Course Title: Translate business needs into technical requirements

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COSC6066C

Course Title: Translate business needs into technical requirements

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: 20

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


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, (PSPPM502B) BUSM 7779C Manage complex projects
 

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 onwards your teacher will advise you if you require access to a computer for the course. It is recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus outside class times.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAA5158B Translate business needs into technical requirements

Element:

1. Compile business needs
2. Determine technical requirements
3. Secure sign off for technical requirements and solutions

Performance Criteria:

1. Compile business needs

1.1 Clarify the business problem and confirm information with stakeholders
1.2 Identify the vision, strategic mission and objectives of the business or business process
1.3 Identify key stakeholders and their requirements
1.4 Document business objectives and problem and confirm details with appropriate person

2. Determine technical requirements
2.1 Review and assess business problems, opportunities and objectives
2.2 Identify technical requirements in respect of input/output, interface, process flow or quality requirements
2.3 Develop business solutions in response to problems and technical requirements as identified
2.4 Investigate a range of supplier products to determine which one best meets technical requirements
2.5 Document results and make recommendations against business requirements

3. Secure sign off for technical requirements and solutions
3.1 Forward technical requirements and solution overview to appropriate person for feedback
3.2 Analyse feedback and incorporate change as required
3.3 Document changes and distribute to appropriate person


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
PSPPM502B 
 
2 13th Feb Introduction to PM
Chapter 1
In-class worksheets ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
3 20th Feb The Project Management and Information Technology Context
Chapter 2
In-class worksheets
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B 
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
PSPPM502B
5 5th March  Project Integration Management
Chapter 4
 In-class worksheets
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
Form project teams
ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
6 12th March
(Monday, Labour Day)
 Project Scope Management
Chapter 5
 In-class worksheets
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B 
 
7 19th March  Project Time Management
Chapter 6
 In-class worksheets
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
8 26th March  Project Cost Management
Chapter 7
 In-class worksheets
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
9 2nd April  Project Work - PM  Work on project
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B

Mid semester break (5 April to 11 April) 

9 9th April  Project Work - PM  Work on project
Task 1 weekly worksheet due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
10 16th April  Project Work - PM  Work on Major Project
Project Initiation Due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
11 23rd April  Project Work - PM  Work on project ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
12 30th April  Project Work - PM  Work on project
Major Project - Project Planning Due
ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
13 7th May  Project Work - PM  Work on project
Major Project- Project  Execution Due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
14 14th May  Project Work - PM  Work on project
Major Project - Project Monitoring and Control Due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
15 21st May  Project Work - PM  Work on project 
Major Project - Project Closure Due
 ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B
16 28th May  Final Open-Book Test  ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B

17 4th June  Re-submissions if required ICAS5202B
ICAP5039B
PSPPM502B


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:

• Assessment must confirm the ability to understand a business ’ s needs and categorise them as input, output, interfaces, flow and measurement technical requirements that enable the technology to be further developed into a business solution.
• An effective set of requirements takes into account current and future technical needs where change is foreseeable.
• To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:
• Business current needs
• Project requirements
• A client expectations brief
• Business objectives
• Information on a range of IT business solutions
• E-business model
• Customer relationship model (CRM)

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