Course Title: Undertake project work

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: BUSM6520C

Course Title: Undertake project work

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4421 - Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business

Course Contact: Theresa Lyford

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5444

Course Contact Email: theresa.lyford@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a minor project or a section of a larger project. It covers developing a project plan, administering and monitoring the project, finalising the project and reviewing the project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects.

The unit applies to individuals who play a significant role in ensuring a project meets timelines, quality standards, budgetary limits and other requirements set for the project.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBPMG430 Undertake project work

Element:

1.Establish project parameters

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify project scope 

1.2 Define project stakeholders

1.3 Seek clarification from delegating authority of issues related to project and project parameters

1.4 Identify responsibilities of relevant stakeholders and reporting requirements

1.5 Clarify relationship of project to other projects and to the objectives of the organisation

1.6 Identify availability and access of resources for undertaking the project

Element:

2.Develop project plan

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify risks and develop a risk management plan for project, including Work Health and Safety (WHS)

2.2 Develop project budget and timeframe and seek approval from relevant stakeholders 

2.3 Consult team members and apply their views in planning the project

2.4 Identify and access appropriate project management tools

2.5 Develop project plan according to project parameters and deliverables

2.6 Finalise project plan and gain necessary approvals to commence project according to documented plan

Element:

3.Administer and monitor project

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Communicate to project team members their responsibilities and project requirements

3.2 Establish and maintain required recordkeeping systems throughout the project

3.3 Implement and monitor plans for managing the project

3.4 Undertake risk management as required

Element:

4.Finalise and review project

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Complete financial recordkeeping associated with project and confirm according to agreed budget

4.2 Complete project documentation and obtain sign-offs for concluding project

4.3 Review project outcomes and processes against the project scope and plan

4.4 Document feedback and suggested improvements

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

Students will undertake a range of learning activities in-class, including lectures, tutorials and workshops. Some learning during student's personal time will be required.

All learning resources are provided to the learners and are available at the commencement of the course.


Teaching Schedule

Week         

  Topic                                                                          

Assessment       

1

Module 1: Introduction to project management

 

2

Project scope

 

3

Project Time 

 

4

Project Quality

 

5

Manage project risks

 

6

Project costs / budget

 

7

AT1 workshop - WBS / Gantt Chart

 

8

 Legislation and WHS

 

9

AT1 Due / Workshop

 AT1 due

10

Module 4: Project monitoring and reporting

 

11

Reporting team performance

 

12

Reporting team performance

 

13

Module 5: Finalise and review the Project

 

14

Project review meeting

 

15

Project Completion Report due

AT2

16

Rework if required

 

 17

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Learner guide and templates will be provided.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

There are two assessments for the course.

  • Assessment Task 1: Project Plan
  • Assessment Task 2: Project Monitoring and Completion Report

 

Assessment Task 1: Project Plan

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

This assessment evaluates the student’s ability to undertake a minor project (or section of a larger project) as it relates to the development and/or implementation of a new business venture.

Assessment Task 1 requires the learner to develop a project plan, and administer the project plan, specifically:

  • Establish project parameters
  • Develop a project plan
  • Administer the project plan to project team members

NOTE: Students will be required to monitor, finalise and review this project in Assessment Task 2.

This is an individual assessment task however the students are required to collaborate with two (2) other students and their teacher in the development, implementation and review of their project plan. 

The project parameters of the Project Plan must to relate to ‘entrepreneurship’. This could be a new business venture, new product or service, or an enhancement to an existing product or service.

Completing this assessment allows students to demonstrate skills and knowledge in planning a project while applying project management tools and showing regard for the legal and regulatory environment, the impacts of key stakeholders as well as cultural nuances that need to be taken into consideration.

Assessment Instructions

What:

This assessment will be produced in report format using templates provided as a guide.

