Print View: METR4910 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

Course Code: METR4910 Course Title: Project Management
Coordinating Unit: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester: Semester 1, 2008 Mode: Internal
Level: Undergraduate
Location: St Lucia
Number of Units: 2 Contact Hours Per Week: 2L2T
Recommended Pre-Requisites: METR3800
Incompatible: 3E493 or ELEC4800 or ENGG4800

Course Description: Project management in mechatronic engineering setting. Builds working knowledge of project management methodologies for the early career engineer. Preparation of business plan, stages of business growth, sources of finances; management of teams with interdisciplinary skills development of interpersonal skills of team management.

1.2 Course Introduction

Project management is used today in all aspects and areas of commerce and industry, and it is a trend likely to continue. Its origins are traditionally considered to be deeply rooted in antiquity, with its present day methodology and body of knowledge (BoK) born out of the construction and military weapons industry.

This lecture series explores in a contentious manner the discipline of project management and presents traditional and non-traditional views of aspects of the discipline.

The traditional approach to project management can be characterized by the project management body of knowledge guide (PMBOK Guide) which emphasises the five project process groups of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing, and the nine knowledge areas of project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk and procurement management. The non traditional approach questions project management and argues that project management behaviour is not inevitable. It also argues that project management prospers today because society has embraced particular habits and internalised certain values.

1.3 Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Andrew Bradley
Phone: 3365 3284 Email: a.bradley@itee.uq.edu.au Homepage: www.itee.uq.edu.au/~bradley
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map) Room: 538
Consultation: Please email for an appointment regarding admin matters.

Lecturer: Mr Michael Craig Email: m.craig@uq.edu.au
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)
Consultation: Please email for an appointment regarding lectures, tutorials and assignments.

Tutor: Mr Yaniv Gal Email: ygal@itee.uq.edu.au
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)
Consultation: Please email for appointment.

1.4 Timetable

Timetables are available on mySI-net.

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

To provide the student with a holistic, integrative view of project management. The holistic view focuses on how projects contribute to the overall strategic goals of the organisation. The integrative view focuses on various project processes such as, how projects are selected, the technical and managerial processes to bring projects to completion.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Use the concepts, techniques, and decision tools available to project managers.
2  Have a basic understanding of the importance of work breakdown structures and networks to planning, scheduling, and controlling projects.
3  Have an awareness of potential conflicts and problems that can occur on projects.
4  Identify appropriate behaviour for successfully managing a project.
5  Provide a framework for a complete computer-based information system for managing projects.

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.	1
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.	2, 5
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.	4
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	5
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	2, 3
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	2
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	2
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	3
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.	4
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.	4
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.	4

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	2
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	3
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	2, 5
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member	4
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning

3. Learning Resources

3.1 Required Resources

Book: Project management : the managerial process 3rd Ed. / Clifford F. Gray, Erik W. Larson.

3.2 Recommended Resources

Managing Projects, Managing People, David Parker & Michael Craig, 2008, Palgrave Macmillan, Aus

3.3 University Learning Resources

Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://library.uq.edu.au/search/r?SEARCH=METR4910).

The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myServices website (https://student.my.uq.edu.au/).

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of this profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia) (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/copy-print.html). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.

ITEE course websites can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~COURSECODE. Many ITEE courses also have Usenet newsgroups, named uq.itee.COURSECODE. Instructions for accessing newsgroups are available at http://studenthelp.itee.uq.edu.au/faq/1stYearFAQ.html#accessnews.

3.5 Other Learning Resources & Information

SOFTWARE: The "official" software for the class will be Microsoft Project for Windows; however, you are free to use any software to which you have access. HANDOUTS: Provided in class
PAPERS: Provided on the course website http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~engg4800

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

Date	Activity	Learning Objectives
25 Feb 08 10:00	Introduction (Lecture): Introduction to the course Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 1); ParkerCraig	4
25 Feb 08 11:00	Business Strategy & Project Management (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 2); ParkerCraig	2, 4
27 Feb 08 00:00	Case Studies (Self Directed Learning): A Day in the Life Film prioritization Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pg 17 & 48);	1
3 Mar 08 10:00	Defining a Project (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 4); ParkerCraig	1, 2
3 Mar 08 11:00	Project Management Organization (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 3); ParkerCraig	1, 2, 4
5 Mar 08 14:00 - 7 Mar 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 3 - Exercises 1 to 4 Chpt 4 - Exercises 1 to 4 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 81 & 120);	1, 2
10 Mar 08 10:00	Networks (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 6); ParkerCraig	1, 2
10 Mar 08 11:00	Estimating a Project (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 5); ParkerCraig	1, 2
12 Mar 08 14:00 - 14 Mar 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 5 - Exercises 1 to 4 Chpt 6 - Exercises 4 and 8 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 144 & 181,183);	1, 2
17 Mar 08 10:00	Networks II (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 6); ParkerCraig	1, 2
17 Mar 08 11:00	Risk Management (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 7); ParkerCraig	1, 2, 3
19 Mar 08 14:00 - 21 Mar 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Case Study): Chpt 6 - Exercises 12 Chpt 7 - Exercises 3 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 184 & 230);	1, 2, 3
31 Mar 08 10:00	Reducing Project Time (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 9); ParkerCraig	1, 2, 3
31 Mar 08 11:00	Resource Scheduling (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 8); ParkerCraig	1, 2, 3, 5
2 Apr 08 14:00 - 4 Apr 08 14:00	Review Excercise (Tutorial): Chpt 8 - Exercises 1 Chpt 9 - Exercises 2 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 263 & 299);	5
7 Apr 08 10:00 - 7 Apr 08 12:00	Class Test (Exam):
14 Apr 08 10:00	Leadership (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 10); ParkerCraig	3, 4
16 Apr 08 14:00 - 18 Apr 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 10 - Review Questions 1 to 7 and Exercise 2 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 334);	3, 4
21 Apr 08 10:00	Team-Building (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 11); ParkerCraig	3, 4
23 Apr 08 14:00 - 25 Apr 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 11 Review Questions 1 to 7 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 372);	3, 4
28 Apr 08 10:00	Monitoring Progress (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt 13); ParkerCraig	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
28 Apr 08 11:00	Partnering (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 12); ParkerCraig	3
30 Apr 08 14:00 - 2 May 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 12 - Review Questions 1 to 6 Chpt 13 - Exercise 3 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 401 & 440);	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
12 May 08 10:00	Project Closure (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 14); ParkerCraig	2, 3
12 May 08 11:00	International Projects (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 15); ParkerCraig	3, 4
14 May 08 14:00 - 16 May 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 14 Review Questions 1 to 7 Chpt 15 Review Questions 1 to 5 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 483 & 511);	2, 3, 4
19 May 08 10:00	Project Management and the Future (Lecture): Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Chpt - 16); ParkerCraig	1, 4
21 May 08 14:00 - 23 May 08 14:00	Review Exercises (Tutorial): Chpt 16 Exercises 1 & 2 Readings/Ref: HD69.P75 G72 20 (Pgs 529);	1, 5
26 May 08	Exam Prep (Discussion):

