via
negotiated solutions.
The case study of Central Artery and Tunnel (CA/T) Project helped me to
understand the various types of management tools that are used to address
conflicts and bring up solutions through negotiations. The case study helped m
to assess the various types of tools that were used such as JIRA, Basecamp and
Scoro. I was impressed by how the tools helped not to solve the symptoms bu
the underlying problem in general.
9 | P a g e

Week 2
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 2 Topic:
Theory of
Negotiation and
Negotiation in
Practice.
Alfredson T., &
Cungu
A. 2008. Negotia
tion Theory and
Practice;
Kerzner (2013)
Section
25.5 Managing
Troubled
Projects;
William Ury and
Robert Fisher
(2012) GETTING
TO YES:
Negotiating an
agreement
without giving
in;
YouTube:
Popular Videos –
Negotiation;
3. Differentiate
methods of project
negotiation, conflict
management, and
stakeholder
engagement across
projects consisting of
differing technology
standards and asset
lifecycles.
Based on my learning of unit material I have understood the importance of
negotiation in the life cycle of a project and also on the success and failure of a
project. Negotiation can be understood as an attempt to reach an agreement
and satisfaction of both the parties. Negotiation requires superior interperson
skills of the project manager and other stakeholders involved in negotiations.
There are many different methods or tools that are used to handle and
negotiate different situations. There is something called as Win-Win method in
which all the parties agree on a mutually agreed upon terms that keeps all the
parties satisfied. Both the parties win in a way. There is something called as W
lose in which one party win or loses completely. The viewpoints of one party i
negotiated against the other. This results in win-lose situation.
Conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement are other important aspects o
a project and has many tools in them to handle conflicts.
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
4.Explain and apply
methods of
identifying and
reconciling
inconsistent and
conflicting objectives
and drivers that
Communication is a key to a success of any project. There could be
communication happening at various levels in a project. Communication could
be with various stakeholders outside and inside the purview of a project.
Communication is also an important tool for stakeholder engagement. The
project manager needs to ensure a proper communication plan is in place to
ensure smooth running of the project all the time. Communication decides ho
well are the relationships with various stakeholders and how that will translat
in to completing the project on time.
10 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
develop, maintain,
mange relationships
and communication
with key
stakeholders.
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
5. Explain the
consequences of
project delays,
disruptions, and
changes to planned
activities and the
methods for claims
variations, liquidated
damages, contract
entitlements, and
arbitration.
The readings I did made me understand the difference between delay and
disruptions and how they can severely affect various other aspects of the
project. When a project is delayed it means it will be completed at a later stag
than what has been planned and when there is some disruption it means the
project has not been able to follow the action plan as was decided earlier by t
project management teams which could involve various stakeholders. These
variations could have severe affect on the time and cost variables of the proje
which could be and in most cases most certainly would be claimed. These claim
could turn a project into success or failure and sometimes requires a project
manager to even stop the project and in some cases the project cannot even b
stopped as there are some government regulations that needs to be followed
Not being able to stop a project means further losses.
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
6. Evaluate project
management tools
that help avoid or
provide conflict
resolution via
negotiated solutions.
Conflicts are a very usual in a life cycle of a project and depending on how wel
or poorly they are handled it will have serious impact on many other key
variables on a project. Conflicts are usually among various stakeholders and it
important to handle them at a very early stage before they escalate further an
affect other aspects of the project. To prevent this there is a conflict resolution
plan and there are many tools that are used to handle any conflict that arises
any point of time in the life cycle of a project. Some of the most common are
Forced way, collaborate, smooth, withdraw and compromise.
11 | P a g e

Week 3
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 3 Topic:
The Role of the
Project Manager
in Commercial
Negotiation.
Collaborative
Project
Procurement
Arrangements
(2015) by Derek
H. T. Walker and
Beverly M. Lloyd
Walker;
3. Differentiate
methods of project
negotiation, conflict
management and
stakeholder
engagement across
projects consisting of
differing technology
standards and asset
lifecycles.
The objective of this week’s topic is to make sure you have an appreciation of
the Role of the Project Manager in Commercial Negotiation.
Try to ask yourself the questions that were in the slides in the 3rd week’s
lecture:-
What role do you think the project manager has in commercial negotiation?
Commercial negotiation has been an important aspect of project
management. With the change in dynamics of environment these days
negotiation has become even more important part of managing a
project. Before going ahead on this I would like to mention what a
process of negotiation is and why it is important for the success or failu
of a project. Negotiation is a skill or more appropriately an act in which
the negotiators from two more parties come together and discuss the
scope of agreement in order to reach a mutually satisfying option or m
go in favour of one or the another or in favour of both. Negotiation is a
skill which is developed over the time and researchers have increasingl
started to accept the importance of it as a skill and in fact value it more
than the technical skills of a project manager. Technical skills are easier
to learn but negotiation skills take years of practice and time to develo
This makes it even more sought after for a project. Project managers pl
different roles at different times and as per the situation demands. A
project manager play the role of a negotiator or a mediator or an
arbitrator, depending on what the situation demands and what role he
has been assigned. When a project manager acts as a negotiator he is
trying to negotiate to protect the interest of the organization he is
representing. He negotiates to ensure all the interests and objective ar
achieved in the process of negotiating with the other parties. When the
project manager is playing the role of a mediator, he is acting as a
neutral party where his job is to ensure he facilitates a process which
outlines an agreement between the parties. When the project manage
is acting as an arbitrator, he is acting as a chosen judge who can try to
use his authority to force the parties in negotiation to reach to an
agreement between them.
Does that role vary according to the type of project?
Yes, the role varies as per the type of the project the project manager i
involved in. However, the fundamental requirement remains the same
which is how to negotiate better with the stakeholders in commercial
settings.
12 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Does that role vary according to the type of industry or domain?
Yes, it is done as mentioned above. Industry changes the variables
involved in the purview of negotiations and the context of it.
Does that role vary according to where the person is in the organisation i.e.
project manager, program manager, portfolio manager?
Yes, it does in terms of the scope of the project duty. A program
manager would have a broader context of negotiation as compared to
project manager or a portfolio manager
What does the material in this week have to do with the Chunnel Project?
Tunnel project is a project in which governments were involved and
requires a very complex process of negotiations amongst the
governments. The bigger the project and its complexities the more
important is negotiation a part of it.
How does this week’s topic relate to the previous weeks topics?
What is Relationship-based Procurement (RBP)?
Relationship based procurement involves dealing with the procuremen
process by maintaining relationships with various stakeholders of the
supply chain process. Building relationship keeping in mind the long-te
interest of the organizations is the basis of this.
What does Procurement have to do with Negotiation?
Procurement involves negotiation at every step by fixing prices in the
interest of the company.
In what way does the engagement of the Project Manager vary according to
the level (1, 2, & 3)?
Different levels decide different scope of the duties of the project
managers. Level 1 involves the PM in the technical side of the project.
Level 2 involves the PM with a broader scope of the duties of PM while
level 3 involves the PM with even broader communities and organizatio
Have you spent any more time with YouTube and do you have any more
reflections you wish to write about?
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
4. Explain and apply
methods of
13 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
identifying and
reconciling
inconsistent and
conflicting objectives
and drivers that
develop, maintain,
mange relationships
and communication
with key
stakeholders.
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
5. Explain the
consequences of
project delays,
disruptions, and
changes to planned
activities and the
methods for claims
variations, liquidated
damages, contract
entitlements, and
arbitration.
Are any of the
activities above
relevant to your
reflections for
the learning
outcomes on the
right?
6. Evaluate project
management tools
that help avoid or
provide conflict
resolution via
negotiated solutions.
14 | P a g e