To complete this assessment task, students will need to demonstrate the following performance criteria:

1. Establish project parameters

1.1 Identify project scope 

1.2 Define project stakeholders

1.3 Seek clarification from delegating authority of issues related to project and project parameters

1.4 Identify responsibilities of relevant stakeholders and reporting requirements

    • Clarify relationship of project to other projects and to the objectives of the organisation

1.6 Identify availability and access of resources for undertaking the project

2. Develop a project plan

2.1 Identify risks and develop a risk management plan for project, including Work Health and Safety (WHS)

2.2 Develop project budget and timeframe and seek approval from relevant stakeholders 

2.3 Consult team members and apply their views in planning the project

2.4 Identify and access appropriate project management tools

2.5 Develop project plan according to project parameters and deliverables

2.6 Finalise project plan and gain necessary approvals to commence project according to documented plan

Students will be required to assume the role of a Project Manager and prepare a project plan (document) using the template provided as a guide, or an appropriate alternative based on a new business venture. 

The Teacher will assume the role of ‘Project Sponsor’ for feedback, and approvals.

Two additional students will be required to assume to role of ‘Project Team Members’. The Project Team Members will be delegated tasks by the Project Manager, and are required to attend planned Project Team Meetings, provide feedback and seek clarification from the Project Manager during Project Team Meetings.

  • Establish the project parameters:

The student is required to prepare a ‘Project Brief’ based on the project scope above and seek approval from the Project Sponsor (Teacher) before developing the project plan. (50-100 words). 

The Project Brief must include:

  • Details of new product or service and how it fits with the organisation’s objectives 
  • State the goals and objectives of the organisation. 
  • Define the goals and SMART objectives of the project
  • Describe how the chosen project aligns with other organisational projects as well as organisational values and objectives 
  • (2500 words)

Once the Project Brief has been completed, the Project Manager is to meet with the Project Sponsor (Teacher) to seek clarification and approve the project parameters. The student will then prepare the Project Scope statement for inclusion in the Project Plan.

The student is now required to develop an appropriate Project Plan based on the approved project brief.

Project Scope:The student is to prepare an accurate ‘project scope statement’ based on the Project Brief and include this in the project plan.

The scope is to include the following:

  • Clearly define the project outcome as it relates to time (start/end date), cost (budget) and quality expectations, ideally stated as a SMART objective
  • Include a list of the key issues related to the different areas of the project, e.g. overspend, alignment with organisational values, risks (WHS) etc. and identify the stakeholder(s) against each issue
  • Define the key stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities (deliverables). 
    • At least three (3) project stakeholders are to be listed, e.g. project manager, project sponsor, 2 x team members/roles/summary major tasks etc. 
  • Describe all the key resources needed to undertake the project, including all physical, human, technological and financial resources
  • Identify the relevant legislation, regulations, protocols/codes of conduct that may apply to the project. This may include the following areas:
    • anti-discrimination legislation
    • codes of practice
    • environmental issues
    • ethical principles
    • WHS (mandatory inclusion)
    • privacy laws.
  • 150 words approximately
  • Develop the Project Plan

In this part of the task the student needs to develop a Project Plan consistent with the agreed project scope, using the template provided (or an appropriate alternative).

The student is required to complete all parts of the Project Plan consistent with the approved project scope.

The Project Plan must use appropriate project management tools, and include the following as a minimum:

  • Gantt chart of the complete project showing major tasks and deliverables for each team member, including reporting dates
  • Draft budget (showing resources required, and anticipated costs)
  • Risk management matrix/table for at least 3 major project risks, which must include at least one ‘work health and safety (WHS) risk
  • Quality standards matrix/table based on the project scope and deliverables
  • Key reporting dates, methods and tools
  • Record keeping methods and procedures

The Project Plan is required to get approval from the Project Sponsor (Teacher) to commence the project. A ‘satisfactory’ assessment result for AT1 will indicate formal project plan approval.

Note: When the Project Plan is completed and approved, it will then be used for Assessment Task 2.

  • Administer the project:

The initiate the project, the student (as Project Manager) is required to conduct a Project Team Meeting. 

The purpose of the initial Project Team Meeting is to consult and communicate with project Team members the project requirements, and their responsibilities, and to generate input and engagement in the planning, implementation and reviewing of the project.

The initial Project Team Meeting is used to discuss the project scope and expectations (time, cost, quality), seek feedback regarding delegated tasks and expectations and to communicate reporting dates and methods prior to finalising the Project Plan.

