CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration) Articles
Notes “Introduction to Gateway” During each session, start with going through Syllabus and exam
the e-learning material and reading the text. study videos by past
The session below is developed based on the Make notes either on paper or using MS examiner David
CIMAstudy.com. You can use other text book Word on your computer. You may want to Harris
or online study material according to your write your own set of flash cards and study
preference. notes as you are reading for more effective
learning. These can be carried around for
www.cimastudy.com regular revision

Notes Using personal experience to compliment You must have been involved in various
your learning projects either in school or at work. When
studying, try to think of a real life scenario you
have experienced. Apply models and
theories where applicable and you will
understand the subject much better.

Notes Post session review At the end of each week, dedicate some time
to review what you have learned. Review the
notes you have made and ensure you have
understood.

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration) Articles
E2 SECTION B: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (25%)- Recommended study time – 38 hours over 3 - 4 weeks
1 1(a) identify a project, a programme and their 1. Common project management Tackling complex
(Wk 1, attributes; frameworks include: Project life cycle, project scenario
5.5 hours) 4D, 5 process, 7S and 9 knowledge
1(b) apply suitable structures and frameworks areas.
to projects to identify common project
management issues; 2. Project strategy and project scope may
be sections in a project initiation
2(a) produce a strategy for a project; document. You may be asked to
produce them in your examination
*CIMAstudy.com chapter (4) Project
Attributes and Frameworks

Exam questions from Gateway papers: Exam questions from E2 Enterprise Management papers:

1(a) : May-11-Q2a 1(a) : Mar-11-Q6a

1(b): Nov-12-Q2a 1(b): Sept-11-Q6a, May-12-Q7a, Sept-12-Q6a

2(a): Nov-10-Q7b, Nov-11-Q7a

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration)
2 1(g) identify structural and leadership issues
(Wk 1, that will be faced in managing a project team;
5.5 hours)
2(b) recommend strategies for the
management of stakeholder
perceptions and expectations;
2(c) explain the roles of key players in a
project organisation.
*CIMAstudy.com chapter (6) The Roles and
Management of Key Stakeholders
Articles
1. A common weakness is a tendency to
describe Mendelow's matrix but to
make little or no reference to the
scenario given.
2. 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.
3. Ensure you are clear about the
differences between process and
stakeholders

Exam questions from Gateway papers: Exam questions from E2 Enterprise Management papers:

1(g): May-11-Q2b 1(g): Nov-10-Q2, Sept-11-Q3, Nov-11-Q7b, Mar-12-Q6b

2(b): Nov-11-Q2b 2(b): May-10- Q6b, May-11-Q6b, Sept-11-Q6b, Nov-12-Q3

2(c) : May-12-Q2, Sept-12-Q4

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration) Articles
3-4 1(c) construct an outline of the process of 1. Be careful not to mix up ‘project Critical path analysis
(Wk 2, project management; methodology’ and ‘project management
11 hours) software”. Always read the question
1(d) identify the characteristics of each phase carefully and answer according to the
in the project process; requirement.

1(e) apply key tools and techniques, including 2. Gantt charts, Work breakdown structure
the evaluation of proposals; (WBS) and Network analysis (Critical
path) are commonly examined topics.
*CIMAstudy.com chapter (5). Phases in the
Project Management Process & (7) Project
Planning Tools and Techniques

Exam questions from Gateway papers: Exam questions from E2 Enterprise Management papers:

1(d): May-12- Q2a 1(c): May-10- Q6a, Nov-12-Q6a

1(e) : Nov-11-Q2a, Nov-12-Q2b 1(d): Mar-11-Q7a, Mar-12-Q6a

1(e) : May-10- Q3a, Nov-10-Q7a, Mar-11-Q4, Q7b, May-11-Q2,

Nov-12-Q6b

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration) Articles
5 1(f) produce a basic project plan 1. The most likely questions on project Introduction to
(Wk 3, incorporating strategies for dealing with software are how it might be used, and PRINCE2 project
5.5 hours) uncertainty, in the context of a simple project; how it might help the project manager to methodology
successfully carry out a project. You are
1(h) compare and contrast project control unlikely to have to describe detailed
systems; technical specification

*CIMAstudy.com chapter (8) Project 2. PRINCE2 is a widely accepted, standard

Management Software and Control Systems method of project management. It offers
& (9) Creating a Basic Project Plan clear management structures and
planning and control methods. It is
focused on outputs rather than processes.

Exam questions from Gateway papers: Exam questions from E2 Enterprise Management papers:

1(f): May-12- Q2b 1(f): May-10- Q3b, Mar-12-Q2

1(h): Mar-12-Q2

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

Session Component Learning Outcomes Study Guidance/Tips CIMA Technical

(duration) Articles
6 1(i) discuss the value of post-completion 1. Common problems in project Reducing project
(Wk 3, audit; management include conflicting cost and preventing
5.5 hours) requirements for time, cost and quality. overruns
1( j) apply a process of continuous
improvement to projects. 2. Lessons learnt should contribute to the
smooth running of future projects
*CIMAstudy.com Chapter (10) Evaluation on
Closure of Projects

Exam questions from Gateway papers: Exam questions from E2 Enterprise Management papers:

1(i): Sept-12-Q6b

1(j): May-12-Q7b

Revision Day:
7 Practice Q2 from the following exam papers When practicing past exam papers you should try and time yourself
(Wk 4, under exam conditions. Review your answer to exam conditions, as a guide use 1.8 minutes per mark. So for a
5 hours) and refresh your memory on topics that you 25 mark question, you will have 45 minutes to complete.
are unsure about.
You should aim to write 3-4 pages of A4 paper.
May 2012 exam
Examiners answers Review the post exam guides and suggested answers to check if
Post exam guides you are answering question requirements correctly.

Nov 2012 exam

Examiners answers
Post exam guides

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CIMA–Gateway Section A (E2) –Self Study Guide

OTHER STUDY RESOURCES:

Find all examiners suggested answers here

Post exam guides

CIMA Publishing

Velocity-Student e-magazine Financial Management magazine

Chat to other students on CIMAsphere- discussion boards for masters gateway and professional gateway

Please note that the session duration time given for each area is a rough guide based on % of Gateway paper 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.

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