Curtin Business School
School of Information Systems
Project Management PM301
Unit Outline Semester 1, 2010
Unit Index Number
13605
Hours per Week
3 hours
Weekly Tuition Pattern
1 hour lecture/seminar, and
Credit Value
2 hour tutorial/laboratory
25 credits
Pre-requisites
10830 – Business Information systems 100
AND
310410 – Systems Analysis and Design 251
Unit Coordinator
Cyril Toman
Unit Coordinator’s office
B309/124
Unit Coordinator’s email
c.toman@.curtin.edu.au
Contact Telephone Numbers
9266 2675
School Telephone & Fax Numbers
9266 7685 (tel) or 9266 3076 (fax)
Website for Unit Materials
FLECS/Blackboard http://oasis.curtin.edu.au
Faculty or School Website
http://www.business.curtin.edu.au/business/teachin
g-areas/information-systems
Student Consultation Times
Available from the school office
GENERAL INFORMATION
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and
procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student.
See http://students.curtin.edu.au/rights for comprehensive information on all of the above.
School of Information Systems
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CRICOS provider code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 1
UNIT INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 3
1. Aims ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Outcomes ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Syllabus ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Learning Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 4
5. Timetable of Classes ................................................................................................................................... 5
6. Program ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Assessment ................................................................................................................................................... 7
7.3 Referencing Style ......................................................................................................................................... 8
7.4 Assignment Marking Guide ......................................................................................................................... 8
7.5 Plagiarism .................................................................................................................................................... 10
7.6 Plagiarism Monitoring ................................................................................................................................ 11
7.7 Fair assessment through moderation ...................................................................................................... 11
7.8 Assessment Compliance Information ...................................................................................................... 11
7.9 Penalty for Late Submission of Assessments ........................................................................................ 11
7.10 Relationship of Assessment Activities to Learning Outcomes and Professional Skills .................. 11
8. Student’s Rights and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 12
9. Additional Information ................................................................................................................................ 13
Undergraduate Supplementary and Deferred Examinations ....................................................................... 13
Postgraduate Deferred Examinations .............................................................................................................. 13
10. Recent unit changes .................................................................................................................................. 13
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UNIT INFORMATION
1.
Aims
The aim of the unit is teach students how to manage an Information Systems development
project. Almost all information systems work is undertaken as projects, and most students
will be part of project teams. It is important that students, if not directly responsible for
managing the team, understand the project management processes to enable them to be
productive team members.
2.
Outcomes
2.1
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Explain the need for Project Management, CLO1, CLO2, T1
2. Describe and apply the use of an internationally recognised framework (PMBoK) for
Project Management, CLO3, T2
3. Analyse and explain core knowledge areas related to Project Management, CLO1, T4
4. Demonstrate the concepts, skills, tools and techniques involved in Project Management,
CLO3, T3
5. Use a contemporary Project Management tool to create a Project Management Plan,
CLO4, CLO5, T5
6. Identify a range of resources to maintain their knowledge of information systems
implementation, CLO6, CLO9, T1
2.2
Graduate Attributes and Professional Skills Outcomes
Employers worldwide want graduates who have developed effective professional skills and
attributes. The CBS graduate attributes and professional skills program includes
communication (writing, interpersonal interactions and cultural awareness, and presenting),
critical and creative thinking (problem solving and decision making), team work, IT literacy,
information literacy, international perspectives and life-long learning.
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1.
Develop and present a plan for a project which utilises a variety of document
templates appropriate to project planning;
2.
