Creating the A+ assignment:

A project management approach

Peter Mellalieu
Development draft A: 11 Oct 2001

This document helps you plan out the time you need to produce an A+ assignment for an undergraduate
university assignment, using a project management framework. Some adaptations and extensions need to
be made for more advanced work, such as a research report, or a postgraduate assignment.

Allocating your time

In general, you need to allocate your time in three roughly equal parts which together form ten distinct
phases of work:

 The start up, planning first draft and layout phases (4 phases)
 The investigation, research, figures and graphics phases (2 phases)
 The enhancement, proof reading, document integration and submission phases (4 phases)

The maximum grade you might achieve

The diagram Maximum potential grade versus Percent Total work completed more precisely shows the
maximum possible grade you might get if you just complete the first part, then the second part, and then all
three parts described above.

The grade applies to an undergraduate assignment and assumes a ‘quick and dirty’ cobble together and
submission of the assignment given the work already completed – if you are lucky!

In detail: The project work breakdown structure

The Project Work Breakdown Structure (Figure 1) shows the various tasks that need to be completed in
each of the ten Phases of activity required to create an A+ (First Class) written assignment, such as an essay
or report. The Work Tasks within each Phase are roughly sequenced from top to bottom according to a
logical precedence in each Phase.

In general, the Phases must be commenced starting from the left, and moving across the figure. However,
some Phases can be carried out at the same time - such as the First Draft Writing Phase, and the Layout
Design Phase.

Note that an element of ‘Fast Tracking’ (to reduce the time between project start, and completion) is
demonstrated. For example, some phases (such as the Enhancement Phase and the Document Integration
Phase) can be commenced without waiting for feedback from the peer reviews of the document drafts
produced in earlier phases. The peer feedback may be incorporated part way through the appropriate Phase,
although in a more leisurely world, one would ideally have the peer feedback prior to starting work on a
new Phase.

The Network logic diagram (Figure 2) is a graphic representation showing the sequence and dependencies
of the tasks. For those with access to project management software, a more detailed breakdown of the tasks

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could be produced and adapted to the particular assignment to be undertaken. The thick line shows the
critical path. If you get behind in your work on any activity that is on the critical path, then there is a
danger that your assignment will finish later than initially intended – unless you work overtime!

The Percent of Total Work in Each Work Phase (Figure 3) shows the percentage proportion of the total
project time that we estimate should be allocated to each Phase. The basis for this estimate of time derives
from discussion with several undergraduate students at Massey University in 1999, and is based around a
typical assignment requiring a work effort of 30 hours spread over s month. Note how you should limit the
time you spend researching and investigating to about one-third of the total work effort – and that time
includes writing up the notes of your research and investigation! Secondly, note that the Enhancement
phase takes the second largest chunk of time – it is this phase of work that helps you craft your report into a
rationally sequenced, logical, clear and consistent production. This is where you practice the art of writing
and demonstrate the soundness of your thinking.

The Project Timeline shows in a graphical format an example of how you might allocate your time across
the main tasks in each phase over a month. This example assumes you have 30 hours to spend on the
assignment – about 7 hours per week.

Technical terms
In the Project Work Breakdown Structure there are some technical terms that writers use that you will
need to understand and learn how to apply. For example: topic sentences (look under ‘paragraphing’),
transitions, introductory proposition, citation, reference, and peer review. Look in the index and contents of
a book such as Emerson (2000) or De Luca & Annals (2000). There are some project management terms
that you should also learn about: milestone, critical path, and fast tracking. See a reference on project
management such as Duncan (1996), or Quinn et al (1996, Chapter 5)

Acknowledgements
This diagram was inspired by a mini-lecture presented by Lisa Emerson, Director - Student Learning
Centre, Massey University, to students of Enterprise Development at Massey University, and a tutorial by
Peter Mellalieu to the same class on the topic of Project Management.

Further reading
For further reading on the topics of assignment writing and project management, see:

De Luca, Rosemary & Annals, Alison, (2000) Writing that works: A guide for students, Auckland: Pearson
Education ISBN 0-582-71897-X

Emerson, Lisa (2000) Writing Guidelines for Business Students (2nd Ed), Palmerston North: Dunmore Press

William R. Duncan (1996), A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Upper Darby (PA-
USA): Project Management Institute (PMI).

Quinn, R.E., Faerman S.R., Thompson, M.P., McGrath, M.R. (1996) Becoming a master manager: a
competency framework 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley. ISBN 0-471-00744-7

© Based on material by Peter Mellalieu and Lisa Emerson, 1999. All Rights Reserved. This diagram may
be used by others for non-commercial purposes provided it is represented in its entirety, including this
message.

