Each task in this assessment brief has been developed to enable you to evidence achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for CMI 515: Creating and Delivering Operational Plans. Each of the assessment criteria must gain a pass outcome for you to successfully achieve the unit.
Preparation for the assessment
Before you begin the assessment brief please read the CMI 515 unit specifications thoroughly as only the content related to the achievement of the assessment criteria will be assessed.
Research the topics being assessed. Suggested reading/web resources are provided on the CMI 515 unit specification. Your tutor may signpost you to relevant resources. Additionally, you may access excellent online resources at ManagementDirect https://members.md.cmi.org.uk. Please note that if you have a customised site the link will differ, please contact your Centre for clarification.
If you are enrolled on the Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme you are encouraged to review the Apprenticeship Standard for Operations/Departmental Manager.
Completing the assessment brief
The assessment brief contains a series of tasks which are clearly referenced to the relevant assessment criteria and indicative content.
Refer to the Assessment Guidance Table at the end of the assessment brief which outlines the requirements for a Pass or Refer.
Evidence must be provided in the evidence booklet. Additional work based evidence such as plans or documentation (which has been referred to within the main text) should be included at the end of the booklet marked ‘Work Based Evidence’. Appendices are not a requirement of this assessment brief. If appendices are included these will not be marked or moderated by the CMI.
Work based evidence must be accompanied by a supporting statement in the learner evidence box, to explain the link to the assessment criteria. Work based evidence (where required by the task) must not exceed SIX (6) pages. Files embedded in the booklet must not exceed 10MB.
The evidence booklet must be completed in a professional manner (e.g. applying business conventions for writing formal reports) and by using Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format or another compatible software programme and not in a PDF format.
An appropriate referencing system (such as Harvard Referencing) must be used to ensure the original source(s) of quotations or models can be verified.
Finally, you must sign the Learner Authenticity statement (an electronic signature is accepted).
Learner support
For information regarding policies and procedures for assessment (e.g. special assessment arrangements, learner support, appeals, complaints, certification, confidentiality, plagiarism) you should contact your tutor or Centre manager and refer to the CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership syllabus.
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INTRODUCING ASSESSMENT BRIEF CMI 515
Being equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to create and deliver operational plans in a variety of organisational settings is essential if an individual and their organisation are to succeed.
Assessment brief CMI 515 has been designed to enable learners to evidence their ability to translate organisational objectives into operational plans. Learners will evidence their understanding of the strategic direction of an organisation and how they can contribute to the strategic planning process. They will review the knowledge and skills needed to create and deliver operational plans, including the setting of key performance indicators, how to monitor quality and outcomes against plans and how to report effectively on findings.
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ASSESSMENT TASKS AND WORD COUNT
Assessment brief CMI 515 features the following assessment tasks. Further detail is provided against each assessment task within the brief.
Assessment Task
Learning outcomes covered by assessment method
Assessment criteria
Guideline word count
1
Write an account
LO1 Understand the principles of operational planning in an organisation
1.1 Assess the relationship between an organisation’s strategic objectives and operational planning
Approx. 900 words
1.2 Evaluate the use of approaches to operational planning
2a
Create an operational plan for one work area covering a minimum period of three months
LO2 Know how to create an operational plan in line with organisational objectives
2.3 Create an operational plan in line with organisational objectives
Approx. 1200 words
2b
Write an account
2.1 Examine the impact of legal and organisational factors on an operational plan
2.2 Assess the ethical requirements that influence an operational plan
3
Write an account
LO3 Know how to manage and lead the delivery of an operational plan
3.1 Assess methods of managing and leading the delivery of an operational plan
Approx. 900 words
3.2 Examine techniques for problem solving and decision making
LO4 Know how to monitor and measure the outcome of operational planning
4.1 Evaluate methods to monitor progress and measure the outcomes of operational plans
Guideline word count
The written word, however generated and recorded, is still expected to form the majority of assessable work produced by Learners at Level 5. The amount and volume of work for this unit should be broadly comparable to a word count of 2500-3000 words within a margin of +/-10%. The excessive use of word count is not grounds for referral, however the CMI reserve the right to return work to the Centre for editing and resubmission by the Learner.
The following are excluded from inclusion in word count, if used and not required by the assessment brief: an introduction to a job role, organisation or department; index or contents pages; headings and sub headings; diagrams, charts and graphs; reference list or bibliography; reflective statement drawn from undertaking the assignment and how this has impacted on the learner’s work. Please see the CMI Assessment Guidance Policy for further guidance.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONAL PLANNING IN AN ORGANISATION
The ability to translate organisational objectives into operational plans is an essential management skill. Managers need to have a thorough understanding of the direction of the organisation and how to contribute to the strategic planning process.