Express ideas and opinions clearly and confidently;
3.
Apply appropriate problem-solving processes, arguments, critical and creative
thinking;
4.
Justify decisions using logical thinking;
5.
Manage projects effectively, involving the organization and co-ordination of group
work;
6.
Demonstrate competence with the use of Microsoft Project 2007
School of Information Systems
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3.
Syllabus
Project management of information technology projects to ensure successful delivery on
time, within cost and with quality. Content includes: scope management, time management,
cost management, quality management, risk management, human resource management,
communications management, procurement management and the use of a contemporary
project management software package.
4.
Learning Resources
4.1
Texts
You will need to purchase the following textbook in order to complete this unit
Schwalbe, Kathy 2009, Information Technology Project Management, Sixth Edition
Course Technology, Thomson Learning, Boston MA
ISBN: 13: 978-0-324-78692-7
Please note that the prescribed text is the SIXTH Edition.
4.2
Recommended Texts
4.3
References
In addition to the set textbook(s) the following references will be useful:
Thomsett, R., 2002, Radical Project Management, Prentice Hall, NJ
McConnell, S., 1998, Software Project Survival Guide, Microsoft Press
Kerzner, H., 2001, Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,
Scheduling and Controlling, John Wiley, New York.
Bennatan, E. M. 2000 On time within budget: Software project management
practices and techniques John Wiley, New York.
AS/NZS 3905 – Guidelines to Quality in Project Management
AS/NZS 4360 – Risk Management
AS4915 – Project Management – General Conditions
AS4071 – Software Project Management Plans
4.4
Other Resources
www.course.com/mis/schwalbe4e
This is the companion web site for the textbook. It contains a range of resources including
web sites quoted in the textbook, copies of documents etc. Please refer to the inside cover
of the text for more details.
You need to register your username and a password. You then also need to register using a
course code. This will be demonstrated in the first laboratory.
http://www.kathyschwalbe.com/
This is Kathy Schwalbe's Personal Home Page. Go to the link Test Advice for links to
sample tests, games, and advice on studying and taking tests. See if you're ready to pass
the PMP exam.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/project/FX100487771033.aspx
This is Microsoft’s web page for Microsoft Project 2007 for Australia. It contains articles and
tips for using Microsoft Project 2007.
http://www.aipm.com.au/html/
The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) is the peak body for project
management in Australia. Formed in 1976, as the Project Managers' Forum, the AIPM has
been instrumental in progressing the profession of project management over the past 25
years. The AIPM’s role is to improve the knowledge, skills and competence of project team
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members, project managers and project directors, all of whom play a key role in the
achievement of business objectives, not just project objectives.
http://www.pmi.org/Pages/default.aspx
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the leading non-profit professional association in
the area of Project Management with over 100,000 members worldwide.
http://www.pmboulevard.com/Default.aspx?page=92
This is a comprehensive PM resource on the Web with access to services for which you
have to pay. However, it has an archive of articles – click on the Expert Advice tab and
select the articles or search the archives. PM Boulevard also provides news, links, and other
PM resources to keep you up to date on the industry's latest trends.
http://www.mpug.com/Pages/Home.aspx
Microsoft Project Users Group (MPUG) is the official international community supporting
Microsoft® Project. Launched in 1997, the organization serves as an ongoing resource for
members to improve their understanding of MS Project and to help maintain their investment
in the tool.
http://www.westfallteam.com/Papers_&_Resources.htm
A useful collection of papers and other resources that will also be useful for ISP391/392.
http://www.construx.com/survivalguide/
This Survival Guide site complements Steve McConnell's Software Project Survival Guide
with many on-line resources.
http://www.construx.com/resources/estimate/
Download Estimate Ver 2.0 here. “Construx Estimate contributes to project success by
helping improve your software estimation capabilities. Estimate leverages a blend of proven
estimation models to predict effort, budget, and schedule for your project based on size
estimates. Estimate comes calibrated with industry data, but is most powerful when
calibrated with your organization's data.”
http://www.thomsett.com.au/content/thomsett/
A web site devoted to agile project management
http://www.thomsettinternational.com/main/projectbook/book_forward.htm
Free download of “The Busy Person’s Project Management Book”
FLECS – Blackboard
Access FLECS –Blackboard through the OASIS portal.
5.
Timetable of Classes
Type
Lecture
Tutorial
Laboratory
Day
Friday
Friday
Friday
Time
9:00 – 10:00
10:00 – 11:00
11:00 – 12:00
Room
407.205
407.205
402.230
Consultation Times
Arrange with lecturer by email
Refer to “Unit & Course information” at http://www.cbs.curtin.edu.au/students for timetable
updates
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6.




