Project Management

This subject is not offered in 2013.

112 hours. This subject is run over an 8-week period as opposed to a standard 12 week semester subject. It is recommended that students devote 14 hours per week to this subject over 8 weeks.

Students must be able to perform word processing, use Excel spreadsheets, and have a reasonable understanding of the Internet and the University's Learning Management System.

It is University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel they have a disability that will impact on meeting the requirements in this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.

The subject will provide an overview of the management issues associated with initiating, implementing and terminating projects. Particular emphasis will be given to the planning dimension in areas such as; project or problem selection; defining project scope; identification of project stakeholders; project scheduling; and resource allocation. A range of suitable action research methods will be introduced to complement project management approaches. Project Management approaches can be applied to work related issues or problems or a range of research related projects.

The objective of this subject is to extend the participant’s ability to:

• to analyse the critical aspects of an industry firm or problem or research related problem;
• understand management issues associated with initiating, implementing and terminating projects;
• develop a project management plan for a given project opportunity allowing for the constraints imposed by finite resources and time constraints.

Online discussion participation (20%); Written assignment of 3,000 words (40%); Project management proposal 3,000 words (40%).

*Online discussion is an integral component of this subject - a minimum grade of 50% is required in this component.

Dobie, C. (2007). A Handbook of Project Management. Allen & Unwin.

Further readings will be available online.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

It is expected students will develop:

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
• Ability to derive, interpret and analyse information from primary and other sources in addressing specific management problems and decision making
• Ability to integrate information across related management disciplines to solve problems in applied situations
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Ability to collaborate, exchange ideas and debate across on-line learning platforms
• Ability to plan, use time effectively and manage small projects.