RECENT ASSIGNMENT

Assessment 1
Assessment
Assessment scheme
Assessment consists of:
? formative self-assessment questions (no marks are allocated); and
? summative assignments (marks are allocated).
Formative assessment
In an endeavour to enable you to progressively assess your level of knowledge of the subject
areas, self-assessment questions may be included with some modules. These questions are
formative – they have no marks allocated to them. They do not form part of the formal
course assessment and answers should not be submitted for marking. If they are diligently
completed they will be of value in assisting you to achieve the required learning outcomes.
Summative assessment
Summative assessment items have marks allocated to them and form part of the formal
course assessment. There are two online quizzes and two case-study assignments and they
should be completed and/or submitted by the due date so that you do not get behind in your
studies. See the course specification for submission requirements and extension guidelines.
Description Marks out of Wtg% Due date
Online Quiz 1
(multiple choice quiz)
100 5% 10 December 2014
(see Note 1)
Assignment 1 – Essay 100 30% 29 December 2014
(see Note 2)
Assignment 2 – Case study
report
100 60% 13 February 2015
(see Note 3)
Online Quiz 2
(multiple choice quiz)
100 5% 13 February 2015
(see Note 4)
NOTES:
1. Online Quiz 1 is a short online quiz to allow you to measure your familiarity with
recognised principles and issues related to management of business change using projects
at the commencement of the course. Students are encouraged to complete the quiz to
ensure they understand the nature of the studies in the course.
2. Assignment 1 is a major project-based essay and requires students to obtain sufficient
information on a project of their choice to carry out a critical analysis of nominated
© University of Southern Queensland2 MGT8022 – Project-based management
aspects of that project. Students should choose a project as early as possible after reading
the requirements of assignment 1. The same project can be used for both assignments 1
and 2.
3. Assignment 2 is a major project-based case study and requires students to obtain
sufficient information on a project of their choice to carry out a critical analysis of
nominated aspects of that project. Students should choose a project as early as possible
after reading the requirements of assignment 2. The same project can be used for both
assignments 1 and 2.
4. Online Quiz 2 is a short online quiz to allow you to measure your understanding of
recognised principles and issues related to management of business change using projects
at the completion of the course. Students are encouraged to complete the quiz to see how
their understanding has changed.
Examination
There is NO examination for this course.
Assignment extension policy
Refer to the course specification for the extension policy. Online quizzes will close
automatically on the date indicated. There is no need to obtain prior approval for an
extension of less than one week for submission of assignments. Submit your assignment as
soon as possible after the due date together with any supporting documentation that might be
required to justify the late submission.
Submission details
Throughout the materials, reference may be made to the mode of study selected by students.
‘Online’ students are those who are enrolled in the course as ‘WEB’ students. This mode
may not always be available.
‘On-campus’ students are those who are enrolled in the course as ‘ONC’ students. This
mode may not always be available.
‘External’ students are those who are enrolled in the course as ‘EXT’ students.
? Submission of assessment – Online Quiz 1 and 2 are completed online through
the link on the course StudyDesk. All students (regardless of mode) must submit
Assignments 1 and 2 electronically using the electronic assignment submission
environment (EASE) facility. EASE is accessed from the course home page on the
StudyDesk for this course and a link to detailed instructions for submission is provided.
Assignments will not be accepted by email or in hard copy unless there are extenuating
circumstances and prior approval is gained from the course examiner.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 3
? Electronic mark sheet – students must use the MGT8022 electronic assignment mark
sheet for assignments 1 and 2 that are provided as part of the StudyDesk course
materials as it contains the marking criteria. Do not use generic USQ cover sheets that
may be available for other courses.
? File naming – electronic files should follow the file-naming protocols detailed on the
mark sheet.
? Due date – submission should be completed prior to midnight (Toowoomba time) on the
due date specified in the study schedule. Check the time difference. The time in
Toowoomba is indicated on the StudyDesk.
? File types – Electronic copies of assignments may be submitted in various file formats
which are defined in EASE for each course. Check to ensure that your assignment
complies with the requirements.