Program
The timetable shows the topics and order to be covered, and is indicative of the weeks it
will be taught.
Text and other pre-reading should be completed before attending the lecture.
Background reading may be required for some topics and is specified in lecture slides.
Additional notes, cases, and exercises may be handed out during classes.
Semester One
Week
Lecture/Seminar
1.
Begin
Date
01 Mar
2.
08 Mar
3.
15 Mar
The Project Management
Context and Processes
cont…
Project Management
Process Groups
Project Integration
Management
4.
22 Mar
5.
29 Mar
– 2 Apr
6.
7.
05 09 Apr
12 Apr
8.
Introduction to Project
Management
The Project Management
Context and Processes
Project Scope
Management
Prereadings
Schwalbe
Chap 1
Schwalbe
Chap 2
Tutorial/
Laboratory
Project definition
The triple constraint; The
PM Framework;
Login check
Application check
Textbook Web Site
Schwalbe
Chap. 3
IT Project Context
Project Managers
Overview of Project 2007
A.1 – A.14
Assessment
Due
Schwalbe
Chap 4
Project plan development
and execution
Project 2007 Views and
Filters
A.14 – A19
Schwalbe
Scope planning, definition,
Chap 5
verification and change
control; Work Breakdown
Structures
A.19 – A.26
Tuition Free Week
Assignment 1 due
at noon on Friday
26 March
Tuition Free Week
Project Time
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 6
19 Apr
Project Cost
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 7
9.
26 Apr
Project Quality
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 8
10.
03 May
Project Human Resource
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 9
School of Information Systems
Activity definition,
sequencing and estimation;
Schedule development
Project Time Management
A.26 – A.43
Assignment 1 review
Resource planning, cost
estimating, budgeting and
control;
A.44 – A.54
Quality planning, assurance
and control
Project Cost Management
(ctd) Earned Value
A.54 – A.62
Managing people,
organisational planning and
team development;
Project Human Resource
Management
A.62 – A.69
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Week
Lecture/Seminar
11.
Begin
Date
10 May
Project Communications
Management
Prereadings
Schwalbe
Chap 10
12.
17 May
Project Risk
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 11
13.
24 May
Project Procurement
Management
Schwalbe
Chap 12
14.
31 May
Unit Review & Exam
Preparation
15.
16.
17.
07 Jun
14 Jun
21 Jun
7.
Assessment
7.1
Summary
Tutorial/
Laboratory
Communications planning
and management,
performance reporting;
Project Communications
Management
A.70 – A.76
Exam format
Risk identification, planning
and management
Exam preparation
Procurement Planning
Review of Assignment work
Exam preparation
Review of Assignment work
Exam preparation
Assessment
Due
Assignment 2 due
at noon on Friday
4 June
Study Week
Exams Week 1
Exams Week 2
To pass this unit you must:
a) Receive an overall grade of 5 or above and a mark greater than or equal to 50 AND
b) Submit all assessment activities AND
c) Pass the exam
No.
1
2
3
Assessment Activity
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Exam
Total
Percentage %
10%
40%
50%
100%
The assessments are due as per the Program above.
7.2
Assessment Details
7.2.1 Assignment 1
Both assignment 1 and assignment 2 are based on the same case-study and involve
preparing project plans for the development and implementation of an application.
All materials for the assignment including case study, assignment details and detailed
marking guide will be available in FLECS-Blackboard in week 2.
Assignment 1 is an individual assignment involving the preparation of the Scope statement,
Work-Breakdown structure and associated documentation.
7.2.2 Assignment 2
Assignment 2 involves the preparation of a full project plan, utilising what you have learned
from the course, and the feedback provided from Assignment 1. This assignment is due on
the last day of lectures. The assignments are usually marked by the end of the study week,
and the results posted on FLECS-Blackboard so that they are available before the exam.
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Assignment 2 will be completed in teams of 3 or 4 from your tutorial class. Teams will be
allocated in week 4.
Please note all group members are responsible for the work of other group members. You
are encouraged to ensure that group members fulfil on their responsibilities. If you have an
issue with a group member please approach the Unit Controller for assistance. Most
problems can be resolved amicably. Please note however, that the Unit Controller will not
enter into conversations concerning poor performing group members in the week prior to or
after the assignment deadline.
7.2.3 Examination
The final examination will take place during the examination weeks. It will cover all the
material covered in the unit, including questions about the assignment. The format of the
exam will be explained to you during the last lecture of the semester.
7.3
Referencing Style
Students should use the Harvard referencing style when preparing assignments. More
information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
http://library.curtin.edu.au/research_and_information_skills/referencing
7.4
Assignment Marking Guide
The following is the guide used to mark the assignments from last semester. The actual
assignment and guide will be made available via BlackBoard and may be slightly different.
PM 301 – Assignment 1 marking guide
Criteria
Possible
Mark
Business need (problem/opportunity) is described.
5
Project justification
Costs and benefits to the business are identified
5
(15 marks)
Project justification demonstrates that the writer has
analysed the business and organisational environment of
the project
5
Product characteristics and requirements are stated
10
Product requirements
and characteristics
Product characteristics and requirements align with the
business need.
5
(20 marks)
Product characteristics and requirements demonstrate that
the writer has analysed the technical environment of the
