CQUniversity Unit Profile
PPMP20007 Project Management Concepts
Project Management Concepts
All details in this unit profile for PPMP20007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit is aimed at providing you with a general introduction to the key features of modern project management practices within organisations. In undertaking this unit you will gain an understanding of the factors required to successfully manage projects by investigating how project success is related to the concept of value held by key stakeholders, alignment with organizational strategy, and benefit realization through the application of project management specific knowledge, skills, tools and techniques.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Anti-requisites: COIS20008, MGMT22166, or PPMP20002 then they cannot take this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation (SUTE) survey

Feedback

Students complimented teaching staff and methods and the learning opportunity that the unit provides, and lauded the interactive nature of the learning experience.

Recommendation

To maintain a high level of student-facilitator interaction, especially in the tutorials. Encourage students to ask questions and complete their assessments in the tutorial class where practicable.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation (SUTE) survey

Feedback

Students expressed concern about the complicated nature of assessment descriptions and the dispersed information locations in Moodle.

Recommendation

To review and streamline the assessment specifications, and relocate all information about an assessment in one Moodle location.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator observation, staff feedback

Feedback

The different assessment submission deadlines for onshore and offshore students created confusion and dissatisfaction among some students.

Recommendation

To impose and enforce a single submission deadline for each assessment item. However onshore students should still be encouraged to submit by the end of their class, instilling a sense of urgency and enhancing planning and personal time management skills.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss the importance of project management to create value in the context of various organisational cultures and strategies.
  2. Explain how internal and external project settings influence the selection of adaptive, predictive or hybrid project delivery methods.
  3. Apply and critique scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and other project management techniques for achieving project success.
  4. Critically analyse how project management principles and ethics guide people’s behaviour on the project.

This unit will satisfy one of the core requirements for the Australian Computer Society (ACS) accreditation in the postgraduate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses. This unit is also part of an accreditation package granted by the ACS. The unit contributes to the required number of academic study units for students wishing to undertake professional certification with the Project Management Institute's (PMI) professional qualifications, such as CAPM or PMP.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is adopted by organisations, governments and individuals in many countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles. ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile.

This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA 8 (the SFIA code is included)

  • Project Management (PRMG)
  • Change Control (CHMG)
  • Requirements definition and management (REQM)
  • Stakeholder relationship management (RLMT)
  • Risk management (BURM)
  • Systems development management (DLMG)

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Practical Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 50%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Project Management: The Managerial Process

Edition: 8E (2021)
Authors: Larson, EW, Gray, CF
McGraw-Hill Education
New York New York , NY , USA
ISBN: 978-1-260-57043-4
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Textbooks can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. If you prefer your own copy, you can purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft office Suite or equivalent (Especially Spreadsheets)
  • Microsoft Teams - camera and microphone
  • Access to Microsoft Project 2019 (available on campus and for download)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Roksana Tumpa Unit Coordinator
r.tumpa@cqu.edu.au
Luc Bauwmans Unit Coordinator
l.bauwmans@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Modern project management

Organisation strategy and project selection

Projects, programs, and portfolios as strategy implementation tools

Chapter

Chapters 1 & 2 plus additional online material

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 1

Tutorial 1: Welcome to the Unit. Ice breaking, ground rules, introduction of staff and students.

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Organisation: Structure and culture

Chapter

Chapter 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 2

Tutorial 2

Assessment 2: Team formation and topic selection.

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Defining the project and its stakeholders

Identifying communication and documentation needs

Chapter

Chapter 4 plus recommended reading on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 3

Tutorial 3

MS Project practical 1 submission (not graded)

Assessment 2: Team formation and topic selection. Start work when approved.

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Developing a project schedule

Chapter

Chapter 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 4

Tutorial 4

MS Project practical 2 submission (not graded)

Assessment 2: Groups, topics, and schedule finalised by Census date (28 March).

Assessment 2: Team meeting.

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Estimating project times and costs

Chapter

Chapter 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 5

Tutorial 5

MS Project practical 3 submission (not graded)

Assessment 2: Team meeting.

Mid-term break Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Possible make-up classes as notified


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

The mid-term break allows students to take a break and also to catch up on work, especially for assessment 2.

Assessment 2: Team meeting.


Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Scheduling resources and costs

Chapter

Chapter 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 6

Tutorial 6

MS Project practical 4 submission (not graded)

Assessment 2: Team meeting.

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Managing risk, change control, quality management

Chapter

Chapter 7 plus Kerzner's Book Chapter 20 (available in the eReading Lists)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 7

Tutorial 7

MS Project practical 5 submission (not graded)

Assessment 2: Team meeting.

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Reducing project duration

Chapter

Chapter 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 8

Tutorial 8

Assessment 1 is completed and submitted in the tutorial.



Create a representative project schedule using scheduling software. Due: Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Progress and performance measurement and evaluation

Chapter

Chapter 13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 9

Tutorial 9

Assessment 3: In-semester knowledge assessment (quiz) is due during tutorial class.


In-semester knowledge assessment Due: Week 9 Monday (8 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Project closure

Chapter

Chapter 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 10

Tutorial 10

Assessment 2 Part A: Due Friday of week 10

Assessment 2 presentation schedules finalized by tutors and published in MS Teams for each tutorial group (Including DST and offshore groups).


Academic report and presentation (group work) Due: Week 10 Friday (19 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Being an effective project manager

Managing project teams

Chapter

Chapters 10 & 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 11

Tutorial 11

Assessment 2B: In-class presentations

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

An introduction to agile project management

Chapter

Chapter 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture 12

Tutorial 12

Assessment 2B: In-class presentations

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2B: Virtual presentations continue if required.

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Unit Coordinator: 

Luc Bauwmans, senior lecturer (Sydney).

l.bauwmans@cqu.edu.au.

Other staff is listed on the Unit Moodle page.

Assessment Tasks

1 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Create a representative project schedule using scheduling software.

Task Description

For this assessment students are asked to develop an optimised, resourced and priced project schedule based on a given scenario, during the tutorial class, applying the Microsoft Project (MSP) skills learned in the 5 practicals (week 3-7). Students demonstrate their scheduling skills through several progressive steps using the software, and in doing so, their understanding of the value proposition embedded in a well-conceived and optimised project schedule, resource plan, and budget.

This assessment is preceded by 5 classroom Microsoft Project practicals which have to be completed and submitted in the weekly tutorial classes from week 3-7, as non-graded assessment tasks. While they are non-graded, failure to submit all 5 practicals, as specified in the practical instructions and on time will incur a 5-mark penalty to the overall assessment mark. Tutors will provide weekly feedback on the practicals before the next tutorial.

Scenarios for the assessment are handed out at the start of the week 8 tutorial class. Several different scenarios may be used. A minimum number of activities to be included in the schedule will be stated.
For onshore students submissions are made individually in the tutorial class as monitored by the respective tutor. Offshore and DST students will receive their assessment in a shortened tutorial, after which they will have to submit their work within a given time limit. Late submissions will not be accepted unless a formal extension request has been submitted and approved as per CQU Policy.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST

Due by the end of students' respective week 8 tutorial.


Return Date to Students

Feedback return period as per CQU policy


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The schedule is representative of the project, is realistic and achievable, and allows for known risks.
  • Representative activities are selected for the schedule (4 marks)
  • Task durations are estimated using an appropriate method and risk allowance is included (4 marks)
  • Task dependencies are accurate and in line with the project's needs (4 marks)
  • The critical path(s) is/are appropriate for the project (3 marks)
  • Resources are allocated and overallocations are resolved (4 marks)
The schedule is presented in a format that allows clear communication with stakeholders.
  • Activities are indented according to their priority and listed in logical and chronological order (3 marks)
  • The critical path(s) is/are shown in an unambiguous manner (2 marks)
  • A cost baseline is displayed (3 marks)
  • Risk contingency is overtly shown as a priced time allowance (3 marks)


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Submission Instructions
For onshore students submissions are made individually in the tutorial class as monitored by the respective tutor. Offshore and DST students will receive their assessment in a shortened tutorial, after which they will have to submit their work within a given time limit. Late submissions will not be accepted unless a formal extension request has been submitted and approved as per CQU Policy.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the importance of project management to create value in the context of various organisational cultures and strategies.
  • Apply and critique scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and other project management techniques for achieving project success.

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
In-semester knowledge assessment

Task Description

This assessment item involves an in-class, online quiz earning 20% of the unit marks. The students will be evaluated on their acquisition of knowledge, comprehension, and application of the unit content covered to this point.

