Project Management Fundamentals

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

85 hours

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable 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 their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The work that most managers do involve managing projects of various type, complexity and size. Sound knowledge and understanding of project management principles is vital to ensure that projects are effectively completed and delivered within the expected time, budget and scope.

This course introduces the critical elements of project management. These include: understanding the different types and classes of projects and how these affect their management; making project selection decisions; using practical tools and techniques for planning and executing projects (e.g., work breakdown structure, network diagram, Gantt chart); monitoring the progress of projects; and closing projects. Appropriate project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project) will be introduced. In addition to these technical aspects, the course will also address human resource and people related issues such as project leadership, teamwork, selection of team members and conflict management.

Participants will learn from discussion of latest theories, practical exercises and case studies on how projects can be most effectively managed, and how challenges of various types within the project management area can best be dealt with.

On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate sound understanding of the key principles of project management.
• Describe the uses and limitations of project selection models.
• Develop knowledge of the technical skills needed to effectively manage a project; these skills include how to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control and close a project.
• Use computer software packages to plan and monitor the progress of a project.
• Understand the human and people issues such as leadership, teamwork, and conflict management for effective management of projects.

• Reflective diary - delegates to note down the two key ideas from the preceding two days that resonate most with their current challenges and to explain the reasons for these to a learning partner (with the partner to reciprocate). 250 words. To be completed at the end of the second day (10%).
• Essay – topic to be provided by the facilitator at the end of the second day (2000 words). Due three weeks after the class (80%).
• Executive summary - translates the key insights from the essay into a format that is compelling for board/executive-level colleagues (250 words). Due four week after the class (10%).

A study guide with readings and cases will be provided before the commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Capacity to analyse and synthesize information and develop strategies.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Understand trade-offs between short term goals and long term objectives