PROJMGNT 7058 - Project Management Research Project

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2017

The objective is to produce a capstone study which is a critical evaluation and reflation on the Masters studies. The content covered includes some basic tuition on the structure of research methodology, and information about the knowledge and skills required to develop a research project based on extending current knowledge, testing it (qualitative or quantitative), drawing conclusions and commenting on these conclusions.. The study should be an orderly and fully documented investigation of some problem or point of interest arising from the examination of a number of courses or relate these to career choices and competencies required.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PROJMGNT 7058
    Course Project Management Research Project
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites COMMERCE 7039
    Incompatible PROJMGNT 7010A & PROJMGNT 7010B
    Assumed Knowledge Completion of all core courses for the Masters of Applied Project Management
    Course Description The objective is to produce a capstone study which is a critical evaluation and reflation on the Masters studies. The content covered includes some basic tuition on the structure of research methodology, and information about the knowledge and skills required to develop a research project based on extending current knowledge, testing it (qualitative or quantitative), drawing conclusions and commenting on these conclusions.. The study should be an orderly and fully documented investigation of some problem or point of interest arising from the examination of a number of courses or relate these to career choices and competencies required.
    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 1
    Name:
    Dr Carmen Reaiche

    Dr Carmen Reaiche’s main expertise is in Systems Thinking and Project Management. Carmen has held a number of senior management positions as well as academic appointments, where she has coordinated various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In industry she designed and project managed the implementation of information systems and policy processes for businesses such as Mobil, IBM, Centrelink and Business SA. In 2006 Carmen completed her PhD in the area of Self-organising Systems, has published over 40 refereed articles and supervised 6 PhD completions. Her present research interests include systems thinking, policy making systems, social network aspects of business management models.

    Email: carmen.reaiche@adelaide.edu.au

    Trimester 2 and Trimester 3
    Name: Dr Sam Baroudi

    Dr Bassam Baroudi, or Sam Baroudi as he is more often known, started his career as a construction professional working on various projects across Australia. His professional career culminated in the founding and directing of commercial construction company Baroudi Zoina Pty Ltd. Since leaving industry Dr Baroudi has devoted his time to the education and research needs of students. He currently serves as a senior lecturer in project management at the University of Adelaide's Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre (ECIC). Dr Baroudi is also an active researcher and his interests tend to focus on applying project management concepts to different fields. He has published widely on various project management topics within disaster management, construction, health and education.

    Email:
    sam.baroudi@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

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

    Class No: 30207

    Thursdays 9am - 12 noon
    From 2 February to 27 April 2017
    Nexus10, 1301, Meeting Room
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    The overall objective of this course is to introduce students to research project activities.
    Research topics must be negotiated with the lecturer in charge.

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

    1 Research a topic of interest in the project management;
    2 Recognize, select and critically analyse relevant information for your report;
    3 Synthesise the key points/findings and communicate them in a clear, concise and professional report;
    4 Identify the benefits of continuing personal and professional development in the rapidly developing and increasingly complex field of project management research;
    5 Clasify ethical, social and cultural issues and an understanding of the implication of these issues in the pursuit of project management research.
      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
      1-3
      Career and leadership readiness
      • technology savvy
      • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
      • forward thinking and well informed
      • tested and validated by work based experiences
      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
      4
      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
      5
    1. Learning Resources
      Required Resources
      Saunders, Mark N.K., Lewis P. and Thornhill, A. 2015. Research Methods for Business Students PDF eBook (7e) : 9781292016641
      Recommended Resources
      Useful texts include:
      • Pawar, B.S. 2009. Theory building for hypothesis specification in organizational studies, Response Books, New Delhi.
      • Neuman, W.L. 2008. Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, Pearson Education.
      A list containing supplementary readings will be provided before the course start date via MyUni.

      It is also recommended that you read relevant journal articles. In particular, you are encouraged to read the following journals:
      • International Journal of Project Management
      • Project Management Journal
      • International Journal of Project Organisation and Management

      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.

      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.
    2. Learning & Teaching Activities
      Learning & Teaching Modes
      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)
      Workload

      The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

      This course is offered in blended learning mode with the face-to-face component offered as a brief workshop, consultations with the lecturer and the participation in recommended workshops which can help students to improve their research activities.

      Research workshops are available three times a year through the Researcher, Education and Development (examples: taking a critical approach, critical reading, reviewing literature, writing a proposal, and so on).

      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 content are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.

