Course Title: Manage complex projects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: BUSM7779C
Course Title: Manage complex projects
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5194 - Diploma of Information Technology (General)
Course Contact : Catherine Han Lin
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1336
Course Contact Email:catherinehan.lin@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Chandra Nannegari, 9925 1657
Chandra.nannegari@rmit.edu.au
Level 4, Room 27
Joyce Liang
Joyce.liang@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 80
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
This course is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with three (3) other competencies:
(ICAS5202B) COSC 6065C Ensure Privacy for Users, (ICAP5039B) COSC 6067C Match IT needs with the strategic directions of the enterprise, (ICAA5158B) COSC 6066C Translate Business Needs into Technical Requirements.
Course Description
This unit covers management of projects that may be reasonably complex in terms of scope, degree of risk, political, cultural and social factors that apply consequences of failure and degree of control of the projects. It includes managing start up, project implementation, project integration and follow up activities.
If you are undertaking this course in Melbourne from semester 2, 2012 onward your class will be held in a device-equipped teaching space. Each student group will have access to a laptop. It is however recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus both in and outside class times.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PSPPM502B Manage complex projects |
Element: |
1. Manage start-up activities |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Project plans are refined in consultation with steering committee and team members, and precise details are included for schedules of activities, milestones and resources |
Element: |
2. Manage project implementation |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Integration and management of complex project activities are handled in accordance with the project plan |
Element: |
3. Manage project integration |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. All aspects of the project and related projects are integrated and links are established to ensure objectives are met in accordance with the project plan |
Element: |
4. Coordinate project follow-up activities |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Significant judgment is applied in the analysis of project deliverables against specifications, performance standards and project objectives, and the results are reported to stakeholders |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Theory sessions, practical lab sessions, tutorial sessions, project and homework.
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
The self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities
| Week |
Week Commencing | Topics | Assessment | Competency |
| 1 | 6th Feb | Pre-training review: • RPL • LLN Familiarisation with: • Program • Services/facilities • Other students • Teacher(s) • Where to get support • Student responsibilities • Course requirements • Course support documents • Pre-reading • Blackboard • Overview of assessment requirements • Grading • Plagiarism • Appeals • Extensions • Feedback • Privacy • Submission requirements • Resubmission policy |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
|
| 2 | 13th Feb | Introduction to PM Chapter 1 |
In-class worksheets | ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 3 | 20th Feb | The Project Management and Information Technology Context Chapter 2 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 4 | 27th Feb | The Project Management Process Groups Chapter 3 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due Major Project Requirements Handed out |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 5 | 5th March | Project Integration Management Chapter 4 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due Form project teams |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 6 | 12th March (Monday, Labour Day) |
Project Scope Management Chapter 5 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 7 | 19th March | Project Time Management Chapter 6 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 8 | 26th March | Project Cost Management Chapter 7 |
In-class worksheets Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 9 | 2nd April | Project Work - PM | Work on project Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
Mid semester break (5 April to 11 April) | ||||
| 9 | 9th April | Project Work - PM | Work on project Task 1 weekly worksheet due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 10 | 16th April | Project Work - PM | Work on project Project Initiation Due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 11 | 23rd April | Project Work - PM | Work on project | ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 12 | 30th April | Project Work - PM | Work on project Project Planning Due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 13 | 7th May | Project Work - PM | Work on project Project Execution Due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 14 | 14th May | Project Work - PM | Work on project Project Monitoring and Control Due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 15 | 21st May | Project Work - PM | Work on project Major Project - Project Closure Due |
ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
| 16 | 28th May | Final Open-Book Test | ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
|
| 17 | 4th June | Re-submissions if required | ICAS5202B ICAP5039B ICAA5158B |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Schwalbe, K. 2011, Information Technology Project Management, 6th ed. Revised Thomson Course Technology, Boston, Mass. |
13:9781111221 |
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.
A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques
Assessment Tasks
Critical aspects of assessment
Evidence of the following is essential:
• leading and mentoring people to achieve project outcomes
• maintaining agreement of stakeholders and team members to timelines, roles and responsibilities
• negotiating with stakeholders and team members using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• using project management tools applicable to reasonably complex projects
• applying ethical decision making and problem solving related to project management of reasonably complex projects
• writing recommendations and preparing project reports requiring precision of expression
• applying workplace safety procedures in line with project requirements
• accessing/preparing information electronically or in hard copy
Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete 3 tasks. You must successfully complete all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this unit.
TASK 1- Weekly Worksheets (Due Date: Refer to Teaching Schedule )
For this Assessment Task you are required to complete In-class worksheets on Project Management aspects as per the Teaching Schedule
TASK 2 – The Major Project (Due Date: End of Week 15)
For this project you will work in a group to design, document and develop a database for a client. Project work will be done in conjunction with Model Preferred System Solution COSC5330C. Your finished project will form part of the assessment for each of the competencies listed above.
To be deemed competent in this task you must design a database for a company with several stores, which orders from suppliers, and sells products (not services) on-line.
You will be provided with more in depth details regarding this major project later on in week 4
TASK 3 - Final Open-Book Test (Due Date: Week 16)
To be deemed competent in this task you must answer each section with a minimum of 100 words.
Prepare a response to each question that details the project management theory and application of the theory used in your experience with projects. You will need to evaluate the projects and provide recommendations for future projects. Include all aspects of the theory to address the questions.
The above task will be presented in report format.
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
Marking Guide (competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.
Please refer to the Final Grades table below.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.
The grading is according to the following criteria:
1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of understanding of Project Management principles in your approach to managing a project.
2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in managing major projects. .You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable Project Management principles and requirements in all the assessment tasks.
3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for appropriate use of technology and project management tools to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended stakeholders. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems & risks that can arise in managing projects and how these might be addressed.
4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see ongoing progress and status reports of the projects relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.
5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled team sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach towards teamwork and managing projects.
Final Grades table:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview