TECHCOMM 5021 - Applied Project Management 1

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2014

This course introduces the context, rationale, strategy and tactics of project management from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Project phases are identified and examined. The importance of project planning and control is emphasised. Various models of project management are covered including the Project Management Body of Knowledge and PRINCE 2, as are the internationally recognised project management knowledge areas, the iterative processes and the core skills required by successful project managers. Participants will be expected to relate the application of PMBOK directly to projects from their experience, and as a course assignment will be able to apply what they have learnt to an actual work place project. The context and learning of the course is expected to prepare participants to be able to apply the project management skills to projects in a variety of industries including engineering, information technology, consulting, production, procurement, maintenance, logistics and supply chain, defence, construction, and manufacturing. The focus on providing applied knowedge in core areas of scope, time, cost and quality, and facilitating areas of risk, procurement, HR, integration, and communication management is to enable participants to confidentaly deal with the ever growing complexities and challenges of modern day project management.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TECHCOMM 5021
    Course Applied Project Management 1
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Summer
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive - 38 - 40 hours
    Assessment assignments, individual & group
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Emeritus Professor Vernon Ireland

    Name: Professor Vernon Ireland
    BE, BA, MEngSc, PhD, FIEAust, EngExec

    Short Bio:
    From 1991-1996 Vernon was Corporate Development Director of Fletcher Challenge Construction, responsible for people and business systems improvement in the USA, NZ, Australia, the Pacific and Asian businesses. He then became CEO of the Australian Graduate School of Engineering Innovation, an advanced engineering centre.

    Prior to this he was Dean of the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building at the University of Technology, Sydney. He was also Chair of the Building Services Corporation of NSW from 1987 to 1990 reporting to both Labor and Coalition Ministers. While an academic he completed his PhD in project management. After graduation he practised as a structural engineer for seven years.

    Vernon initiated and completed the proposal to Congress and Council of Engineers Australia to establish CELM and was Deputy Chair of the National Board for five years.

    He was also President of the Sydney Division of Engineers Australia in 2004.

    Vernon Ireland is currently Director of Project Management and Industry Programs for the Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre of The University of Adelaide. He is based in Sydney.

    Vernon has received three medals:

    · The Silver Magnolia Medal awarded by the Shanghai Government for contributions to Chinese overseas relations;
    · The Rotary International Gold Medal for contribution to vocational Education;
    · Engineers Australia’s Medal for contribution to engineering.

    Vernon has conducted four sets of international benchmarking studies, comparing Australia’s project management performance with that of the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden and New Zealand for two Royal Commissions.

    He has recently edited a volume of the Australian Journal of Civil Engineering on the business, leadership and management of civil engineering.

    He has been named by the Shanghai Government as one of the world 100 experts on Infrastructure.

    Email: vernon.ireland@adelaide.edu.au

    Phone: +61 411 153 861
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Opening intensive:
    Thursday 30 & Friday 31 January 2014
    9am-5pm
    Masonic Lodge B02 Seminar Room East

    Closing intensive:
    Thursday 13 & Friday 14 February 2014
    9am-5pm
    Masonic Lodge B02 Seminar Room East
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Knowledge and understanding of the basic content and techniques of the discipline of project management;
    2 Knowledge and understanding of how to assess stakeholders’ needs and satisfy these;
    3 Knowledge and understanding of the models used to describe projects;
    4 Knowledge and understanding of best practice in the choice of an appropriate project delivery system
    5 A sound knowledge of best practice project management practice and the techniques associated with planning and control and translation of knowledge and understanding into skills in managing the key elements of scope, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources and communications, and the integration of these;
    6 Development of innovative project planning solutions including capability to lead teams of specialists in a variety of advanced fields
    7 Commitment to leadership in the community
    8 Recognition and support of community involvement in projects
    9 Commitment to continued learning and personal development
    10 Understanding of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance for project managers

     

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4,5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6-10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6-10
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The University’s preferred textbook supplier is Unibooks: http://www.unibooks.com.au/

    Suggested text book:
    Meredith, JR & Mantel, S (2012), Project management: A managerial approach, 8th Edition, Wiley.
    ISBN : 978-1-118-21480-0

    A digital copy can also be purchased for a lower price.
    Recommended Resources
    PMI and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc

    A list containing supplementary readings will be provided before the course start date.

    In addition to the assigned readings from the prescribed text, you may find it useful to access information from other sources. A number of Project Management textbooks have been written over the past few decades. Most of these books are held at the University library. Please feel free to browse through the available books for alternative explanations of the relevant concepts. Please find below a list of other suggested textbooks:

    1. Project Management Institute (PMI), 2013, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Fifth Edition (PMBOK® Guide) ©2013 Project Management Institute, Inc. 2. Gray, C & Larson, E 2000, Project management, McGraw-Hill.
    3. IPMA 2006, IPMA Competence Baseline Version 3.0
    4. Kerzner, H 2009, A project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling and contracting, Wiley
    5. PRINCE2TM – Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2TM, OGC London, TSO.
    6. Turner, JR 1999, Handbook of project-based management, McGraw-Hill.

    It is also recommended that you read relevant journal articles. In particular, you are encouraged to read the following journals:
    · International Journal of Project Management
    · Project Management Journal
    · Journal of Project Management

    Course Notes, Readings and PowerPoint Slides
    These are all available electronically for enrolled students by download from MyUni.

    Library Resources
    The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. The University Library web page is: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/
    From this link, you are able to access the Library's electronic resources.

    Other resources
    If you are a member of the PMI (http://www.pmi.org/Membership.aspx)  you will “gain exclusive access to PMI publications and our global standards*, networking options with our chapters and online communities of practice, and leadership and volunteer opportunities. You’ll also receive discounts on certification exams and renewals, as well as our professional development offerings.” Student membership is USD$40 to join and USD$30 to renew.

    * Log in to access complimentary read-only PDFs of all of PMI's published standards or take advantage of discounts on paperback editions
    http://www.pmi.org/PMBOK-Guide-and-Standards/Standards-Library-of-PMI-Global-Standards.aspx
    Online Learning
    MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. It is used to support traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops at the University. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments for each online course of study (see: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au)
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is offered in blended learning mode with the face-to-face component offered as intensives.  
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    As a guide, a 3 unit course comprises a total of 156 hours work (this includes face-to-face contact, any online components, and self-directed study).
    Learning Activities Summary
     
    This is a draft schedule and session dates are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary. 


     

    Intensive

    day

    Content

    Readings

    Activities

    1

    •   Introduction – Project Context and Basics
    •   Project Management (PM) Models and selection
    •   PM Integration
    •   Project Scope Management

    Meredith & Mantel: Chapter 1

    (please see also PMBOK® Guide and reading list)

    •   Class exercises

    (number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)

     

    2

    •   Project Time Management
    •   Project Cost   Management

    Meredith & Mantel Chapters 7, 8 and 9

    (please see also PMBOK® Guide and reading list)

    •   Class exercises

    (number 6 and 7)

     

    3

    •   Project Quality Management
    •   Project Human Resources Management

    Meredith & Mantel Chapters 3, 4 & 5   (please see also PMBOK® Guide and   reading list)

    •   Class exercises

    (number 8, 9 and 10)

     

    4

    •   Project Risk Management
    •   Project Communication Management
    •   Project Procurement Management
    •   Project Stakeholder Management

    Meredith & Mantel Chapter: 4, part of 6   & part of 7.

    (please see also PMBOK® Guide and reading list)

    •   Class exercises

    (number 11 and 12)

     

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    An overview of the course assessment appears in the following table. Details appear in the following section:

    PMBOK is a registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc

    Asses No.

    Assessment

    Length

    Weighting

    Due Date

    Learning Outcomes

    1

    Online Quiz 1 (Open at 1 pm close at 2.30 pm)

    1 hour x questions

    15%

    04/02/2014

    1, 2, 3

    2

    Case study

    2,000 words

    25%

    10/02/2014

    1, 2, 3, 5, 7

    3

    Project Plan – Group assignment

    (as   a guide) 1 person – 7,000 words, 5 people – 12,000 words

    30%

    26/02/2014

    1, 2, 3, 5, 6,   7, 8, 9, 10

    4

    Online Presentation (two components: presentation + participation)

    5 minute presentation

    15% (10% presentation and 5% peer review submission)

    19/02/2014

    1, 2, 3

    5

    Online Quiz 2 (Open   at 1 pm close at 2.30 pm)

    1 hour x questions

    15%

    21/02/2014

    1, 2, 3

     

    Total

     

    100%

     

     

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must complete all course assessment requirements and must attend lectures to be eligible to pass the course.
    Course results are subject to moderation by the ECIC Board of Examiners.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Online Quiz 1 (individual assignment)
    Weighting: 15%
    Due Date: 04/02/2014 (the online quiz will be open between 1pm and 2.30pm)
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task: An online quiz (opened book).
    The test will cover all main topics covered during the first two intensive sessions. The quiz will consist of multiple choice questions. There is only one correct answer per question.

    Length and Presentation:
    One hour online quiz (between 25 and 30 questions)

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    · Address the questions correctly – reproduce information or knowledge.


    Assessment 2: Case Study
    Weighting: 25%
    Due Date: 10/02/2014
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    Please read the Case Study and then prepare a response to the questions set.

    Scope:
    Case studies reinforce understanding of key course concepts and the student’s ability to apply these to practical situations. The case study will be provided during the first intensive.

    Length and Presentation:
    2000 words max. Given the word limit on these questions, assessment will reward content included. There will be penalties for exceeding the word limit. Quotations do not count towards the word count.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    · Address the questions correctly.
    · Apply knowledge or experience.
    · Use appropriate language in the field.
    · Present ideas coherently.


    Assessment 3: Project Plan (group assignment)
    Weighting: 30%
    Due Date: 26/02/2014
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    An electronic copy of this report is required. Just send one copy for the group but ensure names are clear. All documents created in Excel or Microsoft Project should be included in the Word version of the electronic copy.

    Task:
    The Project application assignment is a group assignment where you will choose a project from the list provided by the lecturer during the first intensive to develop a project plan. While there is considerable flexibility in defining the scope of the project to fit your own interests, a typical project would involve the following:

    1. Select a project
    2. Collect background information about the project
    3. Scoping the project
    4. Formulation of the Project Plan, with milestones, deliverables, and time line
    5. Cost, quality, and delivery targets
    6. Risk and risk mitigation plan
    7. Human resources plan
    8. Project communications plan
    9. Stakeholder analysis and mapping
    10. Procurement plan

    Develop a group project plan implementing the theoretical material you have covered and focusing on all the project management knowledge areas. A project plan is produced to plan a selected project. Groups should be of five people. If you want to vary the number of people, you need to seek special approval stating reasons. This assignment is intended to be the application of theory so I do not want theory reproduced, but the application of theory to a project.

    The project plan should include the relevant parts from the knowledge management areas. As you may be using material in this report which was developed by others, it is important to note what was your contribution and what was the contribution of others (for example, colleagues in your work place – furthermore a statement declaration page about each member contribution to the assignment is required). An introductory section should be included to outline your approach to the report, as well as to the project. The report should emphasise how you are managing this as a project. This course is not assessing the technology. A work-based project may be used. Sections developed by others (e.g. estimate or schedule) may be included provided it is clearly stated who developed each section. It should be made clear what your contribution to this project plan is.

    Additional information - ECIC Project Planning Template
    The following is a list of areas that you may want to cover in your Assignment (the Project Plan).

    a. Up to 20 word description of what the project is.
    b. Where is the project located?
    c. Who are the owner and sponsor? (They may be the same organisation.)
    Project manager’s name.
    d. Who are the stakeholders?
    e. Purpose of the project (a description where relevant, the context of the project, the project’s history and background, implementation concept, technology, and market place).
    f. The objectives (scope, time, and cost).
    g. Requirements to be satisfied.
    h. The roles and responsibilities of people.
    i. The benefits: what we are trying to achieve, and why we should implement the project.
    j. The value proposition for the sponsor.
    k. Constraints and assumptions.
    l. The implementation strategy including Critical Success Factors (Targets, KPIs and Tolerances).
    m. How phases can facilitate delivery of future phases (particularly design or constructability).
    n. Work Breakdown Structure.
    o. The impact of the project on stakeholders.
    p. Budget.
    q. Are there Enterprise Environmental Factors or Organisational Process Assets which can be used?
    r. Plans for managing (planning and monitoring and controlling) (Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Risk and treatment, Human resources, Communication, Procurement, Stakeholders and Integration of these).


    You have been appointed the PM for the preparation phase, up to the time of departure or delivery of the product/service.

    Making appropriate assumptions, develop a project plan for project management of the event.

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    Minimum length (as a guide):
    1 person – 7,000 words
    5 people – 12,000 words.

    Note: additional marks are awarded for more comprehensive plans. Please ensure you add page numbers to your assignment and it is advisable to add your name and student number in the footer or header. I am comfortable with you including material developed by others (e.g. schedule), provided you make clear what you developed and what was developed by others.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    · How well you are able to present a project plan that meets the requirement defined in the task (above).
    · Application of key relevant concepts, tools and techniques.
    · Presentation: word limit, layout, adequate structure.

    Assessment 4: Online presentation (individual assignment)
    Weighting: 15% (presentation 10% and 5% peer review)
    Due Date: 19/02/2014 (online presentation submission) – 20/02/2014 (peer review)
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni
    An electronic copy of this presentation with voice is required.

    Task:
    The Online Presentation will be completed by students individually. Each student should upload a PowerPoint slide with voice record or a video with the selected topic. You should select any one of the ten Project Management Knowledge Areas (PMKA) defined by the PMBOK – for example Project Stakeholder Management – and prepare up to five (5) PowerPoint presentation slides on the topic “Why your selected PMKA is important”. For example: “Why Project Stakeholder Management is important”. The presentation should be only 5 minutes. Other students are required to review each of the presentations in the group and send by email the comments and assessment to the lecturer on 20/02/2014 (assessment template will be provided by the lecturer).

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the basic concept of Project Management.

    Length and Presentation:
    5 minute presentation, between 3 to 5 slides

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    · analyse critically the importance of the topic selected, not basic definitions or background information
    · show reasoning behind statements or ideas
    · use general or technical language in an appropriate manner (please do not use direct quotes on your presentation)
    · stimulate interest for the audience
    · use of time-limit and visual aids.




    Assessment 5: Online Quiz 2 (individual assignment)
    Weighting: 15%
    Due Date: 21/02/14
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task: An online quiz (opened book).
    The test will cover all main topics covered during the second two intensive sessions. The quiz will consist of multiple choice questions.

    Length and Presentation:
    One hour online quiz between 25 and 30 questions

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    · Address the questions correctly – reproduce information or knowledge.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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