       
      Schedule
      Week 1 Introduction : Taking on a Research Project -
      how to approach the challenges of project work
      Week 2 Project Plan: Choosing a Research Topic

      Week 3 Self-Directed Writing
      Week 4 Research Formulation & Process
      Week 5 Researching the Literature
      Week 6 One-to- One session
      Week 7 Research Project  Communication
      Week 8 One-to- One session:
      How to organise your work effectively
      Week 9 Presentations
      Week 10 Self-directive writing
    3. 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 Due Weighting Learning Outcome
      1. Project Proposal  Summative

      Week 5

       15% 1-5
      2. Research Project    Presentation Summative Week 9 15% 1-5
      3. Final Research Report Summative Week 13 70% 1-5
      TOTAL 100%
      Assessment Detail

      Assessment 1: Project Proposal
      Weighting: 15%
      Due Date: Week 5
      Submission Details: Online through MyUni

      This assignment will evaluate student understanding of the course topics presented in the first four weeks.

      Task
      The aim of the assessment is to assist you in developing your research report. It is required that students prepare a proposal for the lecturer’s consideration.

      The proposal should include the following points:

      Background, aims and significance: the theoretical or practical basis or proposition for your research project. What is the aim or purpose of your project? Students also should address why this research project is important.

      Objectives: this section includes research questions to be addressed

      Design: to determine the activities to be undertaken throughout the course of your research project

      Methodology: what type of methodology the student will employ?

      Milestones and budget: When it will be done, and in what order, and how much it will cost to do it (only in case your research has funds)

      Possible outcomes (when is it applicable) / limitations

      Length and Presentation
      Approximately 2,000+ words addressing the points as noted above. 

      The criteria by which your assignment will be marked is connected with your ability to
      1. identify and summarise the problem/question to be investigated
      2. identify existing, relevant knowledge and views connected with your selected topic
      3. propose appropriate methodology for your research report
      4. present some references which shows some understanding on the topic

      Learning objectives from this assessment :1, 2, 3, 4 and 5


      Assessment 2: Research Project Presentation
      Weighting: 15%
      Due Date: During Week 9: In class presentation

      This assessment will evaluate student presentations in respect to their research project.

      Task
      The Research Project Presentation will involve each student providing a PowerPoint presentation of their work to date. The presentation should be 10 minutes long with an extra 5 minutes for questions. Other students should ask questions which should be answered by the presenter.

      Length of Presentation
      10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions

      The presentation preparation should
      1. be as professional as possible
      2. have the right content
      3. wrap up all the relevant information
      4. contain a clear action plan

      The criteria by which this assessment will be marked
      1. identify critical issues
      2. show reasoning behind statements or ideas
      3. use general or technical language in an appropriate manner
      4. stimulate interest for the audience
      5. discuss details of research activity
      6. cope with questions and arguments
      7. use of time-limit and visual aids

      Learning objectives from this assessment: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5


      Assessment 3: Final Research Report
      Weighting: 70%
      Due Date: Week 13
      Submission Details: Online through MyUni

      This assessment will evaluate overall student understanding via the finished research project report.

      Task
      The Final Research Report is the culmination of all your investigations. Completing it will demand a time and effort. You will save some time if you have been following the guidelines and meeting regularly with the lecturer. This assignment should be prepared to a professional standard. Please ensure that your writing is grammatically correct, and that you use a cover page, indicate word count and that references are correctly cited as per Harvard reference system methodology. Work should be carefully proofread for errors (an over-reliance should not be made on the computer alone in this area).

      A research report normally includes the following sections:

      1.Introductory elements (cover sheet, title page, words count, abstract, acknowledgement, table of contents)

      2. Introduction (background of the research, gaps, research problem and research questions, key definitions; research contributions, justification for the research, methodology overview, research limitations, report outline, and summary)

      3. Literature review and contextual foundations

      4. Methodology

      5. Theoretical results and implications

      6. Discussion and Conclusions

      7. References

      8. Appendices

      Length and Presentation
      15,000 words (maximum) aligned to the noted sections as above.

      The criteria by which this assessment will be marked:
      1. ability to present your findings clearly and succinctly
      2. application of key relevant theories and concepts
      3. research skills and use of data to support the analysis
      4. recommendations identified in the analysis
      5. presentation: word limit, layout, adequate structure, referencing and bibliography

      Learning objectives from this assessment: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5



       

      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; 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.

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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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    6. Policies & Guidelines
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