? Originality Report from Turnitin – Assignment 1 and Assignment 2 must be
accompanied by an Originality Report from Turnitin. Students will have to download
the report as per the instructions below.
Originality Report from Turnitin for assignments 1 and 2
The brief instructions below should be sufficient to check your assignment and download an
originality report. However, if you have problems more detailed information is available
from Turnitin at http://www.turnitin.com/en_us/support/help-center/general-articles.
Briefly, the steps to obtain an Originality Report from Turnitin comprise the following:
5. Create a separate Turnitin version of your assignment with a new file name. Follow the
instructions below.
6. If you have not previously done so, register with Turnitin at www.turnitin.com using an
email address of your own choosing and a password of your own choosing. You do not
have to use your USQ UConnect username and password.
7. Log in and access the course using the class ID and password provided below.
8. Submit your assignment and exit Turnitin for a least 30 minutes.
9. Log into Turnitin again after this period, and then download the Originality Report. The
Originality Report will be in HTML or PDF format and will contain a percentage score
for material that is common with other sources. You cannot resubmit to Turitin to try
to revise the score.
10. Submit your Originality Report through EASE when you lodge your assignment.
Information on how to create a separate Turnitin version of your assignment
Turnitin will compare your assignment to all other assignments submitted to Turnitin from
USQ and all other universities. It will also compare it with information publicly available
and with other documents contained within Turnitin. Turnitin creates a report showing the
level of material that is NOT ‘original’ and this is indicated on a scale of zero to 100%. The
lower the percentage the better.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To minimise the extent of material that shows as not being your
original work, create a separate assignment file for Turnitin and amend it as follows:
© University of Southern Queensland4 MGT8022 – Project-based management
? If you have previously attached the USQ electronic mark sheet, remove it so it does not
show as common material.
? Delete any other mark sheet or cover sheet so the text starts at ‘Executive Summary’.
? Add your name and Student number to the top of the document for identification.
? Delete all appendices – the text should now finish at the end of the List of References.
You are now ready to submit the assignment file to Turnitin.
To register as new student or to log in
? Go to http://www.turnitin.com .
? If you are not an existing user, select ‘New User’ and follow instructions to register.
? Simply enter an email address of your choosing and create a password (you do not have
to use the USQ UConnect username and password).
? Register using your enrolled student name – do not use an alias.
Once you are registered you can simply enter that email address and password to log in to the
Turnitin website at any time.
To access the course – Class ID and Password
? Click on ‘Enrol in a class’
? Insert class ID – 8423269
? Insert class password – mgt8022
? You may be asked for your name if you have not provided this before – please use your
name that you use in normal USQ communications. Do not use aliases.
To submit assignments 1 and 2
? Click on ‘Submit’ icon for required assignment (1 or 2). A Turnitin report is not required
for the online quizzes.
? Select ‘Single file upload’.
? Insert your first name as per USQ student records (if not automatically inserted).
? Insert your last (family) name as per USQ student records (if not automatically inserted).
? Insert submission title (e.g. A1, Assignment 1, or similar to identify assignment).
? Make sure your file complies with the ‘requirements for single file upload’ listed by
Turnitin on this page.
? Browse to locate the assignment file on your computer (select the file that has been
adapted for submission to Turnitin with no mark sheet and no appendices).
? Click on ‘Upload’.
? Wait for file to upload (indicated by progress bar).
? Preview submission in window to ensure that file has loaded properly.
? Click on ‘Submit’.
? Wait for file to upload.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 5
? Go back to Portfolio.
? Ensure that file shows as submitted (file title and date of submission are displayed) (if
this has not happened, you may have to go back and repeat the submission process).
? Log out.
? You will receive an email from Turnitin to confirm submission.
To access your Originality Report and interpretation of report
? Return to Turnitin at a later time to check originality report (wait for at least 30 minutes)
http://www.turnitin.com .
? Under the tab ‘My Classes’, click on the required class code from the list under ‘enter a
class’.
? Details of your submissions will show up.
