CQUniversity Unit Profile
PPMP20008 Initiating and Planning Projects
Initiating and Planning Projects
All details in this unit profile for PPMP20008 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

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

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

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

Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Melbourne
Perth
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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
3. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 30%

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 comments, staff feedback, SET Indigenisation Committee, Indigenisation of the Curriculum Community of Practice.

Feedback

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.

Recommendation

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.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse the underlying project need and justification
  2. Apply contemporary techniques to identify and analyse stakeholders
  3. Analyse, define and effectively decompose project scope
  4. Apply appropriate project estimation techniques
  5. 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 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 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 and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

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
Prescribed

Managing successful projects with PRINCE2

Edition: 6th ed (2017)
Authors: Bennett , Nigel
TSO
Norwich Norwich , UK
ISBN: 9780113315338
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

  1. 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.
  2. 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

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Shane Doyle Unit Coordinator
s.t.doyle@cqu.edu.au
Natalie Ewin Unit Coordinator
n.ewin@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

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

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Cycles and Structures 

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


Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

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

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

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

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

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

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

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
Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

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

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

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


Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

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
Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

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

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

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

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

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
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz

Task Description

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.

  


Number of Quizzes


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (24 Aug 2018) 11:50 pm AEST

Students must complete the quiz in week 6.


Return Date to Students

Information regarding feedback and marks for the quiz will be provided in Moodle.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This is an online quiz and students will require a stable internet connection during their attempt. Students are encouraged to complete the quiz during TASAC (the ICT help desk) working hours. If you have any technical difficulties, immediately contact TASAC and inform your tutor.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse the underlying project need and justification
  • Apply contemporary techniques to identify and analyse stakeholders
  • Analyse, define and effectively decompose project scope


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Project plan

Task Description

Development of a project plan that is reflective of the supplied case and the concepts as outlined in the PMBOK guide and Prince2. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018) 8:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (24 Sept 2018)


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

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.




Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
Submission details will be provided on the Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • 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.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management

3 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Lessons Learnt Presentation and Written Submission

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

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.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Tuesday (16 Oct 2018)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Your assignment (individual presentation and written submission) will be assessed on the extent and quality to which it meets each of the following criteria:-

  1. 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)
  2. The lessons identified demonstrated critical reflection. (7.5 marks)
  3. 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)
  4. 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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Submission Instructions
All students must submit individual PowerPoint presentations via Moodle in PowerPoint by 8am Monday of week 12. On campus students will present in their week 12 tutorial. Flex students will not present. All student must submit their written submission by 8am Monday of Review/Exam week.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply appropriate project estimation techniques
  • Critically analyse and define actions to address project uncertainty.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management

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?