ENGGEN 741 : Project, Programme and Portfolio Management

Engineering

2023 Semester Two (1235) (30 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Critical elements of project delivery including leadership, organisation, owner profile and participation, project objectives, investment decisions and change management. Project, Programme and Portfolio Management frameworks and their practical application to organisations in managing strategy implementation. Examples from industry show how theoretical concepts relate to the success or failure of projects, programmes and portfolios under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Course Overview

This course extends thinking beyond managing an individual project into managing multiple projects, programmes and portfolios in order to deliver strategic outcomes and optimise the use of resources at a macro level. The course provides a blend of theory, tools and techniques with analysis of case studies. The use of case studies provides context to illustrate the theories and allow students to build confidence in managing projects in a range of industry contexts. Case studies are also used to analyse causes for successes and failures, to identify lessons learned and to formulate plans for improvements for better delivery of projects and programmes. A range of published case studies from around the world together with real projects managed by staff who teach the course are used to extend studies beyond textbook management into the aspects of complexity and ambiguity where solutions are not obvious.
  
The learning outcomes are assessed via a range of assignments, including individual assessments and a significant team assignment. Students will be working in teams of approximately 5 - 7 students to collaborate and develop recommendations for an open-ended case study. The learning is supported by a weekly online tutorial facilitated by experienced academics and professionals who have delivered major projects.

Course Requirements

Restriction: ENGGEN 733, 735

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify and critically analyse the theories and practical application of the strategic management of Project, Programme and Portfolio (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  2. Apply the theories of Project, Programme and Portfolio management to contemporary scenario problems to develop recommendations for implementation of solutions (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  3. Identify and recommend governance arrangements for a portfolio and/or programme of projects to address risks and objectives (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 5)
  4. Develop options and apply benefits and risk management tools and techniques to such options in business cases related to this subject area (Capability 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6)
  5. Identify critical success elements for delivery of projects and apply such factors to open-ended case study scenarios to identify practical solutions (Capability 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6)
  6. Undertake systematic analyses of case studies in order to identify lessons learned and identify improvement plans and recommendations (Capability 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
  7. Work collaboratively as a team, present project information to stakeholders, and communicate effectively to make convincing recommendations (Capability 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Individual Assignments 65% Individual Coursework
Group Assignment 30% Group Coursework
Discussions 5% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Individual Assignments
Group Assignment
Discussions

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 30 point course and students are expected to spend 300 hours in total over the semester. Note that there are no exams, so the workload will be spread over 12 teaching weeks. 

For this course, you can expect to spend the following per week:

  •  1 hour live online tutorial,
  • 10 hours of watching, listening, reading, and thinking about the online content,
  •  10 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation, and
  • 4 hours participating in online discussion forums
This equates to 25 hours per week over 12 weeks, or 300 hours in total.

Delivery Mode

Online

Attendance is expected at scheduled online activities including tutorials to complete components of the course.

The course will include live online events including group discussions/tutorials/lectures and these will be recorded.

Attendance on campus is not required for the test.

Where possible, study material will be available at course commencement.

This course runs to the University semester timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There is no prescribed text for this course. All essential and/or additional readings will be provided in each relevant module.

Health & Safety

Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Health and Safety section of the Engineering Postgraduate policies and guidelines.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student feedback has been considered and taken into account in sequencing of topics introduced in the course to align with the assessments and the structure and contents of the Modules and the administration of the course are being revised.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 21/11/2022 10:32 a.m.