Course Title: Project Planning and Implementation for Change
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Project Planning and Implementation for Change
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ARCH1260 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Face-to-Face or Internet |
Sem 1 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015 |
Course Coordinator: TBA
Course Coordinator Phone: TBA
Course Coordinator Email: TBA
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course focuses on the approaches, techniques and challenges involved with planning, successfully implementing and evaluating environmental and social projects to effect change in the developing world, particularly in the urban development sector. As part of the course you will examine actors typically involved in international urban and environmental projects, funded by bilateral and multilateral donors such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The course examines the project cycle, including project planning, economic and financial appraisal, monitoring and evaluation methods, and project implementation. The basic principles of most commonly used project planning and appraisal techniques will be explored. Case studies of projects, both successful and unsuccessful, provide the learning material of the course.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on recent trends and scholarly analysis of the effects and consequences of urbanisation internationally, including the interplay of ecological, economic, political, social and cultural factors.
- Develop and use appropriate research tools, methods and strategies to generate knowledge, manage urban environments, and inform decision-making in diverse social, cultural and geographic contexts.
- Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to implement locally inspired solutions to a range of environmental and other consequences of urbanization.
Upon the successful completion of this course you will be able to:
· Examine key approaches and tools for effecting change through projects
· Critically appraise and utilise project planning and implementation approaches and methods
· Critically evaluate the success factors and barriers of urban and environmental projects in international contexts
· Develop a realistic project implementation plan using a variety of techniques.
Overview of Learning Activities
The course comprises a mixture of lectures/presentations, classroom discussions, workshop sessions, and problem-based exercises. You will work independently, with opportunities for group discussion, to develop an understanding of project planning and implementation theories, approaches and practical techniques. Existing project plans and evaluations will be used as case studies in class, to enable problem-based learning.
Discussion is an integral part of learning in this course. Group-based discussion will be integrated into course activities, but you are encouraged to contribute and question freely. You will be required to demonstrate your learning through a range of assessments tasks. For some activities you will collaborate in a small group to assemble information and discuss ideas, but will submit independent written assignments.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. You will be provided with a reference list of key texts during the course that will provide a comprehensive coverage of each of the topics covered in this course. In additional you may be required to conduct additional library and/or internet research.
The University Library has extensive resources for sustainability and urban planning students. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies:
Environment Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=18357
Planning Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=18355
International Development Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=16095
Sustainability Design Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=268249
The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include written essays, reflective written pieces, and contributions to discussions in class. Assessment will cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will also be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more. Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online:http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment.