GSZ545 Complex Project Alignment and Implementation

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Unit code:	GSZ545
Prerequisite(s):	GSZ405
Credit points:	12
Timetable	Details in HiQ, if available
Availabilities	Online Flexible Period - 09B More about teaching periods More about unit attendance modes
Domestic tuition unit fee	$7,032
International unit fee	$6,840

Complex projects are usually initiated to implement/contribute to long-range strategic objectives in volatile contexts with high uncertainty. Project leaders who fail to appreciate the nature of complex projects and attempt to apply only traditional approaches will inevitably fail. It is critical that leaders of complex projects/programs have an understanding of complexity, strategic alignment and develop the knowledge that allows them to develop an adaptive leadership approach. This unit offers a rich learning opportunity to analyse the diverse approaches to implementation applied in a broad range of complex projects, and to leverage the experience of world-class complex project leaders and managers.

Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 09B 2024, Online (Start Date: 01 Sep 2024)

Unit code:	GSZ545
Credit points:	12
Pre-requisite:	GSZ405

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit offers a rich learning opportunity to analyse the diverse approaches to implementation applied in a broad range of complex projects, and to leverage the experience of world-class complex project leaders and managers.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

Recognise the role of project portfolio management in facilitating both strategic alignment and project implementation as well as the main causes of strategic and delivery failure. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
Recognise the challenges created by project complexity - and understand the variety of implementation approaches/responses available - and the conditions in which they are appropriate. KS 1.2
Determine the shortcomings and limitations of traditional methods of project and program management and identif ycontemporary methods and techniques which support succesful project implementation in complex situations. HO 2.1
Demonstrate an ability to apply portfolio, program and project management approaches appropriately to complex situations. HO 2.2, SEC 5.2
Work collaboratively with others to conduct a business meeting and apply cultuatrally sensitive business protocols during the meeting. KS 1.1, SL 4.2, SEC 5.2
Use advanced oral communication skills to deliver an effective solution mindful of cross-cultural implications. PC 3.2

Content

Strategic Objectives and project Implementation
Project Portfolio Management and Strategic Alignment
Complexity and project Management
Program Management - MSP
Contemporary Developments
Analysis of practices in complex projects

Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)

The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge. 
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.

Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.

Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.

Learning Approaches

This unit is highly experiential and students will engage via: Guided instruction, learning activities and assessment, case studies, Canvas site with additional materials related to the cases under study. Students will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and/or community groups thus being exposed to a range of diverse global and trans-national perspectives.

Students should note the following:

The program, although confirmed, may be subject to change at short notice. If changes are made you will be made aware of the changes as soon as possible.
To minimise the learning opportunities, the program has a very tight schedule for day and evening events. Your punctuality is critical to ensure it's smooth operation.
This intensive program provides little time or energy for students to attend to normal work, family or religious duties. Students are responsible for ensuring that their personal activities (work-related, leisure and/or religious) do not interfere with their ability to attend and participate in all required activities.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout semester, which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
Indirect: to whole class

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Analysis of Complex Projects

Students will work in groups to analyse the dimensions and strategies of project complexity exhibited in nominated complex projects. Recommendations to address any perceived shortcomings should be included in the presentation. Students will also submit a 150 word self-reflective piece that address their experience of the groups work-process.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SL (4.2), SEC (5.2)

Weight: 40

Length: 20 minutes plus Q&A and a 150 word self-reflection

Individual/Group: Group

Due (indicative): As timetabled

Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 5, 6

Related Standards: EXEC Business Capabilities: HO (2.1), KS (1.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.2), SL (4.2)

Assessment: Report

Comparative Evaluation of Project Implementation
You are required to develop a report to the senior management team of your own organisation of innovative practices observed during the immersive experience and contrast this to your organisation's approach to complex project management.

The report should encompass:

The identification of three significant innovative practices investigated and observed during the immersive experience. These practices are to be selected based on their potential to provide benefits for adoption in your context.
A succinct description of the implementation methodologies adopted in each immersive experience and the drivers behind their adoption.
Evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of these methodologies in the context of the frameworks, research and techniques discussed in the CPL/SP stream, the environment in which they operate, and the demonstrated strategic contribution achieved.
Identify two practices, currently adopted in your organisation, that the program has alerted them to as potentially problematic or represent an opportunity and that may benefit from modification in your context.
Provide persuasive argument to your senior leadership team in the form of recommendations as to how to respond to these innovations and identified issues.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SEC (5.2)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 60

Length: 2,500 words

Individual/Group: Individual

Due (indicative): Negotiated

Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Related Standards: EXEC Business Capabilities: HO (2.1), HO (2.2), KS (1.2), SE (5.2)

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: Analysis of Complex Projects, Report

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: Report

KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: Analysis of Complex Projects

KS (1.2): Advanced Technical and Technological Skills