Professional Development Experience Project Workbook BUSN08033

This professional development project workbook documents the creation of a social enterprise aimed at aiding the homeless. The project encompasses various stages, starting with defining the project's aims and objectives, including SMART goals focused on reducing homelessness and ensuring responsible fund allocation. It details the project's planning phase, outlining activities, durations, and dependencies using a Gantt chart. Further sections delve into stakeholder analysis, the application of the Iron Triangle (scope, time, cost), and Deming's PDCA cycle for continuous improvement. Challenges encountered during the project, such as time and budget constraints, are addressed with solutions like Agile methodologies. The workbook also reflects on skills development and the application of project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project. This document is intended to provide insights into project management and professional development practices.

Professional
Development
Experience (1)
Workbook
BUSN08033
Banner Number:
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Contents
Session 1: Introduction to Module:.......................................................................................................3
Session 2: Defining Your Project............................................................................................................4
Project Proposal:................................................................................................................................5
Session 3: Planning Your Project:...........................................................................................................6
Gantt Chart of Project Timeline:........................................................................................................7
Session 4: Project Proposal Submission Week.......................................................................................9
Session 5: Project Background: Context and Stakeholders..................................................................10
5.1: Project Research:......................................................................................................................10
Session 6: The Iron Triangle – Part 1....................................................................................................12
Session 7: The Iron Triangle – Part 2....................................................................................................13
Week 8: Monitoring Your Project........................................................................................................14
Week 9: Skills Development................................................................................................................15
Week 10: Monitoring Your Project......................................................................................................17
Week 11: Final Review of Your Project................................................................................................18
Week 12: Project Workbook Submission.............................................................................................19
References:..........................................................................................................................................19
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Session 1: Introduction to Module:
Think about the kind of project you would like to work on for this module. Make some notes in the
box below:
For this module I have been working on the project which is on an organization that will be raising
money from its operations to help homeless people by providing them accommodation and
education. My main objective from this business has been to help those people which do not have
jobbed and have lost their homes and are forced to live on the streets. For this project my
business that will be made for social service will have its actual operation on the internet.
Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses project management; put a link to it in the box below.
What is Project Management?, 2022[Online]. Available through:
<https://www.pmi.org/about/learn-about-pmi/what-is-project-management>
What is the main point made in this resource?
In this resource the concept of the project management has been explained. This resource
explains use how with the help of software an improved business process can be constructed.
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
In this project we prepared an organization with the name of Nova which has the main purpose of
providing social services. However, it orders to do that our organization needed to generate some
income or donation. As the business model of this organization was digital it was able to reach
different coffee shops in the state. With the help of collaboration of this organization with the
coffee companies like Costa coffee, Pret and Manger the Nova was able to ask for a certain
number of income.
What did I learn?
My experience from the preparation of this project was very versatile in which I was able to
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develop a clear understanding of how to operate a business on online platforms. I also understood
the ways in which the services can be provided can be provided for the Nova organization to raise
their money.
How can I apply this to my project?
The use of project management software that is learned allowed me to create a project and also
the time line for the management of the activities that are going to be involved in the preparation
of the project.
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Session 2: Defining Your Project
What do I want to do for my project?
I want to provide proper social services to the homeless people with the help of this project.
Where are you going to do your project?
I will be doing this project on the Microsoft project software.
What type of project is it going to be?
It is going to be a social project management project in which the consideration of achieving the
social objectives will be the key to the success.
How does it link to learning to date?
The learning which I have been able to generate till date is regarding the ways in which I have
been able to develop effective understanding of the organizational operations.
Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses S.M.A.R.T. objectives; put a link to it in the box below.
Which SMART Objectives definition should I use?, 2020[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.clearreview.com/resources/guides/which-smart-objectives-definition-should-i-use/>
What is the main point made in this resource?
The main point of this resource is what are SMART Objectives.
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
We prepared a project on an organization that will provide social services to the homeless people.
