Course Title: Manage ICT projects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
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
Lead Course Supervisor: Nicky Sephton
Email: nicky.sephton@rmit.edu.au
Teacher: Momina Awan
Email: momina.awan@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
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 teaching schedule. Learning activities will generally consist of practical exercises based on teacher handouts and provided resources. You should attend all sessions. Please note that the sessions build on each other, and it is expected that you understand the concepts in earlier sessions, so that you can then build on that understanding for more complex techniques.
You will also be expected to undertake work on a small ICT 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
- Learning Management System (Canvas)
- 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
- Re-submission 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 |
02 Jul 18 |
Introduction to the course including:
Introduction to course topics Course introduction & overview. Project management concepts: project governance, project methodology, project management objectives, key terms |
|
2 |
9 Jul 18 |
Initiating projects - Project constraints, identifying objectives, scope definition, initiation documents, gathering requirements. Finalise groups for assessment 1. Setting up project team environment |
|
3 |
16 Jul 18 |
Initiating projects – financial feasibility |
|
4 |
23 Jul 18 |
Initiating projects – financial feasibility
|
ASSESSMENT TASK 1.1 - Project Initiation Documents due |
5 |
30 Jul 18 |
Project Planning: Scope Management |
|
6 |
6 Aug 18 |
Project Planning: Time Management |
|
7 |
13 Aug 18 |
Project Planning: Cost Management |
|
8 |
20 Aug 18 |
Project Planning: Quality, resources, communications, risk & procurement - completion of project management plan
|
ASSESSMENT TASK 1.2 - Project Planning Documents due |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK (27th Aug to 31st August inclusive) | |||
9 |
03 Sep 18 |
Executing projects - team members roles, training needs, team contracts, staff management plans |
|
10 |
10 Sep 18 |
Executing projects - monitoring & control: Tracking project progress. Managing tasks, scope changes, quality, risks, team work & team issues. Project progress reports. |
|
11 |
17 Sep 18
|
Closing projects - Post-project reviews, signoff, maintenance & support, disaster recovery. ASSESSMENT TASK 1.3 DRAFT CHECK (in class) |
ASSESSMENT TASK 1.3 - Project Execution Document due |
12 |
24 Sep 18 HOL. 28 Sep 18 |
Revision for Concept Review *Please note: Public holiday on Friday 28th April (no class) |
|
|
13
|
01 Oct 18 |
Concept Review conducted. |
ASSESSMENT 2 - Concept Review
|
14 |
08 Oct 18 |
Final work on project closure document.
|
ASSESSMENT TASK 1.4 - Project Closure Document due |
15 |
15 Oct 18 |
Project presentation & product demonstration (in class) |
ASSESSMENT TASK 1.5 - Project Presentation & Product Demonstrations |
16 |
22 Oct 18 |
Course & assessment feedback. Re-submission of assessment work if required |
Re-submissions as required NO ASSESSMENT WORK CAN BE ACCEPTED AFTER 5pm Friday 1 June |
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 (6th end, 2017) An Introduction to Project Management, Sixth Edition |
ISBN-13:978-1544701899 |
A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide), 6th Edition |
ISBN: 9781628253900 |
Software Extension to the PMBOK Guide, 5th Edition, by the Project Management Institute (PMI) |
ISBN: 1-62825-041-0 |
Other Resources
You may also refer to various Websites, textbooks and e-books as indicated in CANVAS.
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 STUDENT ASSESSMENT TASK document for each task.
ASSESSMENT TASK 1 - Project Document Portfolio (for a Business Mobile Application) (Refer to Teaching Schedule for due dates)
This is a group assessment. For this task you will work in a group of 3. You are developing a Mobile Application for a client. You and your group will 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 application, with all stages delivered on time.
Each group will also need to manage any potential risks in the development of the application, such as loss of files and issues with group members etc.
To be deemed competent in this task each group must develop, review and submit documentation at each stage of the project milestone (and for each element of competency) as requested:
- Project Initiation Documentation that is, a project charter for the Mobile Application project and a business case incorporating financial feasibility calculations
- Project Planning Documentation that is, a comprehensive project management plan covering all the various required aspects, including a Work Breakdown Structure, Cost Baseline and Gantt Chart
- Project Execution Documentation that includes:
- a staff management plan
- a team contract, and
- a project progress report covering quality control, scope changes, risks and issues etc. Students will also be expected to demonstrate stages in the development of their Mobile Application.
- Project Closure Documentation that is, a finalisation report covering IT support and maintenance, disaster recovery procedures, project sign-off and lessons learned etc.
- Project Presentation & Product Demonstration ie. a group presentation to the class (eg. using PowerPoint or Slides) covering all aspects of the project outlined above, with a demonstration of the final product (application).
Document templates and guidelines will be provided on the Learning Management Systems (Canvas) after each of the relevant topics are covered in the weekly content. Each group will be required to use a Google Drive folder to work on and store their portfolio. This should ensure a fair distribution of the workload, and allow all group members to learn all the important PM concepts.
You will be given an opportunity in class to discuss the progress of your assessment with your teacher.
Late submissions of work required for any stage of this project, if assessed as competent, will at best, be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved) level only.
General Points
- Each group must maintain a Google drive folder, with all the relevant material available for the group for the duration of the project.
- All documents are to be submitted on Canvas
- Each document should include a header (eg with the name of the document, group members' names and student numbers) and a footer (eg with the date and page number).
- Each group submission requires a statement that outlines each group member’s percentage of contribution to the submitted work. If little or no contribution has been made by a group member that group member may be asked to submit the assessment again as an individual.
- Soft copies are to be retained by all group members as backups.
- Students will use Turnitin in conjuntion with Canvas to submit written assessments.
- RMIT academic discipline procedures will apply in cases of plagiarism.
ASSESSMENT TASK 2 - PMConcept Review (Conducted in Week 13)
In the first part of the course each group of students will be expected to complete learning activities on various aspects of project management as per the Teaching Schedule. Some of the questions may require research and peer review by group 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, for example your group’s Mobile Application 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.
Assessment Matrix
The Assessment Matrix that maps all assessments to the critical aspects of evidence, skills, knowledge and elements is available on request.
Other Information
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Learning Management System (Canvas).
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).
- Each document should include a header (eg with the name of the document, team members' names and student numbers) and a footer (eg with the date and page number). For example, Julie Macpherson, 3234567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
- Each group submission requires a statement that outlines each team member’s percentage of contribution to the submitted work. If little or no contribution has been made by a team member that team member may be asked by their teacher to submit the assessment again as an individual.
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview