Course Title: Manage complex projects

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: BUSM8892C

Course Title: Manage complex projects

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5408 - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

Course Contact: Rebekha Naim

Course Contact Phone: +61399254849

Course Contact Email: rebekha.naim@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers: Stef Fereiro & Deb Hatton

Email: stefanie.fereiro@rmit.edu.au & deborah.hatton@rmit.edu.au

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

None

Course Description

In this course you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to identify and manage projects which have been identified as complex in nature. It applies to project managers who are involved in the management of complex projects.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBPMG541 Manage complex projects

Element:

1. Evaluate project complexity

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify criteria for determining project as complex

1.2 Assess complexity of project against complexity of past projects, where possible

1.3 Undertake analysis of causes that may impede project success

1.4 Establish strategies and minimise causes for project failing

Element:

2. Assess complexities and establish procedures for managing complex projects

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Assess project plan and implementation details, and communicate roles and responsibilities to team members

2.2 Identify and apply a range of tools and frameworks based on established complexity approaches and systems concepts

2.3 Develop action plan for minimising complexities

2.4 Identify any risks and potential risks and develop risk management strategies

Element:

3. Monitor and review complex projects

Performance Criteria:


3.1 Identify and establish tools that assist in managing complex projects

3.2 Monitor the dimensions of complexity of project and project progress

3.3 Seek feedback from relevant stakeholders on project progress and project management skills

3.4 Incorporate feedback and develop actions for improving project progress and project management skills

3.5 Implement changes to project according to feedback received


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • seminars/workshops
  • design activities or projects
  • group projects
  • class presentations
  • group discussion
  • research
  • independent project-based work
  • group activities/projects
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
  • simulated workplace activities.


Teaching Schedule

WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 1

Lecture

Introduction & Overview

Project complexity and constraints

Project Lifecycle

Project management framework

Project managers

Innovation, creativity, design thinking

Architectural Foundations

Leadership

Stakeholders

Explore the foundations of managing complex projects.

Week 2

Lecture

Initiation Phase

Scope

Project objectives

Governance

Planning Phase

Risk Management Plan

Discuss how to successfully start a complex project and tools to support the planning phase.

Week 3

Lecture

Planning Phase Cont.

Problem Solving

Industry Standards

Analysis & Tools

Execution Phase

Monitoring Project Results

Change management

Closure Phase

Lessons Learned

Focus on putting a project plan int action, monitoring a project and then close out
Week 4 The Collide Project No Class
Week 5 The Collide Project No Class
Week 6 The Collide Project No Class
Week 7

Review Collide

Review lecture content

Project initiation _Project1

Revision of Manage Complex Content

Introduction to Event Brief Project #1

Introduction to AT2

AT1 Knowledge Questions Due

** Mid-semester Break**
Week 8 Project planning_Project1 This week we will begin planning for the complex Project1.
Week 9 Project planning_Project1 This week we will continue planning for the complex Project1.
Week 10 Project execution_Project1 Assessment Class Group 1
Week 11 Project execution_Project1

Assessment Class Group 2

AT2 Project Management Plan Due

Week 12

Project initiation_Project2

Project planning_Project2

This week we introduce Project_2 and begin the planning process.

Introduction to AT3

Week 13 Project planning_Project2 This week we will continue planning for the complex Project1.
Week 14 Planning Presentations_Project2 - NOTE - ONLINE DROP IN SUPPORT OFFERED (VIA EMAIL APPOINTMENT) with Deb on Weds 22nd October 1530 > 1730 for AT3. This week you will complete Part A of AT3 by delivering a planning presentation as a group. Refer to CANVAS Modules for Presentation times.
Week 15

Planning Presentations_Project2

This week you will complete Part A of AT3 by delivering a planning presentation as a group. Refer to CANVAS Modules for Presentation times.
Week 16

Public Holiday - No Classes

AT3 Project Management Report Due
Week 17 Contingency Only


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Refer to Canvas.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteriaand due dates

Assessment Task 1: Written Questions: Students must answer 7 written questions in an Open Book Written Assessment Due Week 7.

Assessment Task 2: Project Management Plan: This task has 4 parts all relating to pre-production tasks. Due Week 11.

Assessment Task 3: Project Management Report: This task has 2 parts, including doing the project. Due Week 16.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
SEC: Student Engagement Ceased


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Information about your studies:

You canaccess My Studies through the RMIT websitefor information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview