Project Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Approximately 2.5 hours of personal study per hour of class time is required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance

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For the purposes of considering requests 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 for 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/

The use of project management techniques has risen sharply. Examples of projects include research and development studies, reorganisation efforts, implementation of change programs, installation of a new piece of equipment, advertising campaigns, construction, organising special events and other one-off endeavours. The subject will cover the key drivers of project success, training and leadership in project environments. Project selection is the first critical set of decisions. Matching of the projects selected to the organisation’s strategy is taken as the starting point. Practical tools and techniques will then be introduced to manage the project or special event for success. The subject will also involve the use of an appropriate Project Management software package such as MS Project.

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

• Explain the role of projects in organisations and identify the various roles and responsibilities of the project team;
• Explain the distinguishing characteristics of projects and consequent managerial challenges;
• Describe the uses and limitations of project selection models;
• Develop a formal project plan and explain its purpose, content and readership;
• Use various techniques for scheduling a project and balancing the resource requirements;
• Describe, apply and criticise techniques for measuring project progress; and
• Effectively audit a project and discuss the actions taken by a project manager as the project draws to a close.

• 2-hour end-of semester examination (60%); and
• Group Assignment 1(1,000 words) due between weeks 4-5 (5%); and
• Group Assignment 2 (3,000 words) due between weeks 10-12 (35%).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• Problem solving and critical thinking by applying the knowledge gained to case studies and other practical assignments;
• Collaborative learning and team skills fostered through the group assignments; and
• Research and presentation skills relating to project management.