The student, as Project Manager is to use a detailed meeting Agenda and Minutes, and include these for submission upload. They can be included at the end of the Project Plan document.

Team Meeting Agenda items are to include the following (as a minimum):

  • Project Scope (including start/end date), budget, and expected outcomes (quality)
  • Key Stakeholders, responsibilities 
  • Team member responsibilities and deliverables, any specific needs to ensure quality outcomes and on time delivery against project requirements (teacher can act as project sponsor and give feedback)
  • Relevant legislation, regulations, ethical or legal issues to consider, including WHS issues related to the project tasks
  • Resources required and costs vs. project budget
  • Project Risks
  • Project management ‘tools’ to be used in the development, administration, monitoring and reporting, finalising and review of the project

At the conclusion of the first Project Team Meeting, the Project Manager is to incorporate Project Team Member input to finalise the Project Plan for approval by the Project Sponsor (Teacher) before proceeding with the project implementation (Assessment Task 2).

Where

Scheduled weekly class time has been allocated for students to seek clarity, review and complete this assessment task.  It is expected students will perform additional work outside of class.

How

Students will be assessed according to the criteria outlined in the Criteria for Assessment listed in the marking guide.   To achieve satisfactory result, students will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.

Instructions on submitting the Product Assessment

Students are required to upload their assessment in Canvas by due date.

 

Assessment Task 2: Project monitoring and completion report

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

This is Assessment Task 2 of 2 that students need to be complete for this unit. Both assessments need to be completed satisfactorily to be assessed competent for this unit. 

Assessment Task 2 (AT2) requires students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in monitoring, finalising and reviewing a project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects.

AT2 is based on the Project Plan student’s prepared for Assessment Task 1 (AT1).

For this assessment task, you are required to:

Administer and Monitor the project competed in AT1

    • Communicate to project team members their responsibilities and project requirements

3.2 Establish and maintain required recordkeeping systems throughout the project

3.3 Implement and monitor plans for managing the project

3.4 Undertake risk management as required  

Finalise a project

4.1 Complete financial recordkeeping associated with project and confirm according to agreed budget

4.2 Complete project documentation and obtain sign-offs for concluding project

Complete and Review a project

4.3 Review project outcomes and processes against the project scope and plan

4.4 Document feedback and suggested improvements

Roleplay scenario

You will continue to act in the role of Project Manager for the Project Plan developed for Assessment Task 1.

The teacher will perform the role of ‘Project Sponsor’.

Two other students will be designated project team members. Each team member will provide input and feedback to the Project Manager to facilitate project monitoring, reporting and completion activities.

Although this assessment requires collaboration with other students, this assessment task is an individual assessment.

Assessment Instructions

What 

You will need to satisfactorily complete all three parts to this Assessment Task:

  • Part A – Administer and monitor the project
  • Part B – Finalise the project
  • Part C – Review the project

Part A - Administer and Monitor the project

The project has commenced, and you as the Project Manager are now required to consult and communicate with the two project team members to get their input and engagement in the project implementation and review phases. 

1a) As Project Manager you need to organise project administration and monitoring activities consistent with the Project Plan (AT1). To do this, you will plan and conduct a Project Monitoring Meeting with the two project team members. 

As part of the assessment submission for this step, you will need to provide the email sent to the team members (screen shot) about the details of the proposed Project Monitoring Meeting and showing appropriate attachments and a meeting Agenda.

Ensure that as part of the planning for this meeting you have informed your teacher because they will need to observe the meeting. 

During this meeting, you as the Project Manager must:

1b) review the progress of planned activities, ensure that the team members are clear about their responsibilities and deliverables. 

1c) consult, seek feedback, and provide support for the two project team members, with regard to any specific needs and expectations. 

1d) ensure that the quality of the expected outcomes, resources, budget, documented time-lines and ‘project deliverables’ of the project are being monitored according to the Project Plan and reported to the Project Sponsor.

1e) During this meeting, you at the Project Manager are required to review the risks identified in the Project Plan, explain the processes for identifying and managing the risks, and complete a ‘WHS checklist’ with both of the team members, and retain this documentation for review at the completion of the project, and for inclusion in the Project Completion Report (use the template provided).

