Task 3a – Literature Review
Based on your research on a contemporary project management issue/concept, create a literature review paper covering theoretical and applied
perspectives. The review should:
- Cover both the theoretical and applied aspects of the topic
- Critically analyse the recent literature (year 2000>)
- Identify the themes, trends, and perspectives and/or controversies
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the literature
- Identify, where possible, any gaps in knowledge
- Provide a well written conclusion which addresses the major implications of the findings in relation to Project Management and the
chosen topic
In terms of the written presentation:
- It must be academically well written
- Meet the presentation standards of an academic literature review, having the following structure:
o Title page, abstract, introduction, discussion, conclusion and a list of references
- Use the correct discipline terminology
- Adhere to the word count: 1,500 words
- Use Times New Roman, size 12pt, with double spacing.
- Use a minimum 10 academic and 5 non-academic references (in Harvard style – see the library for guidance)
Please see the criteria sheet below for guidance:Levels of Achievement
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Fail
Criteria 1:
Knowledge of
chosen topic
and analysis of
its component
parts to identify
issues or claims
Weight 45.00%
85 to 100 %
Demonstrates
comprehensive and
insightful knowledge of
the topic area through
analysis of the
relationships among
statements, questions
concepts or
descriptions/models with
the intention to express
belief or judgment or
experience or opinion.
Highly appropriate and
relevant articles used in
review.
75 to 84 %
Demonstrates mostly
comprehensive and
insightful knowledge
of the topic area.
Appropriate and
relevant articles are
selected for review.
65 to 74 %
Demonstrates some
knowledge of the topic
area, with an element of
insight. Articles selected
for the review are
somewhat appropriate
and relevant.
50 to 64 %
Basic knowledge of the
topic area is
demonstrated. Articles
selected for the review
are somewhat appropriate
and relevant with some
lapses in judgement.
0 to 49 %
Little or no
knowledge of the
topic area is
demonstrated and
the articles selected
for review lack
relevance and
appropriateness.
Criteria 2:
Evaluation of
literature and
synthesis of
own view or
argument with
an application
to Project
Management
Weight 45.00%
85 to 100 %
A high level of
evaluation in assessing
the credibility of
statements or other
representations in the
literature to determine
the logical strength or
weakness of the claims
and their practicality.
Along with a high level
75 to 84 %
There is a level of
evaluation and
synthesis of the
literature and its
components including
its strengths,
weaknesses and
limitations and where
disagreement exists.
Logical conclusions
65 to 74 %
There is a level
evaluation and synthesis
of the literature and its
components including its
strengths, weaknesses
and limitations and where
disagreement exists,
although this could have
been further explored.
Somewhat logical
50 to 64 %
A beginning attempt has
been made to evaluate
and synthesise the
literature and its
components including its
strengths, weaknesses
and limitations and where
disagreement exists
although there are a
number of omissions or
0 to 49 %
There is little or no
evaluation and
synthesis of the
literature and its
components
including its
strengths,
weaknesses and
limitations and
where disagreementLevels of Achievement
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Fail
of synthesis of the secure
elements into an
argument enabling the
drawing of reasonable
and logical conclusions
and the inference of
reasonable consequences
coming from the
application of the theory
to contemporary Project
Management.
are drawn and their
application to
contemporary
Management/HR
practice is given in
some detail. Perhaps
limited inference on
consequences or limit
links between all
components.
conclusions are drawn
and their application to
Project Management is
generally stated.
Inference of
consequences available
but links not strong.
lapses in judgement.
Conclusions are drawn
but they may not be
logical and their
application to Project
Management practice is
given only minor
consideration. No
inference of
consequences or limited
links throughout the
document.
exists. No
conclusions are
drawn or they are
illogical and/or not
applied to practice.
No inferences of
consequences. No
cohesion in the
document.
Criteria 3:
Professional
Communication
Weight 10.00%
85 to 100 %
The meaning is
consistently clear. Use of
discipline terminology is
confident and assured.
The level of presentation
meets professional
standards of the
discipline, and there is a
high level of attention to
detail including
grammar, syntax and
spelling. Referencing
and citations are
appropriate.
75 to 84 %
The meaning is clear.
Use of discipline
terminology is
extensive and largely
correct. The level of
presentation meets
professional standards
of the discipline, and
there is attention to
detail including
grammar, syntax and
spelling. Referencing
and citations are
appropriate.
65 to 74 %
Overall meaning is clear
though there are minor
instances of
awkward/ambiguous
expression. Use of
discipline terminology is
adequate. The level of
presentation mostly
meets professional
standards of the
discipline, with some
lapses in detail in e.g.
grammar, syntax and
spelling. Referencing
and/or citation errors.
50 to 64 %
The intended meaning
can be discerned but
lacks clarity and/or
examples of
awkward/ambiguous
expression. Limited
discipline terminology
with minor inaccuracies.
Some professionalism but
significant lapses in
grammar syntax and
spelling. Referencing
and/or citation errors.
0 to 49 %
Use of language
fails to make
meaning clear;
many errors of
grammar, syntax
and spelling, range
of mistakes
indicating lack of
editing and
proofreading.
Limited or incorrect
use of discipline
terminology. Poor
referencing and
citation errors