Text book:
 'The SAGE Handbook of Complexity and Management' (1st Edition, 2011).

An overview of the course assessment appears in the following Table. Details appear in the following section:

Assignment 1 (Individual):
Assignment one is broken up into 2 parts each worth 20%.

Question 1a: Why are some projects complex? How do they differ from complicated projects? Provide some examples of complexprojects. Why have traditional project management models failed to provide adequate structural support for complex projects?

Due Day 7, Week 5, 20%

This application assignment will assess your understanding of the course topics. The objective of these questions is for you to consider the theoretical material supplied and apply it to a real project example, or experience. Therefore, evidence of having read and understood the material is important. Arguments and assertions should be based on the research articles listed in the references, the important ones of which are encompassed in the notes.

Given the word limit on these questions, assessment will reward content included and quality of response. There will be penalties for exceeding the word limit. Quotations do not count in the total word count. Submit the Microsoft Word document to the dropbox located below on Day 7.

Length and Presentation:
Complete a 2000 word response to the prompt below. This activity is worth 20% of your final grade.

Late work will receive a deduction of 20 marks out of 100 for time in the first week late. Beyond the first week, a zero mark will be awarded.

In completing these assignments, higher marks will be awarded for evidence of reading notes, text and papers, and integration of these theories and concepts into your answers. Direct referencing of external material in your answers is preferred.


Question 1b: Explain the effects of complexity on the management of a project and discuss whether some of the many facets of
complex systems can be used to assist project management.

Due Day 7, Week 7, 20%

This application assignment will assess your understanding of the course topics. The objective of these questions is for you to consider the theoretical material supplied and apply it to a real project example, or experience. Therefore, evidence of having read and understood the material is important. Arguments and assertions should be based on the research articles listed in the references, the important ones of which are encompassed in the notes.

Given the word limit on these questions, assessment will reward content included and quality of response. There will be penalties for exceeding the word limit. Quotations do not count in the total word count. Submit the Microsoft Word document to the dropbox located below on Day 7.

Length and Presentation:
Complete a 2000 word response to the prompt below. This activity is worth 20% of your final grade.

Late work will receive a deduction of 20 marks out of 100 for time in the first week late. Beyond the first week, a zero mark will be awarded.

In completing these assignments, higher marks will be awarded for evidence of reading notes, text and papers, and integration of these theories and concepts into your answers. Direct referencing of external material in your answers is preferred.


Assignment 2: Final report (Group):
Weighting: 40%
Due Dates: Day 7
Week 10

Submission Details: Online
Send one copy for the group ensuring all group member names are clear. Preferably any documents created under Excel or
Microsoft Project should be included in the Word version of the electronic copy.

Task:
Create a case study report for an approved project as instructed below, implementing the theoretical material you have
covered. Groups should be of four people. To add additional team members, 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.

As you may be using material in this report which was developed by others, it is important to state what was your contribution and what was the contribution of others. The paper should have the following headings with the following specifications:

Abstract
• 200 words or less

Introduction
• Briefly describe the SoS under consideration
• What problem is this SoS addressing for what organization, program, or activity
• Define the perceived System of Systems Engineering process, situation or problem presented in the case

Background Information
• Context for SoS and your case
• Definitions that apply to the process, situation or problem: advanced terminology or jargon, explain what each word
means in your study, concisely and clearly.
• Relevant theories/research and prior development regarding SoS and your case: What has other research or studies
found to be true in SoS and your specific case.

System of Systems Description
• History and Development
• High-Level Diagram or Layout
• Sponsors/Customers, Industry Sector, Companies Involved, Country, Budget
• Mission/Purpose/Goals/Objectives
• Principles/Characteristics
• Settings/Structure/Boundaries
• External Factors and Constrains
• Constituent Systems (new/legacy, scope) System of

Systems Engineering Analysis
• Analysis and Analytical Findings
• Activities/Problems/Conflicts
• Timeframe/Sequence of events
• Methods and tools used
• Lessons Learned
• Best Practices
• Steps and conditions for replicating the SoS elsewhere

Conclusion
• Summary of the case and your findings/recommendations

Questions for Discussion
• Please provide 2-5 questions that are based on this case and could be used for a discussion in a classroom environment.

References
Please ensure you add page numbers to your
assignment and it is advisable to add each team member’s last name in the
footer or header.

Scope:
The SoS Case Study Paper is expected to reflect the following:
1. Describes multiple integrated complex systems working together to achieve one common objective;
2. Present a real life process, situation or problem;
3. Offer adequate and detailed information to assess the process, situation or problem by the case reader;
4. Present an objective view of the process situation or problem;
5. Offers relevant questions for further discussion;
6. Be cogent;
7. Satisfactorily explain the basis for its conclusions;

Length and Presentation:
Minimum length: 4 people – 15,000 words.
Note: additional marks are awarded for more comprehensive reports.

The paper should follow the style guide of the IEEE (see Template for Transactions Section at http://www.ieee.org/publications_standards/publications/authors/authors_journals.html)

Criteria by which your assignment will be graded:
In completing this assignment, higher graded will be awarded for evidence of reading notes, text and papers, use of concepts
from Systems Fundamentals, and integration of this theory into your answers. Direct referencing of external material in your answers is preferred.

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