PROJMGNT 7057 - Project Controls Method

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 2 - 2019

This course develops the competencies for managing linear and non-complex projects which were first addressed in PROJMGNT 5021 Project Management Fundamentals. It covers the key project management control techniques and tools deemed necessary to ensure project success. Particular focus is provided in the early phases of the project lifecycle in each of the areas of stakeholders, scope, time, cost and quality control: however, attention is also paid to risk, procurement, human resources, communication, procurement and integration of these. Cost and time management skills and contract management are also addressed.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PROJMGNT 7057
    Course Project Controls Method
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Trimester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive: 36 to 40 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites PROJMGNT 5021
    Course Description This course develops the competencies for managing linear and non-complex projects which were first addressed in PROJMGNT 5021 Project Management Fundamentals. It covers the key project management control techniques and tools deemed necessary to ensure project success. Particular focus is provided in the early phases of the project lifecycle in each of the areas of stakeholders, scope, time, cost and quality control: however, attention is also paid to risk, procurement, human resources, communication, procurement and integration of these. Cost and time management skills and contract management are also addressed.
    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
    Name:
    Mr Ashkan Zarghami
    email:
    ashkan.zarghami@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Know and understand the project management control tools and techniques as applied to linear projects
    2 Competently develop a project brief that can convince stakeholders of the benefits of developing the project
    3 Choose and use a project management control framework and be competent to initiate value assurance reviews throughout the project lifecycle
    4 Competently plan the controls required for a medium-sized linear project appropriate to satisfying PMI’s Project Management Professional standards
    5 Demonstrate continued learning and personal development
    6 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)
    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)
    1-6
    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
    2, 3, & 4
    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
    2 & 4
    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, 2, 3 & 4
    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
    6
    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
    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Text book:

    Kerzner, H. R., (2013) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, 11th Edition, Wiley
    ISBN-13: 978-1118022276
    ISBN-10: 1118022270

    Recommended Resources

    PMBOK: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 2013, Project Management Institute, USA. 5th Ed. ISBN 978-1935589679

    Gray, Clifford & Larson, Erik, 2000, Project Management, McGraw-Hill.

    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.  Students are encouraged to read as much of the Kerzner chapters as possible prior to the intensive sessions - essentially structured as follows: 

    Session
    Topics Chapters
    1 Overview, concepts and definitions 1 & 2
    2 Organisational structures 3
    3 Management functions 5
    4 Conflicts & special topics 7 & 8
    5 Planning 11
    6 Pricing & Estimating 14
    7 Cost control 15
    8 Risk management 17
    9 Quality management 20
    10 Contract management 19
  • 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. Specific details for each assessment item appear in the following section:

    #AssessmentLengthWeightingLearning Outcomes
    1 Classroom participation (intensive sessions)  N/A 10% 1 - 6
    2 Fundamentals of Project Controls 1500 words 20% 1, 3, 4
    3 Scheduling and Cost Controlling Methods See Assessment Detail 25% 1, 3, 4, 5
    4 Capstone Project Management Control Case study
      - Part A - Group component
      - Part B - Individual component

    2000 words per student
    1500 words

    30%
    15%
    1- 6
    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: Intensive sessions - classroom discussion & participation
    Weighting: 10%
    Task: You are expected to attend and participate in the discussions during the intensive sessions.  Your lecturer will provide you with opportunities to participate and contribute to the learnings during each of the intensive sessions.  

    Scope: Discussion topics will be taken primarily from the assigned readings and course material.  You are encouraged to actively participate during the classroom sessions and to contribute positively to the learning environment.

    Length and Presentation: You will be graded on your attendance and quality of your participation in class and subsequent discussions to the key topic areas being covered.  It is expected that students will practice their PM skills by being punctual to the sessions as well as substantially participate in all assigned discussions (e.g. a short response like - yes, I agree with you - will not really add value).  Discussions and sharing of learnings from your own PM experiences/context and actions in applying the techniques will enhance the classroom discussion and learning. 
    Assessment 2: Fundamentals of Project Controls
    Weighting: 20%
    Task: The design of a project control system is crucial to project success. Project managers are keenly aware of the need to establish a project control baseline as well as to identify various performance indicators in the project management control process.
    Assessment 3: Scheduling and Cost Controlling Methods
    Weighting: 25%
    Task: Answer a set of questions based on the assignment description that has been uploaded on MyUni.
    Length and Presentation: Network Diagram, Gantt Chart, and Earned Value Analysis for a small project with 9 activities.
    Assessment 4: Applications of Various Project Controlling Tools and Techniques
    Weighting: 
    Part A is a group assignment (2 members per group) - 30%
    Part B is an individual assignment - 15% 

    Task: The aim of this assignment is to apply various project controlling tools to a suitable project example. The project can be either a real-world project or completely hypothetical. You should decompose the project scope (based on reasonable assumptions for a hypothetical project or drawing on what you know about a real-world project) into a set of definable and measurable activities and tasks that are associated to the project deliverables.
    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 include in the assignment a 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:  An application for Assessment Extension 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 medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances.
    • 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.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.