project
5
Category
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Category
Project deliverables
(25 marks)
Project success
criteria
(20 marks)
Supporting detail
(10 marks)
Quality of writing
and presentation
(10 marks)
Criteria
Possible
Mark
The list of deliverables is comprehensive – ie full and
satisfactory delivery of the items on the list would mark
completion of the project
10
Deliverables are described in sufficient detail
10
The list distinguishes between project-management-related
and product-related deliverables
5
Success criteria include cost, schedule and scope measures
10
Criteria indicate what is to be measured, how it is to be
measured, and the target value
10
Project assumptions and constraints are identified
5
Relevant documentation (eg SDLC methodology, document
templates) is referenced
5
Writing is clear and concise; spelling and grammar are
correct
5
Document presentation is professional and complies with the
Assignment Guidelines
5
Total 100
PM 301 – Assignment 2 marking guide
Category
Possible
Mark
Criteria
Format is appropriate for Project Management Plan. Tables
and figures are displayed in a professional manner
5
Overall presentation
(10 marks)
Project Integration
Management
(10 marks)
School of Information Systems
Writing is clear, concise and coherent. Spelling,
punctuation and grammar are correct
5
Business need (problem/opportunity) is described. Reason
for the project and benefits to the business are described.
Project success criteria are defined
5
A summary of the approach to managing the project across
the knowledge areas is provided. Process for managing
integrated change control is detailed
5
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Category
Criteria
Possible
Mark
Project Scope
Management
Key deliverables (project management and product related)
are described
5
WBS is logical and has sufficient detail. Additional workrelated information (eg a WBS dictionary) is provided
5
Schedule summary identifies key deliverables, milestones
5
Detailed schedule information shows logical sequencing
and durations that match project requirements
5
Plan describes how schedule will be controlled
5
Plan sets out how costs have been estimated
5
Budget contains details of how costs are to be allocated to
individual work items over time
5
Mechanisms for controlling project costs are described
5
Quality standards for the product and for project
management are described
5
Plan describes how product and project quality will be
assured and controlled
5
Plan explains how risks will be managed throughout the
life of the project
5
A risk register identifies a number of significant risks to the
project and specifies treatments
5
Stakeholders and their interest in the project are identified.
A stakeholder management strategy is outlined
5
Plan describes the audience for project communications,
their communication needs, and the method and timing of
communications about the project.
5
The project roles, responsibilities and relationships are
described.
5
Approaches to developing and managing the project team
are outlined
5
(10 marks)
Project Time
Management
(15 marks)
Project Cost
Management
(15 marks)
Project Quality
Management
(10 marks)
Project Risk
Management
(10 Marks)
Project
Communications
Management
(10 marks)
Project Human
Resource Management
(10 marks)
Total 100
7.5
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when work or property of another person is presented as one’s own,
without appropriate acknowledgement or referencing. Plagiarism is a serious offence. For
more information refer to http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au
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7.6
Plagiarism Monitoring
Some (or all) assessments in this unit will be monitored for plagiarism using Turnitin
plagiarism detection service (see http://turnitin.com). Students who do not want assignments
retained in the Turnitin database, must lodge a special request prior to the submission date.
For further advice see http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/students/turnitin.cfm
7.7
Fair assessment through moderation
Moderation describes a quality assurance process to ensure that assessments are
appropriate to the learning outcomes, and that the student work is consistently evaluated by
assessors. Minimum standard for the moderation of assessment are described in the
Assessment Manual, available from:
http://policies.curtin.edu.au/policies/teachingandlearning.cfm
7.8
Assessment Compliance Information
Due dates will be strictly adhered to. Extensions will be granted only in cases of
demonstrated urgent need. It is your responsibility to check the due date.
The Final Exam will be held during the formal examination period. It is the student’s
responsibility to check the date and time of the Final Exam on the Curtin website.
Official release results for this unit are published on Oasis on the Curtin website.
http://oasis.curtin.edu.au
7.9
Penalty for Late Submission of Assessments
If assignments are not submitted by the due date, a penalty of 10% per day will be deducted
from the assessment mark and after seven (7) days a zero mark will be recorded.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep appropriate copies/backups of every assignment
submitted.
7.10
Relationship of Assessment Activities to Learning Outcomes and
Professional Skills
This table illustrates how the assessment activities relate to the assessment of the learning
outcomes and professional skills.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the need for Project
Management, CLO1, CLO2, T1
2. Describe and apply the use of an
internationally recognised
framework (PMBoK) for Project
Management, CLO3, T2
3. Analyse and explain core
knowledge areas related to
Project Management, CLO1, T4
4. Demonstrate the concepts,
skills, tools and techniques
involved in Project Management,
School of Information Systems
Assignment 1
Assessment Activity
Assignment 2
Exam












