Project Management in Theory

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Students are advised to check the timetable for this subject as it is taught intensively and may involve contact time over several days.

This subject may be offered in Semester 2 on a biannual basis from 2015 onwards.

170 Hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-CM Master of Construction Management
MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management (200 pts)
MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management (300 pts)
MC-PROP Master of Property
MC-PROP2Y Master of Property (200 pts)
MC-PROP3Y Master of Property (300 pts)

or

Approval from the subject coordinator.

ABPL90028 Project Management Framework

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, 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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject was formerly called Project Management Framework.

This subject provides a critical review of the theory of project management in construction by showing and reflecting on how the established set of project management competencies applies to all phases of building projects’ life cycle. Through project simulations and structured discussion, students are made aware of the relationship between quantitative data and qualitative decisions in a framework of relative uncertainty, and how this relationship is likely to change depending on project type, technological context and building coalitions. By covering new developments, trends and technologies in project management, the subject exposes students to possible transformations in the discipline. At the end of the subject, students are required to go through a self-assessment process that helps them identify knowledge gaps and own development paths as well as the importance of peer interaction and reflective learning in team environments.

To develop a thorough understanding of all key competency areas in Project & Program Management and in socio-cultural management from a built environment perspective.
The core objectives include:

• Understanding of the range of knowledge areas in Project and Program Management;

• Understanding of individual strengths and weaknesses with respect to opportunities in the field.

• Two group assignments equivalent to a total of 3000 words (50%) due in weeks 7 and 11, demonstrating the high level knowledge on how the established set of project management processes is applied from concept, development and delivery of complex building projects in a competitive business environment.

• Reflective report equivalent to 500 words (10%) due in week 12, reflecting on how the established set of project management competencies applies over the project’s lifecycle.

• Two hour examination equivalent to 2000 words during the examination period (40%) demonstrating the application of theory in real life case studies and development of appropriate solutions including critical analysis of the specific problems associated with the project management knowledge areas. A minimum mark of 40% has to be achieved in the examination in order to pass this subject.

1. Course materials.
2. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 4th ed, Project Management Institute, 2004.
3. J.R. Turner, The Handbook of Project Based Management, McGraw-Hill, 1998.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• An appreciation of the scope and dimensions of professional roles;
• The ability to function effectively as either a team leader or member within multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
• A commitment to, and fundamental appreciation of, the concept of successful teamwork and the ability to communicate effectively, clearly and concisely as a team leader or member of the group;
• An ability to communicate ideas, concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences effectively, clearly and concisely;
• An ability to carry out research and apply fundamental theoretical knowledge to problem solving in relevant disciplines.

Computer requirements: A PC with Windows operating system; 56k Modem for dial-up access and a webcam.

Resources provided to distance students: Internet-based IT framework (Learning Management System) with secured access facilitating completion of assignments handed out during the workshop session and online access to other students and the subject coordinator/tutor.