This module will be assessed through a combination of an individual presentation and a supporting evidence portfolio, ensuring that apprentices demonstrate both conceptual understanding and applied practice:

* Professional Discussion (50%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4) – apprentices will participate in a 15-minute professional discussion, structured as a project initiation sign-off. The discussion should demonstrate understanding of governance, finance, programming and assurance processes by drawing on workplace project documentation. Apprentices will be expected to discuss artefacts presented in the portfolio of evidence such as risk and issue logs, RAID logs, governance structures, budgets and communication plans. The assessment will test both subject knowledge and the ability to communicate project information effectively to stakeholders.

* Portfolio of evidence (50%) (Learning Outcomes 2 and 4) – the portfolio serves as the supporting documentation for the professional discussion. It will include anonymised extracts from project artefacts, commentary from witnesses, and supplementary evidence that underpins the decisions and processes discussed. The portfolio, although a standalone assessment, is a structured body of evidence that validates and enriches the discussion content.

Work product evidence can include but is not limited to:

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

Together, these assessments enable the apprentice to demonstrate both mastery of project fundamentals and the ability to apply them directly within the professional context.

This module introduces apprentices to the essential principles and practices that underpin the successful initiation and governance of projects. Apprentices will explore the purpose and structure of project initiation, including the creation and sign-off of core documentation that provides assurance to stakeholders. Key project management tools and artefacts will be introduced, such as RAID logs, budgets, risk and issue registers, issue tracking systems, governance frameworks, programming and communication plans, with emphasis on how these are applied and maintained in practice. Apprentices will examine the role of effective communication, documentation, and reporting in supporting decision-making and accountability. The module also develops skills in presenting project information clearly and persuasively to a professional audience, simulating a project board or senior stakeholder environment. Finally, apprentices will reflect on their use of project fundamentals in the workplace, evaluating their own practice and identifying opportunities for improvement in preparation for more advanced project management study.

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. Explain the core principles and processes of project initiation, governance, finance, programming and assurance

Apprenticeship standard: K7, K9, K10
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Communication

2. Apply project management tools and documentation (e.g. RAID logs, risk and issue registers, budgets and resource planning, programming, communication plans) to a workplace project

Apprenticeship standard: S1, S3, S5, S7, S8
University Learning Outcome: Application, Problem Solving, Communication

3. Present and justify project initiation decisions and artefacts in a professional format suitable for stakeholder engagement

Apprenticeship standard: K1, K3, K5, B2
University Learning Outcome: Communication, Analysis, Application

4. Reflect on the effectiveness of project fundamentals in practice, identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for development

Apprenticeship standard: B2, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Learning, Application

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.

Badiru, A. B. (2019) Project Management: Systems, Principles, and Applications. 2nd edn. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Gray, C. F. & Larson, E. W. (2021) Project Management for Engineering, Business and Technology. 7th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

Heagney, J. (2022) Fundamentals of Project Management. 6th edn. New York: HarperCollins Leadership.

Kerzner, H. (2022) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. 13th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Snyder, C. S. (2019) Project Management Fundamentals: Key Concepts and Methodology. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

This module introduces you to the essential processes and tools needed to initiate and govern projects effectively. You will learn how to create and apply key project artefacts such as RAID logs, risk and issue registers, governance structures and communication plans, ensuring your projects are set up for success. You’ll focus on presenting these elements in a professional format suitable for senior stakeholders, simulating a project board environment. You will also compile a supporting portfolio of workplace evidence, linking project fundamentals to your real practice and reflecting on your effectiveness. This module builds the confidence and capability you need to manage project initiation in a structured and accountable way.