32601 - Spring 2017
University of Technology, Sydney
32601 Advanced Project Management
Assignment 2
Marks: 30 marks (30%)
Submission Components Research report (softcopy 3000 to 3500 words)
Submission Due: 6pm, 12 October
Anticipated commitment: 20 hours per student Objectives / Graduate Attributes: 1-5 / A1, A3, A5, B6, D1, E1, F3
This is an individual assignment
Instructions
Select a topic area for discussion (as it relates to project management) from the list below:
• Human side of projects (e.g. stakeholder management, PM skills, teaming, etc.);
• Intangible aspects of project leadership (e.g. social networking, influence management, politics, etc.);
• The future of project management;
• Role of the Project Office;
• Project benefits management, measurement and realisation;
• Project management and culture;
• An aspect of managing complex and/or non-standard projects (e.g. Programs/portfolios, ‘large’ projects, virtual projects, global projects, etc.).
You are required to:
1. Develop a specific research question regarding an aspect of the topic selected;
2. Adopt an explicit viewpoint in regard to the formulated question;
3. Advance written arguments to substantiate and support your viewpoint.
As a targeted literature review your initial point of view should be clearly stated at the outset (i.e. in the ‘Introduction’ section of your essay) and kept constantly in mind so that all research is directed toward gathering relevant information. The essay should then develop your ideas and reasoning in a logical and coherent manner towards a concise and well supported conclusion. Where appropriate, assumptions/definitions should be clearly stated and explained.
The essay should be 3,000 to 3,500 words of body (i.e. excluding executive summary, table of contents, references, appendices, etc.). Care should be taken to follow the guidelines presented below, particularly with regard to report style and referencing. It is envisaged reports will have at least 15 unique (and reasonably current) references from a variety of quality sources.
Assessment
Marking Scheme Marks
Topic and Viewpoint • Research question falls within approved topic areas;
• Research question is clear and specific (i.e. not just open-ended and general);
• A point of view appropriate to the question is explicitly expressed; • Point of view is reasonable for the topic area and question chosen; • Report content clearly relates to the research question. 5
Development of Discussion • Report and topic are well introduced;
• Assumptions/limitations are clearly identified and explained;
• Rationale for choosing the research question is stated and reasonable;
• Discussion is well structured and easy to follow;
• Discussion develops its viewpoint in a logical manner;
• Discussion exhibits reasonable analysis of the research evidence;
• Interpretations exhibit insight and critical thinking;
• Report substantiates its viewpoint - it makes its case;
• Discussion is concise, without undue verbiage and/or digression.
• Conclusions reflect content and appear as natural outcomes of the discussion; 10
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32601 - Spring 2017
Evidence of Research • Reference list has a minimum of 15 (relatively current) literature sources;
• References drawn from a variety of respected sources (e.g. journal, book, etc.);
• References are in context and used effectively to clarify/support discussion;
• Statistics, quotations and factual data are cited appropriately;
• Method of referencing is internally consistent (e.g. Harvard/UTS format). 10
Professionalism • Includes title page, exec summary, TOC, heading/page numbers, labels, etc.;
• Grammar, punctuation, spelling, use of language is correct and appropriate;
• Executive summary is a real summary - not just an introduction/abstract; • Report length meets expectations (around 3000-3500 words of body); • Report exhibits a good communication style and is easy to read. 5
TOTAL 30 marks
Note for Repeating Students
If you previously attempted 32601 in 2016 then you may re-use your mark from that time in place of undertaking this assignment. If so, you MUST email the Subject Coordinator with your request by 5pm, 5 October 2017. Return confirmation should be kept. Failure to obtain written approval by this time means the assignment will be undertaken normally.
Submission Requirements
Assignments are required in softcopy by due time/date, submitted to Turnitin via the 'Assignments' tab of UTS Canvas for this subject.
Assessed reports will be available for collection after end of term.
Late Penalty
Late submission will attract a 10% per day penalty (including Saturday and Sunday). Submissions more than 5 days late receive zero unless special consideration has been sought from, and granted by, the Subject Co-ordinator prior to the due date.
Report Guidelines
The report must have a title page stating the student's name and number, subject name and number and the due date. This should be followed by an executive summary (approximately 200 words covering report purpose, point of view, main findings and summary conclusions), table of contents, introduction, body of the report, conclusions section, reference list and any appendices.
Referencing Guidelines
Students should consult the following UTS Website:
• The Bell Program Referencing Guide ? http://www.bell.uts.edu.au/referencing/ and follow the link to the Harvard (UTS) Reference Guide
All material derived from other works must be acknowledged.
Originality of Submitted Work
Students are reminded of the principles laid down in the -Statement of Good Practice and Ethics in Informal Assessment- (in the Faculty Handbook). Unless otherwise stated in a specific handout, all assessment tasks in this subject should be your own original work. Any collaboration with another student (or group) should be limited to those matters described in -Acceptable Behaviour- section of the Handbook. For essay questions, students should pay particular attention to the recognition of -Plagiarism- as described in that section of the Handbook. Any infringement by a student will be considered a breach of discipline and will be dealt with in accordance with Rules and By-Laws of the University. Penalties such as zero marks for assignments or subjects may be imposed.
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