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Maximum Potential Grade versus Percent Total Work Completed
A+

A-

B+

B
G
r B-
a Enhancement, Proof Reading,
C+
d Document Integration, and
e Submission Phases
C

D Research, and
Figures & Graphics
E Phases
Startup, Planning,
NIL First Draft and Layout
Phases

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Percent of Total Work

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 Figure 1:
Project Work Breakdown Structure
for Creating an A+ Essay or Report Assignment

© Peter Mellalieu 1999

Document Version: 1 Jan 1904

Startup Phase Project First Draft Layout Design Research Figures and Enhancement Final Proof- Document Submission
Planning Writing Phase Phase Phase Graphics Phase Reading Phase Integration and Closing
Phase Work 5%
Total Work 5% Phase Phase Phase Phase
Phase Work 10% Phase Work 5% Phase Work 30% Phase Work 15% Phase Work 5%
Maximum Grade Total Work 20% Total Work 25% Total Work 55% Total Work 80% Total Work 85%
Phase Work 5% Phase Work 10% Phase Work 10% Phase Work 5%
NIL Maximum Grade Maximum Grade Maximum Grade Maximum Grade Maximum Grade
Total Work 10% Total Work 65% Total Work 95% Total Work 100%
Maximum Grade D C B- Maximum Grade B+ A- Maximum Grade
Maximum Grade
Identify Assignment E B A A+
Specification Complete co-requisite Design layout style Complete Refine paragraphing Incorporate feedback
Estimate work hours reading (page design, titles, supplementary Prepare figures, (Topic sentences, on penultimate draft Incorporate feedback
Incorporate feedback
Identify and/or select available for headings, sub- reading, research, diagrams, pictures single ideas per from peer review from peer review
on layout design and
assignment topic committing to this 'Crash' write first headings, fonts, and/or interviews and other graphics paragraph, transitions group group
figures from peer
assignment draft margins, to new lines of
review group
Identify length and paragraphing, binding) Incorporate feedback Prepare labelling for thought) Check logic and Final visual and spell
format Identify key risks, Create draft outline from peer review figures etc argument check
Apply style
uncertainties, deadline and structure Identify opportunities group Explain figures,
guide/template to
Identify Percent clashes, priorities, and for using illustrations, Prepare introductions graphics, tables, Check sequence Printout Final version
final text
Assessment contingency options Write draft figures, graphics, Refine logic and and explanations to appendices, etc, and
Contribution introduction and ‘break out’ sections, structure figures integrate into Check introductory Layout figures, Binding
Allocate work load overview appendices etc argument proposition and graphics, appendices,
Identify Due Date hours to phases and Refine topic Spell check overview break outs, etc into Attach assignment
tasks Write draft summary Set up design sentences Incorporate feedback
final document cover sheet
Identify assessment and conclusion template and style from peer review Check conclusion,
Check layout design
criteria Identify critical path guide on computer Introduce quotations, group summary and ‘wrap
against Assignment Prepare title page, Dispatch to assessor
Type up draft citations, and other Specifications up’ statement contents list, list of
Identify Backup computer files supporting evidence Check for random
Identify milestones figures, index, Make backup
Recommended Total Draft key topic and arguments Circulate figures to (unconnected) Check paragraphing glossary, hardcopy and
Work Load Hours sentences MILESTONE: peer group for critical sentences (single ideas, topic
Develop Gantt Work acknowledgements, computer backups
Layout design Spell check review sentences, paragraph appendixes, headers
Allocation Schedule
Identify or specify Identify additional and template Complete Reference length, transitions) and footers
and Biography Celebrate completion
target audience literature and complete Check revised draft
Schedule special Backup computer files
(reader) research resources against Assignment sections Check citations,
resources, interviews, Check layout design
MILESTONE: A+
group meetings Specification MILESTONE: references and against Assignment
Identify co-requisite Spell check Assignment
Develop investigation Figures, graphics bibliography Specifications
reading delivered to
Communicate plan to and/or research Circulate research circulated
assessor by due
key stakeholders and methodology draft to peer group Circulate penultimate Check figures, Check layout for
Define and date
for critical review draft to peer group graphics, tables, etc consistency
peer review team
understand key Initiate requests and for critical review explained
concepts and terms Receive feedback
MILESTONE: searches for required Revise Project Incorporate feedback
from assessor.
documents and/or Management Plan Revise Project Check grammar on final text from
Project Plan
Identify other special confirm interviews Management Plan peer review group
circulated
requirements (group Backup computer files Check spelling Revise lessons
project?, multi-media Spell check Backup computer files Resolve ‘widows and learned, and
aids?) orphans’ recommendations for
MILESTONE: Check words
Check first draft future projects
Research-based MILESTONE: (straightforward
Brainstorm ideas for against Assignment
text circulated Penultimate text Check page numbers
report content and terms, formal terms, MILESTONE:
Specification
prepared definitions) Celebrate success
structure
Check spelling

