Top Tips for Success at CIM's Project Management in Marketing Module

Students studying this module will be aware that we are now 'teaching out' as the new syllabus will start to be examined from September 2014, so there has never been a more critical time to pass on your first attempt!

Here are my top tips for success in this module:

1. There are many components to this module so the first thing you should do is create a skeleton document in Word. Have you included all the compulsory appendices? Have you included all elements of the project plan? Set out your headings, then as you write your project proposal outline, you can start adding in notes of what you want to cover in each section. This approach helps you to create a joined-up piece of work recognising the relationships between each section and it can help you to see what is missing.
2. Don't write it in the order of the tasks. As you can see above, we know how the tasks should be presented but you don't have to write it in that order. The project proposal outline which is an appendix comes first and you should certainly do your research for Task One early on, but after that it would be a good idea to create your risk register which can be referred to from Task Two, Three and Four, and your work breakdown structure and gantt chart for Task Four. Once you have these crucial elements in place, the rest of the assignment can be written much more easily.
3. Keep the context front of mind. In September 2014, the topics are mobile marketing or sponsorship. It's amazing how many assignment drafts I've read in the past where the context cannot be identified! I think this is down to the stress of creating such an enormous and complex report but without this context running throughout, you just won't pass.
4. Make sure the project plan is not generic! Task Four is often where student's energies seem to plummet. By this point, they are exhausted and it shows in very generic and dull project plans. This is supposed to be the most exciting point of a project where you actually get to implement it. Bring your organisational culture to life... do you work in a company where it's impossible to get anything signed off? Are you always slow to market? Is there a lot of conflict or differing cultures? Are you struggling with minimal resources, a virtual team, power struggles, lack of training, issues with communication or company culture? Whatever makes your company great or not so great, will bring colour and interest to your project plan so use it... just don't leave a copy on your printer at work or give away company secrets!
5. Do aim for higher level marks... be critical, identify gaps in your data collection, create an excellent gantt chart / work breakdown structure / network analysis, make sure your whole report creates a holistic account of the proposed project with joined-up ideas, create a good cost benefit analysis with relevant calculations, and of course answer all of the questions!

My final piece of advice is to create a study group so even when you've finished classes, you can meet up and review each other's work (and drink wine!). Peer feedback is a very valuable tool for learning and meeting up will keep you motivated and on track.

Good luck with finishing your CIM Professional Diploma!