[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Monash University

FIT5150 Project management as knowledge-based practice - Semester 2, 2011

This unit explores core disciplines that inform the project management function and their contribution to the concepts and principles that are the basis of project management practices. Building on this foundation, a knowledge based view of project management is presented with particular emphasis on reflective practice. Project management maturity models, competencies and organisational capabilities, in particular the approach to organising the project management function into projects, programs and portfolios, are examined from this perspective. Case studies will illustrate the theoretical foundations and demonstrate how theory can be incorporated into organisational practices.

Mode of Delivery

  • Caulfield (Day)
  • Caulfield (Off-campus)

Contact Hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 1 hr tutorial/wk

Workload

The workload commitments are 12 hours of study per week for 12 weeks, comprising:

  • 3 hours lecture/seminar or OCL equivalent
  • 5 hours of reading and individual study time
  • 4 hours of assignments

Unit Relationships

Prerequisites

FIT9006 or IMS9001 or BUS5021 or completion of 24 credit points of PG level study

Chief Examiner

Campus Lecturer

Caulfield

Henry Linger

Contact hours: By appointment

Tutors

Caulfield

Hamid Pousti

Contact hours: By appointment

Michael Niemann

Contact hours: By appointment

Academic Overview

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

  • understand project management as knowledge based and reflective practice;
  • have knowledge of the core disciplines that underpin project management;
  • understand how the core disciplines inform the fundamental principles, concepts and standards that guide project management practices;
  • be able to formulate the organising principles of the project management function;
  • be able to specify the organisational capabilities to support project management;
  • have the skills to design and develop an appropriate management structure for the project management function.

Graduate Attributes

Monash prepares its graduates to be:
  1. responsible and effective global citizens who:
    1. engage in an internationalised world
    2. exhibit cross-cultural competence
    3. demonstrate ethical values
  2. critical and creative scholars who:
    1. produce innovative solutions to problems
    2. apply research skills to a range of challenges
    3. communicate perceptively and effectively

Assessment Summary

Formal supervised assessment: 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Assessment Task Value Due Date
Participation tasks 20% Collated posting: Week 12, Monday 17 October 2011
Critical Review 30% Week 10, Monday 3 October 2011
Case Study Assignment 50% Presentation submission: Week 11, Monday 10 October 2011; Report: Week 12, Monday 17 October 2011

Teaching Approach

Lecture and tutorials or problem classes
This teaching and learning approach provides facilitated learning, practical exploration and peer learning.

Feedback

Our feedback to You

Types of feedback you can expect to receive in this unit are:
  • Informal feedback on progress in labs/tutes
  • Graded assignments with comments

Your feedback to Us

Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through SETU, Student Evaluation of Teacher and Unit. The University's student evaluation policy requires that every unit is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.

For more information on Monash's educational strategy, and on student evaluations, see:
http://www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/directions.html
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html

Previous Student Evaluations of this unit

If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to
https://emuapps.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp

Unit Schedule

Week Activities Assessment
0   No formal assessment or activities are undertaken in week 0
1 Rethinking project management  
2 The context of project management  
3 Management theory part 1 Assessment task 1 - Participation task 1 - Part 1 due
4 Management theory part 2  
5 Organisation theory  
6 Systems theory part 1  
7 Systems theory part 2  
8 Complexity theory Assessment Task 1 - Participation task 2 due
9 Organisational learning  
10 Knowledge work Assessment task 1 - Participation task 1 - Part 2 from Week 10 to Week 12; Assessment Task 2 - Critical Review essay due Monday 3 October 2011
11 Professionalism and project management Assessment task 1 - Participation task 1 - Part 2 from Week 10 to Week 12; Assessment Task 3: Case study presentation submission due Monday 10 October 2011
12 Project management as knowledge based practice Assessment task 1 - Participation task 1 - Part 2 from Week 10 to Week 12(FINAL); Assessment task 3 - Case study report due Monday, 17 October 2011
  SWOT VAC No formal assessment is undertaken in SWOT VAC
  Examination period LINK to Assessment Policy: http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/
academic/education/assessment/
assessment-in-coursework-policy.html

*Unit Schedule details will be maintained and communicated to you via your MUSO (Blackboard or Moodle) learning system.

Assessment Requirements

Assessment Tasks

Participation

  • Assessment task 1
    Title:
    Participation tasks
    Description:
    The activities will be specified on Task sheets posted on the unit website. The tasks will include practical exercises and written pieces relating to the issues raised in the seminars. Students will also be expected to participate in the discussion forum on-line
    Weighting:
    20%
    Criteria for assessment:
    • Reflection on learning during the semester
    • Appreciation of how project management is discussed in the media
    Due date:
    Collated posting: Week 12, Monday 17 October 2011
    Remarks:
    Individual task items must be posted during the semester as specified

    Task 1, Part 1 - Week 3

    Task1, part 2 - from week 10 and week 12

    Task 2 - Week 8
  • Assessment task 2
    Title:
    Critical Review
    Description:
    Students will be asked to write a 3000 word essay. The essay topics will be specified on the Assignment Sheet.
    Weighting:
    30%
    Criteria for assessment:

    Ability to critically address relevant issues in project management

    Due date:
    Week 10, Monday 3 October 2011
  • Assessment task 3
    Title:
    Case Study Assignment
    Description:
    The assignment involves the analysis of a project management case study. The case study report will include both an analytical and a reflective section. Students will be responsible for identifying a relevant case study, either of an actual organisation or a previously published study.
    Weighting:
    50%
    Criteria for assessment:
    • An understanding of how the project was conducted
    • Application of relevant theoretical perspectives to the analysis and evaluation of the case study project
    • An understanding of the contribution of the rethinking PM agenda to project capabilities.
    Due date:
    Presentation submission: Week 11, Monday 10 October 2011; Report: Week 12, Monday 17 October 2011
    Remarks:
    Hurdle Requirement: Class presentations of case study report in Week 11.

    A student who does not meet this hurdle can get a maximum of 49-N for the Unit. For applying for special consideration refer to the link provided under 'Extensions and penalties' at the end of this section.

    Assessment combines:
    • a group component of 20%,
    • peer assessment of 5%
    • and an individual component of 25%

Examinations

Assignment submission

It is a University requirement (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/conduct/plagiarism-procedures.html) for students to submit an assignment coversheet for each assessment item. Faculty Assignment coversheets can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/. Please check with your Lecturer on the submission method for your assignment coversheet (e.g. attach a file to the online assignment submission, hand-in a hard copy, or use an online quiz).

Extensions and penalties

Returning assignments

Other Information

Policies

Student services

The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at www.monash.edu.au/students The Monash University Library provides a range of services and resources that enable you to save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to http://www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library tab in my.monash portal for more information. Students who have a disability or medical condition are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit to discuss academic support services. Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) visit all Victorian campuses on a regular basis

[an error occurred while processing this directive]