Explain the stages of the project lifecycle (PLC) & explain the importance of each stage to the success of a project

Assignment Brief Guideline

May - August 2025

Managing a Successful Business Project

The purpose of this assignment is to take an in-depth look at the impact AI can have on any functional area in a chosen business organisation. The first scenario deals with theoretical aspects of project management.  Scenarios 2 and 3 focuses on the implementation of the project and Scenario 4 centres on the reflective exercise.  

You must plan and structure your work (proper titles and sub-headings) to cover all requirements of the assignment brief. Do not use the exact wordings of the learning outcomes as your headings- paraphrase. 

Note the word limits mentioned in the assignment brief for each section.

Guidance for sections:

THEORETICAL APPLICATION

• P1: Explain the stages of the project lifecycle (PLC) & explain the importance of each stage to the success of a project. (500 words)

• P2:  Examine the factors to be considered when compiling a project management plan (scope, cost, Risk, communication and timelines) (400 words)

• P3:  Examine at least 4 different research methods and strategies and their importance to project management. (400 words)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

P4, P5, P6, P7 & P8 (Note: please provide all these tasks in one report)

You have to work on the following project in a chosen organisation (choose a UK based small/medium enterprise; sample size 10-20- comprising middle-level managers and/or general staff, not CEO or directors)

Provide brief introduction to the topic and project (150 words) including a mini literature review (200 words)

Provide a project management plan for this project that should include the following points:(600 words)

• Aims and (three) Objectives of the project

• Deliverables,

• Expected quality of the outcomes

• Risk involved in conduct and completion of project

• Communication between the stakeholders (why is it needed, how will it take place and how often)

• Resources required for the project

• Budget and Cost Breakdown for the Project

• Research methods that are used for the project

Produce a work breakdown structure

1. Produce a Gantt Chart for the project

2. Develop a questionnaire with 5-10 questions at least

3. Selected sample method and sample size of 10-20 participants

4. Collect data from your sample and analyse the data using learned techniques

5. Provide conclusion of your findings. (200 words)

6. Make recommendations based on your findings (200 words)

7. Complete the performance review (self-reflection exercise) using template in Appendix 2, stating how this project has enhanced your own learning and performance. This should be based on your experience from undertaking this project (500 words).