PMN603 Project Investigation 1
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PMN603 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Admission to (PM20 or PV20 or PV21) |
| Equivalent(s): | PMQ603 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PMN503, PMN504, PMN505 and PMN610 are assumed knowledge |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,444 |
| International unit fee | $5,220 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PMN603 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission to (PM20 or PV20 or PV21) |
| Equivalent: | PMQ603 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PMN503, PMN504, PMN505 and PMN610 are assumed knowledge |
| Coordinators: | Madhav Nepal | madhav.nepal@qut.edu.au Tim Rose | tm.rose@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Problems that confront Project Managers are ill-defined and complex. Problem identification, evidence-based literature searching, research design and planning, and effective communication through reports and presentations are essential attributes of the modern Project Manager. This unit provides you with the knowledge of applied and evidence-based methods to critically appraise and solve discipline-specific real world problems and effectively communicate processes and solutions verbally and in writing. This unit will also assist you in the development of clearly-defined questions and techniques to plan and execute an applied project of your own design in PMN606 Project Investigation 2.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Justify the selection of research methods for addressing applied problems in project management practice.
- Synthesise relevant information from extant literature to inform the research approach.
- Create plans for conducting applied research within organisational environments.
- Pitch proposed research to hypothetical industry leaders to convince them of the merits of the research.
- Discuss the risks associated with, and the ethical implications of researching in professional settings.
Content
This unit covers:
- The role and value of applied research and development for innovation and best practice within project-based organisations and across a broader professional community.
- Evidence-based research practice including, key principles and approaches.
- Identification and definition of relevant discipline specific problems.
- Retrieval, appraisal and synthesis of published research relevant to discipline specific problems.
- The research process including developing a research question, selecting an appropriate method, and approaches to data collection and analysis.
- Scholarly communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical issues of researching in professional settings.
Learning Approaches
Authentic learning, incorporating some aspects of work-integrated learning, informs the pedagogical approach in this unit. The teaching and learning approach is based around the systematic processes of an applied evidence-based (research) investigation with interactive lectures/discussions guided by expert researchers and professional guests. You will engage in individual research to address practical 'real world' project management problems, drawn from a range of perspectives and project environments.
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with examples and your own contextualised research inquiry. As project management professionals, you will learn to write an evidence-based proposal to support your research approach; and convincingly pitch your proposed research to a hypothetical group of industry leaders on the merits of your work. You will also undertake a hands-on and through literature search and formulate detailed methods to support your investigation. You will develop high order thinking and applied research skills in a consultative and connected learning environment, which will foster inquiry and informed debate about a range of project management related research problems.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Rubrics provided to show the expected standard for each criteria in an assessment item.
- Feedback comments on assignments returned to you via Canvas.
- Lecture and tutorial sessions providing extensive question and answer opportunities.
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
In addition, consultation hours are available to clarify assessment contents and to provide constructive feedback. Students are also encouraged to ask teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and workshop sessions.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessments in this unit:
- Concept Map and Evidence Summary – this will develop your understanding of key related concepts/ ideas that underpin a proposed research topic and develop your skills in outlining research, reviewing and summarising literature, and presenting an convincing argument of relevance. Student-selected research topics will be defined in consultation with expert project management researchers and industry professionals.
- Research Proposal – you will demonstrate your applied research knowledge and skills by exploring the systematic processes that underpin evidence-based research. This includes clearly defining research study scope, presenting robust arguments to support a proposed research gap, and detailed research design.
- 'Industry Conference' Presentation - you will develop your presentation skills by presenting a convincing and creative overview of your proposed research project to a hypothetical group of industry leaders with an objective to convince them of the research merits and demonstrate your understanding of the research process.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Concept Map and Evidence Summary
You will identify a specific problem or issue from professional practice contexts. Based on this problem/issue, you will research the extant literature for related key concepts. You will produce a Concept Map of the related concepts and provide a detailed evidence summary of your proposed research and relevant literature.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal
You will develop a written proposal for an evidence based research project that will address a specific professional problem or issue that you have identified in Assessment 1. The proposal will include defining your topic and its relevance, reviewing a selection of relevant literature and outlining your research methodology, and a timeline for implementing your project.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: 'Industry Conference' Presentation
You will take on the role of a research leader to present your proposed research to a hypothetical group of industry leaders to convince them of the merits of your work. Your presentation will be pre-recorded.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PM20 Master of Project Management
- Appraise and adapt contemporary project management methodologies to projects of different types and complexities
Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Research and critically analyse data and extant literature to inform evidence-based project management practice
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Concept Map and Evidence Summary, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Communicate, negotiate and manage diverse stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes
Relates to: ULO4, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Apply ethical, professional and risk-based judgements to inform decision making in project environments.