? If the assignment has been checked, a percentage will be shown in a box under
‘Originality’.
? Click on the number that shows the percentage of material that comes from other sources
(e.g. 12%).
? Read the Originality Report which identifies any material from external sources and the
level of material from that source (it is colour coded and easy to read).
? There is no fixed percentage that represents ‘plagiarism’.
? Do not worry about material that you have ‘quoted’ in the assignment or material that is
clearly indicated as coming from a source where a citation has been provided.
? A document might legitimately contain material that has been quoted or cited and a
higher percentage might be acceptable.
? If the percentage is above 10%, examine your assignment to ensure that materials are
properly cited, or if there is material that can be stated in your words rather than the
words of others. It is not possible to resubmit your assignment again to obtain additional
reports.
? You can explore this report and the sources that have been indicated.
? Save a copy of the report to your computer by clicking on the ‘Download’ arrow in the
top RH corner and select ‘OK’.
? Select Save and choose a folder to which the file can be saved (this should be an HTML
file).
? If the report is generated as a PDF, it will be of a large size. Select ‘Text only report’
where indicated on the web page, and try to download the HTML version to reduce file
size.
? Go to http://www.plagiarism.org/ to read about plagiarism and how to avoid being
accused of it.
? You are not able to resubmit your assignment to Turnitin for further checking. You
are only allowed one submission per assignment.
© University of Southern Queensland6 MGT8022 – Project-based management
Submission of Originality report through EASE with assignments 1 and 2
? When you submit your assignments 1 and 2 for marking through EASE, submit the
Turnitin Report as well.
? You may submit it as a separate file, or you may prefer to ‘zip’ the assignment files and
the HTML Turnitin file into a single folder to simplify submission.
Support
? If you have problems with submission of your assignment for checking or with
downloading an originality report, there is a link to the Turnitin HelpDesk at the bottom
of the Turnitin web pages. You can seek assistance there. Simply follow the instructions.
? If Turnitin is unable to assist, you can contact USQ for support through UConnect.
Assignment guidelines for assignments 1 and 2
General
? Assignments 1 and 2 are designed to encourage you to develop skills in research,
critical analysis, problem solving, decision-making, communication and ethical
behaviour. They require you to select a project (or projects) of your choice (so your
studies are contextualized for your needs) and to analyse aspects of that project in a
clinical and objective manner. Viewing the videos on critical analysis (accessed
from the StudyDesk) will help you to understand the expectations and how to go
about critical analysis. They require you to find relevant information (as it is not
always provided in the study materials) and to compare theory with practice. This
is not simple or easy but reflects what is expected of you in the real world of
practice.
? Assignment 1 is an essay. Assignment 2 is a case study.
? An essay is a simpler format than a case study but can be difficult to write well. It
provides insights into an issue relating to your project.
? A case study is an analytical report that examines a specific issue and provides
conclusions and clear recommendations.
? The word count is indicative. Past experience indicates that it is difficult to discuss the
issues in less than the nominated word count but try to stay close to the word count if
possible. Marks are gained for conciseness and marks are lost for unnecessary material.
? A high standard of presentation is expected at postgraduate level. There is no excuse for
poor spelling, bad grammar, nor lack of formatting. Use one and a half line spacing with
12-point font, and pages must be numbered.
? Do not use ‘I, we, you, our’ etc. Reports and assignments should not be written in the
‘first person’.
Executive summary (required only for assignment 2)
? An Executive summary must be provided for assignment 2 case study (before the
Contents page). It provides a reader with a summary of why the report (assignment) was
prepared, what it covers, and a summation of the conclusions, and/or recommendations.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 7
? It should be about 10% of the assignment length, single line spacing, and is excluded
from formal word counts.
? It is not an introduction, but should function as a totally self-contained removable
document for readers who will read no more of the report.
? It should contain all pertinent information including conclusions and recommendations in
a concise summary, but should not contain any theory.