Assessment brief CMI 515 has been designed to enable learners to understand the knowledge and skills required to create and deliver operational plans. This includes the need to understand the impact of legal and organisational factors and ethical requirements on operational planning along with setting key performance indicators, monitoring quality and outcomes against the plan and how to effectively report on findings.
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TASK 1
You are required to write an account of the principles of operational planning. The account must:
i. Assess the relationship between an organisation’s strategic objectives and operational planning (AC1.1)
ii. Use examples to evaluate the use of approaches to operational planning (AC1.2)
Guidance for completion of Task 1
The account should include sub headings. You may choose to include tables and diagrams (as appropriate).
Your discussion should be underpinned with relevant theoretical principles.
You may include good practice examples from an organisation you know well or have researched.
Please refer to the indicative content for each assessment criteria (AC) outlined in the unit specification.
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OPERATIONAL PLANNING IN LINE WITH ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES
In order to create an operational plan, it is important that it achieves operational objectives, that the manager understands the impact of organisational and legal factors and ethical requirements on operational planning.
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SCENARIO
You are the manager of a busy department within a large organisation. Your team consists of full time and part time staff with different working patterns.
There are a wide range of customers who access services. Your team is required to handle confidential and sensitive information. There are three ways the team interacts with customers – digital, face to face and via the telephone.
Three organisational objectives have been developed by the senior management team. These are to:
reduce the number of complaints by 5%
to increase the number of customers using the service
implement new ways of working with customers
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TASK 2a
There are THREE (3) options for answering this task. You only need to select ONE (1) option.
You are required to create an operational plan in line with organisational objectives (AC2.3).
Option 1: Present a copy of an operational plan you have already created for one area of work in line with organisational objectives. The operational plan must be for a minimum of a three month period, and either:
Include the document(s) in the Work Based Evidence section of this assessment booklet, or
Provide your documentation as separate document(s) outside of this assessment booklet.
NB: Where separate documents are provided they must not exceed 10MB in size and must be saved as PDF documents
Option 2: Use the CMI template to create an operational plan for a minimum of three months. The operational plan must be based on one work area in an organisation you know or have researched. The operational plan must be in line with organisational objectives.
Option 3: Create an operational plan based on the scenario above. The operational plan must be for a minimum of three months and it must be in line with organisational objectives. The operational plan should be completed using the CMI template.
OPTION 1: WORK BASED EVIDENCE
IF YOU CHOOSE THIS OPTION COPY AND PASTE THIS EVIDENCE TABLE INTO THE EVIDENCE BOOKLET. DO NOT PRESENT ANY EVIDENCE IN THE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF.
Description of work based evidence:
Please briefly describe the type of work based evidence that is being presented to meet the requirements of this task.
Summary:
Please provide a brief summary statement of how this work based evidence meets the requirements of this task.
Please indicate how you have presented evidence for this task (please tick box):
Document uploaded to Work Based Evidence section (page X) of this assessment booklet
Documents are provided separately to this assessment booklet. Document name(s):
__________________________________________________________
OPTION 2: COMPLETE THE TEMPLATE
IF YOU CHOOSE THIS OPTION COPY AND PASTE THIS EVIDENCE TABLE INTO THE EVIDENCE BOOKLET. DO NOT PRESENT ANY EVIDENCE IN THE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF.
Operational Planning Template
Overall purpose of the operational plan:
Objective
Tasks
Resources
Responsibility
Timescale
Risks and contingency
Guidance for completion of Task 2a
This may be based on the scenario given above or an area of responsibility in an organisation you know well or have researched.
The operational plan must show a clear link to organisational objectives and be based on one area of work.
If required, the CMI template can be adapted or extended.
The plan may be presented in a format of your choice or using the CMI template provided.
Please refer to the indicative content for each assessment criteria (AC) outlined in the unit specification.
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TASK 2b
For the operational plan presented for Task 2a, write an account which:
i. Examines the impact of legal and organisational factors on the operational plan (AC2.1)
ii. Assesses the ethical requirements that influence the operational plan (AC2.2)
Guidance for completion of Task 2b
You are encouraged to consider the use of well chosen examples from an organisation you know well or have researched.
You are not required to include every piece of legislation, organisational policy and procedure in your account. You should focus on those you feel are essential to operational planning.
