The course will introduce project management approaches, processes and tools for succeeding in the workplace. It will attempt to provide a strategic view, as well as practical tools to better manage projects. The focus is of this course is on the development, use and integration of management tools and their adjustment to the project environment. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on taking a managerial view of the situation and implementing tools to support decision making.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the organisational context and environment within which projects operate;
- Examine contemporary issues in project management both globally and in Australia;
- Apply tools and techniques to monitor and control projects;
- Critically analyse project management frameworks and tools;
- Appraise a strategic perspective with respect to the linkages between organizational and project-level issues; and,
- Produce a report based on research findings in written and verbal forms.
Research-Led Teaching
The lecture content is driven by research in the field of project management. Students are encouraged to engage in a range of research activities. In addition, other data, research and concepts will be presented during the lectures that may not be in the text book. The lectures will contain a central presentation followed by short exercises during the tutorial in the application of learned material and participation in case studies.
Field Trips
There are no field trips in this course
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional class costs
Examination Material or equipment
See Assessment Tasks
More information on examination will be made available on Wattle at least 2 weeks before the examination period
Additional examination information will be available on https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/ .
Required Resources
Title: "Project Management: the Managerial process"
Authors: Larson and Gray
Edition: Seventh edition, 2018
ISBN: 9781259253874
Available at Chifley General (HD69.P75 L37 2018)
Recommended Resources
Any further readings for the course will be advised via Wattle
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Course | Preliminary definitionsReview of modern project management concepts and techniquesReading: Ch.1 |
| 2 | Project Scope Management | Creating Work Breakdown StructureDefining project scopeIron TriangleReading: Ch.4 |
| 3 | Project Time Management | Constructing Gantt chartCreating project network diagramCritical path analysisTeam formation for the Major AssignmentReading: Ch. 5 & 6 |
| 4 | Scheduling Resources and Reducing Project Duration | Resource-Constrained SchedulingCritical Chain Project Management Reading: Ch. 8 & 9 |
| 5 | Quiz | The aim of this quiz is to assess the understanding of project management concepts and techniques discussed within the first four weeks of the courseReadings: Ch.1, 4, 5 , 6, 8, 9 |
| 6 | Project Stakeholder Management | Project stakeholder identification and analysisCommunication management planReading: Handout |
| 7 | Project Risk Management | Risk management processDeveloping risk registerReading: Ch. 7 |
| 8 | Project Cost Management | Estimating project costsProject budgetReading: Handout |
| 9 | Project Controlling and Monitoring | Project controlling toolsEarned Value ManagementMajor Assignment - Report (by 5pm on Tuesday 4 October)Reading: Ch. 13 |
| 10 | Feasibility Study and Project Selection Models | Feasibility studyProject performance measurementBenefits realisationReading: Handout |
| 11 | Presentations | Major Assignment - Presentations |
| 12 | Course Review | Review and Conclusion Q&A about the final exam |
Tutorial Registration
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Participation (Individual assessment) | 10 % | 20/08/2023 | 31/08/2023 | 1,2,4 |
| Assessment of project management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4 (Individual Quiz) | 15 % | 22/08/2023 | 03/09/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Major Assignment - Report (Group assessment) | 15 % | 03/10/2023 | 22/10/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Major Assignment - Oral Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations (Group assessment) | 15 % | 17/10/2023 | 29/10/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Final exam (individual assessment) | 45 % | * | 30/11/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
This course is taught in seminar mode (Face-to-Face mode) comprising of lecture and in-class tutorial/discussion/exercises. Lectures may be recorded and made available on Echo360 and Wattle. Attendance and participation are expected in all classes and assessment in line with the "Code of Practice of Teaching and Learning" clause 2 paragraph (b)
Examination(s)
An on campus examination will be arranged at the end of the semester. The question format includes multiple choices and long questions. The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students.
Examination information will be provided closer to the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4
Student Participation (Individual assessment)
It is essential to your learning, and the learning of others in the class, that you actively participate and contribute to the course. This assessment task will focus on course's student discussions forum on Wattle. Student will be required to provide two high quality contributions to the course's student discussion forum before the end of Week 4.
Purpose:
To evaluate the issues and challenges pertaining to Project Management.
Marking Criteria:
Each contribution must be of an appropriate quality and will be assessed taking into consideration: the extent of research and supporting justifications utilised to support the views presented; and appropriate linkages of that contribution, back into the key topics addressed in the course. The contributions will be assessed against the linked course learning outcomes for this task.
Value:
10%
Assessment Type:
Individual
Word limit:
Each of the two contributions must not be more than 250 words in length (Penalties for exceeding the word limit will be applied as follows: 50 - 100 words excess (– 5%) of the grade awarded; 101- 150 words excess ( - 10%) of the grade awarded; >150 words excess (- 20% ) of the grade awarded).
Due Date:
Two high quality contributions to the course's student Discussion Forum before the end of Week 4 (no later than 20 August 2023).
