Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Project Planning and Management Syllabus

Project Planning and Management syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Project Planning and Management in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Choosing and Defining a Title

   4 topics

   • Generating and narrowing topic ideas
     • Linking to intended degree or career interests
     • Brainstorming, mind-mapping and concept refinement
   • Framing a focused research question or title
     • Phrasing for analysis rather than description
     • Ensuring an arguable, answerable scope
   • Testing feasibility and access to resources
     • Availability of literature, data, equipment or venues
     • Time and skill realism
   • Writing the project proposal for approval
2. 2

   Aims, Objectives and Scope

   4 topics

   • Distinguishing aims from measurable objectives
   • Setting SMART objectives
     • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
   • Defining deliverables and success criteria
   • Managing scope and avoiding over-ambition
3. 3

   Planning Tools and Time Management

   4 topics

   • Project timelines and milestones
     • Gantt charts and action plans
     • Working backwards from the deadline
   • Breaking the project into work packages
   • Prioritisation and dealing with competing deadlines
   • Contingency planning and buffers
4. 4

   Risk and Resource Management

   4 topics

   • Identifying project risks
     • Risk likelihood and impact assessment
     • Mitigation and fallback strategies
   • Resource and budget planning
   • Health, safety and ethical considerations
     • Risk assessments for practical or fieldwork projects
     • Safeguarding and consent for performances/artefacts
   • Adapting the plan when circumstances change

Project Planning and Management flashcards for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

22 of 51 cards from the Project Planning and Management deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the purpose of the 'topic generation' (idea-generation) stage at the start of an EPQ?

   To produce a wide pool of possible project ideas before committing to one, using techniques such as brainstorming, mind-mapping, free-writing and exploring personal interests, current affairs and curriculum gaps.

2. Name three practical techniques used to GENERATE topic ideas for an EPQ.

   Brainstorming/mind-mapping, free-writing, spider diagrams, exploring news and reading, and looking at gaps in your subject knowledge or future career interests (any three).

3. What does 'narrowing' a topic mean, and why is it necessary?

   Narrowing means refining a broad subject down to a specific, manageable focus. It is necessary because a broad topic cannot be researched in depth within EPQ time and word limits, leading to a shallow or unfocused project.

4. What is the difference between a topic and a research question in EPQ planning?

   A topic is a broad subject area (e.g. 'renewable energy'), whereas a research question is a specific, answerable question or title within that topic (e.g. 'To what extent can offshore wind meet UK 2035 energy targets?').

5. List the key characteristics of a GOOD EPQ research question/title.

   Focused and specific, answerable within the time/resources available, not too broad or too narrow, debatable or analytical (not purely descriptive), and supported by available evidence/sources.

6. Why are 'To what extent...' or 'How far...' style titles often recommended for EPQ?

   They invite analysis, evaluation and weighing of evidence rather than simple description, allowing the student to argue, reach a judgement and access higher marks for critical thinking.

7. What is 'feasibility testing' in project planning?

   Checking before committing that the project can realistically be completed: assessing time, skills, access to resources/data, costs, ethics and whether a clear answer can be reached.

8. Name four feasibility checks a student should make before finalising an EPQ proposal.

   Is there enough time? Are the necessary resources/sources/data accessible? Do I have (or can I gain) the required skills? Is it safe, ethical and within budget? (any four).

9. What does 'access to resources' refer to when checking feasibility?

   Whether you can actually obtain the materials, data, equipment, software, expert contacts, locations or participants the project depends on within your time and budget.

10. What is the function of the EPQ project proposal?

    It is a formal document submitted for supervisor/centre approval that sets out the title, aims, objectives, planned approach, resources and timeline, demonstrating the project is viable and worthwhile before work begins.

11. What essential elements should an EPQ project proposal contain?

    The working title/research question, the aims and objectives, the rationale/why it interests you, the planned methodology/approach, required resources, a timeline/plan, and consideration of risks/ethics.

12. Why must a project proposal be APPROVED before substantial work begins?

    Approval confirms the project is feasible, appropriately challenging, safe and ethical, and gives the supervisor a chance to flag problems early, preventing wasted effort on an unviable project.

13. What is the difference between an aim and an objective?

    An aim is the broad overall purpose or end goal of the project (what you ultimately want to achieve), while objectives are the specific, measurable steps taken to reach that aim.

14. Are aims usually broad or specific, and are objectives usually broad or specific?

    Aims are broad and general; objectives are specific, concrete and measurable.

15. Why should objectives be 'measurable'?

    So you can clearly tell whether each objective has been achieved, track progress against the plan, and evaluate the project's success objectively at the end.

16. What does the acronym SMART stand for in objective-setting?

    Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

17. In SMART objectives, what does 'Specific' require?

    The objective is clearly and precisely defined — it states exactly what is to be done, leaving no ambiguity about the intended outcome.

18. In SMART objectives, what does 'Measurable' require?

    There is a concrete criterion or quantity by which you can judge whether the objective has been met (e.g. a number, deliverable, or observable result).

19. In SMART objectives, what does 'Achievable' require?

    The objective is realistic and attainable given the time, skills, resources and constraints available.

20. In SMART objectives, what does 'Relevant' require?

    The objective genuinely contributes to the overall aim of the project and is worth doing.

21. In SMART objectives, what does 'Time-bound' require?

    The objective has a clear deadline or timeframe by which it must be completed.

22. Rewrite the vague objective 'Read about climate change' as a SMART objective.

    'Read and summarise five peer-reviewed articles on UK climate policy by 15 October' — it is specific, measurable (five articles), achievable, relevant and time-bound.

See more Project Planning and Management flashcards →

Planning Project Planning and Management for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Project Planning and Management (Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)) FAQ