Case study report (100%, Learning Outcomes 1-4) – apprentices will produce a structured case study analysing the project environment in which they work. This will include consideration of the organisation’s structure, culture, and approach to project management, with attention to factors such as leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and matrix management. Apprentices will examine the project management methodologies adopted within the organisation, evaluating how these are tailored to suit context and sector. The case study will also assess the role of organisational support functions, such as Project Management Offices (PMOs), in enabling effective governance and delivery. Reflective commentary should be included to demonstrate how the apprentice engages with and learns from their organisational environment. This assessment ensures apprentices can critically evaluate their professional setting, linking academic insight with practical understanding of how projects operate within complex organisations.

Work product evidence can include but is not limited to:

* Organisational risk registers or risk assessments
* Budget reports, forecasts, or financial statements
* Cost-benefit analyses or investment appraisals
* Board or committee meeting minutes
* Stakeholder engagement reports
* Audio recordings
* Video recordings
* Other multimedia content as appropriate

At the end of year 1 (level 4) there will be the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner examinations as mandated by the apprenticeship standard.

Professional examination – apprentices will undertake the PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner examinations, which assess knowledge and the ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to the management of projects. The Foundation examination assesses understanding of PRINCE2 principles, themes and processes, while the Practitioner examination evaluates the ability to apply and tailor PRINCE2 in a project scenario. The Foundation exam typically lasts 60 minutes and consists of multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of 60%. The Practitioner exam is scenario-based, lasts 150 minutes, and requires candidates to apply PRINCE2 concepts to project situations, with a pass mark set by the awarding body. The Practitioner examination is open book, permitting use of the official PRINCE2 manual. Successful completion of the Foundation examination, or an accepted equivalent qualification, is required prior to sitting the Practitioner examination. The examinations are marked externally by the relevant Awarding Organisation and do not carry academic weighting.

This module explores the wider organisational and business contexts in which projects are delivered. Apprentices will examine different organisational structures, including functional, matrix and project-based arrangements, considering the implications these have for project management. The influence of leadership styles and emotional intelligence on project teams will be discussed, with attention to how behaviours and interpersonal skills contribute to effective delivery. The module also introduces key concepts of organisational culture, governance and support, highlighting the role of Project Management Offices (PMOs) and other enabling functions. Apprentices will analyse the project management methodologies used within their organisation, exploring how these are tailored to sector requirements and organisational needs. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on connecting theory to practice, encouraging apprentices to evaluate their own organisational environment and reflect on how it shapes the way projects are planned, managed and delivered.

Learning within this module maps to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
* 4: Quality Education
* 5: Gender Equality
* 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
* 10: Reduced Inequalities
* 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values:
* Mutual respect
* Tolerance

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding:
* Safeguarding & supporting individuals

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
* Fair and ethical leadership

Embedding EDI in organisational policies
* Flexibility for different needs

1. Describe the key features of organisational structures and project environments, including approaches such as matrix management

Apprenticeship standard: K6, K8, K11
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Communication

2. Analyse how leadership styles and emotional intelligence influence the management of projects and teams

Apprenticeship standard: B2, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection

3. Evaluate the project management methodologies used within their own organisation, including how these are tailored to context

Apprenticeship standard: K1, K2, K3
Unversity Learning Outcome: Application, Problem Solving, Communication, Reflection

4. Assess the role of organisational support functions, such as PMOs, in enabling effective project delivery

Apprenticeship standard: S1, S2, S3, S6
University Learning Outcome: Application, Enquiry, Reflection

This module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face on campus lectures and online webinars, designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience. Face-to-face lectures will incorporate formal teaching, group work, case study analysis, and guest speakers. Apprentices will also be encouraged to share their workplace experiences to enhance peer learning. Meanwhile, online webinars will take the form of recorded content, interactive e-learning, or live tutorials, offering opportunities for group discussion, presentations, flipped-classroom activities, and further group work and case study analysis.

Additional learning activities include:
* Engaging with supplementary online content, including videos and presentations
* Independent reading to reinforce and expand on formal teaching
* Completing formative tasks set by the lecturer to consolidate learning
* Preparing for assessments, writing, and gathering evidence
* Developing and maintaining a portfolio of evidence

In line with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, this module includes 100 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 300 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning. Please refer to your Aptem account to identify your individualised off-the-job hours.

Computer facilities to access online materials.
Access to specialist online databases, appropriate core texts and journals via the library, module leader, and own research.

This module is typically open to apprentices enrolled on the Project Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship programme. The module is also open to those who wish to undertake it as a standalone module. Such candidates should be currently in or working towards project management or support roles.

Brooks, I. (2019) Organisational Behaviour: Individuals, Groups and Organisation within the Business Environment. 5th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Daniels, J. D., Radebaugh, L. H. & Sullivan, D. P. (2021) International Business: Environments and Operations. 17th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Grant, R. M. (2021) Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text and Cases Edition. 11th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Morrison, J. (2020) The Global Business Environment: Towards Sustainability? 5th edn. London: Macmillan Education.

Worthington, I. & Britton, C. (2020) The Business Environment. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

This module examines the organisational and business contexts in which projects are delivered, helping you understand how structures, cultures and leadership approaches shape project outcomes. You will explore the influence of leadership styles, emotional intelligence and matrix management on the management of teams and stakeholders. You will also consider the project management methodologies used in your organisation, assessing how these are adapted to fit your specific context and sector. The role of enabling functions such as Project Management Offices (PMOs) is analysed, showing how governance and support contribute to effective delivery. By completing a case study of your own organisation, you will connect academic theory with professional practice, developing insight into how projects are influenced by the environments in which they operate.