ASSESSMENT 1 BRIEF | |
Subject Code and Title | PROJ6016 Project Management Capstone |
Assessment | Project Plan |
Individual/Group | Individual |
Length | 2000 words +/- 10% |
Learning Outcomes | The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful completion of the task below include: Develop a theoretical or practical perspective on project management through a substantial applied project and articulate to diverse stakeholders.Demonstrate collaborative leadership and ownership through the planning and preparation of a significant original body of practical or theoretical work.Compare and evaluate various project management tools and techniques and apply through an approved project.Synthesise and integrate theories and concepts from a broad range of previous project management subjects to improve project outcomes.Evaluate and critically reflect on application of theory, processes, ethical practice, and standards and how these are represented in project lifecycle. |
Submission | Due by 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday end of Module 2.2 (Week 4) |
Weighting | 25% |
Total Marks | 100 |
Assessment Task
Write a 2000 words project plan that demonstrates your understanding of project management theories and concepts, specifically within the Planning Process Group. This also involves applying these theories and concepts to your selected and approved Capstone Project.
Please refer to the Instructions for details on how to complete this task.
Context
Project Managers are expected to demonstrate key technical project management skills, which include a focus on critical success factors for the project, ensuring the time to plan thoroughly and diligently, tailor traditional and agile methods for each project and management of project elements including schedule, cost, resources, and risks (PMI, 2017). Project Managers should be sufficiently knowledgeable about the business domain in which a project will be carried out, to explain to others the essential business aspect of each project, work with the sponsor, project team and subject matter experts to develop the appropriate delivery strategy, which will maximise the business value of the project.
The Project Plan
The Project Plan is an output of the Develop Project Management Plan process within the Planning Process Group, and an outcome of the Planning Performance Domain (PMI, 2021). It is based on the Project Charter (or Project Implementation Document) as well as the review and assessment of Enterprise Environmental Factors, and review and use of Organisational Process Assets. The Project Plan provides the basis for Directing and
Managing the Project Work, Managing Project Knowledge, Monitoring and Controlling Project Work and Performing Integrated Change Control processes, and subsequently, Close Project Process.
The Project Plan is the document that describes the method of executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing the project. The Project Scope is defined and described very specifically during the planning of the project, and this specific definition is included in the Scope Statement. Existing risks, assumptions and constraints are analysed for completeness and updated as required. It is assumed that you are familiar with each of these processes and can demonstrate the application of each of these processes. This Project Plan is based on the approved Project Proposal, which is the input to this Project Plan for the Capstone Project.
The Capstone Project Plan
The Capstone Project Plan depends on whether the Project is employer-based or research-based and will integrate and consider all the subsidiary management plans and baselines that are necessary to manage the project (PMI, 2017, p.86). The Capstone Project Plan allows you to demonstrate understanding and application of the Planning Process Group, Planning Performance Domain and associated baselines. “The Project plan and documents demonstrate that the level of planning is appropriate for the project.” (PMI, 2021, p.68).
The Project Plan contains the following details, at a minimum:
- Project Information, which include the Title, Aim, Background, Key Benefits and Objectives.
- The Roles and Responsibilities within the Project Team, including the Roles and Responsibility Matrix as well as Key Contacts.
- The Project Scope, which should include at least the Scope Statement, Scope Exclusions, Key Deliverables, Work Breakdown, Project Constraints, Project Assumptions, Success Criteria/Definition of Done and Key Resources.
- Project Schedule, which includes Milestones and Key Activities. The full Project Schedule with a detailed Gantt should be attached.
- Project Budget, which includes predicted Human and Work Resource costs, based on the project team working hours, and the resources required for your project. A justification for the cost baseline should be included.
- Risk Plan, including Project Key Risks, detailing probability, impact and risk treatment. A full risk register should be attached.
- Stakeholder and Communications Plan, including a detailed register of Stakeholders, identifying their impact/interest in the project, their information needs, and how and when project information will be provided. A full stakeholder matrix and register should be attached.
- Project Quality plan, identifying the definition of project quality, associated quality management process, and the anticipated quality requirements and standards with which the project will comply. A full Quality Management Plan should be attached.
- Project Review and Reporting, detailing the Review Process, including meeting schedules and Reporting Cycle and processes.
- The Project Plan must be signed and dated by the student, in the case of a research-based project. In the case of an employer-based project, the Project Plan should be signed and dated by the student and the employer supervisor.
A sample Project Plan template is provided; however, you may use an employer-based template with the permission of your employer. The content of the Project Plan will be based on whether you have elected to complete an employer-based or research-based project. The schedule must be aligned to the assessment tasks within this subject, and the project must be able to be completed within one trimester. You need to remember that the Project Deliverables will include agreed outcomes for the selected Capstone Project along with the assessments to be delivered for this subject.
Baselines for schedule, scope, cost and quality will be an input to Assessment 2: Status Report. You will be notified of approval of Baselines as part of Academic Supervisor Feedback.
References
Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK (6th ed.). Project Management Institute Inc.
Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK GUIDE and The Standard for Project Management (7th ed.). Project Management Institute Inc.
