Course Title: Manage ICT projects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2016
Course Code: COSC7370C
Course Title: Manage ICT projects
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5341 - Diploma of Information Technology
Course Contact: Val Christou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5076
Course Contact Email: val.christou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Course Coordinator: Swati Dave
Telephone: +61 3 9925-5811
Email: swati.dave@rmit.edu.au
Teacher: Nicky Sephton
Email: TBA
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
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the initiation, implementation and completion of reasonably complex information and communications technology (ICT) projects incorporating scope, risk control and financial factors.
It applies to individuals who utilise a range of specialised technical and managerial techniques to plan, carry out and evaluate their own work and/or the work of a team.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICTPMG501 Manage ICT projects |
Element: |
1. Manage project definition activities |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm organisational project governance policy and processes 1.2 Confirm business problem or opportunity and project objectives 1.3 Develop project charter, including preliminary statement of project scope and obtain sign-off 1.4 Conduct a feasibility study and prepare a business case as necessary |
Element: |
2. Undertake project planning |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Plan information gathering activities to determine project requirements, constraints and risks 2.2 Identify project partitioning on the basis of intended system development life cycle and risk 2.3 Prepare project work breakdown, schedule and budget 2.4 Compile project-management plan documents as necessary to communicate the intended management strategy for the project and obtain sign-off |
Element: |
3. Establish the IT project team |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and select team members, and allocate roles and responsibilities, based on project solution requirements 3.2 Determine training and support needs of team members 3.3 Establish project team values and agreed behavioural standards with team members |
Element: |
4. Manage project execution activities |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Monitor delivery and acceptance of assigned project team work activities and manage individuals 4.2 Monitor and control the quality of project deliverables 4.3 Monitor and control project scope changes, risks and issues 4.4 Manage system testing and hand over activities |
Element: |
5. Coordinate project closure |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Prepare IT support plans and maintenance or support documents 5.2 Obtain final project sign-off 5.3 Conduct post-project review and document lessons learned 5.4 Review and update disaster recovery plan 5.5 Close project |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown. Learning activities will generally consist of practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts. You should attend all sessions.
You will also be expected to undertake work on a small IT project and other activities for homework.
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 Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows:
Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
- Program overview and requirements
- MyRMIT/Blackboard
- Overview of assessment requirements
- Pre-Training Review including:
- Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
- Assessment of current skills and knowledge
- Competency/Grading Criteria
- Plagiarism
- Appeals
- Extensions
- Feedback
- Privacy
- Submission requirements
- Resubmission policy
- Where to get support
- Student responsibilities
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 |
| 1 | 4th Jul 2016 | Introduction to the course including: |
|
| 2 | 11th Jul 2016 | Initiating projects - project governance & project objectives |
ASSESSMENT 1 - Project specifications issued |
| 3 | 18th Jul 2016 | Initiating projects - project constraints, identifying tasks, work breakdown structures, project charters | |
| 4 | 25th Jul 2016 |
Initiating projects - project feasibility using break-even & NPV calculations, business cases | |
| 5 | 1st Aug 2016 | Initiating projects - completion of project charter & business case | ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Initiation Documentation due |
| 6 | 8th Aug 2016 |
Planning projects - team members roles, training needs, team contracts, stakeholder management plans | |
| 7 | 15th Aug 2016 | Planning projects - planning project scope, time, cost, quality, resources, communications, risk & procurement | |
| 8 | 22nd Aug 2016 | Planning projects - completion of project management plan Work on team project & mock-ups |
ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Planning Documentation due |
| MID-SEMESTER BREAK (29th Aug - 2nd Sep 2016 inclusive) | |||
| 9 | 5th Sep 2016 | Executing projects - monitoring & control: managing tasks, scope changes, quality, risks, team work & issues | ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Team Documentation due |
| 10 | 12th Sep 2016 | Executing projects - project status reports. Class work on project. Prototype demonstrations |
|
| 11 | 19th Sep 2016 | Closing projects - post-project reviews, signoff, maintenance & support, disaster recovery. Class work on project execution, testing & documentation |
ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Execution Documentation due |
| 12 | 26th Sep 2016 | Closing projects - finalisation reports. Class work on project. Revision for Concept Review |
|
| 13 | 3rd Oct 2016 |
Concept Review conducted Class work on project execution, testing & documentation |
ASSESSMENT 2 - Concept Review (Multiple Choice Quiz) |
| 14 | 10th Oct 2016 |
Final work on project closure document. Interviews | ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Closure Documentation due |
| 15 | 17th Oct 2016 | Project presentation & product demonstration (in class) |
ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Presentation & Product Demos |
| 16 | 24th Oct 2016 | Course & assessment feedback. Re-submission of assessments if required |
You will receive feedback two weeks from the due date of each task. If required, re-submissions are due by the end of the following week.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed textbook for this course. |
References
Schwalbe, K. (4th edn, 2013), Revised An Introduction to Project Management, Thomson Course Technology, Kindle ISBN-13: 978-1448607532 |
|
Pearson, N. et al (2013), Project Management In Practice, McGraw Hill |
9781743077238 |
Schwalbe, K. (8th edn, 2016), Information Technology Project Management, Cengage Learning This edition is only available in hard copy form, and is quite expensive. However older editions are available in the RMIT Library. This text is far more detailed than the texts listed above, but is of some use as a source of PM document templates. |
978-128545234 |
Other Resources
Students may also refer to various Websites, textbooks and e-books as indicated their teacher.