Table of contents and numbering (required only for assignment 2)
? A comprehensive table of contents is required for assignment 2, with section numbers,
section headings, and page numbers as per the assignment requirements. It will include
the List of references, a List of appendices, a List of figures, and a List of tables, all with
page numbers indicated. All sections and pages should be fully numbered. At this level
of study, you should be able to use the automated table of contents function in MS Word
to create a professional report.
Introduction
? An Introduction should be provided at the beginning to summarise the structure of the
following sections of the essay/report/assignment.
? The introduction does not contain theory, nor does it contain any conclusions nor
recommendations.
? Do not assume that the reader has read any Executive Summary (if one is provided), as it
is a totally separate document. Include any relevant information in the Introduction.
Body of assignment
? This is an academic assignment, so it is essential that your statements and views be
justified by relevant academic theory. For example, don’t just use terms like
‘stakeholder’ – explain why you selected those terms, and the academic theory to justify
their use and definition.
? A major failing of students is to simply ‘describe’ the processes that have happened. At
postgraduate level, you are expected to be able to apply recognised theory to situations,
and form opinions. You will often find conflicting opinions from so-called ‘experts’. You
should be developing analytical and communication skills.
? Students coming from other universities, and especially overseas students, find this need
for ‘analysis’ the most difficult transition to make to Australian university study. You are
expected to use your judgement to analyse problems, make value judgements as to
whether it is good or bad (or both), use existing academic theory from a range of sources
to justify your position, and to argue whether something is valid or not. In the study of
management, there are no right nor wrong answers, only lots of opinions, many of which
change over a period of time. Show that you can act as managers, and communicate your
opinions.
? Watch the video at http://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/course/view.php?id=3335 to get a
better understanding of ‘critical analysis’. The enrolment key for this course is: pmd.
? Major sections of assignment 2 should start on a new page. You will be surprised just
how much more readable it makes your assignment / report.
© University of Southern Queensland8 MGT8022 – Project-based management
Referencing
? Referencing is NOT just inserting a list of publications at the end of the report and this is
not acceptable.
? Referencing is NOT just inserting a citation at the end of each paragraph and this is not
acceptable.
? At postgraduate level, you are expected to cite at least 10 to 15 different sources of
reference material, and to make multiple references to such material. This is where
e-Books and e-Journals are valuable – they are accessed through the Library website.
? References must be cited using Harvard AGPS system (which is author/date). Please
do not use footnotes, etc. Read your Communication skills handbook for information on
how to cite reference materials. This is where Endnote bibliographic software will be of
value. You can download it for free from the Library website.
? Please refer to the USQ Library web site for referencing guidelines in the Harvard AGPS
style. Go to http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/harvard.htm. Click on the
Harvard AGPS link under ‘Reference it…’ This provides details on the referencing of
print and electronic publications. There are exercises provided to give you practice in
using the Harvard AGPS referencing system. Marks will be deducted for failure to use
the Harvard AGPS style.
? In the Harvard AGPS references must be listed alphabetically by author in a single List
of References at the end of each assignment. Do not put multiple lists of references at the
end of each section or part.
? The required referencing style is Harvard AGPS and the recommended version is
AGPS 6. Endnote users may download this style from the USQ Library website. If you
have problems, contact the Library staff for assistance.
Figures and tables
? There are many instances where diagrams and tables would assist in the communication
of information, and the reduction of word length. For example, if a stakeholder analysis
were required, it would be much more clearly understood if presented in a table.
? Figures and tables must be numbered in some logical way, so they can be listed on the
Contents page, and referred to in the text. A recommendation is that you call it
Figure/Table X.1, X.2 etc. where ‘X’ represents the section number. Consecutive
numbering through the whole document (rather than by section) can mean lots of
renumbering if there are changes.
? Tables should not run over onto following pages. Start them on a new page to avoid this.
If they are multi-page tables, then think about making them into an appendix. Use a
smaller font (10 point) and single line spacing to reduce the size of tables.
Appendices
? Where required, larger amounts of relevant material (such as sample documents or
supporting material) should be put at the end of the assignment in an Appendix after the
List of References. Smaller charts or summaries could be located in the text, but anything
over a page becomes a distraction.