Week 4
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 4 Topic:
Managing
Stakeholders'
Commercial
Interests vs.
Stakeholders'
Political
Interests.
Collaborative
Project
Procurement
Arrangements
(2015) by Derek
H. T. Walker and
Beverly M. Lloyd
Walker;
3. Differentiate
methods of project
negotiation, conflict
management, and
stakeholder
engagement across
projects consisting of
differing technology
standards and asset
lifecycles.
This week has been a lot of reading about the various approaches in
managing the project.
There are many approaches that could help the project managers to be
able to manage their projects in a more organized way. It also gives the
an overall view of the where there is project is heading and what the
project is all about. Different approaches address the project view in
different ways and is focussed on looking at the project from different
perspectives.
One of them is about NCTP which is also knows as Diamond perspectiv
The Diamond perspective analyse the project on four different aspects
namely novelty, complexity, Technology and Pace of the project. Based
on all these four a diagram is drawn which reflects the project status
based on all these four variables. The novelty is that aspect of the proje
where it is determined what the project is aiming at doing? Is it trying t
develop or extend the already existing product or service, is it trying to
develop a new range of the same product or is aiming at getting the
innovation done at a totally new level. Based on all these three the
novelty aspect of the project is determined. Second one is about the
complexity of the project which has three different elements which are
assembly of various elements of the system to form a component, then
getting various component to form a system and complex systems to
form an array. The other aspects are technology and the pace of the
project. Technology address the need for new technologies in the proje
and pace address the need for how urgently the product or service is
required. It could be regular if there is no such urgency in finishing the
project, then there us urgent in which there is an urgency in the projec
and then there is super urgent which is even more time oriented. Base
on all these four components a diamond graph is drawn which depicts
what shape the project takes. It’s a very good way to get an effective w
to look at the project.
There is another approach which is called Identity Perspective: - This
approach deals with fixing up the identity in the project. Usually the
identity is not revealed until the last or until the completion of the
project. Identity of the project is very important as it allows the team to
be more engaged and motivated to do their best and make the project
success. The more they identify themselves with the project the better
is for the project success. It has been seen however there are many
times when the project is able to have its identification, but it gets lost
the project moves ahead. This could be something that the researchers
need to look in to.
15 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
There are many other approaches that can be used to address the
projects in various ways. Another one that I read about Is four quadran
perspective which sees the project in terms of how well defined their
goals and objectives are and how clear are the methods to achieve tho
goals are. Accordingly, it distinguishes the projects in Earth, Water, Air
and Fire.
16 | P a g e

Week 5
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 5 Topic:
Communicating
in Commercial
Negotiation vs.
Project
Communication.
Collaborative
Project
Procurement
Arrangements
(2015) by Derek
H. T. Walker and
Beverly M. Lloyd
Walker;
This week study was based on various different views
which are considered before going ahead with making an
decision in the organization. What areas and factors are
considered and are involved with not just making a
decision to do something but also how a project is
governed. What different features are involved that
decides a project stays on track and becomes successful
for running the company successfully. One of such
important decision that the management takes enormous
insight into before making a choice is the decision to
whether to outsource a product or service externally or to
let it be done internally. This decision is taken based on
different priorities of a company. There are three main
rationale discussed in the suggested readings which
outlines the reason for making such the choices that are
made. The first one is called the economic logic. The
economic logic rationale is based on the view that a cost
an important factor to consider before going ahead and
making a choice. The management or higher authorities
responsible for making a decision can decide to choose to
not engage their resources in a new project as they may
already be involved in some other important project whic
will require them to use their resources. This allocating
resources to a new project could actually mean more cos
for the organization indirectly. It means that a decision w
be taken considering cost as an important aspect and
hence the name economic logic. The other one is called
strategic logic in which the company objectives are of
utmost priority. The company has a priority
objective which will be the criterion to make a decision. If
the decision to outsource the product or service is taken
would be keeping in mind the objectives of the company.
May be the company wants to focus their resources
elsewhere. If the decision is taken to develop the product
or service internally, then it will again be to keep the
company objectives on priority. There is another third typ
of rationale which is called pragmatic rationale. In this the
decisions are based on the only option left to choose. The
decision is politically motivated and focus on the benefits
and interests of the voters in this case. These
decisions does not consider the cost or the objectives of
the company but totally based on the last option which is
17 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
left to take.
There is something called as project governance which
defines the various aspect involved with governing the
project. Muller explained these aspects and defined the
governance of project as a framework that involves takin
decisions which are ethical and implementing those
decision in the form of actions which are transparent and
accountable. This is very important for the smooth
running of the organization as a while and of course the
projects. Transparency and accountability keep the
employees and staff very motivated as it builds up trust i
them towards the management and each other. Its more
like a way to address rules and regulations issues.
18 | P a g e

Week 6
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
3. Differentiate
methods of project
negotiation, conflict
management, and
stakeholder
engagement across
projects consisting of
differing technology
standards and asset
lifecycles.
This weeks suggested reading is about various different human qualitie
and how they affect the running of a business or an organization. The
suggested readings discuss trust and commitment and its role in the co
saving. Trust is an important factor and is about the confidence betwee
two people about something. When there is trust between people, its
easier to maintain the working in an organization. There is no need to
have a check on each other and not even a system that keeps checks o
individuals. This will even do cost saving for the company else they will
have to spend money on building such a system will keep checks on
every single activity of the individuals.
Similarly, there is something called as collaborative frameworks.
Collaborative framework talks about working together to achieve
common goals in the project and this working together and collaborati
framework ensures knowledge creation and sharing. The knowledge
created by exploration and then exploited in the process of sharing
ensures that there is smooth running of operations in the organization.
The other topic of discussion this week was co-Learning which involves
coming together of various employees and ensuring they work togethe
on a common goal. They may work parallel with each other or in a
sequence one after another but still towards a common goal. The othe
important aspect was social capital. Social capital works like a glue to
have a stable and smooth running of various aspects of the system. The
important parts here are building networks, social trust etc. These are
very important for the smooth running of the operations all the time.
There is another important aspect which has been discussed this week
about humility. Humility is understanding that there could be different
ways of looking at the same thing which means different ways of
interpreting the same thing. Humility is accepting this fact and
accordingly fix your actions. This is important for the fairness of the
system.
19 | P a g e

