Units

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Sample subject outline - 5 Week Teaching Period - 8 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

In previous units and in particular the sister unit GSZ518 Implementation of Complex Projects, course members have critically studied a diverse range of approaches to complex project implementation. This unit offers a rich learning opportunity to analyse the implementation of these approaches applied in a broad range of international complex projects, and to leverage the experience of world-class complex project leaders and managers. Similar experiences could not be obtained in Australia alone. Recognising the international nature of most complex projects, particular attention is given to managing across borders and cultures with multiple stakeholders.

Aims

The aims of the unit are to enable complex project managers to:

• Consolidate and test the knowledge and skills gained in the course through the evaluation of several significant international complex projects.


• Learn from the experiences of complex project management leaders.


• Appreciate the issues involved in managing multiple stakeholders across borders and cultures.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Corporate Programs)

The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Program Goal 1: Understand Self and Lead Others in an International Environment (ULO)

1.1 Develop the personal attributes of action and outcome orientation, ability to influence and self-knowledge that distinguish the manager of complex projects.
1.2 Develop and demonstrate the leadership and communication skills to manage the staff involved in complex projects
1.3 Work effectively in managing people and a wide range of stakeholders through understanding of culture cognition, personality and human lifecycle.

Program Goal 2: Lead Strategic Planning, Design and Implementation (SPDI)

2.1 Understand the context of complex projects and the design and implementation of appropriate project strategy and systems to match emergent requirements
2.2 Demonstrate the capacity to design, establish and manage the organisational architecture for complex projects
2.3 Develop the understanding and skill to deliver probity and governance requirements for complex projects
2.4 Develop the capacity to design and implement innovative business planning, reporting and performance measurement systems.

Program Goal 3: Think Holistically: Innovate and Creatively Problem Solve (TH)

3.1 Develop the insights to manage people and systems subject to on-going change and constantly adapt to emergent conditions
3.2 Demonstrate the capacity to envision novel, critical and creative responses to complex and emerging problems

Program Goal 4: Develop the understanding of and skill to design, manage and lead strategic procurement practices that respond to the challenges of the complex organisational and project management environment. (SP)

4.1 Develop, plan and implement a comprehensive and effective acquisition strategy to deliver complex strategic capabilities.
4.2 Assess and implement the contractual requirements of a complex acquisition taking into account the implications of international law and conventions, intellectual property rights, and ensuring the appropriate allocation and mitigation of contractual risks.
4.3 Develop, plan and implement strategic sourcing arrangements covering the capability life-cycle.

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Critique international complex projects by identifying critical success factors, evaluating major weaknesses and recommending appropriate improvements.
2. Observe and evaluate innovative practices being applied on international complex projects.
3. Critically evaluate the impact of national culture on international project management.

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

• Workshops on Systems Thinking/International Contracts at Hull University UK


• Site Investigation: 'The Deep', Hull UK


• Site Investigation: Olympic Development Authority and Olympic Park, London, UK


• Site Investigation: Boeing F18 Super Hornet, St. Louis, USA


• Site Investigation: Lockheed Martin JSF F35, Fort Worth, USA

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is highly experiential unit that will involve blended learning approach. Students will engage with the material through a blend of:

• Guided instruction, learning activities, readings and cases presented in a tour workbook. Students are expected to engage with the readings and learning activities in the tour workbook prior to and during the study tour.


• A Blackboard learning site where additional materials can be shared through the life of the unit. Collaboration tools for students such as blogs, wikis, discussion forums, and group tools may also be a feature of the Blackboard site.

There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered, and students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Each group is to critically analyse the dimensions of project complexity exhibited by a nominated complex project site visited, and the strategies being applied to manage those dimensions. The presentation is also to include recommendations to remedy any perceived shortcomings.
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1 and 2
AOL goals: TBA
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Report
Description: Students are to develop a report to the CEO of their own organisation. This report identifies 3 significant innovative practices investigated in the EMCPM/EMBSP program and observed during the site visits across two sites. These practices are to be selected based on their potential to provide benefit for adoption in the student's organisation.

Additionally, students are to identify two practices, currently used in the DMO or the student's organisation, which the site visits have alerted them to as problematic and that may need modification in their organisation. The report needs to analyse the situations and practices, and provide persuasive argument to the CEO in the form of recommendations as to how to respond to these innovations and concerns.

Length: 2000 words
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: TBA
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

GSZ517 Tour workbook
GSZ517 Blackboard site
Complex project site briefings.

Risk assessment statement

Workplace Health & Safety requirements relevant to this unit relate particularly to Study Tours. A risk assessment of the tour has identified several low-impact risks associated with overseas travel. You will be provided with safety guidelines prior to each trip. You are reminded that it is your responsibility to read and adhere to these guidelines.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Apr-2012