? Where included, appendices should be numbered sequentially (Appendix 1, Appendix 2,
etc.). Unnecessary and irrelevant information should not be attached. Size of assignments
has no bearing on marks achieved.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 9
Comment
? Some students choose part of a project or organisation that is extremely simple in its
structure, and has few issues to discuss. Those of you who choose a more complex
organisation are given credit for the ‘degree of difficulty’.
? Make sure you answer all parts of the questions. Use the mark sheet as a checklist to
ensure you have addressed all sections.
Assignment preparation
Refer to the assignment guidelines provided as the requirements are quite specific and
failure to conform to the guidelines may result in loss of marks.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course.
These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your
selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to
watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding
of the expectations of the course examiner.
There is no examination for this course, so a higher standard of assignment work is expected
in this course than for courses with examination requirements.
Selection of suitable project
You should identify a project or projects suitable for carrying out assignments 1 and 2. You
may have to read ahead to understand the requirements of those assignments. The project/s
should be from your workplace, personal experience, or from some source where you can
obtain appropriate and sufficient information. Although it is recommended that you use the
same project for assignments 1 and 2, it is acceptable to use different projects for the
respective assignments. Your project should be complex enough so that you are able to
examine the issues related to the issues covered by these assignments. Read the assignment
requirements immediately so that you understand what you will need.
Read the requirements of assignment 2 carefully and make sure that you select a
project for which a Project Management Plan (PMP) is available (or one for which you
are prepared to develop a PMP).
For the purposes of these assignments, a ‘project’ is any significant endeavour undertaken by
an organisation. It may be internal or external, but should be of sufficient size or complexity
to warrant detailed analysis. For example, it could be:
? an organisational restructure or company merger
? development of a capital asset (building, structure, etc.)
? development of intellectual property (software, website)
? development of some capability (Defence projects, information system)
? organisation of a conference or large event, or
? marketing/development of a new product range.
© University of Southern Queensland10 MGT8022 – Project-based management
Software requirements for assignments
Identify any software requirements you might require to complete assignments. Obtain this
software in sufficient time to become familiar with it before attempting the assignments.
As a USQ student, you are entitled to purchase ‘academic’ versions of software through
authorised retailers (including the USQ Bookshop) at reduced prices, whether you live in
Australia or overseas.
Students of MGT8022 and MGT8025 will be provided access to Microsoft Project at no
charge for the duration of the course. Instructions will be provided to obtain the
electronic ‘key’ required to load the software. Information will be available on the
StudyDesk.
There is no requirement to use this software. It is provided to allow students to become
familiar with industry-based project management software and to use it where it is of
assistance.
Permission to use project data
If your project proposal is from your workplace and contains sensitive information, it may be
in your interests to obtain permission in writing from a senior person in your organisation to
base your assignment on the identified proposal, and that you have permission to obtain and
analyse relevant data. There is no requirement to submit the letter of permission with your
assignment, but you may do so if you wish. Assignments are returned to students, and
confidentiality of sensitive information is respected by USQ staff.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 11
Online Quiz 1
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Online Quiz 1
(multiple choice quiz)
100 5 10 December 2014
Words count: Not applicable
Online Quiz 1 is a short online quiz and students are encouraged to complete the activity to
ensure they understand the nature of the studies.
To complete Online Quiz 1, go to the StudyDesk and follow the instructions to complete
the online quiz.
© University of Southern Queensland12 MGT8022 – Project-based management
Assignment 1
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Assignment 1 – Essay 100 30 29 December 2014
Words count: 2000 approximately
TOPIC: Critical analysis of a project business case
Reminder:
? Assignments should be attached to the specific electronic mark sheet for this assignment.
? All assignments are to be submitted through EASE (Electronic Assignment Submission
Environment).
? Check the file types and maximum file sizes that can be submitted through the EASE
website.
? Assignment 1 submissions that do not include an Originality Report generated by
Turnitin will not be marked (refer previous instructions).
Word length
Assignment 1 should be 2000 words approximately, exclusive of tables, figures, appendices,
etc.