Instructions
1. Capstone Proposal
To complete the project plan, you need to have first submitted a Proposal to your Academic Supervisor and the Supervisor must have approved the Proposal. For more information about how to prepare and submit a capstone proposal, please refer to Module 1.1 Learning Activity 2 Capstone Proposal.
2. Write a 2000 words Project Plan
- You should consider the context of the Project Plan within Project Planning and Project Work and practice of Project Management. Then, carry out the required planning for your Capstone Project to deliver the assessment and Capstone Project outcomes to the required quality, within the allocated schedule.
- Please remember that the schedule, scope, quality, risk and costs contained within the Project Plan will be approved by the Project Supervisor. You will track your Capstone Project against these baselines, reporting on these in your Status Reports (See Assessment 2 Part A and Part B briefs). Thus, the Project Plan must be realistic and planned with consideration of what you plan to deliver within this Capstone Project.
- Your Project Plan must be based on academic knowledge and should contain definitions of the Project Plan components, supported by academic, peer reviewed citations. Please keep in mind that this Capstone Project must be completed within this trimester, and the schedule must be created accordingly.
- If you are using the provided Project Plan template, please download the template from Key Learning Resources tab and complete each section.
- In preparing and completing your Project Plan, please ensure that you have:
- Provided an overview of the Capstone Project you have selected, and which has been approved by your supervisor.
- Identified the problems/needs, explain the possible solution/development that is required and detail the outcomes that will be achieved by the Project.
- Considered and completed all components of Project Scope.
- Created a full project schedule, along with a Work Breakdown Structure, and that the project schedule, including a detailed Gantt chart, has been included in the Project Plan. The schedule file should be inserted as an object.
- Created a Budget that associates with your project costs or revenues.
- Created a Risk Assessment and Probability and Impact Matrix and ensure that these have been included in the Project Plan.
- Created a Stakeholder and Communications Matrix and have included this in the Project Plan.
- Considered Project Quality and have completed a Quality Management Plan including the identification of the Quality standards against which you will manage your Capstone project.
- Considered and completed the Project Review and Reporting, which must include review and reporting to your TUA Project Supervisor, and, in the case of an employer-based project, review and reporting to your employer supervisor; and
- Completed your Name, Student ID, Project Title, and have signed and dated the Project Plan. In the case of an employer-based project, please ensure that your employer supervisor has also signed and dated the Project Plan, to signify agreement with the contents of the Project Plan.
4. Format of the Project Plan
The Project Plan should follow APA formatting requirements, use Arial or Calibri 11-point font, be line spaced at 1.5 for ease of reading, and have page numbers on the bottom of each page. Where diagrams or tables are used, due attention should be given to pagination to avoid loss of meaning and continuity by unnecessarily splitting information over two pages. Diagrams must carry the appropriate captioning.
- Your Project Plan will be assessed according to the Assessment Rubric and will be viewed in light of the agreed Project Proposal, achievability of the project within the allocated timeframe, and demonstration of your application of Project theory to a practical project.
Referencing
It is essential that you use appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research. Please see more information on referencing in the Academic Writing Guide and APA 7 Formatting found via the Academic Skills webpage.
Submission Instructions
Submit the Project Plan via the Assessment link in the main navigation menu in PROJ6016 – Project Capstone. The Learning Facilitator will provide feedback via the Grade Centre in the LMS Portal. Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.
If submitting more than one document:
Please note during the submission process: If you would like to include appendix items in your submission, once your first item has been uploaded, click ‘Browse Your Computer’ to attach your extra documents as an appendix. Then click ‘Final Submit’ button.
Academic Integrity
All students are responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is their own and is appropriately referenced and academically written according to the Academic Writing Guide. Students also need to have read and be aware of Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure and subsequent penalties for academic misconduct. These are viewable online.
Students also must keep a copy of all submitted material and any assessment drafts.
