PROJMGNT 7009 - Research in Project Management (12 units)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

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 Management
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Successful completion of COMMERCE 7039
    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 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: Associate Professor Indra Gunawan
    Email: indra.gunawan@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)

    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 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
  • 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;

    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
    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?
    Project proposal due
    Week 6 Researching the Literature
    Week 7 Self-directive learning: + Consultation 
    Week 8 Self-directive learning
    Week 9 Communication Plan:
    Project Report & Presentation.
    How to report on your project research
    using standard structure and content
    Week 10 One-to-One session: Linking your data to your project
    Week 11 Self-directive writing.
    Week 12 One-to-One session: Synthesis evidence
    Week 13 Final Report
  • 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 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
    Project Proposal Task
    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.

    Online Proposal Presentation
    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. Other students should review each of the presentations and pose at least two questions at the website which should be answered by the presenter.

    Final Research Report
    Task
    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.

  • 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

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