Refer to the indicative content for each assessment criteria (AC) outlined in the unit specification.
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MANAGING AND MONITORING AN OPERATIONAL PLAN
Successful delivery of operational plans requires not only the ability to lead and manage, but also the knowledge of techniques for problem solving and decision making and methods to monitor progress and measure outcomes.
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TASK 3
For the operational plan presented for Task 2a, you are required to write an account of how the operational plan may be monitored and managed. The account must:
i. Assess methods of managing and leading the delivery of an operational plan (AC3.1)
ii. Examine techniques for problem solving and decision making (AC3.2)
iii. Evaluate methods to monitor progress and measure the outcomes of operational plans (AC4.1)
1.1 Assess the relationship between an organisation’s strategic objectives and operational planning
Guidance for completion of Task 3
The account should include sub headings. You may choose to include tables and diagrams (as appropriate).
Your discussion should be underpinned with relevant theoretical principles.
You may include good practice examples from an organisation you know well or have researched.
Please refer to the indicative content for each assessment criteria (AC) outlined in the unit specification.
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ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
Refer
Pass
The submission is incomplete
Tasks are incomplete
Not all assessment criteria have been met
No examples are used or the examples given do not match the requirements of the assessment criteria
Evidence is
Unclear
Technically incorrect or inaccurate
Biased
Unprofessional language
Poorly structured and presented
Ideas are under-developed
Lacks sufficient detail to show understanding of the topic
The application of different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought is unclear or inappropriate
Little or no evaluation of evidence has taken place
The ability to make judgments and solve complex problems has not been evidenced
Evidence is not directly attributable to the learner
External sources of information are not acknowledged
Work based evidence or artefacts (e.g. planning documents or presentation slides) do not meet the requirements of the assessment criteria and are not current (within 5 years)
All tasks have been completed
All assessment criteria have been met
Examples given are well chosen and match the requirements of the assessment criteria
Evidence is
Well written and presented
Contains a breadth of examples
Accurate
Current (e.g. use of up to date legislation)
Authentic
Inclusive
Coherent
Credible
Technically correct
Evidence shows understanding and application of different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the reasoning behind them.
Evidence shows the learners ability to evaluate evidence and solve problems to achieve set outcomes.
Evidence used from external sources has been correctly referenced
Evidence is directly attributable to the learner
Work based evidence or artefacts (e.g. planning documents or presentation slides) match the requirements of the assessment criteria and are current (within 5 years)
Example Plagiarised Answer
1.1 Assess the relationship between an organisation’s strategic objectives and operational planning
The relationship between an organisation’s strategic objectives and operational planning is integral and symbiotic. Strategic objectives are the long-term goals that an organisation aims to achieve, reflecting its mission, vision, and values. These objectives provide a clear direction and purpose, guiding the organisation`s overall strategy.
Operational planning, on the other hand, is concerned with the short-term actions and processes that are necessary to achieve these strategic objectives. It involves the detailed planning and execution of day-to-day activities, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated, and that tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule.
The relationship between the two can be understood as follows:
Alignment and Consistency: Operational planning must be directly aligned with the strategic objectives. Every operational plan should contribute towards the fulfilment of the broader strategic goals. This alignment ensures that the organisation’s resources are focused on activities that advance its long-term objectives, avoiding waste and inefficiency.
Translation of Strategy into Action: Strategic objectives are often broad and aspirational. Operational planning translates these high-level objectives into specific, actionable tasks. For instance, if a strategic objective is to become the market leader in a particular sector, the operational plan might include detailed marketing campaigns, product development schedules, and sales targets to support this goal.
Resource Allocation: Strategic objectives determine where the organisation should allocate its resources—such as time, money, and personnel—to achieve the desired outcomes. Operational planning then ensures these resources are deployed effectively and efficiently in the short term, focusing on immediate needs without losing sight of the long-term strategy.
Performance Measurement and Feedback: Operational planning includes setting specific, measurable targets that align with strategic objectives. As these targets are monitored and assessed, they provide valuable feedback that can inform future strategic decisions. This continuous loop of planning, execution, and assessment ensures that the organisation remains on track to achieve its strategic goals.
Continued…..
To tackle the CMI 515 assessment brief effectively, here`s a structured approach to each task, ensuring that all assessment criteria are met and the required outcomes are achieved.
Task 1: Principles of Operational Planning
1.1 Assess the Relationship Between an Organisation’s Strategic Objectives and Operational Planning
Introduction
Define strategic objectives and operational planning.
