This course is designed as a capstone experience to enable you to synthesise, integrate and apply the specialised knowledge and skills you have developed so far in this program. You will apply contemporary project management theory and appropriate investigative tools and methods to investigate a real or simulated project-based problem. Working as part of a project team, or individually, you will respond to a client problem, industry need or project organisation scenario. You will creatively explore real-world industry issues, simulating the role of project manager in the professional practice context. Your investigation may be based on a topic relating to your professional context or you may select a workplace issue, either of which will be negotiated with your lecturer.

This course will develop your high-level industry-based research, critical thinking and analytical skills, enhancing your capacity for independent or collaborative research. You will develop a research proposal which will investigate a real-world industry case study and identify opportunities for evidenced based improvement. In undertaking your research project, you will be required to collect and analyse primary and/or secondary data from a range of sources. You will also be required to undertake a literature review which will inform the development and validation of your project including your project's findings, recommendations and action plan.

You will be supervised by your lecturer who specialises in project management. Your lecturer will provide academic advice which will include topic selection, project design and report preparation, as well as related industry engagement requirements if applicable. Your learning will also be supported through interactive workshops in which you will critically examine a range of issues including investigative design and methods, data analysis, current industry trends and developments.

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/ or the community is integral to your experience.