PROJMGNT 7058 - Project Management Research Project

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 2 - 2024

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 2
    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 and PROJMGNT 5004 and PROJMGNT 5021 and PROJMGNT 7038 and PROJMGNT 7040 and PROJMGNT 7047 and PROJMGNT 7056 and (PROJMGNT 7024 or PROJMGNT 7057)
    Incompatible PROJMGNT 7010A, PROJMGNT 7010B, PROJMGNT 7009
    Restrictions Available only to Master of Project Management and Master of Project Management (Complex Systems) students
    Assessment Assignments, presentation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sam Baroudi

    Program Director:
    Name: Associate Professor Indra Gunawan
    email: indra.gunawan@adelaide.edu.au
    Teaching staff:

    Trimester 1 & 3
    Name: 
    Dr Dang Nguyen
    Email:
    dang.nguyen@adelaide.edu.au

    Trimester 2
    Name: Dr Sam Baroudi
    Email: sam.baroudi@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 Recognise, 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 Classify 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)

      Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

      Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

      1-3

      Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

      Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

      1-3

      Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

      Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

      1-3

      Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

      Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

      4

      Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

      Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

      4

      Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

      Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

      .

      Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

      Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

      .1, 2

      Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

      Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

      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.

      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 workshops and other course activities along with associated lecturer consultations which will help students to enhance their research studies.
      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 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 Proposals
      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 Advice and Feedback
      Week 7 Research Report: Methodology, Results and Discussion
      Week 8 Self Directed Writing and Supervisory Assistance
      Week 9 Research Project Presentations Presentations
      Week 10 Supervisor Advice and Feedback End of Trimester
      Week 12 Course Completion: Final Research Project 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. Details appear in the following section:

      Assessment Task Length Due Weighting Learning Outcome
      1. Research Proposal 2000 word report Week 5 15% 1-5
      2. Research Project Presentation 10 slides Week 9 15% 1-5
      3. Final Research Report 9000 word report Week 12 70% 1-5
      TOTAL 100%
      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 presentation should contain around 10 slides and be presented in class to fellow students and the lecturer. Student questions will be encouraged. 

      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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