Software requirement to complete assignment
There are no specific software requirements for this assignment, apart from word processing.
You may wish to use software to create diagrams where they are of value.
Assignment requirements
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing this assignment. Remember
to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course.
These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your
selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to
watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding
of the expectations of the course examiner.
Provide the following:
Assignment 1 mark sheet: Download the MGT8022 electronic submission mark sheet from
the StudyDesk Course Content under Assessment. Electronic assignments should follow the
correct file-naming guidelines and use the electronic submission mark sheet.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 13
Title page: Ensure that your essay includes a normal cover sheet or title page that would be
expected of a professional document to provide details of essay title, author, date, student
number, etc. (this is in addition to the electronic mark sheet discussed above). This
assignment is a professional academic paper so should be presented as one.
(Note: No executive summary is required for this assignment as it essay style).
(Note: No table of contents is required as it is essay style).
Critical analysis of a project business case chosen by you (around 2000 words)
Consider the following statement:
It has been suggested that a project business case provides ‘justification for undertaking
a project, in terms of evaluating the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options and the
rationale for the preferred solution. Its purpose is to obtain management commitment
and approval for investment in the project. The business case is owned by the (project)
sponsor’.
(Source: Association for Project Management 2006, Body of Knowledge, 5th edn, APM, UK, p. 129)
(Note: bolding has been added.)
Think about your chosen project for analysis in assignment 1 and/or 2. Write a critical
analysis of the chosen project business case in the form of an essay about the issues that you
think are important in the context of the business case for your chosen project. Your
responses will differ depending on whether your project is completed, is under way or is yet
to start. The focus of this essay is the ‘business case’. Make sure you clearly understand what
a business case is before you try to complete this assignment.
Important note
THIS IS A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT BUSINESS CASE AND
NOT OF THE PROJECT ITSELF.
Refer to your Communication skills handbook to understand how to structure and write an
essay. It is expected that you would provide an introduction, the body of your essay, a
conclusion and recommendations, and a list of references. You may use headings for sections
if you wish.
This assignment is deliberately open-ended to give you an opportunity to do some research
about project-related business cases in the context of project management. There are no right
or wrong answers. This assignment will allow you to explore the text books, journal articles
and other sources on the importance or otherwise of business cases in project management.
There is not a lot of information about this topic so it will require you to access the e-Books
and e-Journals in the USQ Library website and develop some research skills. See
http://library.usq.edu.au/.
? As part of your analysis, ensure that you make reference to the relevant theory (or
theories) covered in the study materials, text, selected readings and other relevant
sources. Make sure you use figures and tables to clearly and concisely illustrate and
support your analysis where this is appropriate.
List of references – (using the Harvard AGPS system): Provide a complete list of
references providing full details of all citations used in the body of the essay. For a
© University of Southern Queensland14 MGT8022 – Project-based management
postgraduate assignment, if you have done sufficient research, there should be at least 15
references, many of which will be cited more than once. Remember to use the e-Journals and
e-Books available from the Library website to research the literature on the topic (especially
Books 24×7 and eBrary). Contact the Library staff if you need assistance to find these
databases.
Appendices: If you have any appendices, they should be attached to the essay after the list of
references. They should be numbered sequentially, e.g. Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.
Turnitin Originality Report: Remember to submit a shortened version of your assignment
(without the mark sheet and appendices) to Turnitin for checking and to submit a copy of the
Turnitin Originality Report with your assignment through EASE. See ‘Course assessment’
above for more detailed instructions.
Marking criteria for assignment 1
Marking criteria is included in the electronic mark sheet. Use only the MGT8022 mark sheet
provided for assignment 1 for this course.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 15
Assignment 2
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Assignment 2 – Case study report 100 60 13 February 2015
Words count: 3000–4000 approximately
TOPIC: Critical analysis of a Project Management Plan (PMP)
Reminder:
? Assignments should be attached to the specific MGT8022 electronic mark sheet for this
assignment.
? All assignments are to be submitted through EASE (Electronic Assignment Submission
Environment).