Circulate first draft to Revise Project

Determine
peer group for critical Management Plan Circulate final
assessment grade
review document to peer
target
Backup computer files group for critical
Revise Project review
MILESTONE:: Management Plan MILESTONE: Final
Requirements and
text circulated Reflect and document
Targets
Backup computer files key lessons learned,
established
personal insights, and
MILESTONE: First recommendations for
Draft circulated carrying out future
projects
This Project Work Breakdown Structure shows the various tasks that need to be completed in each of the ten major Phases of activity required to create an A+ (First Class) written
assignment, such as an essay or report. The Work Tasks within each Phase are roughly sequenced from top to bottom according to a logical precedence in each Phase. Update Project
In general, the Phases must be commenced starting from the left, and moving across the figure. However, some Phases can be carried out at the same time - such as the
Management
First Draft Writing Phase, and the Layout Design Phase.
Template (for future
Note that an element of ‘Fast Tracking’ (to reduce the time between project start, and completion) is demonstrated. For example, some phases (such as the Enhancement
Phase and the Document Integration Phase) can be commenced without waiting for feedback from the peer reviews of the document drafts produced in earlier phases. The peer projects)
feedback may be incorporated part way through the appropriate Phase, although in a more leisurely world, one would ideally have the peer feedback prior to starting work on a new
Phase. Backup computer files
The data for Phase Work shows the percentage proportion of the total project time that we estimate should be allocated to each Phase. The Total Work percentage shows
the cumulative project work time including the current and all previous Phases. The Maximum Grade shows the maximum possible university grade which might reasonably be
Maximum if the product of that Phase was quickly cobbled into a submitted assignment. MILESTONE: Final
This diagram was inspired by a mini-lecture presented by Lisa Emerson, Director - Student Learning Centre, Massey University, to students of Enterprise Development at document
Massey University, and a tutorial by Peter Mellalieu to the same class on the topic of Project Management. circulated

For further reading on the topics of assignment writing and project management, see:
Lisa Emerson (1995) Writing Guidelines for Business Students, Palmerston North: Dunmore Press
William R. Duncan (1996), A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge,, Upper Darby (PA-USA): Project Management Institute (PMI).

© Peter Mellalieu and Lisa Emerson, 1999. All Rights Reserved. This diagram may be used by others for non-commercial purposes provided it is represented in its entirety, including this message.
This version: 1 Jan 1904

4
Figure 2: Network Logic Diagram for Creating and A+ Essay or Report Assignment

First Draft Research Enhancement Proof

Writing 30 % 15 % Reading
10 % 5%

Startup Project Document Submission

Phase Planning Integration and Closing
5% 5% 10 % 5% %

Layout Figures &

Design Graphics
5% 10 %

This diagram shows the logical dependencies which exist for this project. For example,
the Enhancement Phase depends on outputs from both the Research and Figures &
Graphics Phases.

Work flows from left to right across the diagram.

Figures show percentage of total expected work load for the complete project.

Thick line indicates Critical Path

© Peter Mellalieu, 1 Jan 1904

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 Figure 3: Percent of Total Work in Each Work Phase
Submission Startup
Planning
Integration Startup 5%
Planning 5%

First Draft First Draft 10%

Proof Reading Layout 5%
Research 30%
Figures 10%
Layout
Enhancement 15%
ProofReading 5%
Enhancement
Integration 10%
Submission 5%

Research
Figures

First Draft

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 Project Time Line for Creating an A+ Written Assignment
(Relaxed Version)

Task Name % of Planned Start Duration Planned Finish Actual Actual %

Total in Hours Start Finish Done
Project
Jul 2000
Work 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

STARTUP, PLANNING, FIRST DRAFT 1/07/2000 0 1/07/2000

Startup 5 1/07/2000 1.5 2/07/2000 5

Requirements & Targets established 2/07/2000 0 2/07/2000

Project Planning 5 2/07/2000 1.5 4/07/2000 10

Project Plan Circulated 4/07/2000 0 4/07/2000

First Draft Writing 10 4/07/2000 3 7/07/2000 20

First Draft Circulated 7/07/2000 0 7/07/2000

RESEARCH, FIGURES, GRAPHICS

Research 30 7/07/2000 9 16/07/2000 50

Research-based text circulated 16/07/2000 0 16/07/2000

Layout and Design 5 16/07/2000 1.5 17/07/2000 55

Design Template completed 17/07/2000 0 17/07/2000

Figures and Graphics 10 17/07/2000 3 20/07/2000 65

Figures and Graphics circulated 20/07/2000 0 20/07/2000

ENHANCEMENT, INTEGRATION,
SUBMISSION & CLOSURE
Enhancement 15 20/07/2000 4.5 25/07/2000 80

Penultimate text circulated 25/07/2000 0 25/07/2000

Final Proof Reading 5 25/07/2000 1.5 26/07/2000 85

Final Text and Figures circulated 26/07/2000 0 26/07/2000

Document Integration 10 26/07/2000 3 29/07/2000 95 This chart shows the scheduling of actual hours spent on a Writing
project. Assumptions: 30 hours available for the assignment, a work
load capacity of 7 hours/per week, and no ‘fast tracking’.
Final Document circulated 29/07/2000 0 29/07/2000

Submission 2.5 29/07/2000 0.75 30/07/2000 97.5

Assignment delivered 30/07/2000 0 30/07/2000

Closure 2.5 30/07/2000 0.75 31/07/2000 100

Project Closed 31/07/2000 0 31/07/2000