The WHS checklist can be sourced via the following: WorkSafe Victoria Checklist for Health and Safety Consultation [ https://content.api.worksafe.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-06/ISBN-Checklist-for-health-and-safety-consultation-2012-10.pdf ]. A sample is provided in Appendix 3.

1f) After the meeting has been conducted, you at the Project Manager need to prepare one Status Report (see sample template in Appendix 2) for each of the two team members (i.e.: two in total) and forward this to the Project Sponsor (teacher) and to each of the team members via email. The email is to include a brief summary of the project status in the email body.

 Use the project ‘Status Report’ template provided.

The completed ‘Status Reports’ are to be retained by you, the Project Manager consistent with the ‘record keeping’ systems and methods documented in the Project Plan and included in the Project Completion Report.

Part B - Finalise the project

The project activities have now been completed and the Project Manager is required to formally ‘finalise’ the project and report on project outcomes (planned v. actual).

The Project Manager is to use the ‘Project Outcome Scenario’ provided (see Appendix 1) for the project review and finalisation.

Note, the student/teacher can modify the Project Outcome Scenario as required to suit any specifics of their Project Plan, however any changes must be clearly identified and communicated in the Project Completion Report.

2a) As Project Manager you are to review the project outcomes against the Project Plan and amend (labelled ‘v2’) the project plan ‘tools’ sourced from AT1 to reflect the ‘Planned v Actual’ results for future review and signoff with the project team members. Sign-off can include electronic signatures or scanned signatures of the team members 

Project Management tools to be reviewed, revised, and ‘finalised’ as ‘v2’ are:

  • Gantt Chart / WBS / timeline and deliverables
  • Budget / Resources (Planned v Actual)
  • Quality standards checklist 
  • Risk Management Plan

The Project Manager is to include the signed-off (v2) project tools in the Project Completion Report. Team Member names, role, and ‘sign-off’ is to be noted in the appropriate section of the Project Completion Report template.

All changes to the revised project management tools are to be consistent with the Project Outcome Scenario. 

The changes to the finalised project tools (v2) must be clearly evident, using colour or graphics, and include a brief summary (1 paragraph) for each tool in the Project Completion Report. 

2b) At this stage, as Project Manager you are to prepare recommendations for project staff transition to new roles or to reassign to previous roles. 

These recommendations are to be discussed as an Agenda item in the Project Completion Meeting, and outcomes included in the Project Completion Report provided to the Project Sponsor.

Part C- Review the project

As Project Manager you are now required to review the finalised project tools (v2), project outcomes and deliverables with the project team members via a Project Completion Meeting. Also, at this meeting you need to discuss and seek feedback regarding project management processes used, the revised tools against the Project Plan, and ‘lessons learned’ from the project, and report this to the organisation (to be included in the Project Completion Report). At this meeting you will also need complete all financial recordkeeping, check for accuracy, and secure formal ‘sign-off’ of the revised tools from the team members.

3a) As Project Manager organise and schedule the ‘Project Completion Meeting’ with the project team members via an electronic calendar invitation. The invite is to include a summary of the meeting purpose and attachments including the Project Plan (AT1), the draft ‘v2’ Project Tools, and the meeting Agenda (see details to be included in 3b).

Include a copy of the electronic calendar invite with attachments as a screenshot for assessment.

3b) The Project Manager is to prepare the Project Completion Meeting ‘Agenda’ including the following topics:

  • Analysis of project outcomes against Objectives, Scope and the Project Plan (Refer to Project Outcome Scenario in Appendix 1)
  • Review of v2 Project Tools (Budget, Gantt chart, Quality Plan, Risk Plan/WHS checklist)
  • Analysis of cost v budget ('Planned v. Actual') and where/why amendments were made
  • Ethics and legislation review (refer to the Project Plan)
  • Team member performance v. Planned (deliverables, outcomes, skills, processes, reporting)
  • Team member Feedback / Reflection on what worked well / what didn't work well
  • Team member skills for 'transition' at the completion of the project (good and bad)
  • Team communication / consultations (including cultural considerations)
  • Project Monitoring (Meetings, processes, procedures, instructions, tools, forms, monitoring and reporting)
  • 'Lessons learned' (to be included in the Project Completion Report)