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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Assignment 1
CLO3, T3
5. Use a contemporary Project
Management tool to create a
Project Management Plan,
CLO4, CLO5, T5
6. Identify a range of resources to
maintain their knowledge of
information systems
implementation, CLO6, CLO9,
T1
Professional Skills
1. Develop and present a plan for a
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
project which utilises a variety of
document templates appropriate
to project planning;
Express ideas and opinions
clearly and confidently;
Apply appropriate problemsolving processes, arguments,
critical and creative thinking;
Justify decisions using logical
thinking;
Manage projects effectively,
involving the organization and
co-ordination of group work;
Demonstrate competence with
the use of Microsoft Project 2007
Assessment Activity
Assignment 2
Exam



Assignment 1
Assignment 2













Exam

Student’s Rights and Responsibilities
8.
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and
procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:

the Student Charter,

the University’s Guiding Ethical Principles,

the University’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity,

copyright principles and responsibilities,

the University’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities,

students’ responsibility to check enrolment,

deadlines, appeals, and grievance resolution,

student feedback,

other policies and procedures

electronic communication with students
See http://www.students.curtin.edu.au/rights for comprehensive information on all of the
above.
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9.
Additional Information
Undergraduate Supplementary and Deferred Examinations
For more detailed information on Policies and Procedures relating to Examinations, students
should refer to the WWW at: http://examinations.curtin.edu.au/students/sup_exam.cfm#defer
If you are awarded a supplementary examination or apply for and are awarded a deferred
examination at the end of first semester 2010 in this unit, then the supplementary/deferred
examination for the School of Information Systems will normally be held in July 2010.
A student who does not sit for a scheduled supplementary/deferred examination in a
unit has no claim to a further examination and therefore will receive a FAIL GRADE in
this unit.
Due to time constraints, NO supplementary and/or deferred examinations will be
offered offshore for students studying on-campus at Curtin University (Western
Australia) in Semester 1, 2010.
Note - It is a student's responsibility to obtain all relevant information regarding these
examinations and to be present at the correct time and venue.
Postgraduate Deferred Examinations
For more detailed information on Policies and Procedures relating to Examinations, students
should refer to the WWW at: http://examinations.curtin.edu.au/students/sup_exam.cfm#defer
The Curtin Business School does not award supplementary examinations in postgraduate
units. If you apply for and are awarded a deferred examination at the end of first semester
2010 in this unit, then the deferred examination for the School of Information Systems will
normally be held in July 2010.
A student who does not sit for a scheduled deferred examination in a unit has no claim to a
further examination and therefore will receive a FAIL GRADE in this unit.
Students at local centres other than the Bentley Campus are required to contact their
centres for details of time and venue of the deferred examinations two weeks prior to the
examinations.
Due to time constraints, NO deferred examinations will be offered offshore for
students studying on-campus at Curtin University (Western Australia) in Semester 1,
2010.
Note - It is a student's responsibility to obtain all relevant information regarding these
examinations and to be present at the correct time and venue.
10.
Recent unit changes
We welcome feedback as one way to keep improving this unit. Students are encouraged to
give unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin’s online feedback systems (see
http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au
Recent changes to this unit include:
1.
2.
New edition of the required textbook
Case study based examination
END OF UNIT INFORMATION
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