Assignments & Meeting Notes

Assignment 1: Group Project – IT Product Development and Evaluation

The first assignment in the IT Project Management (ITPM) module centres on the collaborative development of a group report that analyses two emerging technology products intended for endorsement by a high-profile music influencer. The task provides a practical context for applying project management principles to evaluate real-world challenges in product development, planning, and strategic decision-making.

Objective: Develop a structured, evidence-based project proposal that assesses two competing technology products—ARMband and Runi—from a project management perspective. The report must offer clear recommendations to the client, DJ Ascentia, on which product to endorse based on technical feasibility, time-to-market, and financial viability.

  • Extract and formalise functional and non-functional product requirements.
  • Recommend appropriate project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) with justifications.
  • Create Gherkin-style requirement statements (5 per product).
  • Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Project Network Diagram.
  • Create a Gantt chart with estimated durations and dependencies.
  • Estimate total development and testing costs, including labour and materials.

Key Deliverables:

  • A 1,000-word group report comparing both product projects with a justified recommendation.
  • Visuals such as Gantt charts, WBS diagrams, and cost breakdowns.
  • Individual peer assessment submission evaluating group contribution.

Reflection: This assignment provided practical insight into the complexities of managing IT product development projects with multiple uncertainties and stakeholder interests. It reinforced the importance of structured estimation, collaborative planning, and aligning project management methods with project-specific constraints. By simulating a real-world consultancy scenario, the task deepened my understanding of balancing business goals, technical feasibility, and project execution strategy in an IT project management context.

Grade: Distinction

Assignment 2: Individual Presentation – Strategic Project Reassessment

The second assignment is an individual task requiring the creation of a professional 20-minute video presentation, a supporting slide deck, and a transcript. This assignment focuses on reassessing the client’s strategic direction in light of evolving business and technical developments in the ARMband and Runi product lines.

Objective: Analyse the current project status and market conditions for ARMband and Runi, and provide a clear, data-driven recommendation to DJ Ascentia on whether to proceed with the ARMband endorsement. This includes updated planning, cost projections, risk assessments, and time-to-market analysis.

  • Develop a PowerPoint presentation (max 10 slides) with charts, visuals, and key decision points.
  • Record a video walkthrough of the presentation with professional delivery and commentary.
  • Produce a transcript of the presentation, suitable for submission as a business-ready report.
  • Update WBS and Gantt charts for the revised Runi timeline, including software fixes and demo creation.
  • Compare annual earnings potential between ARMband (at 8% or 11%) and delayed Runi promotion.
  • Evaluate implications of a potential Runes withdrawal on influencer strategy and long-term value.

Key Deliverables:

  • PowerPoint slide deck with citations and visual clarity.
  • Recorded 20-minute video presentation with clear audio and pacing (100–150 words per minute).
  • Written transcript of the video suitable for business use, including figures, references, and analysis.

Reflection: This assignment deepened my ability to respond adaptively to real-world project risks and evolving business opportunities. I gained critical experience in stakeholder communication, project forecasting, and presenting complex project decisions concisely. The emphasis on scenario-based planning and financial evaluation further enhanced my capacity to synthesise data into actionable recommendations. Overall, this task sharpened my presentation skills and my practical understanding of dynamic IT project management environments.

Grade: Distinction

Meeting Notes

Unit 1: Introductory Seminar

This seminar introduced the scope of IT Project Management (ITPM) and outlined key concepts, roles, and responsibilities. Emphasis was placed on understanding project life cycles, stakeholder engagement, and aligning project goals with business strategy. The session also laid the foundation for analysing real-world project challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Unit 2: Requirements Management – Using the Gherkin Language

We explored structured requirements gathering through the use of the Gherkin language, which supports Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD). The seminar focused on translating business needs into actionable project requirements using “Given–When–Then” statements. This approach was shown to improve clarity and reduce miscommunication between technical teams and stakeholders.

Unit 4: Project Forecasting and Estimating

This session covered forecasting techniques and estimation strategies critical to project planning and resource allocation. We examined top-down and bottom-up estimation, analogous and parametric methods, and the use of buffers. Practical exercises included developing a Python-based estimation tool that incorporated risk factors and resource predictions to support evidence-based project scheduling.

Unit 6: The Future of Project Management

This formative discussion explored evolving challenges and innovations in ITPM. Through case study analysis, we reflected on notable project failures and what they reveal about the necessity for effective project governance. Topics included agile transformation, sustainability, and integrating AI and automation into project delivery frameworks.

Discussion Forum Reflection

My contribution focused on the NHS IT failure, which highlighted the critical need for proper stakeholder analysis and continuous risk management. This case underlined the importance of adaptable methodologies, transparent communication, and governance frameworks. Peer discussions provided additional perspectives on how poor estimation and unmanaged complexity can derail large-scale projects.

To see further work I produced in this module please jump to my github.

Reflection & Action Plan

Reflection

This module provided a critical perspective on IT project management (ITPM) by focusing on real-world decision-making, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The Strategic Project Reassessment assignment enabled me to evaluate conflicting business opportunities, balance risk against reward, and present a clear strategy supported by updated project plans and financial forecasts. I applied project management techniques such as work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, and scenario analysis to assess a changing project environment.

Through the integration of financial modelling and operational planning, I strengthened my ability to synthesise complex data and develop practical, time-sensitive recommendations. The emphasis on professional presentation delivery and concise business communication also enhanced my stakeholder engagement skills. Overall, this assignment helped bridge theoretical project management methodologies with real-world application, deepening my understanding of how to deliver strategic guidance under uncertainty.

Action Plan

  • Advance Gantt Chart & WBS Proficiency: Build deeper skills in MS Project or alternatives to create dynamic, adaptive project schedules.
  • Improve Financial Forecasting Techniques: Further develop my ability to create accurate profitability scenarios and sensitivity analyses for IT investments.
  • Explore Real-World Case Studies: Research how influencers and tech startups navigate product delays, strategic pivots, and mixed revenue streams.
  • Prepare for PMI Certification: Begin exploring formal project management certifications (e.g., PMP or CAPM) to formalise learning outcomes from this module.

Learnings Acquired

Strategic Analysis: Gained the ability to evaluate shifting business environments and provide data-driven recommendations balancing risk, timeline, and profitability.

Project Planning: Developed updated work breakdown structures and Gantt charts to reflect revised development cycles, testing phases, and marketing timelines.

Decision Modelling: Created comparative profit scenarios based on different endorsement outcomes, factoring in opportunity cost, testing delays, and exclusivity risks.

Communication: Strengthened ability to present complex project updates clearly, combining visuals, oral explanation, and concise written reports for business audiences.