TECHCOMM 5021OL - Applied Project Management 1

Online - Quadmester 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 5021OL
    Course Applied Project Management 1
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Quadmester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    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

    Program Director Contact Details:
    Project Management
    Name: Professor Vernon Ireland
    Phone: +61 411 153 861

    Teaching Staff:

    Name: Ms Amina Omarova

    Short Bio:

    Amina Omarova was trained in a top-flight university in Moscow in aeronautical engineering with a special interest in rocket launch systems. Before migrating to Australia five years ago Amina was employed by leading companies such as Boeing and General Electric both in Russia and the USA.

    She is currently undertaking PhD studies on complex systems analysis in the Australian Army and before that completed the Master of Project Management at the University of Adelaide. Amina has a sound grasp of applied research and experience of teaching on the project management program. Her recent work experience in project management was in Australia.
     
    Email:
    amina.omarova@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

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

    Monday 13 April to Sunday 1 June 2015
  • 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:
    Crowe, A. (2013). The PMP Exam: How to Pass it on your First Try, 5th Ed. Velociteach
    ISBN-10: 098276085X
    ISBN-13: 978-0982760857

    Project Management Institute (PMI) (2013). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.
    ISBN-13: 978-1935589679

    Recommended Resources

    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$32 to join and USD$32 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

    LEARN is the University of Adelaide’s platform for dedicated online delivery. LEARN is a customised version of Moodle, and houses all course requirements including the course profile, announcements, additional course materials (beyond the prescribed text), assessment items, discussion forums, grading, feedback, links to various university and course resources, an internal website email system, a technical assistance facility, etc. LEARN is only accessible once the URL and a password have been provided to the student on enrolment. Students are given access to the course prior to the start date to familiarise themselves with the operational aspects and functionality of the website.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course is offered in online mode.

    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.

    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.

    Week Content Readings Activities
    1 • Understand the structure of PMBOK
    • Understand Project integration Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Integration Management
    • Pass the online test on Project Integration Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapters 1-4.
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapters 1-4
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 1—Integration
    Start work on Major Project
    2 • Understand Project Scope Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Scope Management
    • Pass the online test on Project Scope Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 5
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 5
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 2—Scope
    Workshop 1—Integration
    Continue on Major Project
    3 • Understand Project Time Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Time Management
    • Pass the online test on Time Management
    • Complete the workshop on Project Scope Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 6
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 6
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 3—Time Management
    Workshop 2—Scope
    Work on Major Project
    4 • Understand Project Cost Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Cost Management
    • Pass the online test on Cost Management.
    • Complete the workshop on Time Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 7
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 7
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 4—Cost Management
    Workshop 3—Time Management
    Work on Major Project
    5 • Understand choice of a project delivery system;
    • Understand Project Risk Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Risk Management;
    • Pass the online test on Risk Management.
    • Complete the workshop on Cost.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 11
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 11
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 5—Managing Risk
    Workshop 4—Cost
    Work on Major Project
    6 • Understand Project Quality Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Quality Management;
    • Pass the online test on Quality Management.
    • Complete the workshop on Risk Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 8
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 8
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 6—Quality Management
    Workshop 5—Risk Management
    Work on Major Project
    7 • Understand Project Human Resources and Communications Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapters on Project Human Resources and Communications Management
    • Pass the online tests on Quality and Human Resources Management
    • Complete the workshop on Project Quality Management.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 9 & 10
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 9 & 10 Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 7 & 8—HR and Communications
    Workshop 6—Quality Management
    Work on Major Project
    8 • Understand Project Procurement Management
    • Understand the PMBOK chapter on Project Procurement Management
    • Pass the online tests on Procurement
    • Complete the workshop on Human Resources Management and Communication.
    Online Lectures
    Chapter 12
    PMI, (2013)
    Chapter 12
    Crowe, A. (2013)
    PMBOK Quiz 9—Procurement
    Workshop 7—HR and Communications
    Work on Major Project
    9 Complete workshop on Procurement Workshop 8—Procurement
    Work on Major Project
    10 Submit Major Project
    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:
    Assessment No.Form of Assessment/Collaborative TaskLength (in word count)WeightingDue DateLearning outcome covered
    1 Nine competence tests of the PMBOK knowledge areas 20 minute quizzes 25% Day 7 of each week during weeks 1 - 8 1, 3, 5, 6, 9
    2 Eight workshops on the PMBOK knowledge areas 1-4 ppt slides 25% Day 7 of each week during weeks 2-9 1-8 & 10
    3 Major project plan brief proposal, and
    final major project plan assignment
    Min 5000 words 50% Day 7 of week 3 for the brief
    Day 7 of week 10 for the final project plan
    1, 2, 5-7, 10
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Students must complete all course assessment requirements.

    Course results are subject to moderation by the ECIC Board of Examiners

    Assessment Detail

    Assessment 1: 9 quizzes commencing from week 1
    Online test of PMBOK knowledge areas
    Weighting: 25%
    Due Date: Day 7 of each week
    Submission Details: Quizzes due by Day 7 of weeks 1 – 8.
    Submission Details: Hitting the “Submit all and Finish" button will complete your attempt and submit your quiz.

    Task:
    The amount of time you have to complete your quiz will be included in the assessment description, so plan your time so you can start and complete the quiz in one sitting.
     
