ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Unit: 6 Managing a Successful Business Project
Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Business
Assignment Brief
Student Name/ID Number:
Unit Number and Title: 6 Managing a Successful Business Project
Academic Year: 2023/24
Unit Tutor/Assessor: Najmul Hasan
Assignment Title: The Potential Benefits and Pitfalls of AI for Businesses
Issue Date: 13 January 2025
Submission Date: 4 April 2025
IV Name & Date: Christian Uchenna 06-01-2025
Submission Format
The submission is in the form of a research report, which must be submitted by each learner. This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12. Use headings, paragraphs, subsections, and illustrations as appropriate. All work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. A bibliography must also be provided. Inaccurate use of referencing may lead to issues of plagiarism if not applied correctly. Plagiarism of up to 20% is acceptable for the submission to be valid. The recommended word limit is 3,000 words, but no penalties will be applied for exceeding or going under this limit. Learners must keep a backup copy of all work in progress and final assignments in case of IT failure or data loss.
Please use Appendix 1 (Student Assignment Submission and Declaration) as the front page of your assignment submission.
Unit Learning Outcomes
- LO1 Explain the key stages of the project lifecycle that should be considered when project managing.
- LO2 Produce a Project Management Plan (PMP) for a business project using primary and secondary research methods.
- LO3 Implement the Project Management Plan (PMP) to communicate results from the research and make conclusions from the evidence of findings.
- LO4 Reflect on the value gained from implementing the project and the project management process.
Transferable Skills and Competencies Developed
- Analytical skills to conduct research and draw conclusions.
- The ability to provide information based on collation, analysis, and interpretation of data.
- Creative thinking for presenting information and data in a simplified and informative manner.
- Digital skills, using different software applications to visually present information and data concisely.
- Communicating effectively in written, visual, and oral formats within a business context.
- Evaluation and self-reflection on own practices, performance, and research tools used.
Vocational Scenario, Assignment Activity, and Guidance
Theme: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Topic: The Potential Benefits and Pitfalls of AI for Businesses
You are employed as an assistant within the Business Development Team of an organisation of your choice—your own place of work if appropriate.
You have been asked to conduct a small-scale business project, in the form of an investigative case study, into the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI for businesses. This will be presented to senior management to help them understand the impact of AI and prepare for its challenges and benefits. Employees are concerned about the uncertainty AI may bring to their jobs. Senior management wants to ensure they do not fall behind by failing to adapt to emerging AI trends.
Your project should investigate and analyse:
- How the organisation is currently positioned with respect to AI.
- The scope of AI applications within the organisation.
- Current AI implementations and areas where AI could provide benefits or pose risks.
- The impact on different business functions such as HR, Marketing, Finance, Production, and Procurement.
Your findings should be presented as a business case, followed by a performance review reflecting on the project’s impact on your personal and professional development.
Assignment Steps
Step 1 – Project Planning
- Devise a Project Management Plan (PMP) to map out how to meet the project objectives:
- Define project aims and objectives.
- Outline project scope, including key tasks and activities.
- Identify milestones and major phases.
- Detail activities involved in the initiation, planning, and execution of the project.
- Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) using a Gantt chart to track activities.
Step 2 – Conduct Primary and Secondary Research
- Develop a short questionnaire or interview questions for employees and management, covering:
- Views on AI.
- Existing AI integration and support.
- Areas for improvement.
- Research at least two other organisations to examine AI initiatives and impacts.
- Analyse AI benefits for organisational performance and efficiency, as well as potential risks.
- Assess AI’s effect on different business functions to support your business case.
Step 3 – Present Findings
- Collate and analyse research data.
- Produce a business case report including:
- Research findings.
- Evaluation of research tools used.
- Recommendations for AI implementation and mitigation of risks.
Step 4 – Reflective Practice
- Performance review reflecting on the project’s planning, process, and outcomes:
- Assess project effectiveness.
- Identify obstacles and resolutions.
- Evaluate personal and professional development.
- Critically reflect on the project lifecycle, research methods, and their success in achieving objectives.
Recommended Resources
(Refer to the provided web links and textbooks for guidance.)
Assessment Criteria
Pass
- LO1 Explain project lifecycle stages, factors in compiling a PMP, and research methods.
- LO2 Produce a PMP covering project scope, objectives, deliverables, quality, risks, and schedule.
- LO3 Implement the PMP, conduct research, and communicate findings.
- LO4 Reflect on project value and personal development.
Merit
- Evaluate project lifecycle stages, PMP factors, and research methods.
- Develop a detailed PMP and monitoring schedule.
- Justify research conclusions and recommendations.
- Evaluate project management processes.
Distinction
- Critically evaluate the project management process, PMP, and research methods.
- Justify PMP choices in achieving project objectives.
- Critically reflect on research findings and project impact.
Appendix 1: Student Assignment Submission and Declaration
(Ensure you complete and submit this declaration with your assignment.)
End of Assignment Brief
The project requires students to conduct a small-scale business investigation on the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI for businesses. The research findings will be presented as a business case to senior management, helping them assess AI’s impact across various functions like HR, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.
Key Tasks & Requirements
- Project Planning
- Develop a Project Management Plan (PMP) including objectives, scope, milestones, risks, communication, and research methods.
- Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and a Gantt chart to track project activities.
- Research (Primary & Secondary)
- Conduct interviews or surveys with employees and management about AI’s role in the organization.
- Study AI initiatives in at least two other organizations to compare benefits and risks.
- Analyze AI’s impact on efficiency, productivity, and job security across different business functions.
- Present Findings
- Compile research and analyze results.
- Justify recommendations based on findings.
- Evaluate research tools used in the study.
- Reflective Practice
- Assess the effectiveness of the project lifecycle and research methods used.
- Identify challenges faced and how they were overcome.
- Reflect on personal and professional growth from the project experience.
Assessment Criteria
- Understanding of Project Lifecycle and Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Effective use of primary and secondary research
- Clear presentation and justification of findings
- Critical reflection on learning outcomes and project execution
The project requires students to conduct a small-scale business investigation on the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI for businesses. The research findings will be presented as a business case to senior management, helping them assess AI’s impact across various functions like HR, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.
Key Tasks & Requirements
- Project Planning
- Develop a Project Management Plan (PMP) including objectives, scope, milestones, risks, communication, and research methods.
- Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and a Gantt chart to track project activities.
- Research (Primary & Secondary)
- Conduct interviews or surveys with employees and management about AI’s role in the organization.
- Study AI initiatives in at least two other organizations to compare benefits and risks.
- Analyze AI’s impact on efficiency, productivity, and job security across different business functions.
- Present Findings
- Compile research and analyze results.
- Justify recommendations based on findings.
- Evaluate research tools used in the study.
- Reflective Practice
- Assess the effectiveness of the project lifecycle and research methods used.
- Identify challenges faced and how they were overcome.
- Reflect on personal and professional growth from the project experience.
Assessment Criteria
- Understanding of Project Lifecycle and Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Effective use of primary and secondary research
- Clear presentation and justification of findings
- Critical reflection on learning outcomes and project execution