Project Management Practices

Subject ENGM90007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 hours of lectures/week. 1 hour of tutorials/week. Total 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours for the semester
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained from undertaking the following subjects will assist learning in this subject
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit

website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Colin Duffield

Contact

Melbourne School of Engineering
Ground Floor
Old Engineering Building #173
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010 AUSTRALIA

General telephone enquiries
+ 61 3 8344 6703
+ 61 3 8344 6507

Facsimiles
+ 61 3 9349 2182
+ 61 3 8344 7707

Email: eng-info@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject focuses on specific systems, tools and techniques used by project managers to initiate and structure major projects. Systems appropriate for both construction projects and complex projects (e.g. IT, high technology projects) are considered.
Techniques considered include the use of logic maps, business cases and system based project management concepts. Details include the development of acquisition strategies, system life-cycle, boundaries, scope management and mechanisms to control of client expectations and assist them to make sound project decisions leading to the sanctioning of a project.

Expected value and monte carlo techniques are used as tools to refine project decisions based on risk evaluation.

Project governance arrangements are considered along with consideration of cultural context, resourcing requirements of a project and how this is organised and managed. Specific areas considered include the selection of consultants or contractors, communication processes; industrial relations; occupational health and safety; meetings; delegation and leadership.
Objectives: At the end of this subject students should be able to
  • Assist project owners to sensibly consider the feasibility of projects
  • Develop investment logic maps
  • Structure an acquisition strategy for either traditional projects or a complex engineering or IT project
  • Clarify a project’s scope and establish boundaries to the scope of complex projects
  • Analyse and evaluate project risks and project decisions
  • Develop and communicate projects in a consolidated project management plan that considers, client interface, governance, organizational structure and resources to assist in the management and control of projects to achieve targeted key performance indicators
Assessment:
  • One two-hour end of semester examination (40%)
  • Two x 1200 word reports at mid and late semester (40%)
  • One 50 minute mid-semester test (10)
  • One 10 minute seminar presentation during the semester (10%)
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • Ability to conduct an engineering project
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
  • Ability to manage information and documentation
  • Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
  • Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
  • Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
Related Course(s): Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Project Management
Master of Engineering Project Management
Master of Water Resource Management
Master of Water Resource Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering

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