This module is designed to address those things in the management of projects that could generally be described as
relating to people. We can consider management as being toward objectives in organisations, via techniques, through
people. Organisations and people are a very important part of management.
Theories relating to people, culture, and organisation do not relate to an exact science. Sometimes words are rather
inadequate and misleading. Contradictions should be viewed as interesting and valued as contributing to
understanding. People and organisations are complex. Different theoretical perspectives may be used to explain, model
and test similar observed situation, phenomena or scenarios in a project environment. The differences in perspectives
tell us something of the nature of the variables with which we are dealing.
There are not usually any right answers; just appropriate answers. Solutions are appropriate, useful, workable, and
economic. All these different solutions are judged by a number of criteria –both objective and subjective. There are
moral issues too. That is why it is a good idea to question value terms which people use when describing approaches
and solutions to problems involving people and organisations.
The intention of this Module is to introduce and develop a number of theoretical perspectives and applications in
relation to people in project teams and project organisations. It is hoped that by the end of the Module you will
have developed a personal agenda for further learning.
The attached module descriptor provides you with details of the module content and learning approaches
-Assessment
. The assignment is practice based requiring students to address a people related issue/problem and propose, based on
a literature review exercise, a set of recommendations.
-Assignment 1
Students are required to submit a 2000 word report as per the stated deadline. The report should provide a detailed
review of current knowledge on a particular people related issue linked to issue at the student workplace with
particular emphasis on the applicability of established theoretical frameworks to local problems and issues. The
report should use the developed framework to critically analyse the adopted approaches in the selected case and
present recommendations for improvement. The report requires students to collect data through investigating documents
and conducting interviews and/or surveys to support their analysis and recommendations.
Assignment 1: People Problem
Brief
The following explains the structure and content of the document to be produced for this assignment. It is intended
that the assignment be convergent with the needs of students from the perspective of people, culture, and
organisation. In this way the exercise may be relevant and useful to students.
Select a current or recent people problem/issue related to a project at work. See Section: Other information for
students, with respect to confidentiality, security and anonymity. The problem can be associated with a team, group,
individual(s) or any situation involving people.
Start by defining the problem/issue. It may be helpful to use diagrams to illustrate organizational and other aspects
as necessary. Ensure that all the determinants of the problem and all the players are adequately defined. The
definition may extend beyond the boundary of one organisation to include members of its supply chain
(consultants/contractors/suppliers)
Once the problem is defined, analyse the problem using appropriate theoretical models, constructs and perspectives.
Again, use diagrams where they are helpful. Make sure that all criteria and assumptions are carefully explained.
From your analysis develop one or more solutions and/or courses of action. It should be made clear who the
beneficiaries of the actions and solutions proposed are.
Other information for students
It is recognized that the data for this exercise are to be drawn from a real situation. In order to preserve the
anonymity of people, included in your chosen case study, the following should be observed:
• Do not use real names.
• Ensure that your name and your company name do not appear on the actual submission.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria are those outlined in the student handbook.
Submission
You should submit a soft copy to turnitin as advised by the tutor.
The submission should contain the following sections:
I Definition of problem
This section should clearly define the people problem including the context and relevant variables.
II Analysis of the problem
This section should explain the method(s) used to analyse the problem and the formulation of the “problem”. The
determinants of the problem and casual relationships should be identified and explained.
III Statement of alternative solutions and/or courses of action
This section should outline one or more solutions to the problem and/or proposed courses of action. It is important
to identify the actors or players of the situation being addressed. It is also important to discuss different
perspectives on the problem from the position of the different players and actors. The criteria for a successful
solution may vary depending on the different positions of the actors/players.
A one page executive summary, full bibliography and reference list should be included. Referencing should follow the
Harvard style.
Length
The size of this document (excluding any appendixes, references and bibliography) should be approximately 2000 words.
Note: kindly note that am a civil engineer, and working in an engineering organisation as a project engineer, so I
want the problem related to the engineering company.
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