Project Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

This subject is can be taken entirely online via the University’s Learning Management System (LMS), or taken as a multi-modal subject for students who study on-campus. The subject will be open on LMS approximately two weeks prior to the subject commencement date. Subject Teaching Dates: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-agribusiness/degree-structure#nav.

144 hours. It is recommended that students devote 12 hours per week to this subject.

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 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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

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.

• Case Study Analysis, 2,000 words, due in week 5, 40%;
• Project management proposal 2,000 words, due in Week 11, 40%;
• Online discussion participation, due througout the semester, 20%.

*Online discussion is an integral component of this subject. It is a hurdle requirement that a minimum grade of 50% is achieved 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.