    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding of the course topics.

    Length and Presentation:
    Please read the full set of instructions before attempting the quiz.

    Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    Expresses understanding of the PMBOK knowledge areas and individual Modules.

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 2.1): 1, 3, 5, 6, 9
     
     
    Assessment 2: Eight weekly group workshops commencing from week 2 on PMBOK knowledge areas.
    Weighting: 25%
    Due Date: Day 7 of the week of the workshop

    Task:
    Workshop response to questions on PMBOK knowledge areas. The key activities for the workshop group are:
    a) Complete the eight workshops – one on each knowledge area of the nominated PMBOK element.
    b) To complete a knowledge area one person must act as chair of the group and coordinate activities; another person must submit the groups’ response to the assignment question; roles must rotate each week; the submitted assignment must note the people taking each role.
     
    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your knowledge of the PMBOK knowledge areas as well as your effectiveness in working with a project team.

    Length and Presentation:
    As described in the course assignment page.

    Criteria by which the group assignment will be marked:
    Expresses understanding of PMBOK and application to the topics considered.

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 2.1): 1-8 & 10
     
     
    Assessment 3: Development of a project plan.
    Weighting: 50%
    Due Date: Day 7 of Week 10
    Submission Details: Via Drop Box in LEARN

    Task:
    You will select a project for which you will complete a project plan using the nine PMBOK areas. Almost any project is fine for this exercise however you will receive more benefit if it satisfies three objectives:
    1. You are very interested in the outcome
    2. Successfully completing the assignment will help you to improve an aspect of your own job
    3. Successfully completing the assignment will lead to future benefit, such as a promotion or another job.

    Areas to be considered in content
    1. Up to 10 word description of what the project is.
    2. Where is the project located?
    3. Who is the owner and sponsor (they may be the same organisation)?
    4. The name of the project manager.
    5. Your picture, vision or dream of the project’s outcome.
    6. The phase of the project.
    7. Who is the client’s representative?
    8. Who are the stakeholders?
    9. Purpose of the project:
    • a description where relevant
    • the context of the project
    • the project’s history and background
    • implementation concept
    • technology
    • market place.
    10. The objectives:
    • scope
    • time
    • cost.
    11. Requirements to be satisfied.
    12. The roles and responsibilities of people.
    13. The benefits:
    • what we are trying to achieve
    • why we should implement the project.
    14. The value proposition for sponsor.
    15. Constraints and assumptions.
    16. The implementation strategy including Critical Success Factors (Targets, KPIs and Tolerances).
    17. Risks and treatment.
    18. How phases can facilitate delivery of future phases (particularly design or constructability).
    19. Work Breakdown Structure.
    20. The impact of the project on stakeholders.
    21. Milestones and an activity schedule.
    22. Budget.
    23. Are there Enterprise Environmental Factors or Organisational Process Assets which can be used?
    24. Plans for managing (planning, monitoring and controlling IF AREAS NOT ALREADY COVERED):
    • scope
    • time
    • cost
    • quality
    • risk
    • human resources
    • communication
    • procurement
    • integration of these.

    Scope:
    This assignment will assess your understanding, integration and application of the 9 PMBOK knowledge areas.

    Length and Presentation: minimum 5000 words; appendices in addition. Note material developed by others may be included (eg schedule or estimate) provided it is referenced as such.

    How complex? The project selected for this assignment must be substantial. If participants cannot find a worthy task relevant to their current employment, or a business they may want to establish, or a new direction for their life, they may choose a substantial project such as leading a group to the South Pole, or to climb a high mountain.

    Format

    Referencing system Harvard referencing system is necessary in assignments, especially material copied from the internet. A correct referencing method is ‘Smith (1995:14) said…), where Smith said ‘xx xx’ appears in the text, and where Smith is referenced at the end of the assignment; 1995 is the year of the publication of Smith’s paper and 14 is the page number.

    Referencing at the end should be as follows: Browne, P., 2003, Project management is winning (title of article), The Management of projects, (title of book), Month of article, publisher, pages on which article occurred. Smith, W., 1995, The management of projects (title of book), Publisher, city (optional with large publishers)
    Font 10 point except headings


     
     Criteria by which your assignment will be marked:
    Expresses understanding and comprehensiveness of PMBOK knowledge areas, application and relevance to the project plan area being developed.

    Project plan briefing (i.e proposal) – recommended - due day 7 of week 3
    It is recommended that you prepare and submit a short brief on your proposed major project plan by day 7 of week 3. The purpose of this is to ensure that you have identified a particular project early in the course and for you to also share your ideas with the course instructor well in advance of developing the final major assignment. This will also enable the course instructor to review your proposed project plan and provide any guidance or feedback necessary. In terms of guidance as to the structure and content of the short project plan brief, consideration should be given to areas 1-9 as listed above (and be no more than three (3) A4 pages in length).

    Learning objectives with this assessment (refer to section 2.1): 1, 2, 5-7 & 10

    Submission

    All text based assignments must be submitted via Drop Box in LEARN

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

    • Assignment Submission: Assignments should be lodged via Drop Box in the LEARN system. Please refer to individual assignment tasks for specific submission details relevant to each task. 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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