Discuss how operational planning is a translation of strategic objectives into actionable tasks.
Relationship Assessment
Strategic Objectives: Outline the importance of strategic objectives as long-term goals guiding the overall direction of the organization.
Operational Planning: Explain how operational plans break down these strategic objectives into specific, actionable tasks, resources, and timelines.
Alignment: Illustrate the process of ensuring operational plans align with strategic goals, using examples such as setting departmental targets that support the broader organizational strategy.
Examples
Example 1: A tech company’s strategic objective to innovate could translate into an operational plan focusing on research and development projects.
Example 2: A retail chain’s goal to enhance customer satisfaction might result in operational plans for staff training and customer service improvements.
Conclusion
Summarize how effective operational planning helps achieve strategic objectives.
1.2 Evaluate the Use of Approaches to Operational Planning
Introduction
Briefly define different approaches to operational planning (e.g., top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid approaches).
Evaluation
Top-Down Approach: Discuss advantages such as consistency and alignment with strategic objectives, and disadvantages like potential lack of input from lower levels.
Bottom-Up Approach: Highlight benefits such as increased buy-in from employees and potential for practical insights, and drawbacks like possible misalignment with strategic goals.
Hybrid Approach: Evaluate how combining both approaches can balance strategic alignment with practical insights from various levels within the organization.
Examples
Example 1: A multinational corporation using a top-down approach to ensure global strategies are implemented uniformly.
Example 2: A local business employing a bottom-up approach to leverage staff insights for operational improvements.
Conclusion
Summarize which approach might be best suited for different types of organizations or scenarios.
Task 2a: Create an Operational Plan
Option 3: Create an Operational Plan Based on the Given Scenario
Operational Plan Template
Overall Purpose:
Improve customer service and satisfaction while handling sensitive information responsibly.
Objectives, Tasks, Resources, Responsibilities, and Timescale:
Objective Tasks Resources Responsibility Timescale
Reduce Complaints Analyze complaint data, improve response protocols Data analytics tools, training resources Team leaders, staff 3 months
Increase Customers Enhance marketing efforts, improve service delivery Marketing budget, promotional materials Marketing team, service staff 3 months
Implement New Ways of Working Develop and train on new procedures Training programs, updated technology HR department, IT support 3 months
Risks and Contingency:
Risk Contingency Plan
Increased complaints Additional staff training, review and adjust procedures
Low customer engagement Reevaluate marketing strategies, seek customer feedback
Resistance to new procedures Communicate benefits clearly, provide additional training
Task 2b: Impact of Legal, Organisational, and Ethical Factors
2.1 Impact of Legal and Organisational Factors
Legal Factors:
Data Protection Laws: Ensure compliance with GDPR or other relevant data protection regulations when handling customer information.
Employment Law: Adhere to laws related to working hours, part-time contracts, and employee rights.
Organisational Factors:
Policies and Procedures: Align the operational plan with organizational policies regarding customer service and confidentiality.
Resource Allocation: Consider the availability and allocation of resources as dictated by organizational constraints.
2.2 Ethical Requirements
Confidentiality: Implement procedures to protect sensitive customer information.
Fair Treatment: Ensure all customers receive equitable treatment and service.
Transparency: Maintain clear communication with customers regarding changes and new procedures.
Task 3: Managing and Leading the Delivery of an Operational Plan
3.1 Methods of Managing and Leading the Delivery
Leadership Styles: Discuss different styles (e.g., transformational, transactional) and their effectiveness in managing operational plans.
Management Techniques: Implement regular progress reviews, set clear milestones, and use project management tools to track progress.
3.2 Techniques for Problem Solving and Decision Making
Problem-Solving Techniques: Use methods such as root cause analysis, brainstorming sessions, and SWOT analysis.
Decision-Making Techniques: Apply decision-making frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix or Cost-Benefit Analysis.
3.3 Methods to Monitor Progress and Measure Outcomes
Monitoring Techniques: Utilize performance metrics, regular reporting, and feedback mechanisms.
Measuring Outcomes: Track progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and assess the impact of implemented changes.
Final Tips
Structure and Clarity: Ensure your account is well-structured with sub-headings, clear explanations, and relevant examples.
Referencing: Use Harvard Referencing for any external sources.
Professional Presentation: Maintain a professional tone and format throughout your booklet.
By following this structured approach, you will ensure that all assessment criteria are met comprehensively and professionally.