Course Title: Support small scale ICT projects

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: BUSM7976C

Course Title: Support small scale ICT projects

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4378 - Certificate IV in Information Technology Networking

Course Contact: Geoff Moss

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4852

Course Contact Email: geoff.moss@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Trevor Stone, trevor.stone@rmit.edu.au; +61 3 9925 4545

Nominal Hours: 60

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

There are no pre-requisites for this course.

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support the management of low risk, straightforward information technology (IT) projects within an organisation as prescribed in the ICT Information and Communications Technology Training Package Version 1.0.

This unit applies to information and communications technology (ICT) practitioners who need to support the initiation, implementation and completion of small-scale IT projects. The projects can range across a wide range of ICT related financial, management and business areas. The provision of support within these projects is a key component of ICT environments.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTPMG401 Support small scale ICT projects

Element:

1. Support project commencement

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm business opportunity to ensure the project objectives are understood 1.2 Identify stakeholders and gather requirements 1.3 Prepare a project charter or project proposal and obtain agreement from project sponsor

Element:

2. Support project plan development

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Break down the requirements to identify tasks and resources needed to complete the project plan 2.2 Compile a schedule of project tasks, including realistic timeframes and costs if required 2.3 Allocate task responsibilities to project team members 2.4 Agree on a process with the sponsor to manage risks or unexpected events that may arise and affect project objectives

Element:

3. Support project completion

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Work with project team to ensure project activities meet timeframe, scope, cost and quality expectations 3.2 Monitor and control project risks and issues according to the agreed process 3.3 Verify that project deliverables meet project expectations and sign off as complete 3.4 Train users, if applicable

Element:

4. Support project closure

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Prepare ICT support or maintenance documents if applicable 4.2 Obtain final project sign-off from sponsor and key stakeholders 4.3 Document lessons learned and close the project


Learning Outcomes


Activities in this course aim to develop your communication skills in negotiating with clients and stakeholders and to introduce you to project management skills and tasks. You will work as part of a team to ascertain the needs and expectations of a client in developing a project. In designing the project you will be required to identify the tasks and resources needed to complete the project and develop a project plan that will involve a costings plan and a project management tool – a Gantt chart. You will then implement this project plan to complete the project.

The Internet will be used as a learning tool and a resource for students to seek and locate relevant information.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Identify stakeholders within an organisation
  • cope the task
  • Set project objectives
  • Provide cost estimates
  • Develop a budget within a task prescription
  • Understand milestones and predecessors
  • Undertake resource management
  • Develop a schedule or timeline
  • Develop a work breakdown structure (WBS)
  • Develop a simple Gantt chart
  • Relate work in this course to the work in other courses within the cluster.


Details of Learning Activities

Activities in this course are aimed at enhancing student understanding and knowledge of the concepts of simple project management and its application in the workplace and the IT profession.  You will project manage the tasks in an Integrated Project through the semester.

You will work through an Integrated Project: Integrated Project – Airport which will involve other courses in the Certificate IV Information Technology Networking program. For the Integrated Project you will be presented with a networking business problem where you and your colleagues, in a group, will be required to ascertain the requirements of the business clients from a business case study and through gathering relevant information about the problem presented to you. You will be required to develop a network according to the specification set out in the Integrated Project and task requirements specified in class and on Blackboard. There will be a range of class activities and exercises which you will be required to complete for each of the courses in the Integrated Project - Airport. 

For this course you will be required to:

  • Ascertain and clarify the project’s objectives and the stakeholders.
  • Scope the Project to gather information from a client and various sources to scope the integrated project
  • Create a Work Breakdown structure (WBS) and then develop a Gantt Chart for the integrated project
  • Create an Invoice
  • Perform a Risks Analysis
  • Develop a Security Report
  • Produce a Report which will include a Project Tender and Security report
     

As part of this course you will also complete the following short online courses from the website Lynda.com:

  • Project Management Fundamentals, and
  • Writing Business Reports.
      

On completion of these short courses you will receive a certificate, a copy of which you will be required to submit.  You should retain a copy of the certificate for your Resume or CV.

The Internet and YouTube videos will be used as a learning tool and a resource for students to seek and locate relevant information.

Learning activities may be modified during the semester to meet the needs of students in the current program.
 

Activities will include:

  • Classroom discussion
  • Classroom activities and Activity Tasks
  • Project Stages
  • Group research and activities
  • Case Studies
  • Internet research

The activities will be established in Stages for the Integrated Project throughout the semester.


Teaching Schedule

Teaching Schedule - ICTPMG401 - Support small scale ICT projects
This course is part of an Integrated Project involving other courses within the Certificate IV Networking Program.

Weeks Topics Software / Reading Practical & Class Excercises Assessment
1 Introduction to topic.
Overview of course
Introduction to Integrated Project – Airport
Integrated Project – Airport    
2 Basic project management concepts and terms
Integrated Project – Airport – Stage 1
Lynda.com - Project Management Fundamentals Lynda.com - Project Management Fundamentals Integrated Project –Stage 1 Task 1
Project Decision Log
 
3 Fundamentals of Project Management
Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 1
Lynda.com - Project Management Fundamentals Lynda.com - Project Management Fundamentals Integrated Project –Stage 1 Task 1 Stage 1
Group Decision Log; Assumptions
and Constraints log; Stakeholders; Project Log; Deliverables
4 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 3
Business Case for the project; Invoice
Blackboard resources Business Case;  
Invoice
 
5 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 3 Invoice; Inventory list  Blackboard resources Invoice Stage 3
Invoice
6 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 5
Scope document; Scoping the project
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
Scope Document
Assumptions and Constraints; logs
 
 
7 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 5
Scope document; Scoping the project
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
Project Scope; Business case, Project Goal; Invoice
Assumptions and Constraints; log updates
 
Mid-Semester break   
8 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 6
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
 

Stage 5
Project Scope

Stage 5
Project Scope
9 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 6 & 8
WBS and Gantt chart
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
WBS
Gantt chart 
 
10 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 6 & 8
WBS and Gantt chart
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
WBS
Gantt chart 
List of Inventory
Project log
Stage 6
WBS 
11 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 8
Gantt chart; Stage 7 Report Draft
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
Risk Analysis 
Gantt chart
Report Draft
 
12 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 7 Report Draft; Stage 9
Risk Analysis
Blackboard resources
Excel and class notes
Risk Analysis  Stage 8
Gantt chart
13 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 9
Security Report
  Risk Analysis
Security Summit
 
14 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 3c
Risk Analysis & Security Report
Stage 10 - Business Report
 
Blackboard resources Risk Analysis
Security Report
Project Decision Log
Business Report (Tender)
Stage 9
Project Decision Log
Risk Analysis
Security Report
15 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 10
Business Report
Obtain final project sign-off from sponsor and key stakeholders
Document lessons learned and close the project
 
Blackboard resources Business Report (Tender) Lynda.com - Project Management Fundamentals & Writing Business reports 
16 Integrated Project – Airport– Stage 10
Business Report
Blackboard resources Business Report (Tender)

Stage 10
Business Report (Tender) containing:
Project Scope, security report, Assumptions and Constraints log, Invoice, WBS,  Risk Analysis

         
         


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

All relevant materials will be on Blackboard or provided in class.

During the semester you will be required to complete two short courses on Lynda.com*:

  • Project Management Fundamentals, and
  • Writing Business reports

*  retain copies of the certificates for these courses for confirmation of completion and for your resume/CV.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment in this course is competency based assessment. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

The competency based Assessment will consist of a range of class activities and the completion of an Integrated Project where you will be a member of a team. The integrated tasks will be assessed within a cluster of courses as well as being assessed individually for this course.

The assessment will involve both in-class and group-based elements. It will also involve observation of your understanding, knowledge and practice of the elements in both the theoretical and practical environment.

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. 

Assessment in this course will involve the following activities:

Tasks
1    Introduction – Business Information.  This task relates to Elements 1 and 3.
2    Project Proposal / Business Case.  This task relates to Elements 1, 3 and 4.
3    Assumptions and Constraints Log.  This task relates to Elements 1 and 3.
4    Scope document.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2, 3 and 4.
5    Work Breakdown Structure.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2 and 3.
6    Gantt Chart.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2 and 3.
7    Invoice.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2 and 3.
8    Project Decision Log.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2 and 3.
9    Risk Analysis.  This task relates to Elements 1, 2 and 3.
10  Security report.  This task relates to Elements 1, 3 and 4.
11  Report: Final Draft and Proposal documents.  This task relates to Elements 1, 3 and 4.
12  Project Log.  This task relates to Elements 3.
13  Evaluation and Close documentation.  This task relates to Elements 3 and 4.


Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate 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.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment in this course is competency based assessment. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

The competency based Assessment will consist of a range of class activities and the completion of an Integrated Project where you will be a member of a team. The integrated tasks will be assessed within a cluster of courses as well as being assessed individually for this course.

The assessment will involve both in-class and group-based elements. It will also involve observation of your understanding, knowledge and practice of the elements in both the theoretical and practical environment.

This course is part of an Integrated Project involving other courses within the Certificate IV IT Networking Program. The courses involved in the Integrated Project are:

ICTPMG401     Support small scale ICT projects   BUSM7976C

ICTICT401       Determine and confirm client business requirements   BUSM7974C

ICTTEN513      Install, configure and test a local area network switch   EEET6980C

ICTNWK401     Install and manage a server   COSC6193C

ICTNWK403     Manage network and data integrity    COSC6194C

ICTNWK404     Install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network    COSC6195C

ICTNWK406     Install, configure and test network security    COSC6197C

ICTNWK411     Deploy software to a networked computer    COSC6198C

 

Individually, you will complete two Lynda.com courses as specified in course information on Blackboard.

  • Project Management Fundamentals, and
  • Writing Business Reports.
     

As a member of a team you will produce the following (see Note below):

  1. Introduction – Business Information
  2. Project Proposal / Business Case
  3. Assumptions and Constraints Log *
  4. Scope document *
  5. Work Breakdown Structure
  6. Gantt Chart
  7. Costings and Invoice
  8. Project Decision Log *
  9. Risk Analysis
  10. Security report
  11. Report: Final Draft and Proposal documents
  12. Project Log *

There will also be a range of Practical class activities.

* These documents will be ongoing throughout the semester
 

Note1:
While you will work as part of a team to research and gather data and information and make business decisions, you will be required to make your own individual submission that demonstrates that the work you are submitting is your own work. It is important that you are aware of the plagiarism rules at RMIT and that you ensure that the work you submit is your own work.  

Note 2:
You are permitted to have a maximum of 2 resubmissions for this course, however each individual assessment may only be resubmitted once.
All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been graded.

Note 3:
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You may contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.


Assessment Matrix

 The Stages below refer to the Stages of the Integrated Project - Airport.

Elements Stages Assessment Items
1.1 1 Introduction – Business Information, Project Decision Log
1.2 1, 6, 7,9, 10 Introduction – Business Information, Assumptions and Constraints Log, Scope document, Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt Chart, Costings and Invoice, Project Decision Log, Risk Analysis, Security report, Business Report (Tender)
1.3 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Project Proposal / Business Case, Assumptions and Constraints Log, Scope document, Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt Chart, Costings and Invoice, Project Decision Log, Risk Analysis, Security report, Business Report (Tender)
2.1 3, 5, 6, 8 Scope document, Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt Chart, Costings and Invoice
2.2 5, 6, 8 Scope document, Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt Chart
2.3 1, 5 Project Decision Log, Work Breakdown Structure
2.4 1, 9, 10 Assumptions and Constraints, Risk Analysis, Security report, Business Report (Tender)
3.1 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 Project Decision Log, Work Breakdown Structure, Scope document, Costings and Invoice, Gantt Chart
3.2 1, 5, 9 Project Decision Log, Work Breakdown Structure, Risk Analysis, Security report
3.3 1, 3, 5 Project Decision Log, Project Log, Project Proposal / Business Case, Scope document
3.4   Not applicable
4.1 9, 10 Security report, Business Report (Tender)
4.2 9, 10 Security report, Business Report (Tender)
4.3 10 Report

Other Information

Access to an internet connected computer outside of class times. Internet connected computers are available in the School of Vocational Health and Sciences labs on levels 4, 6 or 8 of building 51, 81 Victoria Street, Melbourne.
Further lab access can be found in the student lab on level 3 (ground floor) of Building 8, in Swanston Street, Melbourne; as well as RMIT Libraries.
 

Plagiarism
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the RMIT website for more information on this policy:  http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Late work
Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.

Extension of Time for submission of assessable work
A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Building 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special consideration.Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special consideration. Form available online at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online.
For missed assessments such as exams and tests, you (and your doctor, if you are ill) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate) prior to, or within 48 hours of the scheduled time of the exam or test.

If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.

If you have any questions about this assessment process, feel free to email me on:
geoff.moss@rmit.edu.au

Course Overview: Access Course Overview