  • The online quiz will be an in-class, closed-book test.
  • Only one attempt will be allowed.
  • The online quiz will be held during the week 9 tutorial class.
  • The quiz must be completed within the given timeframe.
  • There will be 38 questions (a combination of multiple-choice, true/false, and calculations questions).
  • There will be a time limit of 50 minutes to complete the quiz. After this the quiz will automatically close and submit.
  • The quiz covers the content from weeks 1 to 8 (lectures, tutorials, readings, etc.).
  • It is mandatory that you complete the quiz in the tutorial classroom.
  • DST and offshore students are encouraged to test IT systems beforehand.
  • DST and offshore students will receive their assessment in a shortened tutorial, after which they will have to submit their work within the given time limit.
  • Late submissions will not be accepted unless a formal extension request has been submitted and approved as per CQU Policy.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (8 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST

The quiz is completed during the students' respective tutorial time slots.


Return Date to Students

Results are displayed when the quiz is closed (after the last tutorial of the week). A short revision is included in the week 10 tutorial.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

  • Each question will earn 0.5 marks except the CPA calculation question which will earn 1 mark.
  • There will be no penalty for incorrect answers.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The quiz is to be completed during the allocated tutorial timeslots.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain how internal and external project settings influence the selection of adaptive, predictive or hybrid project delivery methods.
  • Critically analyse how project management principles and ethics guide people’s behaviour on the project.

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Academic report and presentation (group work)

Task Description

Strong evidence is presented in the literature of a positive correlation between well-functioning project teams and project success. Teams may be collocated or virtual, and the recent pandemic has certainly accelerated the prevalence of the latter. This assessment item, therefore, aims at not only evidencing learning on a given topic but also students' ability to function well in a team.

This assessment requires students to work in a team of 3 to 4 students, produce an academic report on an approved project management topic and deliver a classroom/virtual presentation. Teams are formed in the early weeks of the term and topics are chosen from different areas of project management listed in the assessment specification. Teams and topics must be approved by the respective tutors by the census date of the term before work can start. Students that are not part of a team by Census date will be allocated a team by their tutor and will have to abide by their decision. No change in team membership can be allowed after Census date as that would affect team performance.

On-campus students must form teams with students from the same tutorial class. Students who are offshore by census date will form virtual teams with other offshore students and remain in their virtual team irrespective of whether they are coming onshore later in the term. DST students are encouraged to work in a team as well but may apply to work individually should circumstances prohibit effective team formation.
The assessment consists of:

Part A (40%): (Due in week 10)

  • A 4000-word academic report on the chosen topic, including a critical reflection on the team experience using the Tuckman model of forming, storming, norming, and performing. The critical reflection must consist of a contribution from each team member (Min 250 words per team member).
  • A PowerPoint presentation of not more than 15 content slides summarizing the key findings of the report.
Part B (10%): (Starting from week 11)
  • A classroom or virtual presentation of the topic by all members of the team, as scheduled by the respective tutors.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Friday (19 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST

Part A week 10; Part B presentations starting from week 11.


Return Date to Students

Feedback return period as per CQU policy.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Part A (40 marks)
  • Introduction: Clear introduction of the topic, engaging the reader from the outset. (4 marks)
  • Body: Quality of content, extending the knowledge about project management, level of detail provided, the flow of information, and coherence. (6 marks)
  • Conclusion: Summarising the key points and formulating your own conclusions. (4 marks)
  • Evidence of comprehension: Students' opinions, and contextualization of concepts through experience and/or examples. (6 marks)
  • Format: Clarity of expression, structure, and grammar of an academic standard. (4 marks)
  • Referencing: Correct referencing of sources and correlation with in-text citations. (4 marks)
  • A PowerPoint presentation as per the assessment specification of not more than 15 content slides summarizing the key findings. (6 marks)
  • A written critical reflection on the team experience by all team members, using the Tuckman model of forming, storming, norming, and performing. (6 marks)
Part B (10 marks)
  • A classroom or virtual presentation of the topic by all members of the team, as scheduled by the respective tutors. (Marks allocated individually to each group member)



Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
One team member submits work on behalf of the team. Reports are submitted in MS Word format, Presentations in MS PowerPoint format. Students are advised that submissions are checked by plagiarism detection software Turnitin and are advised to allow sufficient time before the deadline.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the importance of project management to create value in the context of various organisational cultures and strategies.
  • Explain how internal and external project settings influence the selection of adaptive, predictive or hybrid project delivery methods.
  • Apply and critique scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and other project management techniques for achieving project success.
  • Critically analyse how project management principles and ethics guide people’s behaviour on the project.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?