TECHCOMM 5021NA - Applied Project Management 1

Ngee Ann Academy - Trimester 2 - 2015

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 knowledge 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 confidently deal with the ever growing complexities and challenges of modern day project management.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TECHCOMM 5021NA
    Course Applied Project Management 1
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Trimester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Ngee Ann Academy
    Units 3
    Course Description 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 knowledge 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 confidently deal with the ever growing complexities and challenges of modern day project management.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Graciela Corral de Zubielqui

    Teaching Staff

    Trimester 2
    Name:
    Leon Chua (MSC, PMP)

    Short Bio:
    Leon currently leads the project management team of L-3 Communications. He is responsible for the delivery of check-in baggage security screening equipment for the Changi International Airport program. Prior to joining L-3 Communications, he was with Smiths Detection as a program manager, delivering airport security equipment as well as border security equipment in the Asia Pacific region. He has over 10 years of professional experience in varying industries.

    Leon is a Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute. He is a graduate of the University of Adelaide holding a Masters degree in Applied Project Management. 

    Email: leon.chua@adelaide.edu.au

    Phone: +65 9137 9246


    Trimester 3
    Name: John Sing

    Short Bio:




    Email:

    Course Timetable

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

    Opening intensive:
    Friday 22 May 2015         7pm-10pm
    Saturday 23 May 2015     1pm-8pm
    Sunday 24 May 2015       9am-4pm

    Closing intensive:
    Friday 10 July 2015          7pm-10pm
    Saturday 11 July 2015     1pm-8pm
    Sunday 12 July 2015        9am-4pm
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Know and understand the basic content and techniques of the discipline of project management such that stakeholder needs,
    scope, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources, communications, and the integration of these are appropriately addresses
    2 Competently plan and control medium-sized linear projects appropriate to satisfying PMI’s Project Management Professional
    standards
    3 Competently assessing stakeholders’ needs and satisfy these 
    4 Choose and use the models for project management
    5 Use best practice in the choice of an appropriate project delivery system
    6 Competently work in teams and communicating the output to stakeholders and the community
    7 Provide leadership in the community and support of community involvement in projects
    8 Demonstrate continued learning and personal development
    9 Recognise 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
    Text book:
    Meredith, JR & Mantel, S (2012), Project management: A managerial approach, 8th Edition, Wiley.
    Recommended Resources
    1. PRINCE2TM –Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2TM , OGC London, TSO:
    2. Gray, Clifford & Larson, Erik, 2000, Project Management, McGraw-Hill.
    3. IPMA, 2006, IPMA Competence Baseline Version 3.0
    4. Kerzner, Harold, 2009, A Project Management - A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Contracting, Wiley
    5. PMI, (2008), A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 4th Edition;
    6. Turner, J. Rodney, 1999, Handbook of Project-Based Management, McGraw-Hill.

    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.
    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
    Day Date Content Readings/Activities
    1 see MyUni  Introduction – Project Context and Basics
    Project Management Models
    2 see MyUni Project Integration
    Managing Scope
    Workshop Exercise 1
    Workshop Exercise 2
    3 see MyUni Project Time Management
    Managing Cost
    Workshop Exercise 3
    Workshop Exercise 4
    4 see MyUni Project Delivery Systems
    Managing Risk
    Quality Management
    Workshop Exercise 5
    Workshop Exercise 6
    5 see MyUni Human Resources Management
    Communication Management
    Workshop Exercise 7
    Workshop Exercise 8
    6 see MyUni  Procurement and stakeholders
    PRINCE2™
    Workshop Exercise 9 & 10
    Specific Course Requirements
    None
  • 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

    Assessment No. Form of Assessment/Collaborative Task Length (in word count) Weighting Due Date Learning outcomes covered (see 2.1 for detail)
    1a Short Individual report 1000 words max 10% see MyUni 1-4
    1b Short Individual report 1000 words max 10% see MyUni 4-5
    1c Short Individual report 1000 words max 10% see MyUni 4
    2 Group Project Plan 1 person 5,000 words 2 people 7,500 words 3 people 10,000 words 30% see MyUni 1-10
    3 Individual Report 2000 words 30% see MyUni 4-10
    4 Powerpoint Presentation 5-10 Slides 10% see MyUni 1-10
    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 1a: Individual Assignment 1a
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    Describe 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages of using a project management approach based on model-based methodologies (specifically PMBOK and PRINCE 2). Using a suitable project example from your experience or reading, illustrate how one of these models - of your selection - will benefit your project compared to the other model (i.e. the comparative strength of the chosen model for a specific project). Also comment on how the models could be combined and how you would retain the benefits of each and correct for the deficiencies of each?

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project Context and Basics, Project Integration and Scope Management course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    1000 words max in report format.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    The standards by which the assignment will be assessed include understanding of principles and referencing these.

    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 in the words counted.

    The objective of these questions is for the participant to consider the theoretical material supplied and attempt to apply it to a real project example. Therefore evidence of having read and understood the material is important.

    While 1000 words is only few words to cover a topic, marks will be given for the comprehensiveness of the content, evidence of additional reading, referencing these readings in the answer, and application.

    In answering these questions try and state principles as well as detail. Just reproducing PMBOK (especially cutting and pasting diagrams) is not enough!

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 1-4
     
     

    Assessment 1b: Individual Assignment 1b
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    What is the role of integration as defined by PMBOK, and what contribution it makes in project management? Why scope management is important and how would you control scope in a project? How do scenarios contribute to the project management? Describe the tools that you would use to collect requirements and generate at least 20 requirements to define scope for a particular project. Describe a test to assess whether 5 requirements had been achieved.

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project Context and Basics, Project Integration and Scope Management course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    1000 words max in report format.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    The standards by which the assignment will be assessed include understanding of principles and referencing these.

    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 in the words counted.

    The objective of these questions is for the participant to consider the theoretical material supplied and attempt to apply it to a real project example. Therefore evidence of having read and understood the material is important.

    While 1000 words is only few words to cover a topic, marks will be given for the comprehensiveness of the content, evidence of additional reading, referencing these readings in the answer, and application.

    In answering these questions try and state principles as well as detail. Just reproducing PMBOK (especially cutting and pasting diagrams) is not enough!

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 4,5
     
     

    Assessment 1c: Individual Assignment 1c
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni

    Task:
    What is the value of having good time and cost management plans when undertaking project execution? Identify at least six tools / techniques (3 each for Time and cost management) that you would use for managing and controlling Time and Costs in the project and describe why you consider them to be important? Using a suitable project example from your experience or reading, make a list of activities to monitor and control that project.

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project Context and Basics, Project Integration and Scope Management course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    1000 words max in report format.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    The standards by which the assignment will be assessed include understanding of principles and referencing these.

    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 in the words counted.

    The objective of these questions is for the participant to consider the theoretical material supplied and attempt to apply it to a real project example. Therefore evidence of having read and understood the material is important.

    While 1000 words is only few words to cover a topic, marks will be given for the comprehensiveness of the content, evidence of additional reading, referencing these readings in the answer, and application.

    In answering these questions try and state principles as well as detail. Just reproducing PMBOK (especially cutting and pasting diagrams) is not enough!

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 4



    Assessment 2: Group project plan (part 1)
    Weighting: 30%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni
    An electronic copy of this report is required. Just send one copy for the group but ensure both or more names are clear.
    Preferably any documents created under Excel or Microsoft Project should be included in the Word version of the electronic copy.


    Task:
    Develop a group project plan for an approved project of choice, implementing the theoretical material you have covered and focusing on Scope, Time, Cost and Risk. A project plan is produced to plan a new project. Groups should ideally be of two people. If you want to vary from two 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.

    Alternative Assignment 2
    Task:
    Develop a group project plan for an approved project of choice, implementing the theoretical material you have covered and focusing on Scope, Time, Cost and Risk. A project plan is produced to plan a new project. Groups should ideally be of two people. If you want to vary from two 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.

    ECIC Project Planning Template (for Assignment 2 and Assignment 3)
    The following is a list of areas that you should cover in your APM1 Assignment, the Project Plan.

    a. Up to 20 word description of what the project is.
    b. Where is the project located?
    c. Who is the owner and sponsor (they may be the same organisation)?
    d. The name of the project manager.
    e. Your picture, vision or dream of the project’s outcome functioning.
    f. The phase of the project.
    g. Who is the client’s representative?
    h. Who are the stakeholders?
    i. 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.
    j. The objectives:
    - scope,
    - time, and
    - cost.
    k. Requirements to be satisfied.
    l. The roles and responsibilities of people.
    m. The benefits:
    - what we are trying to achieve, and
    - why we should implement the project.
    n. The value proposition for sponsor.
    o. Constraints and assumptions.
    p. The implementation strategy including Critical Success Factors (Targets, KPIs and Tolerances).
    q. Risks and treatment.
    r. How phases can facilitate delivery of future phases (particularly design or constructability).
    s. Work Breakdown Structure.
    t. The impact of the project on stakeholders.
    u. Milestones and an activity schedule.
    v. Budget.
    w. Are there Enterprise Environmental Factors or Organisational Process Assets which can be used?
    x. Plans for managing (Planning and monitoring & controlling IF AREAS NOT ALREADY COVERED):
    Scope,
    Time,
    Cost,
    Quality,
    Risk,
    Human resources,
    Communication,
    Procurement, and
    Integration of these.
    y. What I have learned from this course (no more than 250 words).