Assessment Rubric
Assessment Attributes | Fail (Yet to achieve minimum standard) 0-49% | Pass (Functional) 50-64% | Credit (Proficient) 65-74% | Distinction (Advanced) 75-84% | High Distinction (Exceptional) 85-100% |
15% | |||||
Knowledge and understanding of Project Planning Presents each component of the Project Plan, with consideration of the baselines, Resources, Risks, Stakeholders, Quality, Review and Reporting. The schedule and deliverables are clearly identified and are achievable within the time constraints of the project. Percentage for this criterion = 35% | Demonstrates a limited or partially developed understanding of Project Planning. Incomplete consideration and completion of the Project Plan components. | Demonstrates a functional knowledge of Project Planning. Simplistic consideration of project planning within the completed Project Plan components, providing little detail to allow for Project Work based on the Project Plan. | Demonstrates proficient knowledge of Project Planning. Good consideration of project planning within the completed Project Plan components, providing detail to allow for Project Work based on the Project Plan. | Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Project Planning. Advanced consideration of project plan within the completed Project Plan components, providing detail to allow for Project Work based on the Project Plan. | Demonstrates exceptional knowledge and understanding of Project Planning. Well considered and well-developed project plan, completing all Project Plan components, providing required level of detail to allow for Project Work based on the Project Plan. |
10% | |||||
Does not decompose the project into a WBS or has not considered the schedule appropriately to complete within the allocated timeframe. | Decomposes the project to a low level and developed a WBS for the project. Schedule is not appropriate for the selected project. | Decomposes the project to a detailed level and developed a WBS for the project. | Decomposes the project to a detailed level and developed a WBS for the project. | Decomposes the project to a sufficient level so as to develop an adequate WBS. | |
10% | |||||
Project Plan is insufficient to allow for development of the Project Work. | Project Plan is basic and will allow some development of Project Work. | Project Plan is developed and will allow some development of Project Work. | Project Plan is well developed and will allow effective development of Project Plan. | Project Plan has been developed to an exceptional level and will allow development and management of Project Work. | |
Evaluation of | 15% | ||||
information selected to | Limited understanding of | Resembles a recall or | Supports personal opinion | Discriminates between | Systematically and critically |
plan the selected | key concepts and | summary of key ideas. | and information | assertion of personal | discriminates between |
project. | knowledge/tools and | Project Plan contains | substantiated by evidence | opinion and information | assertion of personal |
Student has considered the most effective approach to plan Project Work and Project Delivery based on the selected topic, through the evaluation of the problem and Project Management frameworks. Percentage for this criterion = 30% | techniques required to support and deliver the selected project. | approaches which do not demonstrate a sufficiency of understanding of the information, key concepts, tools or techniques require to support and deliver the selected project. | from the research/course materials. Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts, tools and techniques required to support and deliver the selected project. | substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Well demonstrated capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts and tools and techniques required to support and deliver the selected project. | opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Information is taken from sources with a high level of interpretation/evaluation to develop a comprehensive critical analysis or synthesis and application of tools and techniques for the support and delivery of the selected project. |
15% | |||||
Project Plan demonstrates limited understanding of the project problem or a consistent approach to develop Project Work or Project Delivery. No Research processes or Research matrix included | Project Plan demonstrates some understanding of the project problem and consistent approach to develop Project Work and Project Delivery. Provides a basic Research process | Project Plan demonstrates development of understanding of the project problem and a consistent approach to develop Project Work and Project Delivery. A detailed Research process is provided as part of the project plan, easy to follow. Use Research matrix template and record detailed information of academic sources | Project Plan demonstrates an effective and well developed understanding of the project problem and a consistent approach to develop Project Work and Project Delivery. A comprehensive Research process is provided and embedded in project plan, implementation, and control. A complete Research matrix provided including annotated bibliography | Project Plan demonstrates a highly developed understanding and ability to interpret the project problem developing an efficient approach to develop Project Work and Project Delivery. A comprehensive Research process is provided and embedded in project plan, implementation, and control. A complete Research matrix provided including annotated bibliography, showing relevance to the research topic, and from credible source |
Effective Communication (Written) Percentage for this criterion = 20% | 10% | ||||
Presents information. Specialised language and terminology are rarely or inaccurately employed. | Communicates in a readable manner that largely adheres to the given format. Generally, employs specialised language and terminology with accuracy. | Communicates in a coherent and readable manner that adheres to the given format. Accurately employs specialised language and terminology. | Communicates coherently and concisely in a manner that adheres to the given format. Accurately employs a wide range of specialised language and terminology. | Communicates eloquently. Expresses meaning coherently, concisely and creatively within the given format. Discerningly selects and precisely employs a wide range of specialised language and terminology. | |
10% | |||||
Meaning is repeatedly obscured by errors in the communication of ideas, including errors in structure, sequence, spelling, grammar, punctuation and/or the acknowledgment of sources. | Meaning is sometimes difficult to follow. Information, arguments, and evidence are structured and sequenced in a way that is not always clear and logical. Some errors are evident in spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. | Meaning is easy to follow. Information, arguments, and evidence are structured and sequenced clearly and logically. Occasional minor errors present in spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. | Engages audience interest. Information, arguments, and evidence are structured and sequenced in a way that is, clear and persuasive. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are free from errors. | Engages and sustains audience’s interest. Information, arguments, and evidence are insightful, persuasive and expertly presented. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are free from errors. | |
Correct citation of key resources and evidence Percentage for this criterion = 15% | 10% | ||||
Demonstrates inconsistent use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas. | Demonstrates use of credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas, but these are not always explicit or well developed. | Demonstrates use of credible resources to support and develop ideas. | Demonstrates use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop arguments and statements. Show evidence of wide scope within the organisation for sourcing evidence. | Demonstrates use of high- quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop arguments and position statements. Show evidence of wide scope within and without the organisation for sourcing evidence. | |
5% |
Referencing is omitted or does not resemble APA. No use of intext citation or incorrect use of intext citation | Referencing resembles APA, with frequent or repeated errors. No use or incorrect use of intext citation | Referencing resembles APA, with occasional errors. Occasional errors when using intext citation | APA referencing is free from errors. | APA referencing is free from errors. |
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