What did I learn?
We were able to learn how to manage project with the help of proper time line.
How can I apply this to my project?
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We can apply this with the help of project management tools.
Project Proposal:
Using the space below write your project proposal:
Project Aim:
The aim is to create a business for helping people in the society who are homeless.
Project Objectives: (S.M.A.R.T.)
S- To decrease the number of homeless people in the society
M- Make sure there are not more then 1% people which are homeless in the society.
A -To ensure that the funds are transferred to the right individuals.
R – To provide the food and shelter to the needy.
T – To achieve the targets within a year.
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Session 3: Planning Your Project:
Using the Table below create a list of all the activities you believe you will need to achieve to
complete your project. Consider the order and duration each of the activities will take.
Sequence Activity Duration
1 Project Initiation 5 days
2 Selection of topic 1 day
3 Mission 1 day
4 Vision 1 day
5 Smart Objectives 2 days
6 Project Planning 16 days
7 Budget 3 days
8 Creating Infrastructure 4 days
9 Delegation of work 4 days
10 Establishing Internet connection 5 days
11 Project Execution 35 days
12 Approaching clients 10 days
13 Providing Promotions 5 days
14 Providing social services 20 days
15 Project Monitoring 11 days
16 Analysation of resources 4 days
17 Monitoring funds 5 days
18 Feedbacks 2 days
19 Project Closure 4 days
20 Modification in areas 2 days
21 Creating of changes 1 day
22 Submitting 1 day
Using this list of activities and some appropriate software create a Gantt chart of your project’s
timeline.
Insert your completed Gantt chart on the page below:
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Gantt Chart of Project Timeline:
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Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses using Gantt charts in project management; put a link to it in the box
below.
What is Gantt chart? – Definition, Benefits & Tools 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.proofhub.com/articles/gantt-charts />
What is the main point made in this resource?
This resource explains what Gantt Chart actually is.
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
We prepare Gantt chart for the discussing the steps and the activities which are needed to be
completed.
What did I learn?
We learn how to manage the time and activities.
How can I apply this to my project?
This has been used in the project for finding the activities which are needed to be completed.
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Session 4: Project Proposal Submission Week
This week you need to ensure that you have:
Completed your proposal and submitted it via e-mail to
Completed your proposed project activity plan in your workbook.
Completed your proposed project timeline on a Gantt chart.
Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses Project Stakeholders; put a link to it in the box below.
What is a project stakeholder?, 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.teamwork.com/project-management-guide/project-stakeholders/
#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Project%20Management,execution%20or%20successful
%20project%20completion.%E2%80%9D>
What is the main point made in this resource?
This resource explains who are the project stakeholders.
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
We analyse the groups, individuals and organization that are needed to be considered before the
preparation of the project.
What did I learn?
We learn from this about the individuals, group and organization have interests in this project.
How can I apply this to my project?
We can use this to understand the effectiveness of our project.
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Session 5: Project Background: Context and
Stakeholders
This week we considered the organisational context and stakeholders to your project
Who is the project for?
Homeless people
What do you do/do at
work?
I am project manager
What do you know about
the sector you work in?
It has the purpose of providing social services rather than earning
profit.
What parts of the
organisation does your
project affect?
It affects the management, operations and results.
5.1: Project Research:
This week find out about your chosen sector/organisation/employer; place some links to relevant
background information in the box below:
Link 1: < https://www.trynova.org/>
Link 2: < https://www.legalmomentum.org/referral-directory/national-organization-victim-
assistance-nova>
Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses using “The Iron Triangle” in project management.; put a link to it in
the box below.
What is the Iron Triangle of Project Management?, 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.villanovau.com/resources/project-management/iron-triangle-project-
management/>
What is the main point made in this resource?
This explains how to use Iron Triangle for project management
Personal Reflection:
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What did we do?
We used this Iron Triangle for flexibility matrix.
What did I learn?