3c) As Project Manager you are now required to conduct the Project Completion Meeting consistent with the Agenda that was circulated. This meeting is to be conducted via roleplay and is to be observed by the Teacher

During this meeting, you as the Project Manager need to:

  • discuss, source and record feedback on the project outcomes
  • acquire all necessary signoffs of ‘v2’ project documentation/tools from the project team members. 
  • prepare and discuss project team member ‘transition’ to new roles or reassignment to previous roles. 

3d) The signed-off revised tools are to be included in the Project Completion Report, along with a description (1 paragraph) clearly explaining the amendments, the cause of the changes, and the impact on the Project Plan.

3e) At the conclusion of the meeting, the Project Manager is to prepare detailed meeting ‘Minutes’. A summary of the Minutes is to be included in the Project Completion Report. 

Project Review:

3f) As the Project Manager you need to organise a ‘Project Review Meeting’ with the Project Sponsor (Teacher), where the signed-off Project Completion Report can be discussed in detail. Your ‘Sign-off’ is a digital signature (or equivalent) in the document prior to forwarding the report to the Project Sponsor.

Invite the Project Sponsor to the Project Review Meeting via an electronic calendar invitation. This calendar invite is to include as an attachment:

  • the completed Project Plan (AT1)
  • the ‘signed-off’ Project Completion Report
  • a summary of the meeting purpose and topics included in the invite. 

You need to create the calendar invite only, not actually conduct the review meeting with the Project Sponsor/Teacher. 

Include a copy of the electronic calendar invite with attachments as a screenshot for assessment.

3g) Complete all sections of Project Completions Report using the template provided and forward it to the Project Sponsor (your teacher).  

At the end of the report, include a reflection section where you respond to the following:

  • What aspects of the project were achieved, what worked and what did not work?
  • Scope, goals, objectives, outcomes, ethics and legislation considered.
  • Team performance and team communication.
  • Describe two lessons learned from this project and suggestions for improvement (what worked well, what can be improved, what are your recommendations for improvement?)
  • Describe the team’s consultation process and how the views of all team members were considered.

Where

Class time will be allocated to work on this assessment.  It is expected students will perform additional work on assessment outside of class.

How

Students will be assessed according to the criteria outlined in the Criteria for Assessment listed in the marking guide.   To achieve ‘Satisfactory’ result, students will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.

Instructions on submitting the Product Assessment

The following is required for submission/assessment on Canvas by the due date:

Part A – Administer and monitor the project

  • 1 x screen shot of the Project Monitoring Meeting request email, with attachments
  • 2 x completed and signed Status Reports (1 for each Project team member)
  • 2 x completed and signed WHS Checklists (1 for each Project team member)

 Part B – Finalise the project

  • Signed-off (v2) project tools (to be included in the Project Completion Report)
    • Gantt Chart / WBS / Deliverables
    • Budget / Resources 
    • Quality standards checklist
    • WHS checklist
  • Staff transition recommendations (for review, discussion and feedback during the Project Completion Meeting, and for inclusion in the Project Completion Report) 

Part C – Review the project

  • 1 x Project Completion Meeting ‘Agenda’
  • 1 x Project Completion Meeting ‘Minutes’
  • 1 x screen shot of Project Completion Meeting calendar invite (with attachments)
  • 4 x Signed off project tools (v2) (to be identified as ‘v2’, in the Project Completion Report)
  • 1 x screen shot of the Project Review Meeting calendar invite (with attachments)
  • 1 x Completed and signed (by the Project Manager) Project Completion Report

Students to name their submission files as <student_no_your_name_ BSBPMG403_Part A>.  For example, 23456789_JohnSmith_BSBPMG403_Part A.docx


Assessment Matrix

There are two assessments for the course.

  • Assessment Task 1: Project Plan
  • Assessment Task 2: Project Monitoring and Completion Report

Course Overview: Access Course Overview