Form of submission:
via student Discussion Forum on the course Wattle site
Return of assessment:
By 31 August 2023
Marking Criteria:
Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Wattle
Note:Assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% per working day
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Assessment of project management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4 (Individual Quiz)
This quiz that covers topics discussed in the course from week 1 to week 4 and will be conducted through Wattle/Zoom during class time with a 90 minutes timeframe to complete.
Purpose:
To demonstrate your understanding of key Project Management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4.
Marking Criteria:
Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Wattle no later than week 3
Value:
15%
Assessment Type:
Individual. Students can utilise their class notes and text book when completing this assessment piece
Time limit:
90 minutes
Due date:
Week 5 (22 August 2023) - 90 minutes timeframe to complete during class time.
Return of Assessment:
Week 6 (3 September 2023)
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle in preceding weeks.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Major Assignment - Report (Group assessment)
By the end of week 3, teams will be formed to work on the Major Assignment. The assignment requires research on a project management topic (to be allocated to each team by the course convener) and will require the development of a substantial report. Group work is a critical skill in project management, thus this major assignment is a very important part of the course, not just for the necessary academic learning but also for the practice of teamwork. The groups will consist of maximum 4 students. Membership of the groups will be decided by the Convener.
Detailed instructions regarding this assignment will be given during the lectures. The Major Assignment has two parts: this written report (15% of total marks) and separate an oral presentation of the key finding and recommendations of the report ( Task 4- 15% of total marks).
Purpose:
To develop skills in undertaking research, evaluation of relevant business conditions, and formulation of criteria for decision-making and recommendations. This assessment is intended to further develop your research and analytical skills in issues related to project management.
Marking criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria, will be posted on Wattle in Week 4
Value:
15%
Assessment Type:
Group (More information on group formation and group work will be made available after Week 1 on Wattle and/or in class)
Word limit:
No more than 2,500 words (Penalties for exceeding the word limit will be applied as follows: 200 - 250 words excess (– 5%) of the grade awarded; 251- 300 words excess (-10%) of the grade awarded; >300 words excess (- 20%) of the grade awarded
Due Date:
5pm Tuesday, Week 9 (3 October 2023)
Form of submission:
via Turnitin on the course Wattle site
Return of assessment:
Sunday, Week 11 (22 October 2023)
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Major Assignment - Oral Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations (Group assessment)
By the end of week 3, teams will be formed to work on the Major Assignment. The groups undertaking this assessment, will be have the same membership to the groups that undertook Assessment 3. The assignment requires research on a project management topic (to be allocated to each team by the course convener) and will require the development of a substantial report (refer to Assessment Task 3).
Detailed instructions regarding this assignment will be given during the lectures. The Major Assignment has two parts: a separate written report ( Task 3 - 15% of total marks) and this oral presentation of the key finding and recommendations of the report (15% of total marks).
Purpose:
Group work is a critical skill in project management, thus this major assignment is a very important part of the course, not just for the necessary academic learning but also for the practice of teamwork.
Marking criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Wattle in Week 4.
Value:
15%
Assessment Type:
Group
Time limit:
Approximately 15 -20 minutes of presentation (to be held in class).
Due Date:
All groups to email their Powerpoint presentations to the convener by 5pm on Monday, Week 11 (16 October 2023).
Form of submission:
The intention is for the presentations to be held in the class. Details will be confirmed by the Lecturer in week 4. The intention is for the face-to-face presentations to be recorded and available for the entire class to view, so that students can learn from what their peers students have presented.
Oral presentations:
Presentation will be held in class on week 11 (17 October 2023)
Return of assessment: 29.10.2023
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task.
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Wattle
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Final exam (individual assessment)
Assessment Task 5
Value: 45 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Final Exam (Individual assessment) - in person on campus
Instructions:
Students will write a 3-hour open book exam. More information on examination will be made available on Wattle at least 2 weeks before the examination period.
Purpose:
To demonstrate your understanding of Project Management, theories and principles from material covered within the course.
Marking Criteria:
information about marking criteria of exam questions will be available on Wattle before the exam on week 12
Value:
45%
Assessment Type:
Individual
Time limit:
10 minutes of reading time and 3 hours of writing time
Exam date:
Specific details of the exam date will be available closer to the commencement of the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/. Please refer to Wattle site for more information to be provided in Week 12
Form of submission:
To be confirmed by the Lecturer
Return of assessment:
After the release of results on first week of December 2023
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Note: Late submission is not allowed for assessment tasks 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
Please see relevant assessment task details above.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Unless specified otherwise in the assessment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsAshkan Zarghami is a Senior Lecturer of Project Management. His research focuses on the development of applied mathematical models with applications to a broad range of fields, including project management, operations management, infrastructure networks, and supply chain management. Ashkan has a great passion for proposing novel ideas and his research appeared in top ranked international journals such as Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Reliability Engineering and System Safety, International Journal of Production Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, and Systems Research and Behavioral Science. Prior to beginning his academic career, Ashkan worked for several years in large-scale construction and infrastructure network projects. |
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Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Dr Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
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