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- scope the activities of a complex information and communications technology (ICT) project
- prepare a project plan
- determine the project team and duties
- execute a project
- close the project, ensuring it has met requirements.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- describe the characteristics of leaders and technical teams
- outline the consultation and communication techniques and strategies
- describe the process of establishing technical teams and determine stages of team development
- explain estimation and cost-analysis techniques
- describe the methods of communication and communication styles, including interviewing techniques
- identify the objectives and perform benefits analysis
- outline the organisational values, policies and processes that apply to the project
- conduct performance management and project team appraisal methods
- explain the processes for monitoring team and own performance
- outline the project cash flow and budgeting processes
- identify the range of project-management methods and tools
- conduct systems analysis and modelling techniques
- explain team roles and delegation within a multi-project methodology context
- identify and analyse technology solution models and frameworks.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the ICT project management field of work, and include access to office equipment, materials and industry software packages.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete 2 assessments. You must successfully complete all sections of each task to be deemed competent in this course.
NOTE: Details about specific tasks and assessment criteria will be included in the Cover Sheet(s) for each task.
ASSESSMENT 1 - Project Document Portfolio (for a Business Mobile Application) (Refer to Teaching Schedule for due dates)
For this task you will work in your app project teams to manage the development and testing of a small mobile application. You will need to pay to particular attention to the planning and testing of your app, with all stages delivered on time etc.
Each team will also need to manage any potential risks in the development of the app, such as loss of files and issues with team members etc.
To be deemed competent in this task each team must develop, review and submit documentation at each stage of the project (and for each element of competency) as requested:
- Project Initiation Documentation ie. a project charter for the app project and a business case incorporating financial feasibility calculations
- Project Planning Documentation ie. a comprehensive project management plan covering all the various required aspects, including a Work Breakdown Structure in Microsoft Project 2010, 2013 or 2016
- Project Team Documentation ie. a stakeholder management plan and an optional team contract
- Project Execution Documentation ie. a project status report covering quality control, scope changes, risks and issues etc. Students will also be expected to demonstrate stages in the development of their app.
- Project Closure Documentation ie. a finalisation report covering IT support and maintenance, disaster recovery procedures, project sign-off and lessons learned etc.
- Project Presentation & Product Demonstration ie. a team presentation to the class (eg. using PowerPoint) covering all aspects of the project outlined above, with a demonstration of the final app
Document templates and guidelines will be available after each of the relevant topics are covered. It is strongly recommended that each team uses Google Docs. This should ensure a fair distribution of the workload, and allow all team members to learn all the important PM concepts.
Teams are likely to be requested to submit interim versions of documents in printout form, and submit their final project document portfolio on Blackboard.
Late submissions of work required for any stage of this project will be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved) level only.
General Points
- Each team must maintain a Website, such as a Google Sites Website, with all the relevant material available for the team for the duration of the project.
- All documents are to be presented in portfolio form ie. a folder of documents submitted on Blackboard
- Each document should include a header (eg with the name of the document and team members’ names) and a footer (eg with the date and page number).
- All team members must sign the assessment cover sheet(s).
- Soft copies are to be retained by all team members as backups. Google Docs is preferred.
- RMIT academic discipline procedures will apply in cases of plagiarism. Students should use Turnitin to avoid plagiarism.
ASSESSMENT 2 - PM Concept Review (Conducted in Week 13)
In the first part of the course each team of students will be expected to complete worksheets on various aspects of project management as per the Teaching Schedule. Some of the questions may require research and peer review by team members will be essential.
In week 13 there will be a concept review task, which will cover the material studied in class each week. You will need to answer number of questions covering both project management concepts and application of those concepts to projects, such as your team Website or app project.
To be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts covered in all sections of the course.
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Leaning Hub (Blackboard).
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
- 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, 3234567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
Assessment Matrix
The Assessment Matrix that maps all assessments to the critical aspects of evidence, skills, knowledge and elements is available from the teacher.
Other Information
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Learning Hub (Blackboard).
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
- 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.
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information:http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use:http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination. More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w (unresolved)
Form to use:http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is "CAG".
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following Website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
Marking Guide (Competency):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:
Final Grades Table:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC 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