CIMAE2 Area B Self-Study Guide Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical (duration) Articles SECTION

N B: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (40%) - Recommended study time - 66 hours over 6 weeks

12 -13 (Wk 6, 11 hours) 1(a) identify a project, a programme and their attributes; 1. Common project management frameworks include: Project lift cycle, 4D, 5 process, 7S and 9 knowledge areas. Try to use your personal experience to understand the concept of a project. Think of a holiday that you have planned and how you balance the constraints of time, cost and quality. Tackling complex E2 project scenarios

1(b) apply suitable structures and frameworks to projects to identify common project management issues; 2. 1(c) construct an outline of the process of project management; 1(d) identify the characteristics of each phase in the project process; 2(a) produce a strategy for a project; *CIMA Official Study Text Chapter 12 1(a) Exam questions: Mar-11-Q6a 1(b) Exam questions: Sept-11-Q6a, May-12-Q7a, Sept-12-Q6a 1(c) Exam questions : May-10- Q6a, Nov-12-Q6a, Mar-13-Q6a 1(d) Exam questions : Mar-11-Q7a, Mar-12-Q6a 2(a) Exam questions : Nov-10-Q7b, Nov-11-Q7a

1
Email feedback to: studysupport@cimaglobal.com

CIMAE2 Area B Self-Study Guide Session Component Learning Outcomes (duration)

14 - 15 (Wk 7, 11 hours) 1(d) identify the characteristics of each phase in the project process; 1(f) produce a basic project plan incorporating strategies for dealing with uncertainty, in the context of a simple project; *CIMA Official Study Text Chapter 13 1(f) Exam questions : May-10- Q3b, Mar-12-Q2

Study Guidance/Tips
1. Project strategy and project scope may be sections in a project initiation document. You may be asked to produce them in your examination Useful model & theory: TARA for risk management

CIMA Technical Articles

2.

Session Component Learning Outcomes (duration)

16 - 17 (Wk 8, 11 hours) 1(d) identify the characteristics of each phase in the project process; 1(e) apply key tools and techniques, including the evaluation of proposals; *CIMA Official Study Text Chapter 14

Study Guidance/Tips
1. Be careful not to mix up project methodology and project management software. Always read the question carefully and answer according to the requirement.

CIMA Technical Articles

Critical path analysis

Gantt charts, Work breakdown structure (WBS) and Network analysis (Critical path) are commonly examined topics. 1(e) Exam questions : May-10- Q3a, Nov-10-Q7a, Mar-11-Q4, Q7b, May-11-Q2, Nov-12-Q6b, Mar-13-Q6b

2.

2
Email feedback to: studysupport@cimaglobal.com

CIMAE2 Area B Self-Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes (duration)

18 - 19 (Wk 9, 11 hours) 1(b) apply suitable structures and frameworks to projects to identify common project management issues; 1(d) identify the characteristics of each phase in the project process; 1(h) compare and contrast project control systems; 1(i) discuss the value of post-completion audit; 1( j) apply a process of continuous improvement to projects. *CIMA Official Study Text Chapter 15-16

Study Guidance/Tips
1. The most likely questions on project software are how it might be used, and how it might help the project manager to successfully carry out a project. You are unlikely to have to describe detailed technical specification PRINCE2 is a widely accepted, standard method of project management. It offers clear management structures and planning and control methods. It is focused on outputs rather than processes Common problems in project management include conflicting requirements for time, cost and quality. Lessons learnt should contribute to the smooth running of future projects

CIMA Technical Articles

Reducing project costs and preventing overruns Introduction to PRINCE2 project methodology Valuable lessons from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 project

2.

3.

4. 1(h) Exam questions : Mar-12-Q2 1(i) Exam questions : Sept-12-Q6b 1(j) Exam questions : May-12-Q7b

3
Email feedback to: studysupport@cimaglobal.com

CIMAE2 Area B Self-Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes (duration)

20 - 21 (Wk 11, 11 hours) 1(g) identify structural and leadership issues that will be faced in managing a project team; 2(b) recommend strategies for the management of stakeholder perceptions and expectations; 2(c) explain the roles of key players in a project organisation. *CIMA Official Study Text Chapter 17

Study Guidance/Tips
1. A common weakness was a tendency to describe Mendelow's matrix but to make little or no reference to the scenario give. You should be able to identify project stakeholders and what their role is state why it is important to consider the needs of different stakeholders and suggest ways of communication in order to secure their support. Ensure you are clear about the differences between process and outcome stakeholders.

CIMA Technical Articles

2.

3.

1(g) Exam questions : Nov-10-Q2, Sept-11-Q3, Nov-11-Q7b, Mar-12-Q6b, Mar-13-Q3 2(b) Exam questions : May-10- Q6b, May-11-Q6b, Sept-11-Q6b, Nov-12-Q3 2(c) Exam questions : May-12-Q2, Sept-12-Q4

4
Email feedback to: studysupport@cimaglobal.com

CIMAE2 Area B Self-Study Guide Session Component Learning Outcomes (duration)

22 - 23 (Wk 11, 10 hours) Practice as many past exam questions as possible

Study Guidance/Tips
When practicing past exam papers you should try and time yourself to exam conditions, as a guide use 1.8 minutes per mark. Review the post exam guides and suggested answers to check if you are answering question requirements correctly.

CIMA Technical Articles

Walkthrough answer for an E2 question Answering an E2 scenario question using the ASAP approach

OTHER STUDY RESOURCES:

Find all examiners suggested answers here Post exam guides Kaplan - official publisher of CIMA study materials Velocity-Student e-magazine Financial Management magazine Chat to other students on CIMAsphere-discussion boards for operational level Please note that the session duration time given for each area is a rough guide based on % of E2 syllabus weightings. Research has shown that students who study at minimum of 11 hours per week are more likely to pass. These timings must be taken into account with other personal commitments such as work, family time, recreation etc. Obviously the more hours students can dedicate to studying the higher their chance of success. Please use this as guidance rather than as an exact science of how to study, and please feel free to change it to suit your requirements.

5
Email feedback to: studysupport@cimaglobal.com