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1. Comprehensively discuss the complexity and interlink of the operations of managing construction projects

Coursework Assignment Brief

Assessment - Postgraduate

Academic Year 2024-25

Module Title: Project Management Methods

Module Code: BNV7130

Assessment Type

Coursework

Level

7

Weighting

100%

Word Count/Workload

3000 words

Submission Date

17th January 2025

Submission Time

11:59 PM (SL Time)

Module Leader

Time Limit

Assessment Information

Assessment Summary (with type)

For this assignment, you need to present a portfolio that covers 3 topics / themes from this module. In the portfolio, you need to demonstrate your understanding of the project management theories and elaborate how you can apply them in practice.

Assessment Title

Project Management Methods Portfolio

Things to include:

  • 3 distinctive topics / themes covered in this module

  • critically evaluate the current construction practice

  • identify the challenges / problems in practice

  • explore possible solutions

  • critically discuss the implications to the industry and practitioners to demonstrate your understanding of the complexity in construction project management

 

Completion of this assessment will address the following learning outcomes:

1

Comprehensively discuss the complexity and interlink of the operations of managing construction projects

2

Clearly identify and analyse the issues, restraints and challenges managing construction projects

3

Competently examine and apply theories and methods into managing construction projects

4

Critically evaluate the effectiveness of construction project management methods in practice

Submission Information

Present any written aspects of the assessment using font size 11 and using 1.5 spacing to allow for comments and annotations to be added by the markers.

Complete the appropriate cover sheet for this assessment and append your work.

This assessment will be marked anonymously and should show your student number only. Submit this coursework assessment task via Moodle.

Late Submission

Assessments must be submitted in the format specified in the assessment task, by the deadline and to the submission point published on Moodle. Failure to submit by the published deadline will result in penalties which are set out in Section 6 of the Academic Regulations, available at: https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Quality-Enhancement-and-Inclusion/Quality-Assurance-and-Enhancement/Academic-Regulations

Word Count

The maximum word count for this module assessment is shown on Page 1. A +10% margin of tolerance is applied, beyond which nothing further will be marked. Marks cannot be awarded for any learning outcomes addressed outside the word count.

The word count refers to everything in the main body of the text (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists etc.). Everything before (i.e. contents table etc.) and after (i.e. references, etc) is not included in the word count limit. 

Referencing Style

  • BCU Harvard

More information on referencing is available here: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/library/services-and-support/referencing

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Whilst AI tools can be helpful in assisting learning, when it comes to assessment, the Academic Misconduct Procedure is clear that this should be a student’s own original work and not the work of other people or AI tools.

The Use of AI Tools – Student Guidelines document follows the same guidelines your lecturers use. If you are unsure of whether AI is appropriate within your work, please read the guidelines or ask your lecturer. For advice and guidance around academic writing, please visit the Centre for Academic Success.

Academic Integrity Guidance

Academic integrity is the attitude of approaching your academic work honestly, by completing and submitting your own original work, attributing and acknowledging your sources when necessary. Understanding good academic practice in written and oral work is a key element of academic integrity. It is a positive aspect of joining an academic community, showing familiarity with and acknowledging sources of evidence. The skills you require at higher education may differ from those learned elsewhere such as school or college.

You will be required to follow specific academic conventions which include acknowledging the work of others through appropriate referencing and citation as explicitly as possible. If you include ideas or quotations that have not been appropriately acknowledged, this may be seen as plagiarism which is a form of academic misconduct. If you require support around referencing, please contact the Centre for Academic Success

It is important to recognise that seeking out learning around academic integrity will help reduce the risk of misconduct in your work. Skills such as paraphrasing, referencing and citation are integral to acting with integrity and you can develop and advance these key academic skills through the Centre for Academic Success (CAS).

To learn more about academic integrity and its importance at university, you can access CAS resources on Moodle. Furthermore, you can book on to workshops and request 1-2-1 support around key academic skills.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is conduct that has or may have the effect of providing you with an unfair advantage by relying on dishonest means to gain advantage and which therefore compromises your academic integrity.

The Academic Misconduct procedure sets out the process we will follow, and the penalties we may apply, in cases where we believe you may have compromised your academic integrity by committing academic misconduct. The Academic Misconduct Procedure and information about academic support is available at: https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Student-Affairs/Appeals-and-Resolutions/Academic-Misconduct-Procedure

Task: You need to present a portfolio that covers 3 distinctive topics / themes from this module. In the portfolio, you need to demonstrate your understanding of the project management theories and elaborate how you can apply them in practice. You are encouraged to use your own project experience and/or real life project examples to contextualise your research, critically reflect upon the current construction practice, and derive your own innovative solutions.

Style: Coursework / Portfolio

Rationale: As this module covers a very wide range of topics relevant to the whole life cycle of a construction project, portfolio is chosen for its assessment so you can demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and understandings of various aspects of construction project management.

Description: For your portfolio, you need to choose 3 distinctive topics / themes covered in the lectures of this module, and critically discuss their application in construction project management. Based on broad reading and research, you need to critically evaluate the current construction practice, identify the challenges / problems, and explore possible solutions and the implications to the industry and practitioners to demonstrate your understanding of the complexity in construction project management. You may choose to focus on the UK or offer a more international flavour if you wish. And you are encouraged to use your own or real-life projects / experience as case studies for your discussion and analysis.

The work presented should assume an informed audience, i.e. somebody already familiar with the lecture material that has been presented. There is no need for detailed explanations of basic definitions and concepts.

Additional information:

Portfolio is a relatively flexible assessment format which can suit your individual learning style and requirements. Instead of submitting one big piece of work, you need to build up a file by completing a series of smaller pieces (in this case, 3) throughout the module. You can use the following formats in your portfolio (one format for all 3 topics or different formats for different topics):

  • an essay;

  • a critique of a journal paper;

  • a project review / report;

  • a critical discussion on a piece of news;

  • a reflective journal of the progress of your understanding on one subject / topic;

  • an audio recording;

  • a video clip.

Your portfolio can use the following structure:

  • introduction

  • topic 1 – (description and discussion and analysis of your chosen topic)

  • topic 2 – as above

  • topic 3 – as above

  • conclusion

  • list of references used (not included in word count)

You may be invited to take the ‘In-person’ assessment (i.e. viva) when necessary and appropriate.

For advice on writing style, referencing and academic skills, please make use of the Centre for Academic Success: Centre for Academic Success - student support | Birmingham City University (bcu.ac.uk)

Transferable skills:

  • Time management

  • Academic writing

  • Referencing

Marking Criteria:

Table of Assessment Criteria and Associated Grading Criteria

Learning Outcomes

1

Comprehensively discuss the complexity and interlink of the operations of managing construction projects.

2

Clearly identify and analyse the issues, restraints and challenges in managing construction projects.

3

Competently examine and apply theories and methods into managing construction projects.

4

Critically evaluate the effectiveness of construction project management methods in practice.

 

Assessment Criteria

Contents

Analysis

English

Referencing

Weighting:

40%

40%

10%

10%

Grading Criteria

0-29% F

All of the topics are irrelevant to the module. Inadequate depth and incorrect or irrelevant material.

Entirely descriptive. Failing to properly address the questions posed in the assignment brief.

Poorly structured and written, with many errors in grammar, spelling. Not presented professionally.

No reference is used or wrongly used.

30 – 39% E

Majority of the topics are irrelevant to the module. Inadequate depth and incorrect or irrelevant

material.

Mainly descriptive. Failing to properly address the questions posed in the assignment

brief.

Poorly structured and written, with many errors in grammar, spelling. Not presented professionally.

Referencing style inconsistent and sparse. Harvard approach not correctly used.

40 – 49% D

Not all the topics are relevant to the module. Very basic coverage of material relevant to topics but descriptive nature and with errors, inaccuracies or misunderstanding.

Some limited development of ideas present. Heavily dependent on an uncritical acceptance and recital of received opinion. Attempts to develop ideas, but with points not fully explained or justified.

Basic structure in place including an introduction and conclusion but lacking clarity or logic in flow or argument. Some errors in grammar, spelling or style.

Some attempt to reference but with errors and/or inappropriate sources.

50 – 59% C

All the topics are covered in the module. Sound knowledge and reasonable conceptual understanding of the topics throughout.

Evidence of wider reading and an attempt to apply these ideas, but still in an essentially limited way. Some evidence of critical thinking.

Competently written, but limited and restricted in scope, lacking flair and original thought. A few errors in grammar and spelling.

A reasonable range of references cited, largely in appropriate Harvard format.

60 – 69% B

3 distinctive topics covered in the module. Good coverage of relevant and appropriate material showing evidence of independence of thought.

Sensible debate with most points developed and justified. Clear evidence of critical thinking.

Effective presentation with few significant errors in grammar, spelling, layout or style.

Sound range of sources used with largely correct Harvard referencing.

70 – 79% A

3 distinctive topics covered in the module. Comprehensive coverage of directly relevant material. Highly effective approach based on thorough research, an ability to synthesise material, and evidence of wider reading.

Discursive approach, which engages in a full and reasoned debate around the theme of the question. All important points justified. A clearly critical and original perspective fully developed.

Communicated effectively with appropriate language, impeccable presentation, and polished and reader-friendly style/layout.

Relevant material included with a good range of appropriate and relevant sources, using Harvard referencing consistently and correctly.

80 – 90% A+

3 distinctive but well-linked topics covered in the module. Outstanding context which addresses the question, with a logical, clear and coherent structure

Good skills of evaluation, synthesis and critical analysis are demonstrated.

Creative presentation of the content. Worthy of publication with little editing.

Appropriate and sufficient academic materials used in correct Harvard style throughout with a correctly presented reference list.