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project Integration, Project Time Management, Managing Project Cost and Managing Project Risk course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    Minimum length:
    1 person – 5,000 words
    2 people – 7,000 words
    3 people – 10,000 words.
    Note: additional marks are awarded for more comprehensive plans.

    The project plan should follow the ECIC Planning Template (see above)

    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).

    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 (eg 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.

    Please ensure you add page numbers to your assignment and it is advisable to add your name in the footer or header.

    I am comfortable with you including material developed by others (eg schedule), provided you make clear what you developed and what was developed by others.

    It should be evident that material covered in the course (structure of a project plan, including inputs, tools and techniques in most of the 9 functions (integration, scope, cost, etc) have influenced the project plan produced.

    While this is a comprehensive list, of items above, assignments may cover all of the areas or focus on scope, time, cost and risks comprehensively, and cover the remainder (quality, HR, communication, procurement plans) less thoroughly.

    A clear statement is required on the material you generated for the sake of this assignment and the work generated, by you or others, for the project.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    This assignment will be assessed upon how well you are able to present a project plan that meets the requirement defined in the Task (above).

    A clear statement is required on the material you generated for the sake of this assignment and the work generated, by you or others, for the project.

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 1-10
     
     

    Assessment 3: Individual project plan (part 2)
    Weighting: 30%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni
    An electronic copy of this report is required. Preferably any documents created under Excel or Microsoft Project should be included in the Word version of the electronic copy.

    Task:
    Write a description of the planning and control of quality, human resources, procurement and communications for a project of your choice (it could be the same as the one chosen in Assignment 2).

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the Project Integration, Project Quality Management, Project Human Resources Management, Project Procurement and Managing Communications course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    3,000 Words Maximum
    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 (eg schedule), provided you make clear what you developed and what was developed by others.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    This assignment will be assessed upon how well you are able to present a project plan that meets the requirement defined in the Task (above).

    A clear statement is required on the material you generated for the sake of this assignment and the work generated, by you or others, for the project.

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 4-10
     
     

    Assessment 4: Powerpoint Presentation
    Weighting: 10%
    Due Date: see MyUni
    Submission Details: Online through MyUni
    An electronic copy only of this presentation is required.

    Task:
    You are to select any one of the nine Project Management Knowledge Areas (PMKA) defined by the PMBOK – for example Project Communication Management – and prepare up to five (5) Powerpoint presentation slides on the topic “Why your selected PMKA is important”. For example: “Why Project Communication Management is important”.

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

    Length and Presentation:
    3 to 5 slides submitted electronically via MyUni.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    In preparing these presentation slides please consider the following:
    · The material must be suitable for presentation to a workplace team meeting in the early stages of initiating and planning a project.
    · Focus on what is important, not on basic definitions or background information.
    · Do not attempt to provide too much detail – the role of these slides is to support a hypothetical, short (3 minute) presentation.
    · It is recommended that the presentation should only make two (2) or three (3) major points.
    · You must only use your own words in this presentation. Direct quotes from other sources are not acceptable in this case.
    · Any diagrams, graphics or figures must be your own work. You are not to “cut and paste” any material from any other sources.

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 5.1): 1

    Submission

    All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni.
    Please refer to step by step instructions: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/tutorials/files/AssignmentStudentSubmission.pdf

    There are a few points to note about the submission of assignments:

    · Assignment Submission: Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor but should be lodged via the MyUni Course site. Note that assignments may be processed via TURNITIN which is an online plagiarism prevention tool.

    · Cover Sheet: Please submit, separate to your assignment, the completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work. Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.

    · Backup Copy of Assignments: You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing. Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.

    · Extensions of Time: Any request for an extension of time for the submission of an assignment should be made well before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer. Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date. Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine extenuating circumstances and proof, such as a doctor’s certificate, may be required.

    · Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade. Note that a late penalty of 5% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late. Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.

    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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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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