We learn tat project manager needs flexibility in the project with help of this project.
How can I apply this to my project?
I can apply this to the project with schedule, Scope and Budget.
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Session 6: The Iron Triangle – Part 1
What is the scope/quality implications for your project?
It has the scope of influencing customers into donating for social services.
How will you measure these?
This can be measured with the help of total collection.
What are the time implications for your project?
Schedule, scope and Budget
How will you measure these?
This will be measured by monitoring and controlling.
What are the cost implications for your project?
They are managed.
How will you measure these?
From the impact they create.
Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses using Deming’s P.D.C.A. in project management; put a link to it in
the box below.
WHAT IS THE PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT (PDCA) CYCLE?, 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://asq.org/quality-resources/pdca-cycle>
What is the main point made in this resource?
What is PDCA cycle
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
We follow this cycle
What did I learn?
We learn how to use it in project
How can I apply this to my project?
We apply this by Plan,Do, Check and ACt
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Session 7: The Iron Triangle – Part 2
Now that you have found out about Deming’s “Plan, Do, Check, Act” revisit your project aim and
objectives to re-evaluate their relevance. Will you be able to monitor your project outcomes in
terms of “quality, cost and time” and, if so, how will you do this?
Yes
Personal Research:
Find another resource that discusses using Deming’s P.D.C.A. in project management; put a link to
it in the box below.
Definition of Deming Cycle, PDCA:, 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/deming-cycle-pdca/>
What is the main point made in this resource?
It defined Deming cycle, PDCA
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
Utilized Deming cycle
What did I learn?
We learn to use this cycle
How can I apply this to my project?
With the help of continuous improvement.
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Week 8: Monitoring Your Project
What challenges have you encountered on your project to date?
Time and Money shortage
How did you resolve these?
Increasing efficiency
What methods/tools did you use to do this?
We used Agile methodology and Project management.
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
We reflected what we did
What did I learn?
We learn that there can be improvements
How can I apply this to my project?
By practicing.
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Week 9: Skills Development
Over the last few weeks, you have gathered further information about various tools for project
management from external sources which should have supported your projected.
In the box below explain how some of these tools have been applied to your work.
 Asana.
 Trello.
 Workzone.
 ProofHub.
 MeisterTask.
 Monday.com.
 Teamwork.
 Podio.
 Mircosoft project management
When thinking about skills and personal development at the University of the West of Scotland a
useful resource is the University’s graduate attributes. These are a set of skills, personal qualities and
understanding that are developed during your studies to prepare you for work in the 21st Century.
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Personal Research:
Find a resource that discusses Personal Development; put a link to it in the box below.
What is Personal Development?:, 2021[Online]. Available through: <
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/personal-development.html>
What is the main point made in this resource?
Explained Personal development
Personal Reflection:
What new skills have I developed?
Self actualization
What evidence do I have that I have applied them?
Physiological needs
How do these relate to the graduate attributes?
the path to self-actualisation involves being in touch with your feelings, experiencing life fully and
with total concentration
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Week 10: Monitoring Your Project
What other challenges have you encountered on your project to date?
Delegation of work
How did you resolve these?
By leadership
What methods/tools did you use to do this?
Teamwork
Personal Reflection:
What did we do?
Created a project
What did I learn?
How to create one
How can I apply this to my project?
With time and money.
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Week 11: Final Review of Your Project
Use the box below to reflect back over the last eleven weeks. If you were going to do this project
again what would you do differently?
My project related to the social service has been prepared with the reference to the ideas and
concepts that are discussed in this resource. This is helpful for learning the key basics of the
project management and also understand the ways in which it can be used.
Did you achieve what you set out to do? Have you met the aim and objectives you originally set?
Yes I did achieve the aims and objectives
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Week 12: Project Workbook Submission
Check off that you have completed the following activities:
Completed all sections of your workbook
Submitted your workbook onto Turnitin by Friday 12 noon, 20th August 2021.
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