90 – 100%

A*

3 distinctive but well-linked topics covered in the module. Outstanding context which addresses the question in an exemplary manner, with a logical, clear and coherent structure which marshals a wide range of evidence

Excellent skills of evaluation, synthesis and critical analysis are demonstrated.

Creative presentation of the content. Worthy of publication with no editing; and match the best quality work from professional practise.

Appropriate and sufficient academic materials used in correct Harvard style throughout with a full and correctly presented reference list.

 

Submission Details:

Format:

Your need to submit your portfolio as one document (in Word or PDF format) on Moodle electronically. If your portfolio includes audio / video elements, please contact the module tutor for alternative submission arrangement.

Regulations:

  • The minimum pass mark for a module is 50%

  • Re-sit marks are capped at 50%

Full academic regulations are available for download using the link provided above in the IMPORTANT STATEMENTS section

Late Penalties

If you submit an assessment late at the first attempt, then you will be subject to one of the following penalties:

  • if the submission is made between 1 and 24 hours after the published deadline the original mark awarded will be reduced by 5%. For example, a mark of 60% will be reduced by 3% so that the mark that the student will receive is 57%.

  • if the submission is made between 24 hours and one week (5 working days) after the published deadline the original mark awarded will be reduced by 10%. For example, a mark of 60% will be reduced by 6% so that the mark the student will receive is 54%.

  • if the submission is made after 5 days following the deadline, your work will be deemed as a fail and returned to you unmarked.

The reduction in the mark will not be applied in the following two cases:

  • the mark is below the pass mark for the assessment. In this case the mark achieved by the student will stand

  • where a deduction will reduce the mark from a pass to a fail. In this case the mark awarded will be the threshold (i.e., 50%)

Please note:

  • If you submit a re-assessment late then it will be deemed as a fail and returned to you unmarked.

Assignment Checklist

Run through this simple tick list before submitting your work!

Report

Well prepared materials make your work look more professional and easier to understand.

Item

Action

Done?

1

I have used the spellchecker and proofread the work correcting errors several times.

  

2

I have checked that all material is directly related to the assignment tasks.

  

3

I have checked that all the required information has been included in the work.

  

4

The work is professionally presented using consistent headings, fonts and layout.

  

5

All tables and images are numbered and captioned.

  

6

I have used the structure specified in the assignment.

  

Referencing and Originality

Your work will be subjected to checks to ensure it is not copied. Derivative work may leave you subject to penalties, including in extreme cases, expulsion from the University.

Item

Action

Done?

1

All images and tables are fully referenced.

  

2

I have not copied any material from anywhere else. All sentences have been paraphrased into my own words.

  

3

All references appear in the references section at the end of the presentation.

  

4

All references are cited in the text in the form of (author, year). See https://www.bcu.ac.uk/library/services-and-support/referencing for more details.

  

5

If I have used quotes, these are fully referenced, appear in quotation marks and form only a small part of my work.

  

Content

Is your work complete? Have you included all the required elements?

Item

Action

Done?

1

I have included 3 different topics in my portfolio.

  

2

All the 3 topics I have chosen are covered in this module.

  

3

I have had a concise introduction.

  

4

I have had a meaningful conclusion based on my research.

  

5

My work within the 3000 words limit (excluding references) or equivalent (if use audio / video format).

  

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Why Students Struggle with the Project Management Methods Portfolio

Understanding the Project Management Methods Unit

The Project Management Methods unit introduces postgraduate students to the complex nature of managing construction projects throughout their entire life cycle. Rather than focusing only on scheduling or budgeting, the module explores how different project management theories, methods, and practices are applied in real construction environments. Students are expected to critically examine current industry practices, evaluate project management approaches, identify real-world challenges, and propose practical solutions while demonstrating an advanced understanding of construction project complexity.

Many students find this portfolio particularly demanding because it requires much more than simply describing theories from lectures. The assessment expects students to select three different topics, critically analyse industry practices, integrate academic research, and apply theories to real construction projects. At Master`s level, lecturers expect independent thinking, strong critical analysis, and evidence of extensive reading. Students often struggle to move beyond description and develop original arguments, especially when linking theory with practical construction examples and discussing implications for industry professionals.

Common Challenges Students Face

  • Selecting three suitable and well-connected topics from a broad module.

  • Demonstrating critical analysis instead of merely describing theories.

  • Applying project management methods to real-life construction projects.

  • Finding recent academic sources and using BCU Harvard referencing correctly.

  • Managing the workload involved in researching and writing a 3,000-word portfolio.

  • Identifying innovative solutions and evaluating their industry implications.

Need Help with Your Project Management Methods Portfolio?

Completing this assignment can be overwhelming, particularly when balancing work, placements, or other modules. At Assignment Experts, students receive support from experienced academic writers who understand postgraduate construction management requirements. The team helps students develop well-structured, plagiarism-free portfolios that demonstrate critical thinking, practical application, and strong academic research. Many students choose Assignment Experts because of their subject expertise, timely delivery, and familiarity with university marking criteria.