Week 7
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
If there ever is a disagreement between various two or more parties, w
call it dispute. A dispute is where each party thinks his interests are bei
over stepped by the other party and he enforces his point to protect
those interests by showing disapproval. There are many ways to resolv
a disputes and negotiation is one of them. Different parties involved in
the dispute will have different understanding of their interests and hen
will keep different points in their negotiation process. It could lead to a
Win-Win situation in which both the parties are able to reach to an
agreement where both of them can protect their interests or it could b
a win-lose situation where one party manages to get the negotiation to
lead to a decision in their own favour. Irrespective of what result is
reached, negotiation allows an opportunity for all the parties involved
sit together and attempt to reach to an agreement. There is a claims
process which means to pay to the other party for some damages in th
deal. This payment could be in monetary terms or otherwise. Then the
is another process called as arbitration process. Arbitration allows the
various teams to be able to settle their disputes without having the nee
to escalate the process further. Arbitration is an involvement of a third
party which is responsible for making decision on behalf of all the parti
in case there is a dispute or conflict between them. Arbitration facilitat
negotiation and allows the parties to reach to an agreement where all
are happy with this agreement. But in case an agreement is not being
reached then the person or body who is responsible for arbitration and
acting as an arbitrator has the authority to make a decision on behalf o
the parties. The arbitrator can even enforce the decision and all the
parties are liable to agree with it. Steps must be taken to avoid
arbitration as it could be a time consuming and costly process. To avoid
such disputes and claims, the organizations have their own internal
dispute resolution departments. Their job is to ensure that the dispute
are handled in the company itself before going out in arbitration proce
leading to the damage to the business reputation.
There have been lot of theories about the biasedness of our thoughts,
ideas, experiences and limitations of our perspectives and then
accordingly seeing the world in a very limited way. Even researchers
have different view of the world and this is what effects their researche
too. Imagine a scientist has a perspective which is limited, his limited
perspective on his subject will give him a very limited ability to interpre
things. Limited perspective will be able to establish a limited
understanding of truth. Different perspective in the world leads to
20 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
different truth on the same subject by the different researchers. Its
important that the perspectives are enhanced so that there is better
interpretation and hence more deeper understanding of the subject.
21 | P a g e

Week 8
Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
Week 8 Topic:
Commercial
Negotiation in
Government vs.
Private
Organisations.
Collaborative
Project
Procurement
Arrangements
(2015) by Derek
H. T. Walker and
Beverly M. Lloyd
Walker;
There is a huge difference in the way the government
organizations and private organizations function. The differenc
is however not just limited to how they operate but even in ho
they are structured. The big decision makers are even the
democratically elected people who makes decisions on behalf o
the people. The government organizations focus their actions o
the interest and concerns of the people however the private
organization are more towards making profits for themselves.
The government organizations have a different agendas and
goals as compared to private organizations and as there are too
many stakeholders involved these goals and agendas are not
very clear. This is not so in the case of private organizations
where the goals and plan is much more clear and effective. The
hiring and firing process in the government organizations is ver
lengthy and cumbersome as there are a lot of stakeholders
involved in making a decision and even the process is so tediou
This is however not the case with private organizations where
the hiring and firing both are very direct and straight forward
process. Whenever in a private organization they feel the need
to hire some person for a particular role, they won’t spend mu
time in doing that and would address it straight away through a
set process which is direct and straight forward. This makes the
whole process a very fast and effective way.
Other important factor which must be taken care of is the
accountability in which the government organization has a very
strict way of regulating their processes. There has to be
accountability at almost every stage which is strict, and which
makes the process even more lengthy and cumbersome. This is
again due to the fact that the government organizations are ru
on the tax funded money and the process should be transparen
not just inside the organization but also outside. This is howeve
not the case with private organizations where the accountabilit
is only limited to within the organization. Relationship based
procurement involves dealing with the procurement process by
maintaining relationships with various stakeholders of the supp
chain process. Building relationship keeping in mind the long-
term interest of the organizations is the basis of this.
Procurement involves negotiation at every step by fixing prices
the interest of the company. Different levels decide different
scope of the duties of the project managers. Level 1 involves th
22 | P a g e

