PROJMGNT 7024 - Complex Project Management

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 3 - 2019

Understanding of complex systems and development of competence to manage the investigation, feasibility, requirements definition, planning and delivery of complex projects, which include autonomous and independent systems. Consideration of different management styles for complicated (linear projects) and complex projects, including use of various techniques addressed in Systems Fundamentals. The course follows system fundamentals and includes a number of aspects of managing complex projects. These are: the modern history of system of systems engineering (SoSE); SoSE case studies; types of uncertainty and emergence; key aspects of complex systems; risk management of complex systems; systems thinking including soft systems methodology; modelling and simulation of SoS; sense making and tiny initiating events.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PROJMGNT 7024
    Course Complex Project Management
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive: 36 to 40 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Course Description Understanding of complex systems and development of competence to manage the investigation, feasibility, requirements definition, planning and delivery of complex projects, which include autonomous and independent systems. Consideration of different management styles for complicated (linear projects) and complex projects, including use of various techniques addressed in Systems Fundamentals. The course follows system fundamentals and includes a number of aspects of managing complex projects. These are: the modern history of system of systems engineering (SoSE); SoSE case studies; types of uncertainty and emergence; key aspects of complex systems; risk management of complex systems; systems thinking including soft systems methodology; modelling and simulation of SoS; sense making and tiny initiating events.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Indra Gunawan

    Program Director Contact Details: Project Management
    Name: Associate Professor Indra Gunawan
    email: indra.gunawan@adelaide.edu.au

    Teaching Staff
    Trimester 2
    Name:
    Dr Alex Gorod
    email:
    alex.gorod@adelaide.edu.au

    Trimester 3
    Name:
    Associate Professor Indra Gunawan
    email: indra.gunawan@adelaide.edu.au
    Researcher Profile:
    https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/indra.gunawan
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1
    Identify different types of projects in project management and explain how management styles can vary depending on the type of a project employed.
    2 Analyze real life complex project management case studies from multiple domains and illustrate practical application of research methods and toolsets.
    3 Examine the latest interdisciplinary research in complex project management and apply lessons learned and best practices to the development of potential solutions to contemporary global challenges. 
    4 Compare and employ different levels of interpersonal skills as appropriate for effective teamwork and leadership in complex project management.
    5 Demonstrate the importance of developing broader awareness and maintaining high ethical and socio-cultural standards to successful complex project management.
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-3
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4-5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    4-5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no required textbook.
    Recommended Resources
    Text books:
    Mo Jamshidi, (2009) System of Systems – Innovations for the 21st Century, Hoboken, John
    Wiley

    Gorod, A., B. White, V. Ireland, J. Gandhi, and B. Sauser. (eds.) (2014) “Case Studies in System of Systems, Enterprises, and Complex Systems Engineering” New York, NY: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis.


    References

    Please see list in Course Notes

    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. Access to the Library's electronic resources.

    Other resources: Project Management Institute
    If you are a member of the PMI 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 details

    * Log in to access complimentary read-only PDFs of all of PMI's published standards or take advantage of discounts on paperback editions.

    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.
  • 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.
    Session Content
    1 Introduction to Complex Project Management
    2 Modern History of Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE)
    3 SoSE Case Studies
    4 Introduction to Systems Thinking
    5 Types of Uncertainty and Emergence
    6 Risk Management of Complex Systems
    7 Key Aspects of Complex Systems
    8 Modeling and Simulation of SoS
    9 Evolving Toolbox
  • 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 Task Task Type Length
    Weighting Learning outcomes
    1 Essay/report Individual 1500 words maximum (each) 30% 1-3
    2 Case study presentation Individual 10 minutes 20% 1-3, 5
    3 Reflection on case study presentation report Individual 500 words 10% 1-3, 5
    4 Final report Group Minimum length:
    5 people – 15,000 words
    30% 1-5
    Class contribution Individual 10% 1-5
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students should attend all classes in order to pass the course. There is considerable experiential learning in workshops during the intensive classes that build your knowledge and thus enable you to be successful in this course.  

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

    Appropriate use of the Internet in assignments
    Avoiding Plagiarism is not just referencing sources used within an assignment. It is taking the source information and critically evaluating it against other sources, your own views and original research on the matter, and how that fits the hypothesis of your assignment topic. It is Plagiarism when there is little or no original content in the assignment, regardless of citing sources. For more information, read the extensive resources on Avoiding Plagiarism at the University’s Writing Centre.

    The University’s Writing Centre provide excellent guides to assist in appropriate referencing and avoiding plagiarism

    Due to an increasing number of students infringing the University’s Academic Honesty Policy, Turnitin is used to check assignments.

    Turnitin Quick Start Guides

    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Essay/report (Individual)
    Task: Why are some projects complex? How do they differ from complicated projects? Provide some examples of complex projects.  Why have traditional project management models failed to provide adequate structural support for complex projects?

    Assessment 2:  Case study presentation (Individual)
    Task: Individual presentation covering the following:
    * Identity a SoS;
    * Use five distinguishing characteristics to describe it;
    * Identify examples of and describe External Factors, which could influence the SoS;
    * Identify the Governing Body;
    * Describe the Feedback process between the SoS and the Governing Body;
    * Identify examples of and describe Constraints affecting the Governing body’s decision making process.

    Assessment 3: Reflection on Case Study presentation (Individual) report
    Task: Create a brief report of 500 words as a reflection of the case study presentation as described in Assessment 2.

    Assessment 4: Final report (Group)
    Task: Create a case study report for an approved project as instructed below, implementing the theoretical material you have covered. Groups should be of five people. To add additional team members, you need to seek special approval stating reasons. This assignment is intended to be the practical application of theory. 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.

    Assessment 5: Class contribution
    Task: A class participation mark will be based on attendance and participation.
    Submission
    All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni.
    Please refer to step by step instructions: MyUni Learning Centre

    There are a few points to note about the submission of assignments:
    • Assignment Submission:  Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both). 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 (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above) Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.

    Resubmission & Remarking

    Resubmission of an assignment for remarking after reworking it to obtain a better mark will not normally be accepted.  Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds.
    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.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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