PROJMGNT 7009 - Research in Project Management (12 units)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2018

The content is aimed at providing participants with skills in research such that they are able to conduct research at a level that they may enter PhD 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 proposal based on extending current knowledge, testing it (probably quantitatively), drawing conclusions and commenting on these conclusions. The alternate path is to produce a capstone study which is a critical evaluation of and reflection on a student's Masters studies. The capstone study must build on a number of courses in the program. The study must either aim to draw conclusions 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 7009
    Course Research in Project Management (12 units)
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact At least 70 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites COMMERCE 7039
    Assumed Knowledge Completion of all core courses for the Masters of Applied Project Management
    Course Description The content is aimed at providing participants with skills in research such that they are able to conduct research at a level that they may enter PhD 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 proposal based on extending current knowledge, testing it (probably quantitatively), drawing conclusions and commenting on these conclusions. The alternate path is to produce a capstone study which is a critical evaluation of and reflection on a student's Masters studies. The capstone study must build on a number of courses in the program. The study must either aim to draw conclusions 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:

    Name:
    Dr Carmen Reaiche
    Researcher profile: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/carmen.reaiche
    Email: carmen.reaiche@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. identify, 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. identify 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
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No Textbook required
    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.
    • Saunders, Mark N.K., Lewis P. and Thornhill, A. 2015. Research Methods for Business Students PDF eBook (7e) : 9781292016641
    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;
    • Journal of Project 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.
  • 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.
    Workload

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

    As a guide, a 12 unit course comprises a total of 624 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 Project Plan: Content design – Project Proposal Formative Assessment
    Week 4 Research Formulation & Process:
    How to structure a formal research.
    Introduction to Business Canvas.
    Ethics Process
    Week 5 The Research Process:
    understanding your philosophy and approach.
    Qualitative or Quantitative ?
    Summative Assessment
    Week 6 Researching the Literature Formative Assessment
    Week 7 Communication Plan:
    Project Report & Presentation.
    How to report on your project research
    using standard structure and content
    Week 8 One-to- One session:
    How to organise your work effectively
    Week 9 Self-directive learning:
    Writing a Research Proposal
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/carst/online-modules/
    Summative Assessment
    Week 10 One-to- One session:
    Linking your data to your project
    Week 11 Writing with Argument
    Week 12 One-to- One session:
    Synthesis evidence
    Week 13 Self-directive writing. Summative Assessment
  • 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:

    #AssessmentLengthWeightingLearning Outcomes
    1 Project Proposal 2000 words 15% 1-5
    2 Online Proposal: 1.
    Presentation (two components:
    presentation + participation)
    10 - 15 minutes presentation 15% 1-5
    3 Final Research Report 15000 + words 70% 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.

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

    Task: Project proposal
    The aim of the assignment 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:

    Background, aims and significance.
    Background: the theoretical or practical basis or proposition for your research project. The background will lead to elaborate research questions. Students also should address why this research project is important.
    Aim: what is the purpose of your project?
    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 explained in the task (above).

    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.




    Assessment 2: Online Proposal Presentation
    Weighting: 15% (peer review assignment and participation component)
    Due Date:
    During Week 9 online presentation submission
    During Week 9 and 10 online questions
    Friday Week 10 by 5:00pm final peer reviewreport

    Comments and answers:
    After the submission of the online presentation, students should participate in the forum between the dates indicated above (remember that the comments and questions are part of the assessment,“ at least two questions per student)

    Submission Details:
    Online through MyUni

    Task:
    The Online Proposal Presentation will be completed by students individually. Each student should upload a PowerPoint slide with voice record or a video with the research project presentation. The presentation should be between 10 and 15 minutes. Other students should review each of the presentations and pose at least two questions at the website which should be answered by the presenter.

    Online proposal presentation:
    The student will present to the class online seeking feedback and approval to proceed with the final report.

    The online proposal 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.

    Length and Presentation:
    10 - 15 minutes presentation

    Criteria by which your assignment 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. plan details of research activity,
    6. cope with questions and arguments,
    7. use of time-limit and visual aids.

    Further information will be provided on MyUni.




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

    Task:
    Writing your final project report 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 addresses:

    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. Empirical / theoretical results and implications.
    6. Conclusions.
    7. References.
    8. Appendices.

    Length and Presentation:
    32,000 + words.

    Criteria by which your assignment 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.
    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.

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