Relates to: ULO5, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Create project plans to effectively deliver strategic business and organisational objectives.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PMN603 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission to (PM20 or PV20 or PV21) |
| Equivalent: | PMQ603 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PMN503, PMN504, PMN505 and PMN610 are assumed knowledge |
| Coordinators: | Tim Rose | tm.rose@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Problems that confront Project Managers are ill-defined and complex. Problem identification, evidence-based literature searching, research design and planning, and effective communication through reports and presentations are essential attributes of the modern Project Manager. This unit provides you with the knowledge of applied and evidence-based methods to critically appraise and solve discipline-specific real world problems and effectively communicate processes and solutions verbally and in writing. This unit will also assist you in the development of clearly-defined questions and techniques to plan and execute an applied project of your own design in PMN606 Project Investigation 2.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Justify the selection of research methods for addressing applied problems in project management practice.
- Synthesise relevant information from extant literature to inform the research approach.
- Create plans for conducting applied research within organisational environments.
- Pitch proposed research to hypothetical industry leaders to convince them of the merits of the research.
- Discuss the risks associated with, and the ethical implications of researching in professional settings.
Content
This unit covers:
- The role and value of applied research and development for innovation and best practice within project-based organisations and across a broader professional community.
- Evidence-based research practice including, key principles and approaches.
- Identification and definition of relevant discipline specific problems.
- Retrieval, appraisal and synthesis of published research relevant to discipline specific problems.
- The research process including developing a research question, selecting an appropriate method, and approaches to data collection and analysis.
- Scholarly communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical issues of researching in professional settings.
Learning Approaches
Authentic learning, incorporating some aspects of work-integrated learning, informs the pedagogical approach in this unit. The teaching and learning approach is based around the systematic processes of an applied evidence-based (research) investigation with interactive lectures/discussions guided by expert researchers and professional guests. You will engage in individual research to address practical 'real world' project management problems, drawn from a range of perspectives and project environments.
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with examples and your own contextualised research inquiry. As project management professionals, you will learn to write an evidence-based proposal to support your research approach; and convincingly pitch your proposed research to a hypothetical group of industry leaders on the merits of your work. You will also undertake a hands-on and through literature search and formulate detailed methods to support your investigation. You will develop high order thinking and applied research skills in a consultative and connected learning environment, which will foster inquiry and informed debate about a range of project management related research problems.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Rubrics provided to show the expected standard for each criteria in an assessment item.
- Feedback comments on assignments returned to you via Canvas.
- Lecture and tutorial sessions providing extensive question and answer opportunities.
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
In addition, consultation hours are available to clarify assessment contents and to provide constructive feedback. Students are also encouraged to ask teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and workshop sessions.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessments in this unit:
- Concept Map and Evidence Summary – this will develop your understanding of key related concepts/ ideas that underpin a proposed research topic and develop your skills in outlining research, reviewing and summarising literature, and presenting an convincing argument of relevance. Student-selected research topics will be defined in consultation with expert project management researchers and industry professionals.
- Research Proposal – you will demonstrate your applied research knowledge and skills by exploring the systematic processes that underpin evidence-based research. This includes clearly defining research study scope, presenting robust arguments to support a proposed research gap, and detailed research design.
- 'Industry Conference' Presentation - you will develop your presentation skills by presenting a convincing and creative overview of your proposed research project to a hypothetical group of industry leaders with an objective to convince them of the research merits and demonstrate your understanding of the research process.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Concept Map and Evidence Summary
You will identify a specific problem or issue from professional practice contexts. Based on this problem/issue, you will research the extant literature for related key concepts. You will produce a Concept Map of the related concepts and provide a detailed evidence summary of your proposed research and relevant literature.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal
You will develop a written proposal for an evidence based research project that will address a specific professional problem or issue that you have identified in Assessment 1. The proposal will include defining your topic and its relevance, reviewing a selection of relevant literature and outlining your research methodology, and a timeline for implementing your project.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: 'Industry Conference' Presentation
You will take on the role of a research leader to present your proposed research to a hypothetical group of industry leaders to convince them of the merits of your work. Your presentation will be pre-recorded.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PM20 Master of Project Management
- Appraise and adapt contemporary project management methodologies to projects of different types and complexities
Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Research and critically analyse data and extant literature to inform evidence-based project management practice
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Concept Map and Evidence Summary, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Communicate, negotiate and manage diverse stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes
Relates to: ULO4, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Apply ethical, professional and risk-based judgements to inform decision making in project environments.
Relates to: ULO5, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation - Create project plans to effectively deliver strategic business and organisational objectives.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal, 'Industry Conference' Presentation