• Class Number 7491
  • Term Code 3260
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
  • LECTURER
    • Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 25/07/2022
  • Class End Date 28/10/2022
  • Census Date 31/08/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 01/08/2022
SELT Survey Results

The course will introduce project management approaches, processes and tools for succeeding in the workplace. It will attempt to provide a strategic view, as well as practical tools to better manage projects. The focus is of this course is on the development, use and integration of management tools and their adjustment to the project environment. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on taking a managerial view of the situation and implementing tools to support decision making.

Learning Outcomes

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

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able to:

  • Have an understanding of the organisational context and environment within which project management operates.
  • Have an understanding of the project management framework and common tools.
  • Have a strategic perspective with respect to the linkages and interrelationships of strategic deployment and project management.
  • Are able to examine contemporary issues in project management both globally and in Australia.

In addition, the course will provide students with an opportunity:

  • to develop oral and written communication skills through active participation in class discussion
  • the development and presentation of oral and written reports
  • formal and informal classroom debate
  • develop critical and creative thinking skills through exercises and assignments requiring analysis, evaluation, interpretation and synthesis
  • debate and classroom discussion
  • to develop leadership skills through structuring an independent group project
  • leading a project and a group exercise
  • fulfilling spokesperson duties, reporting on a group's activities to a class

Research-Led Teaching

This course is taught in seminar mode comprising of lecture and in-class tutorial/discussion/exercises. Lectures may be streamed live through ZOOM, recorded and made available on Echo360 and Wattle. The lecture content is driven by research in the field of project management. Students are encouraged to engage in a range of research activities. In addition, other data, research and concepts will be presented during the lectures that may not be in the text book. The lectures will contain a central presentation followed by short exercises during the tutorial in the application of learned material and participation in case studies.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs

Examination Material or equipment

See Assessment Tasks

More information on examination reflecting hybrid mode will be made available on Wattle at least 2 weeks before the examination period

Additional examination information will be available on https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/ .

Required Resources

Title: "Project Management: the Managerial process"

Authors: Larson, Honig, Gray, Dantin and Baccarini

Edition: Australian edition, 2014

ISBN: 9781743071809

A copy of the textbook will be held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection and available from campus bookstore.

Print textbook: https://library.anu.edu.au/record=b4700446

Online textbook: https://library.anu.edu.au/record=b6460119

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 Introduction to the Course Preliminary definitions Review of modern project management concepts and techniques Reading: Ch.1
2 Project Scope Management Creating Work Breakdown Structure Defining project scope Iron Triangle Reading: Ch.4
3 Project Time Management Constructing Gantt chart Creating project network diagram Critical path analysis Team formation for the Major Assignment Reading: Ch. 5 & 6
4 Scheduling Resources and Reducing Project Duration Resource-Constrained Scheduling Critical Chain Project Management Reading: Ch. 8 & 9
5 In-Class Quiz The in-class assignment to assess the understanding of project management concepts and techniques discussed within the first four weeks of the course Readings: Ch.1, 4, 5 , 6, 8, 9
6 Project Stakeholder Management Project stakeholder identification and analysis Communication management plan Reading: Handout
7 Project Risk Management Risk management process Developing risk register Reading: Ch. 7
8 Project Cost Management Estimating project costs Project budget Reading: Handout
9 Project Controlling and Monitoring Project controlling tools Earned Value Management Major Assignment - Report (by 5pm on Tuesday 4 October) Reading: Ch. 13
10 Feasibility Study and Project Selection Models Feasibility study Project performance measurement Benefits realisation Reading: Handout
11 Presentations Major Assignment - Presentations
12 Course Review Review and Conclusion Q&A about the final exam

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Student Participation (Individual assessment) 10 % 26/08/2022 02/09/2022 1,2,4
Assessment of project management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4 (Individual-Quiz) 15 % 23/08/2022 04/09/2022 1,2,3,4
Major Assignment - Report (Group assessment) 15 % 04/10/2022 23/10/2022 1,2,3,4
Major Assignment - Oral Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations (Group assessment) 15 % 18/10/2022 06/11/2022 1,2,3,4
Final exam (individual assessment) 45 % * 01/12/2022 1,2,3,4

* 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:

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

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 26/08/2022
Return of Assessment: 02/09/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4

Student Participation (Individual assessment)

It is essential to your learning, and the learning of others in the class, that you actively participate and contribute to the course. This assessment task will focus on course's student discussions forum on Wattle. Student will be required to provide five contributions to the course's student discussion forum before the end of Week 5

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges pertaining to Project Management.

Marking Criteria:

Each contribution must be of an appropriate quality and will be assessed taking into consideration: the extent of research and supporting justifications utilised to support the views presented; and appropriate linkages of that contribution, back into the key topics addressed in the course. The contributions will be assessed against the linked course learning outcomes for this task.

Value:

10%

Assessment Type:

Individual

Word limit:

There is no maximum word limit. There is only a minimum of 100 words for each contribution (excluding the reference list).

Due Date:

Five contributions to the course's student Discussion Forum before the end of Week 5.(no later than 26th August, 2022) 

Form of submission:

via student Discussion Forum on the course Wattle site

Return of assessment:

By the end of week 6 (by 2nd September, 2022)

Marking Criteria:

Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Wattle

Note:Assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% per working day

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 23/08/2022
Return of Assessment: 04/09/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Assessment of project management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4 (Individual-Quiz)

The "in-class quiz" that covers topics discussed in the course from week 1 to week 4 and will be conducted through Wattle/Zoom with a two hour timeframe to complete.

Purpose:

To demonstrate your understanding of key Project Management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4.

Marking Criteria:

Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Wattle no later than week 3

Value:

15%

Assessment Type:

Individual. Students can utilise their class notes and text book when completing this assessment piece

Time limit:

1 hours

Due date:

Week 5 - one hour timeframe to complete this in-class quiz.

Return of Assessment:

Week 6 (4th September, 2022)

Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle in preceding weeks.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 04/10/2022
Return of Assessment: 23/10/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Major Assignment - Report (Group assessment)

By the end of week 3, teams will be formed to work on the Major Assignment. The assignment requires research on a project management topic (to be allocated to each team by the course convener) and will require the development of a substantial report. Group work is a critical skill in project management, thus this major assignment is a very important part of the course, not just for the necessary academic learning but also for the practice of teamwork. The groups will consist of maximum 4 students. Membership of the groups will be decided by the Convener.

Detailed instructions regarding this assignment will be given during the lectures. The Major Assignment has two parts: this written report (15% of total marks) and separate an oral presentation of the key finding and recommendations of the report (15% of total marks).

Purpose:

To develop skills in undertaking research, evaluation of relevant business conditions, and formulation of criteria for decision-making and recommendations. This assessment is intended to further develop your research and analytical skills in issues related to project management.

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines and marking criteria, will be posted on Wattle in Week 4

Value:

15%

Assessment Type:

Group (More information on group formation and group work will be made available after Week 1 on Wattle and/or in class)

Word limit: 

No more than 2,500 words (Penalties for exceeding the word limit will be applied as follows: 200 - 250 words excess (– 5%) of the grade awarded; 251- 300 words excess (-10%) of the grade awarded; >300 words excess (- 20%) of the grade awarded

Due Date:

5pm Tuesday, Week 9 (4th October, 2022)

Form of submission:

via Turnitin on the course Wattle site

Return of assessment:

Sunday, Week 11 (23rd October, 2022)

Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle

Assessment Task 4

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 18/10/2022
Return of Assessment: 06/11/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Major Assignment - Oral Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations (Group assessment)

By the end of week 3, teams will be formed to work on the Major Assignment. The groups undertaking this assessment, will be have the same membership to the groups that undertook Assessment 3. The assignment requires research on a project management topic (to be allocated to each team by the course convener) and will require the development of a substantial report (refer to Assessment Task 3).

Detailed instructions regarding this assignment will be given during the lectures. The Major Assignment has two parts: a separate written report (15% of total marks) and this oral presentation of the key finding and recommendations of the report (15% of total marks).

Purpose:

Group work is a critical skill in project management, thus this major assignment is a very important part of the course, not just for the necessary academic learning but also for the practice of teamwork.

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Wattle in Week 4.

Value:

15%

Assessment Type:

Group

Time limit:

Approximately 15 -20 minutes of presentation via Zoom (to be confirmed by the Lecturer in week 4)

Due Date:

All groups to email their Powerpoint presentations to the convener by 5pm on Sunday, Week 10 (16th October, 2022). The exact details of which group will present during which week, will be decided by the course convener.

Form of submission:

The intention is for the presentations to be held in the classes or via ZOOM (where appropriate). Details will be confirmed by the Lecturer in week 4. The intention is for the live presentations to be recorded and available for the entire class to view, so that students can learn from what their peers students have presented.

Oral presentations:

Presentation will be held in class on week 11 ( , 2022)

Return of assessment:

Two weeks after the presentation (by 6th November, 2022)

Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task.

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle

Assessment Task 5

Value: 45 %
Return of Assessment: 01/12/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Final exam (individual assessment)

Assessment Task 5

Value: 45 %

Return of Assessment: 

Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Final Exam (Individual assessment)

Instructions:

Students will write a 3-hour open book exam. More information on examination will be made available on Wattle at least 2 weeks before the examination period.

Purpose:

To demonstrate your understanding of Project Management, theories and principles from material covered within the course.

Marking Criteria:

information about marking criteria of exam questions will be available on Wattle before the exam on week 12

Value:

45%

Assessment Type:

Individual

Time limit:

10 minutes of reading time and 3 hours of writing time

Exam date:

Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Please refer to Wattle site for more information to be provided in Week 12

Form of submission:

To be confirmed by the Lecturer

Return of assessment:

After the release of results on first week of December 2022

Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task

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

Note: Late submission is not allowed for assessment tasks 2, 3, 4 & 5.

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).
Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
u1112376@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Ashkan Zarghami is a Senior Lecturer of Project Management. His research focuses on the development of applied mathematical models with applications to a broad range of fields, including project management, operations management, infrastructure networks, and supply chain management. Ashkan has a great passion for proposing novel ideas and his research appeared in top ranked international journals such as Journal of Construction Engineering and ManagementReliability Engineering and System SafetyInternational Journal of Production ResearchIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Engineering, Construction and Architectural ManagementInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, and Systems Research and Behavioral Science. Prior to beginning his academic career, Ashkan worked for several years in large-scale construction and infrastructure network projects.

Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

Tuesday 15:00 16:00
Tuesday 15:00 16:00
By Appointment
Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
Ashkan.Zarghami@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

Tuesday 15:00 16:00
Tuesday 15:00 16:00
By Appointment

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions