Overview
The Initiating and Planning Project unit will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to effectively initiate and plan projects in challenging environments. You will study different standards, frameworks and practices with the opportunity to apply these by utilising relevant tools and techniques to enhance project initiation and planning. On successful completion, you will have prepared a range of project management artifacts that underpin effective initiation and planning of projects.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for 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 2 - 2018
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 comments, staff feedback, SET Indigenisation Committee, Indigenisation of the Curriculum Community of Practice.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity has been recognised as critical for success in contemporary project management environments, this is explored through the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective into the curriculum. It is important that this is done in an appropriate, meaningful and sustainable manner.
It is recommended that a mentor/instructor who is able to assist and advise the unit developer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives is engaged to ensure that representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are appropriate whilst maintaining meaningful alignment to project management concepts.
- Analyse the underlying project need and justification
- Apply contemporary techniques to identify and analyse stakeholders
- Analyse, define and effectively decompose project scope
- Apply appropriate project estimation techniques
- Critically analyse and define actions to address project uncertainty.
This unit will satisfy one of the requirements for Australian Computer Society (ACS) accreditation in the postgraduate ICT courses.
The unit contributes to the required number of academic study units for students wishing to undertake profession certification with the Project Management Institute's (PMI) professional qualifications, such as CAPM or PMP.
The ACS recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is in use in over 100 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 at https://www.acs.org.au/professionalrecognition/mysfia-b2c.html
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills codes as defined by SFIA:
- Business Analysis (BUAN),
- Project Management (PRMG),
- Stakeholder Relationship Management (RLMT),
- Systems Integration (SINT),
- Change Management (CHMG),
- Release and Deployment (RELM),
- IT Operations (ITOP),
- Problem Management (PBMG).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||
2 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||||
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
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 |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||||
2 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30% |
Textbooks
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( PMBOK guide )
Edition: 6th edn (2017)
Authors: Project Management Institute
Project Management Institute
Newtown Square Newtown Square , PA , USA
ISBN: 9781628251845
Binding: Paperback
Managing successful projects with PRINCE2
Edition: 6th ed (2017)
Authors: Bennett , Nigel
TSO
Norwich Norwich , UK
ISBN: 9780113315338
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
- An eBook version of A Guide to The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) is available through CQU Library. Please follow the instructions posted on the Moodle web site to set up an account and download the eBook via CQUniversity Library. However, paper copies are still available, if preferred, through the CQUni Bookshop.
- An eBook version of Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 is available through the TSO Shop UK. Please follow the link http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1162740#GEMS6473576 to purchase a copy. However, if paper copies are preferred, limited copies will be available at the CQUni Bookshop here.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.t.doyle@cqu.edu.au
n.ewin@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Project Management
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 1
PRINCE2 (2017) Chapters 1 & 3
Previous versions
PMBOK (5th Ed) Chapter 1
PRINCE2 (2009) Chapters 1 & 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 1
Tutorial 1
Module/Topic
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 2 & 3, Part 2: 1.8-1.9
PRINCE2 (2017) Chapters 5, 7
Previous versions
PMBOK (5th Ed) Chapter 2,
PRINCE2 (2009) Chapter 3, 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 2
Tutorial 2
Module/Topic
Project justification and plan
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 4 Introduction, 4.1, 4.2, 13.1, 13.2
PRINCE2 (2017) Chapter 6
Previous versions
PMBOK (5th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 3 introduction, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.2, 13.1, 13.2
PRINCE2 (2009) Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 3
Tutorial 3
Module/Topic
Cost and resource management
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapters 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 9.1
Previous versions
PMBOK 5th Ed Chapter 7, 9.1
Prince2 Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 4
Tutorial 4
Module/Topic
Scope and schedule
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 5, 6.1-6.5
Prince2 (2017) Appendix A.26 Work Package (Product description outline)
Previous versions
PMBOK 5th Ed Chapter 5, 6.1-6.6
Prince2 (2009) Appendix A.26 Work Package (Product description outline)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 5
Tutorial 5
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk Management
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 11
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 10
Previous versions
PMBOK (5th Ed) Chapter 11
Prince2 (2009) Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz (online assessment) due
Lecture 6.
Tutorial 6.
Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Friday (24 Aug 2018) 11:50 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Quality Management
Process Improvement
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 8
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 8, Appendix A22
Previous versions
PMBOK Chapter 8
PRINCE2 Chapter 6, Appendix A22
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 7
Tutorial 7
Module/Topic
Procurement management
Ethics
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 12 Introduction, 12.1
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (Internet resource)
AIPM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (Internet resource)
Previous versions
PMBOK Chapter 12 Introduction, 12.1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 due
Lecture 8
Tutorial 8
Module/Topic
The Project Manager
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 3
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 2.4
Previous versions
PMBOK Chapter 1.7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 9
Tutorial 9
Project plan Due: Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018) 8:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Lessons Learnt
Reflection
Chapter
Prescribed versions
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 3.2, Appendices A.14, A.15
Previous versions
Prince2 Chapter 2.2; Appendices A.14, A.15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 10
Tutorial 10
Module/Topic
Presenting
Tailoring
Chapter
Prescribed versions
PMBOK (6th Ed) Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5
Prince2 (2017) Chapter 3.7, 4
Previous Versions
Prince2 Chapter 19
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 11
Tutorial 11
Module/Topic
Unit review/summary and reflective practice
Chapter
Not applicable
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture 12: Unit summary/review
Tutorial 12: Reflective practice presentation due
Lessons Learnt Presentation and Written Submission Due: Week 12 Monday (1 Oct 2018) 8:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This quiz tests content from weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Note: The quiz must be completed during week six. If you are sick and unable to do the quiz during this time, you will be required to submit an application for extension including appropriate documentation such as a medical certificate. You can attempt the quiz at any location as long as you have access to Moodle and an internet connection. The quiz comprises 20 multiple choice questions with a time limit of 30 minutes to complete the assessment.
Other
Week 6 Friday (24 Aug 2018) 11:50 pm AEST
Students must complete the quiz in week 6.
Information regarding feedback and marks for the quiz will be provided in Moodle.
The quiz questions will be of equal weighting and there are no negative marks applied for incorrect answers. Therefore, students are encouraged to attempt all questions within the quiz.
- Analyse the underlying project need and justification
- Apply contemporary techniques to identify and analyse stakeholders
- Analyse, define and effectively decompose project scope
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
2 Written Assessment
Development of a project plan that is reflective of the supplied case and the concepts as outlined in the PMBOK guide and Prince2.
Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018) 8:00 am AEST
Week 11 Monday (24 Sept 2018)
Your submission will be assessed on the following project management concepts, including how they reflect the project scenario and meet the requirements of PMBOK guide and Prince2.
1. Project description and justification (4 marks)
2. Stakeholders (11 marks)
3. Requirements management (5 marks)
4. Scope (10 marks)
5. Schedule (6 marks)
6. Cost Baseline (6 marks)
7. Risks (5 marks)
8. Tolerances (1 mark)
9. Lessons (2 marks)
Ensure your assessment is submitted in an appropriate format. The information within the file must be able to be read by Turnitin (i.e. no zip files, pictures or PDFs). Submissions should be concise, demonstrate clarity of expression and contain correct grammar and spelling.
Assessments provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to achieve the required standard. To do this, assessment responses need to be both clear and easy to understand. If not, the University cannot determine that students have demonstrated their knowledge and skills. Therefore, assessments will
be marked accordingly including the possibility for 0 (zero) marks to be
awarded, where applicable.
No submission method provided.
- Analyse the underlying project need and justification
- Apply contemporary techniques to identify and analyse stakeholders
- Analyse, define and effectively decompose project scope
- Apply appropriate project estimation techniques
- Critically analyse and define actions to address project uncertainty.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
Completion of PPMP20008 is like a project, it is likely you experienced situations that went well and those that didn't go well. Reflecting on your experience can be just as meaningful as retaining concepts taught.
This assessment item requires you to reflect on your participation in the course, identify lessons learnt, and consider what actions can be taken to address lessons and improve future study projects. Please note these learnings are based on your role as a student in PPMP20008 and not based on the supplied project used for this unit.
You will need to determine a framework to base your lessons learnt on. In practice lessons learnt discussions are usually framed in certain ways to illicit learnings.Consider what is the most effective way to do this within the context of the course and the experience during the term.
You must develop, submit and present a 2 minute presentation (in Microsoft PowerPoint) on one slide comprising one lesson learnt. The PowerPoint document must be submitted via Moodle by 8am Monday of week 12. You must be prepared to answer questions from unit participants and your tutor after your presentation. Please note that depending on class sizes some students may have to present in earlier weeks. In addition, students will also need to submit a written submission from lesson learnt by 8am Monday of the Review/Exam week.
Flex students will not present, however they must submit a presentation script (PowerPoint slide) by 8am Monday of week 12, plus the written submission by Monday of the Review/Exam week.
You will be graded on the quality of your presentation and the written submission which contains the lessons learnt framework, lessons shared and actions planned to address lessons for future study.
This assessment item assists you to reflect on your performance in a project, identify lessons learnt, devise strategies to leverage those lessons and develop presentation skills.
Further information can be found on the Moodle site.
Week 12 Monday (1 Oct 2018) 8:00 am AEST
Presentations will be held in week 12 classes during tutorial times. Therefore, students must ensure they discuss the presenting times with their tutor. The PowerPoint slide is to be submitted to Moodle by 8am Monday of week 12. The written submission is to be submitted to Moodle by 8am Monday of Review/Exam week.
Exam Week Tuesday (16 Oct 2018)
Your assignment (individual presentation and written submission) will be assessed on the extent and quality to which it meets each of the following criteria:-
- The framework for identifying and recording lessons learnt would enable a meaningful lessons learnt process and address common issues experienced with lessons learnt in projects. (7.5 marks)
- The lessons identified demonstrated critical reflection. (7.5 marks)
- Improvement strategies for each lesson are described against the five components of the SMART process. (SMART - Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bounded). (7.5 marks)
- A clear flow of thought throughout with a clear purpose described in the introduction and a clearly articulated conclusion. Format and style is professional as if being presented to a project board and caters for different learning preferences. (7.5 marks).
Presentation: The presentation is appropriately formatted within the PowerPoint slide: Note: a maximum of one (1) slide only required containing one (1) lesson learnt.
Written Submission: The written submission should contain a lessons learnt framework, lessons shared and actions planned to address lessons for future study and references. Within the written submission please ensure clarity of expression, correct grammar, spelling and APA referencing.
On-campus students - every student must present to be awarded marks in this assessment. If you are unable to attend class during the time you were to present, you must submit a request for extension via Moodle, with supporting documentary evidence such as a doctors certificate. If the extension request is approved, you will then have to arrange another time with your tutor to do the presentation. In such cases, students will need to present the full presentation. Flex students will not present, however they must submit a presentation script (PowerPoint slide) by 8am Monday of week 12, plus the written submission by Monday of the Review/Exam week.
Assessments provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to achieve the required standard. To do this, assessment responses need to be clear and easy to understand. If not, the University cannot determine that students have demonstrated their knowledge and skills. Therefore, assessments will be marked accordingly including the possibility for 0 (zero) marks to be awarded, where applicable
Further information can be found on the Moodle site.
- Apply appropriate project estimation techniques
- Critically analyse and define actions to address project uncertainty.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
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.