The Critical Essay

Critical essays should be individually developed by students, potentially in consultation with the module convenor. These essays offer an opportunity to delve deeper into a module theme. Students should consult both the module reading list and any supplemental readings relevant to their chosen topic. The critical essay will evaluate the student's ability to identify, outline, and discuss a specific problem of interest, which relates to one of the module themes presented in lectures or discussed in classwork exercises and seminars.

The critical essay should be an analytical assessment of one of the module themes. The essay may critically evaluate claims made in an article from the module reading list. Students should consider conflicting theories and approaches, exceptions to the rule, and competing hypotheses. If possible, they should provide empirical support for their arguments using various sources such as newspapers, industry publications, and academic literature. Comparisons between CoPS and high-volume industries can highlight the unique characteristics of CoPS. Different levels of project complexity and their associated environments may also be explored. For example, a critique could focus on the limitations of planning and control as the optimal solution for managing complex projects.

RELATE IT TO A FAILE

Key Evaluation Criteria

The key criterion for the module evaluation of the critical essay is the ability to demonstrate awareness of challenges in managing complex projects, products, and systems. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Project/product complexity and dynamics of innovation
• Project management capability, performance, and strategies
• Critical views and approaches to project management
• Systems integration and competitive strategies for complex projects
• Project organisations and the innovation environment
• Managing complex software development projects
• Knowledge and learning management in temporary project organisations
• Strategies, capabilities, and organisations for integrated solutions
• Application of lessons learned from CoPS to high-volume and other industries
• Innovative project management methods
• Delivering megaprojects
• Sustainability in project management

RELATE IT TO A FAILED PROJECT

To guide students in their exploration, some suggested questions are provided below based on the topics above. These questions are intended to inspire students' analytical thinking, and students are equally encouraged to develop their unique inquiries that reflect their understanding and perspectives on the complexities of project management. Here are the questions:

• How do the dynamics of innovation influence project and product complexity in the context of managing complex projects?
• What are the critical factors that define project management capability and performance in complex environments?
• How do different approaches to project management impact the success of complex projects?
• In what ways do systems integration and competitive strategies play a role in the management of complex projects?
• How do project organisations adapt to the innovation environment in the context of complex projects?
• What are the unique challenges and strategies for managing complex software development projects?
• How is knowledge and learning managed effectively in temporary project organisations?
• What strategies, capabilities, and organisational structures are most effective for delivering integrated solutions in complex project environments?
• How can lessons learned from CoPS be effectively applied to high-volume and other industries?
• What innovative project management methods are emerging in the field, and how do they address the complexities of modern projects?
• How do sustainability considerations impact the management and success of megaprojects?