PROJMGNT 7058 - Project Management Research Project

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2021

This course asks students to undertake a capstone research project in respect to a topic of their choice as aligned to project management. The content covered includes reviewing published literature, building on research methodology knowledge, addressing the topic via qualitative or quantitative secondary research data and drawing conclusions in respect to research outcomes. Students will need to apply the skills required to develop a research proposal, presentation and final report based on extending current knowledge.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PROJMGNT 7058
    Course Project Management Research Project
    Coordinating Unit Management
    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 Successful completion of COMMERCE 7039
    Incompatible PROJMGNT 7010A & PROJMGNT 7010B, PROJMGNT 7009
    Assumed Knowledge Completion of all core courses for the Masters of Applied Project Management
    Restrictions Available for MAppProjMgt and MAppProjMgt(ProjSys) students only
    Course Description This course asks students to undertake a capstone research project in respect to a topic of their choice as aligned to project management. The content covered includes reviewing published literature, building on research methodology knowledge, addressing the topic via qualitative or quantitative secondary research data and drawing conclusions in respect to research outcomes. Students will need to apply the skills required to develop a research proposal, presentation and final report based on extending current knowledge.
    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 Krishnan Mysore
    Email:
    krishnan.narasimhanmysore@adelaide.edu.au 

    Trimester 2
    Name:
    Dr Sam Baroudi
    Researcher profile: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/sam.baroudi
    Email:
    sam.baroudi@adelaide.edu.au
    Trimester 3
    Name: Christian Hoyer
    Email: christian.hoyer@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

    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
      No textbook required
      Recommended Resources
      Suggested texbook: Saunders, Mark N.K., Lewis P. and Thornhill, A. 2015. Research Methods for Business Students PDF eBook (7e): 9781292016641 (online)

      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.

      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.
    2. Learning & Teaching Activities
      Learning & Teaching Modes
      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 Skill Development workshops are held throughout the year (examples: taking a critical approach, critical reading, reviewing literature, writing a proposal, and so on).
      Workload

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

      Prior completion of the COMMERCE 7039 Business Research Methods (M) is necessary in preparartion for this course.

      This course is a 6 unit offering. As a guide, a standard 3 unit course comprises a total of 156 hours work (this includes face-to-face contact, any online components, and self directed study). You can expect to commit 312 hours to this 6 unit course.
      Learning Activities Summary
      The schedule may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.
      Schedule
      Week 1 Introduction: Taking on a Research Project 
      Week 2 Project Plan: Topics and Research Proposal
      Week 3 Self-Directed Writing and Supervisory Assistance
      Week 4 Finalising Research Proposals
      Week 5 Research Report: Abstract, Introduction and Literature Review Research Proposals due in
      Week 6 Supervisor/Student Meetings
      Week 7 Research Report: Methodology, Results and Discussion
      Week 8 Self-Directed Writing and Supervisory Assistance
      Week 9 Research Project Presentations Presentations at lecture
      Week 10 Supervisor/Student Meetings End of Trimester
      Week 12 Course Completion: Final Research Report Submission Research Reports due in
    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.
      Assessment Task Length Due Weighting Learning Outcome
      1. Research Proposal 2000 words Week 5 15% 1-5
      2. Research Project Presentation 5 minutes maximum
           + questions
      Week 9 15% 1-5
      3. Final Research Report 9000 words Week 12 70% 1-5
      Assessment Related Requirements
      Students should attend all classes in order to pass the course. There is considerable learning in the classes that build your knowledge and thus enable you to be successful in this course.

      Course results may be subject to moderation by the Assessment Review Committee.

      Students will develop a research project. They can be guided in the selection of the research topic.

      Supervision and progress: The lecturer in charge will supervise your progress on the project. The student will be required to meet with the lecturer in order to report and discuss progress. If the student encounters problems in the development of the project, he or she must discuss this situation immediately with the lecturer.

      It is highly recommended that students carry out a preliminary investigation about the research topic selected to be sure that there is sufficient content in the area.
      Assessment Detail
      Research Proposal
      The aim of the assessment is to assist students in developing their research reports. It is required that students prepare a proposal for the lecturer’s consideration. The proposal should include the research background, aim or purpose of the project, objectives and research questions, research methodology, milestones, budget and possible outcomes.

      Research Project Presentation

      The Research Project Presentation will involve each student providing a PowerPoint presentation of their work to date. The classroom presentations will be concise and to the point displaying the student's ability to explain their research in a limited time period to the student audience. Other students should ask questions that should be answered by the presenter. Non-Adeelaide based students will have a similar requirement albeit via uploading their presentations to the Discussion Forum.    

      Final Research Report

      The Final Research Report is the culmination of all investigations. Completing it will demand significant time and effort. The final report should include the following sections as appropriate: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Research Results and Discussion and Conclusions. A Reference list should also be included with ancillary items placed in the Appendices. It is expected that the report will be prepared to a professional standard.
      Submission

      All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni:

      • Assignment Submission: Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both).
      • Cover Sheet: Please include in the assignment a completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet (found in MyUni, under Modules) 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.
      • Assessment extensions request: An application for Assessment Extension should be made 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. See sections 3 and 7a) i. in particular on assessment extensions in the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) Policy.
      • 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: of an assignment 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.
      • Appealing a mark or grade: If you are dissatisfied with your mark or grade, you may request a review or re-mark. There must be academic or procedural reasons for your request, so you can’t simply request a re-mark because you are disappointed with your result. For more information on the process see Assessment Grievance: Appealing a mark or grade
      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.

    4. 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.

    5. Student Support
    6. Policies & Guidelines
    7. 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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