The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to practical project management techniques applicable to business projects in the private and public sectors. Concepts and techniques covered may include project specification, work break down structures, scheduling, network analysis, resource management and budgeting, risk analysis, reporting tools such as Gantt and PERT network charts, contractual issues, and, project termination.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain and illustrate the organisational context and environment within which project management operates;
2. define, explain and illustrate the project management framework and common tools;
3. explain and illustrate the linkages and interrelationships of strategic deployment and project management from a strategic perspective;
4. examine, reflect and comment upon contemporary issues in project management both nationally and internationally; and,
5. communicate effectively in oral and written forms about business project management using appropriate concepts, logic and rhetorical conventions

Research-Led Teaching

This course will integrate research on issues related to project management with tools and techniques. In particular, students are required to read selected case studies and participate in discussions in class. Additionally, students are required to review and analyse the literature. All these together can enhance students’ analytical capability and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs

Examination Material or equipment

An examination will be arranged at the end of the semester. The question format includes multiple choices and long questions. The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students

You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for this exam. Only calculators provided by the Examinations Office on the day of the exam are permitted in the exam room.

You will also have access to a CBE issued dictionary (Australian Mini Oxford dictionary, fourth edition). No other dictionary will be permitted in the exam.

Required Resources

Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project management: The managerial process. 7th Edition (Available from ANU Library: HD69.P75 L37 2018). A copy of the textbook will be held in the reserve & short loan collection.

You may need access to a calculator to complete exercises required for this course. You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for the final examination.

Recommended Resources

Any further readings for the course will be advised via Wattle

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 1: An Introduction to Project Management	Introduction and Ch. 1
2	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 2: Organizational Strategy and Project Selection Models	Ch. 2
3	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 3: Organizational Structure and Culture	Ch. 3
4	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 4: Defining Project; Project Time and Costs Estimation	Ch. 4 and 5
5	Presentations - Week 5: Case study: Critical Evaluation of a Project	Assessment 1
6	Lecture - Week 6: Developing a Project Plan	Ch. 6
7	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 7: Scheduling Resources and Costs; Reducing Project Duration	Ch. 8 and 9
8	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 8: Managing Risk in Project	Ch. 7
9	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 9: Leadership in Project Management: Stakeholder Management?	Ch. 10 - 12
10	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 10: Project Control and Closure	Ch. 13 - 14
11	Presentations - Week 11: Project Plan Presentation	Assessment 2
12	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 12: - Catch-up and Course Summary

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
A1: Critical Evaluations of Organizational Strategy and Culture, Project Background, Structure and Lesson Learned (15%)	15 %	23/03/2020	03/04/2020	1,3,5
A2: Project Plan: Complete Project Plan (Practice-oriented; Group work) (35%)	35 %	18/05/2020	03/06/2020	1,2,3,4,5
A3: In-class contribution (Practice-oriented; Individual work) (5%)	5 %	29/05/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3,4,5
A4: Reflective report (5%) (Practice-oriented; Individual work)	5 %	29/05/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3,4,5
Final exam (40%)	40 %	04/06/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all classes and assessment

Examination(s)

An examination will be arranged at the end of the semester. The question format includes multiple choices and long questions. The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students.

Examination information will be provided closer to the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/

Assessment Task 1

A1: Critical Evaluations of Organizational Strategy and Culture, Project Background, Structure and Lesson Learned (15%)

Details of task and presentation requirements:

students should give a 15-minute introduction (10-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A) to the chosen company and a recent project done by the company. Students should offer their opinion and justify whether the project aligns with the company background, and what structure is most suitable for the project. For the company and project of your selection as the case, complete the required Sections 1, 2 and 3 (as listed below). Specific requirements for each section will be provided in class at the end of discussion on each topic and upload onto Wattle.

1. Introduction (Week 1)

2. Organizational Strategy and Project Selection Models (Week 2)

3. Organizational Structure and Culture (Week 3)

Individual assessment or Group task: Group

• formed in Weeks 1 and 2 in groups of 4-5 based on topics of shared interest
• Students who do not form into a team by end of week 2 will be allocated into a team by the lecturer.
• The same groups will operate throughout the semester. 

Presentation date: Seminar week 5

Marking Criteria: See Wattle for details (Will be uploaded in Week 2)

The presentation will be recorded for review purpose.

Assessment Task 2

A2: Project Plan: Complete Project Plan (Practice-oriented; Group work) (35%)

Details of task:

This is a group presentation on your complete project plan.

Students should propose a new project for the chosen company. The project proposal should be justified by whether it fits the company’s strategy. Students should demonstrate the motivation of the project. Students need to choose the right structure and method to organize the project based on the company background and the nature of project. The proposal may include (but not limit to) the following content:

1.     A reminder introduction (A brief summary of company background, strategy and culture, etc.).

2.     Proposed project introduction (what does this project do? goal? why do this project? How does this project fits the organization?).

3.     How the current project relates to the previous project? (Demonstrate the continuous improvement)

4.     Project planning;

5.     Stakeholder management;

6.     Proposed project evaluation method;

7.     Proposed project closure technique;

8.     Conclusion.

Student should apply the techniques learned from the class in the project proposal. 

Individual assessment or Group task: Group

Time limit: 25 mins for each group (20 mins for presentation and 5 mins for Q&A) (Subject to change)

Presentation requirements:

Prepare power point slides (or posters) to assist you with the presentation. The presentation should discuss the key information from your project plan. Specific information to be presented will be provided in class.

Each group has 20 minutes for its presentation, followed by a Q&A session for 5 minutes. As we are restricted in time, please ensure you finish your presentation within the allocated time. An unfinished presentation will result in losing points off your grade.

All members of a group should be involved in the presentation, but they may take different roles.

Submission date: in class in Week 11 and 12 (Depend on the number of groups.

Marking Criteria: see Wattle for details

Presentations will be recorded

Assessment Task 3

A3: In-class contribution (Practice-oriented; Individual work) (5%)

Details of task and requirements:

In-class contribution

You are expected to attend seminars and contribute to in-class activities and discussions. This mark will be awarded based your contributions to in-class discussions and assessment marking criteria.

Marking Criteria: High marks will be awarded to students who raise and answer substantive issues and questions, share relevant ideas, observations and personal experiences, and point out relationships to related topics and discussions. The quality of participation is valued over quantity and inputs must add significant intellectual value to discussions and demonstrate competency to:

• explain and illustrate the organisational context and environment within which project management operates;
• define, explain and illustrate the project management framework and common tools;
• explain and illustrate the linkages and interrelationships of strategic deployment and project management from a strategic perspective;
• examine, reflect and comment upon contemporary issues in project management both nationally and internationally

Individual assessment or Group task: Individual

Due date for return of assessment: After the release of final grades

Marking Criteria: 10 chances, takes 5 best worth up to 1% each. See Wattle for details.

Assessment Task 4

A4: Reflective report (5%) (Practice-oriented; Individual work)

Details of task and requirements:

Reflective report

This is your individual reflective report. The objectives of this reflective report are to help you: (1) to be mindful for a particular practical experience; (2) make a connection between what you are taught in theory and practices; and (3) learn from that particular experience. Detailed requirements are provided below.

Reflect back to your group project journey, think of two particular circumstances you would like to reflect on and write a complete reflective report including the following sections for each circumstance.

For Selected Circumstance 1:

Description of a particular circumstance (i.e., what happened)

Connection to theory and evaluation (i.e., what it should be done according to what you have learned in class; what went right or wrong)

Cause analysis (i.e., what caused the results)

Future improvement plan (i.e., what you would do in the future to improve the circumstance).

For Selected Circumstance 2:

Repeat the same format as listed above

Individual assessment or Group task: Individual

Page limit: 5 pages, single spacing (including tables, figures, references and appendices) with 10% flexibility.

Submission date: 6 pm on 2019-05-29 via Turnitin.

Due date for return of assessment: After the release of final grades

Marking Criteria: See Wattle for details.

Assessment Task 5

Final exam (40%)

An examination will be arranged at the end of the semester. The question format includes multiple choices and long questions. The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students.

Examination information will be provided closer to the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. No past paper available from library while further guidance about exam content will be mentioned in class and wattle (Week 12).

You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for this exam. Only calculators provided by the Examinations Office on the day of the exam are permitted in the exam room.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assessment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students