Course Resources Archive

This module examines ways in which needs, problems and opportunities in a community might be addressed.  The focus is on the skills, knowledge and other resources required for tackling a specific problem as part of a project management process.

This module considers how needs, problems and opportunities in a community can be identified and examines resource management as part of the project management process.  You use one method (eg a focus group or key player interviews) with a section of the community in order to define a topic for study (eg services for young people, environmental projects, improved customer focus).  You practise problem solving through local community case studies, where you analyse the skills, knowledge and other resources needed for achieving solutions.  You then apply the findings to your particular issue.

Ways in which local community issues might be resolved depend on careful planning and management of resources; therefore, using your checklist you analyse actions to be taken, skills, knowledge and other resources required and the roles of people and organisations that might be involved in addressing your selected topic.  You identify gaps in the resources required, carry out appropriate research and suggest realistic ways in which the gaps may be filled (eg increased staffing, further training, specialist expertise, grant funding).  You may need to be creative in managing limited resources.  You pay particular attention to your own role and your personal and professional attributes, evaluating your existing skills, knowledge and resources and assessing ways in which you can play your part in achieving solutions.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

i. Knowledge and understanding

1. Research, analyse and assess community needs, problems and opportunities
2. Analyse and evaluate the skills, knowledge and other resources required to address community issues
3. Justify recommendations for the organisation of resources as an aspect of project management

ii. Skills

1. Demonstrate technical and professional skills relevant to an individual’s job and workplace
2. Research and resolve resource issues
3. Apply problem solving techniques
4. Evaluate your own personal and professional development

This is a distance learning module based on 300 hours study.
Staff/student contact: 10% (residential school, face-to-face and online support)
Work-based learning: 40%; student directed learning: 50%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.