Note: This unit is an archived version! See Overview tab for delivered versions.

PMGT6869: Advanced Knowledge in Project Management (2013 - Semester 2 Block Mode)

Download UoS Outline

Unit: PMGT6869: Advanced Knowledge in Project Management (6 CP)
Mode: Block Mode
On Offer: Yes
Level: Postgraduate
Faculty/School: Project Management
Unit Coordinator/s: Ludewig, Sabine
Session options: Semester 1 Online, Semester 2 Block Mode
Versions for this Unit:
Site(s) for this Unit:
Campus: Camperdown/Darlington
Pre-Requisites: None.
Brief Handbook Description: Learning to think about, apply and communicate project management ideas at an advanced level requires highly developed critical thinking capabilities like:

- Problem identification

- Evaluation of alternative viewpoints

- Assessment of assumptions and arguments

- Synthesising and prioritising information

- Logical and persuasive presentation and negotiation

- Understanding key challenges of cultural diversity

The ability to think critically provides practitioners with the leadership skills to transform creativity into practical solutions, maximise resources and gain commitment from others. As a foundational unit of study for Master's level project management program, this unit equips students with critical thinking and communication competencies of immediate relevance for advanced study of project management theories and methods. Components of the unit include therefore critical reflection, examination of multiple views, evaluation, interrogation, analysis and application of findings to cases and projects. This unit of study uses online delivery but also requires face to face attendance at weekly seminars.
Assumed Knowledge: PMBoK Guide
Department Permission Department permission is required for enrollment in this session.
Lecturer/s: Ludewig, Sabine
Timetable: PMGT6869 Timetable
Time Commitment:
# Activity Name Hours per Week Sessions per Week Weeks per Semester
1 Seminar 3.00 1 13
2 Independent Study 7.00 13
T&L Activities: The unit will be delivered as a weekly three hrs seminar blocks. Attendance is compulsory. The seminars are intended as (A) active collaborative learning experiences where your informed input will be both expected and supported, and (B) an opportunity to provide a framework which forms a basis for you to explore the topic further.

It is expected that students will spend an average of 7-9 hours of additional work per week and produce approximately 5,500 words during semester. This time should be made up of reading research, working on activities and problems and participating in classes. In periods where assignments need to be prepared the required workload may be greater.

The weekly readings seek to extent lecture content and provide students with examples relevant for future project managers. Students are expected to prepare the weekly readings before each seminar and bring the printouts to class for group discussions.

Attributes listed here represent the key course goals (see Course Map tab) designated for this unit. The list below describes how these attributes are developed through practice in the unit. See Learning Outcomes and Assessment tabs for details of how these attributes are assessed.

Attribute Development Method Attribute Developed
Leadership capabilities are developed through team discussion and decision-making activities. Project Leadership (Level 2)
The unit develops skills in communicating complex information in a range of formats for diverse purposes and audiences through different communication activities including essay writing, journal writing, poster design and class discussion. Project Communication (Level 3)
Project management professionalism is developed through regular critical reflection on the values and qualities of effective project management. Professional Practice (Level 2)

For explanation of attributes and levels see Project Management Learning Progression Table.

Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. They are listed according to the course goal supported by each. See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.

Project Communication (Level 3)
1. Ability to analyse complex problems by building an explanation about the case.
2. Ability to critically evaluate the assumptions, conclusions and evidence used in given arguments.
3. Ability to synthesise ideas from diverse sources clearly, succinctly and accurately.
4. Ability to construct logical, pursuasive arguments in spoken and written form to a high professional standards.
Project Leadership (Level 2)
5. Ability to contribute constructively to team discussions and decision-making.
Professional Practice (Level 2)
6. Ability to exercise appropriate values, standards and judgment consistent with the requirements of professional practice and technical knowledge.
Assessment Methods:
# Name Group Weight Due Week Outcomes
1 Reflective learning journal No 20.00 Week 4 1, 2, 6,
2 Poster presentation in weeks 12 & 13. Yes 30.00 Week 12 1, 3, 5, 6,
3 Essay No 40.00 Week 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,
4 Participation No 10.00 Multiple Weeks 5,
Assessment Description: Late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% per day.

All submissions must be referenced consistently and correctly.

Participation will be used to assess your ability to critically think about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments and your ability to identify, access, organise and communicate knowledge orally. Given the long class sessions, collaborative dialogue is imperative to maximize comprehension and assist in the achievement of the learning objectives for this unit of study. Furthermore, as there are frequently no clear answers to project managers , it is important to develop skills that allow you to justify your assertions and to be persuasive in your argument. The discussions in seminars are primary means of assessing participation. However, it is also important to participate in lectures. Simply attending does not equate to participation and a mark of zero is possible. Your mark will be based on your demonstrated willingness to contribute to class discussions and debate in an informed and constructive manner. To be well informed you should read the set text chapters prior to class.
Grading:
Grade Type Description
Standards Based Assessment Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD for High Distinction, DI (previously D) for Distinction, CR for Credit, PS (previously P) for Pass and FA (previously F) for Fail as defined by University of Sydney Assessment Policy. Details of the Assessment Policy are available on the Policies website at http://sydney.edu.au/policies . Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit coordinator.
Recommended Reference/s: Note: References are provided for guidance purposes only. Students are advised to consult these books in the university library. Purchase is not required.
Online Course Content: Please logon to WebCT on the first day of semester for full details.
Note on Resources: There is no textbook for this UoS. Readings for each week are available either via a web link and/or the designated e-reserve for the UoS in Fisher Library. To access the readings in Fisher Library, follow this link below.

A list with the required and recommended readings for each week are in the Learning Resources folder on Blackboard.

You should read the REQUIRED readings prior to the relevant seminar. This is for several reasons: these readings have been carefully selected to enhance your learning and, on a more practical level, these readings will allow you to effectively participate in tutorial discussions and to satisfactorily complete your assignments.

UniKey Login Required

Only current University of Sydney students may view this content.

If you are an existing student, please login with your UniKey here.

Course Relations

The following is a list of courses which have added this Unit to their structure.

Course Year(s) Offered

Course Goals

This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:

Attribute Practiced Assessed
Project Communication (Level 3) Yes 61%
Project Leadership (Level 2) Yes 17.5%
Professional Practice (Level 2) Yes 21.5%

These goals are selected from Project Management Learning Progression Table which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Project Management Learning Progression Table for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole. Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.