? Check the file types and maximum file sizes that can be submitted through the EASE
website.
? Assignment 2 submissions that do not include an Originality Report generated by
Turnitin will not be marked (refer previous instructions).
Word length
3000–4000 words approximately, exclusive of the executive summary, tables, figures,
appendices, etc. and excluding all appendices.
Software requirement to complete assignment
Software requirements for this assignment will include word processing. If you need to
produce a project schedule, a copy of MS Project may be supplied with the study materials.
Assignment structure
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing Assignment 2. Remember
to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course.
These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your
selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to
watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding
of the expectations of the course examiner.
To carry out this assignment, it will be necessary for you to read other texts and journal
articles on PM Plans to gain an understanding of their role. It is recommended that you use
the e-Books and electronic journals available from the USQ Library website.
By now,you should have chosen a project for which a project management plan (PMP)
(sometimes described as a Project Plan or a Project Implementation Plan) is available. The
PMP is a document that should adequately define what is to be done, who is to do it, when
© University of Southern Queensland16 MGT8022 – Project-based management
they are to do it, etc. If you are working on a very large project, use one of its sub-projects
for your assignment. If the project is too large, it may increase your workload significantly
and it is not recommended. Your PMP may be a single document or it may be a compilation
of several documents prepared for the project. The PMP might be a plan that you produce
yourself for this assignment, or it might be a plan that you import from your workplace, or
from an external source. Note carefully that a project schedule or a Gantt chart by itself is
NOT a PMP.
Your submission should have TWO PARTS.
? The first part is the body of the assignment and is a ‘critical analysis’ of your chosen
PMP. It will contain a description of the project and a critical analysis of the structure
and content of the PMP, fully supported by reference to relevant project management
theory. It is not a critical analysis of the project itself, nor how it was managed. The
focus should be on the PMP. Read the study materials and a wide range of other
reference materials (including the PMBOK® Guide and the set text) to be clear on the
purpose and content of a PMP as this topic is not widely covered in the literature. You
will have to research relevant literature to complete this assignment, using the e-Books in
the USQ Library.
? The second part is Appendix 1 which should be the ‘Project Management Plan’
(sometimes described as a Project Plan) for your chosen project. The PMP might be a
plan that you produce yourself for this assignment, or it might be a plan that you import
from your workplace, or from an external source. You must state clearly the source of
the plan. NOTE: no marks are allocated for the actual PMP as it may not be original
work in many instances. Any other attachments would become Appendix 2, 3, etc.
If you produce your own project management plan, it is strongly recommended that you use
project management software for development of the project schedule and network. You may
also use it to develop the project budget, but a spreadsheet can be equally useful. It is
essential that you become familiar with the software at the earliest opportunity as it can be
time-consuming to learn how to use it effectively. The course leader is not available to
provide guidance on the use of the software, although other students may help through
exchanges on the Discussion Board.
Assignment requirements
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing this assignment. Remember
to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
Provide the following:
Assignment 2 mark sheet: Download the MGT8022 electronic submission mark sheet from
the StudyDesk. Electronic assignments should follow the correct file-naming guidelines.
Title page: Ensure that your document includes a normal report cover sheet or title page that
would be expected of a professional document to provide details of report title, author, date,
student number, etc. (this is in addition to the electronic mark sheet discussed above). This
assignment is a professional academic paper so should be presented as one.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 17
PART 1: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Executive Summary (200–250 words but this does not form part of the assignment word
count). The executive summary comes before the table of contents. Read the guidelines and
provide a formal Executive Summary with details of why the report was prepared, how it is
structured, and what the important findings, conclusions and recommendations are. The
Executive Summary relates to the analysis only. (SUGGESTION: this should be written last
after you have finished the report.)
Table of contents: This should be a full listing with respective page numbers of executive
summary, introduction, main sections, references, individual appendices, and full listing of
all figures and tables.
1. Introduction (250 words): Briefly state why your report has been prepared, what project
is being analysed, and how the report is structured. (Note – this may be similar to the
introduction in assignment 1 if you have used the same project, but this is a new report,
and you need to provide the information your reader needs to understand the report.