Description of
topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes of
the unit
Learnings from your experience, this and prior
unit reading, assignments
PM in the technical side of the project. Level 2 involves the PM
with a broader scope of the duties of PM while level 3 involves
the PM with even broader communities and organization
23 | P a g e

Week 9
Descriptio
n of topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes
of the unit
Learnings from your experience, this
and prior unit reading, assignments
Supporting
documenta
tion
including
your prior
learning
Week 9
Topic:
Applying
Project
Management
Standards
and
Frameworks.
3. Differentiate
methods of
project
negotiation,
conflict
management,
and stakeholder
engagement
across projects
consisting of
differing
technology
standards and
asset lifecycles.
Project framework and standards are the concepts which are the
back bone of the whole project management process. Defining what
a framework is and understanding it is a very important part of
executing a project successfully. In this week’s study we studied
about this core concept and developed an understanding as to what
project framework is and how it effects the project in general. A
project framework is a structure on which a project stands. It is a
building material that gives the shape to a whole project. It’s like a
bridge between the success and failure. It’s very important that there
is an in-depth understanding of this by the decision makers to ensure
a project is a success. There are many different types of frameworks
and choosing the right one based on the requirement and needs of
the project is absolutely necessary to ensure the project does not fall
in to confusions and instability and ends up being a failure. The
choice of framework has an impact on the project. However even the
roles of the project stakeholders and understanding of knowledge
areas also has an impact on the project. A deeper understanding of
the various project roles and their impact and similarly various
knowledge areas and their impact will help the project manager to
steer through the project effortlessly by making good decisions.
There are various roles in the project performed at different levels by
different stakeholders. Some of the important ones which effect the
project directly could be project manager, Project sponsors, Subject
matter experts, Executive committee etc. Each role has its own
independent effect on the project and a decision maker must
understand how each role impacts the project. In the same way there
are different knowledge areas an understanding of which will decide
how they will impact a project and the future of the project would
be. Before making the decision of choosing a framework, a decision
maker must understand the importance of understanding the
strengths and weaknesses of the different frameworks and how these
strengths and weakness will impact a project.
Choice of project framework also has an effect on the negotiation
process. Negotiation process is mainly concerned with the cost of the
project, what the scope of the project will be and when the project
will be scheduled. These things are also effected by the project
framework and hence the project negotiation process is also
effected.
24 | P a g e

Descriptio
n of topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes
of the unit
Learnings from your experience, this
and prior unit reading, assignments
Supporting
documenta
tion
including
your prior
learning
25 | P a g e

Week 10
Descriptio
n of topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes
of the unit
Learnings from your experience, this
and prior unit reading, assignments
Supporting
documenta
tion
including
your prior
learning
What are contracts and why are they important for the
smooth running of the project. Understanding contracts
is an important aspect of handling the projects. There
are various types of contracts that may be important and
addresses the various needs of the project. Let’s first
understand what are they? Contracts is nothing but an
understanding of the deal on both the sides. There may
be more than two parties involved. Writing the terms
and conditions of the contract formally is what a
contract is all about. This is done to ensure that there is
no conflict on most of the things in the project at a later
stage. To formally define this a contract is a written
agreement and understanding of terms and conditions of
the deal between two or more parties involved in the
deal.
There could be many different types of contracts that
exist, and each contract has its own way to address the
requirements of handling a project. One of the most
important type of contract is Memorandum of
understanding, Material transfer, Noon disclosure
agreement etc.
For the channel tunnel the most important contract that
was signed was the memorandum of understanding
which was signed between the governments of the
participating countries. This was more like a declaration
of their intent and also their commitment with all the
terms and conditions to tell that they are committed to
doing this project in a group. There was another
important contract which was about material transfer in
which it was signed to declare and agree that all the
projects resources will be shared with each other.
There are different stages in a project like developing,
formalization, arrangement and management and finally
the closing of the agreement. This is to ensure that it
runs successfully at various stages just like a project has
a lifecycle.
26 | P a g e

Descriptio
n of topics
including
reading
samples
Learning
outcomes
of the unit
Learnings from your experience, this
and prior unit reading, assignments
Supporting
documenta
tion
including
your prior
learning
27 | P a g e