PMQ503 Systems in Project Management

Unit Outline: Session 1 2024, QUT Online, Online

Overview

This unit focuses on the skills and knowledge required for a Systems Thinking and Integration approach to project management as it relates to scope management, schedule management, quality management and risk management. Other concepts and techniques covered as part of this unit include the interface with other organisational systems, innovation and multiple business environments, health and safety and environmental management.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Define and utilise the principles of scope management, schedule management, quality management and risk management.
2. Apply a systematic approach towards integrating the above principles.
3. Select and apply appropriate methods, tools and techniques in the preparation of schedules, risk registers, quality plans and resource plans.
4. Explain the ethical, social and environmental implications of scope, schedule and resource management in the project environment.
5. Demonstrate written and oral communication skills to industry and academic standards both in a team and project environment to fulfil the specialist project team roles associated with quality, schedule, scope and risk management taking into account cultural considerations including Indigenous cultural considerations.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, participants will engage in both individual and group activities designed to develop theoretical understanding. They will additionally explore the application of these theories to a range of real world situations. They will do so by using topical scenarios and case studies. They will learn how to apply relevant frameworks, methods, tools and techniques to understand, evaluate and manage projects and programs in context.
This unit aims to build on and extend participants analytical and evaluative skills in a form of inquiry-based learning. This will involve making connections by exploring current literature, real-life examples and case studies and through shared problem-solving and analysis in discussion boards guided by their Online Learning Adviser (OLA).
It is expected that participants will spend an average of 12–15 hours per week on learning activities in this unit. Some weeks they will spend more time on readings and assignments than in other weeks where the workload will be somewhat less. It is essential that participants keep up with the prescribed readings and weekly discussions. Participating in online discussions and engaging with your OLA will help them develop your knowledge and skills. It is an opportunity to check theirr ideas, ask questions and interact with the OLA and learning group.
Participants will use the assignments as building blocks for their learning. The learning materials and discussions each week are designed to help participants learn the necessary skills to complete these assignments. The assignments are designed to help them develop and demonstrate these abilities. By engaging in the discussions each week participants will also be well prepared for the assignments, and have met and demonstrated the learning outcomes.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

A range of formative and summative feedback will be provided throughout your studies.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment items for this unit will be made up of various assignments and grades will be issued in accordance with Section C/5.3 of the QUT Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP). The assessment strategy is orientated towards activities which investigate the application of project management principles to “real world” situations. Criterion Referenced Assessments (CRAs) will be used to mark all assignments.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quiz/Test

Multiple choice and short answers.

Assessment: Report

In this assessment you will demonstrate your understanding of project management with the application of a systems approach.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Presentation

Individual Assessment of Group Collaboration and a Presentation.
Group collaboration plus a presentation via face-to-face or recorded video. The task is serving on a project team in a hypothetical project which demonstrates your understanding and applications of systems approach in project management.

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.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no extraordinary risks associated with this unit.