You can use the same information in both assignments. There is no need to reference
assignment 1 if you are using your original work.)
2. Project background (250 words): Your project description should describe the project
and its context – what organisation is the project owner/sponsor, what this organisation
does, why the project is being done, where it is located, etc. The description should
contain enough detail for the reader to understand the reason behind each of the
components of the plan – why it is included and its content and format.
3. Audience and structure of the Project Management Plan (1000–1500 words
approximately)
3.1 Provide a critical analysis of who is intended to be the main audience of the PM
plan? What do they need to know? How will they use the plan? What information needs
to be provided?
3.2 What alternatives exist for the structure of a PM plan (examine and compare a range
of theories and opinions here)? How should that information be provided? In what
sequence? What does the theory say?
4. Contents of the Project Management Plan (1000–1500 words approximately)
Provide a critical analysis of the major sections of the plan and provide some theoretical
framework for what is included in each section (e.g. Why has a project schedule been
included, is it a meaningful document, was it prepared by the right people, does it contain
the right information, etc.?) This explanation will be drawn from the study modules, text
book, selected readings, and other sources. This discussion will probably cover most, if
not all, knowledge areas covered under the Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (PMI 2013) in one form or another. It does not have to
be under those headings but should clearly indicate that it covers all recognised areas
covered by the various Project Management Bodies of Knowledge.
5. Conclusions (250 words): Summarise your findings from the analysis of your project
management plan. What did you find out about the project plan? Does it conform to the
recognised theory? What aspects are important and are of significance to project
outcomes? What are its strengths and its weaknesses? (Focus here on the project plan and
not on the theory).
6. Recommendations (250 words): What are your recommendations flowing from this
analysis with regard to your chosen PMP? What changes should be made to your PMP
© University of Southern Queensland18 MGT8022 – Project-based management
for this project (or similar future projects)? Address the shortcomings identified in the
conclusions. Again, focus on recommendations related to your PMP and not on the
project itself.
List of references: Provide a complete list of references providing full details of all citations
used in the body of the assignment.
Appendices: The PMP you have analysed will be attached as Appendix 1 (see below).
Attach any additional appendices that relate specifically to the analysis following
appendix 1. They should be numbered sequentially in the order in which they appear
(Appendix 2, etc.).
PART 2: APPENDIX 1 – THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix 1 should ideally be an actual project management plan for your chosen project and
would be the sort of document that would be handed to a client/manager to illustrate how it
is intended to manage the project through to completion. A project plan is often used to gain
sponsor/client commitment, and should contain sufficient information to allow such a
decision to be made with confidence. Make sure you understand what a project management
plan is before you select a document for analysis.
It might be a document that you create yourself for this assignment or it might be an existing
plan from your place of work or from another source if you don’t have access to one from
your workplace. Either way, the source should be clearly indicated.
Appendices in addition to the PM plan may be attached to the report. If so, they should be
numbered sequentially, e.g. Appendix 2, Appendix 3, etc.
Turnitin Originality Report
Remember to submit a shortened version of your assignment (remove the mark sheet and all
appendices) to Turnitin for checking and to submit a copy of the Turnitin Originality Report
with your assignment through EASE. See above for more detailed instructions.
Marking criteria for assignment 2
NOTE: No marks are allocated for appendix 1 of the assignment (the PMP to be
analysed).
Marking criteria are included in the electronic mark sheet. Use only the mark sheet provided
for assignment 2 for this course.
© University of Southern QueenslandAssessment 19
Online Quiz 2
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Online Quiz 2
(multiple choice quiz)
100 5 13 February 2015
Words count: Not applicable
Online Quiz 2 is a short online quiz and students are encouraged to complete the activity to
gain an understanding of what they have learnt from the course. Results for this quiz can be
compared to those gained for Online Quiz 1.
To complete Online Quiz 2, go to the StudyDesk and follow the instructions to complete
the online quiz.
© University of Southern Queensland