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
In Class Quiz Class Test	7 Apr 08 10:00 - 7 Apr 08 12:00	25%	1, 2, 3, 5
Report Case Study	12 May 08 17:00	25%	3, 4
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Exam	Examination Period	50%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course:

A Grade of 1 will be awarded for an overall mark below 20%.

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline:

A Grade of 2 will be awarded for an overall mark below 45% but greater than or equal to 20%.

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline:

A Grade of 3 will be awarded for an overall mark below 50% but greater than or equal to 45%.

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

A Grade of 4 will be awarded for an overall mark below 65% but greater than or equal to 50%.

In addition, a mark of greater than 49% must also be achieved on the final examination.

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

A Grade of 5 will be awarded for an overall mark below 75% but greater than or equal to 65%.

In addition, a mark of greater than 49% must also be achieved on the final examination.

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience:

A Grade of 6 will be awarded for an overall mark below 85% but greater than or equal to 75%.

In addition, a mark of greater than 49% must also be achieved on the final examination.

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications:

A Grade of 7 will be awarded for an overall mark of 85% or greater.

In addition, a mark of greater than 49% must also be achieved on the final examination.

Other Requirements & Comments : To receive a grade of 4 or greater, students must achieve a mark of greater than 49% on the final examination.

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Class Test

Type: In Class Quiz
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 5
Due Date:
7 Apr 08 10:00 - 7 Apr 08 12:00
Weight: 25%
Perusal: 5 minutes
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer
Task Description: A forty five minute in-class test will be held in place of one of the lectures. The test will consist of approximately 10 multiple choice and short answer questions. The short answer questions will ask for descriptions or requesting the benefits and drawbacks of particular concepts. The test will be closed book and will cover all course topics to date.
Criteria & Marking:

Marks will be awarded for correct answers only. All questions will an assigned mark.

Case Study

Type: Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 3, 4
Due Date:
12 May 08 17:00
Weight: 25%
Task Description:

Students will be divided into groups of five at the beginning of semester. They will be encouraged to pick a local project or research a project on the web (one that hasn't been written up). Approval for each project will be required. The students will have to work together as a team - dividing tasks amongst themselves. Based on the material in the text book and the preferred reading, their task will be to make a presentation to the class for 7 minutes, accompanied by a written submission detailing their project. The report should be no longer that 2500 words, not including graphs, appendices etc. Students will be assessed on the quality of their presentation to the class as well as on their written assignment.

Criteria & Marking: Marks will be assigned as follows:
Content (50%): Including: Introduction and background theory, aims, research methodology, discussion and conclusions (group mark);
Structure (10%): Logical flow of the ideas presented in seminar and between the individual presenters (group mark);
Verbal Skills (10%): Presenters should be confident, relaxed, natural, well rehearsed, maintain eye contact and speak clearly (individual mark);
Visual Aids (10%): Appropriate use of visual aids and diagrams to support the presentation. Visual aids need to be clear and uncluttered, with an appropriate level of detail and overall number of slides (individual mark);
Timing (10%): both overall timing and timing of individual speakers is appropriate (individual mark);
Questions (10%): Questions are answered convincingly and honestly, i.e., answering “I don’t know” is better than pretending you do (individual mark).
Submission: To ENGG4800 submission box, General Purpose South (building 78), level 1.

Final Exam

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 50%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 180 minutes
Format: Short answer, Short essay
Task Description:

A three-hour final examination will be held during the final examination period. This examination will cover the work done throughout the semester and will cover a range of topics and will require students to show a good knowledge of the material covered. Students should be able to describe, analyze, and show the benefits and limitations of the concepts in the questions. There may be some questions related to scheduling, costing, and monitoring. The examination will be closed book. The number of questions will be given later and whether or not there will be a choice of questions. Students must pass the final examination to pass this subject.

Students may bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted.

Criteria & Marking: This exam will be closed-book and will contain both short-answer and problem solving (calculation) questions. The examination will test understanding of the various theoretical, practical and evaluation techniques covered throughout the course. Marks for all questions will be as specified.

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25114&pid=25075)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953&pid=2910)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120&pid=25075) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004&pid=24963) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122&pid=25075) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111&pid=25075

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055&pid=25015) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057&pid=25015) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives