1. Assessment
Assessment scheme
Assessment consists of:
? formative self-assessment questions (no marks are allocated); and
? summative assignments (marks are allocated).
Formative assessment
In an endeavour to enable you to progressively assess your level of knowledge of the subject areas, self-assessment questions may be included with some modules. These questions are formative – they have no marks allocated to them. They do not form part of the formal course assessment and answers should not be submitted for marking. If they are diligently completed they will be of value in assisting you to achieve the required learning outcomes.
Summative assessment
Summative assessment items have marks allocated to them and form part of the formal course assessment. There are two online quizzes and two case-study assignments and they should be completed and/or submitted by the due date so that you do not get behind in your studies. See the course specification for submission requirements and extension guidelines.
Description Marks out of Wtg% Due date
Online Quiz 1
(multiple choice quiz) 100 5% 8 to 9 Dec 2015
(see Note 1)
Assignment 1 – Essay 100 30% 28 Dec 2015
(see Note 2)
Assignment 2 – Case study report 100 60% 12 Feb 2016
(see Note 3)
Online Quiz 2
(multiple choice quiz) 100 5% 11 to 12 Feb 2016
(see Note 4)
NOTES:
1. Online Quiz 1 is a short online quiz to allow you to measure your familiarity with recognised principles and issues related to management of business change using projects at the commencement of the course. Students are encouraged to complete the quiz to ensure they understand the nature of the studies in the course. Quiz 1 does not relate to any specific modules – it is more broadly based.
2. Assignment 1 is a major project-based essay and requires students to obtain sufficient information on a project of their choice to carry out a critical analysis of nominated aspects of that project. Students should choose a project as early as possible after reading the requirements of assignment 1. The same project can be used for both assignments 1 and 2.
3. Assignment 2 is a major project-based case study and requires students to obtain sufficient information on a project of their choice to carry out a critical analysis of nominated aspects of that project. Students should choose a project as early as possible after reading the requirements of assignment 2. The same project can be used for both assignments 1 and 2.
4. Online Quiz 2 is a short online quiz to allow you to measure your improved understanding of recognised principles and issues related to management of business change using projects at the completion of the course. Students are encouraged to complete the quiz to see how their level of understanding has improved.
2. Examination
There is NO examination for this course.
3. Assignment extension policy
Refer to the course specification for the extension policy. Online quizzes will close automatically on the date indicated. There is no need to obtain prior approval for an extension of less than one week for submission of assignments. Submit your assignment as soon as possible after the due date together with any supporting documentation that might be required to justify the late submission.
4. Submission details
Throughout the materials, reference may be made to the mode of study selected by students.
‘Online’ students are those who are enrolled in the course in ‘WEB’ mode. This mode may not always be available.
‘On-campus’ students are those who are enrolled in the course in ‘ONC’ mode. This mode may not always be available.
‘External’ students are those who are enrolled in the course in ‘EXT’ mode. This mode may not always be available.
? Submission of assessment – Online Quiz 1 and 2 are completed online through the link on the course StudyDesk. All students (regardless of mode) must submit Assignments 1 and 2 electronically using the electronic assignment submission facility. This is accessed from the course home page on the StudyDesk for this course and a link to detailed instructions for submission is provided. Assignments will not be accepted by email or in hard copy unless there are extenuating circumstances and prior approval is gained from the course examiner.
? Electronic mark sheet – students must use the MGT8022 electronic assignment mark sheet for assignments 1 and 2 that are provided as part of the StudyDesk course materials as it contains the marking criteria. Do not use generic USQ cover sheets that may be available for other courses. Do not use generic PDF cover sheets which are only intended for courses where hard copy submissions are required.
? File naming – electronic files should follow the file-naming protocols detailed on the mark sheet.
? Due date – submission should be completed prior to midnight (Toowoomba time) on the due date specified in the study schedule. Check the time difference. The time in Toowoomba is indicated on the StudyDesk.
? File types – Electronic copies of assignments may be submitted in various file formats which are defined in the electronic assignment submission facility for each course. Check to ensure that your assignment complies with the requirements.
? Originality Report from Turnitin – Assignment 1 and Assignment 2 must be accompanied by an ‘Originality Report’ from Turnitin. Students will have to download the report as per the instructions below.
5. Originality Report from Turnitin for assignments 1 and 2
The brief instructions below should be sufficient to check your assignment and download an originality report. However, if you have problems more detailed information is available from Turnitin at http://www.turnitin.com/en_us/support/help-center/general-articles.
Briefly, the steps to obtain an Originality Report from Turnitin comprise the following:
1. Create a separate Turnitin version of your assignment with a new file name. Follow the instructions below.
2. If you have not previously done so, register with Turnitin at www.turnitin.com using an email address of your own choosing and a password of your own choosing. You do not have to use your USQ UConnect username and password.
3. Log in and access the course using the class ID and password provided below.
4. Submit your assignment and exit Turnitin for a least 30 minutes.
5. Log into Turnitin again after this period, and then download the Originality Report. The Originality Report will be in HTML or PDF format and will contain a percentage score for material that is common with other sources. You cannot resubmit to Turitin to try to revise the score.
6. Submit your Originality Report when you lodge your assignment.
Information on how to create a separate Turnitin version of your assignment
Turnitin will compare your assignment to all other assignments submitted to Turnitin from USQ and all other universities. It will also compare it with information publicly available and with other documents contained within Turnitin. Turnitin creates a report showing the level of material that is NOT ‘original’ and this is indicated on a scale of zero to 100%. The lower the percentage the better.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To minimise the extent of material that shows as not being your original work, create a separate assignment file for Turnitin and amend it as follows:
? If you have previously attached the USQ electronic mark sheet, remove it so it does not show as common material.
? Delete any other mark sheet or cover sheet so the text starts at ‘Executive Summary’.
? Add your name and Student number to the top of the document for identification.
? Delete all appendices – the text should now finish at the end of the List of References.
You are now ready to submit the assignment file to Turnitin.
To register as new student or to log in
? Go to http://www.turnitin.com .
? If you are not an existing user, select ‘New User’ and follow instructions to register.
? Simply enter an email address of your choosing and create a password (you do not have to use the USQ UConnect username and password).
? Register using your enrolled student name – do not use an alias.
Once you are registered you can simply enter that email address and password to log in to the Turnitin website at any time.
To access the course – Class ID and Password
? Click on ‘Enrol in a class’
? Insert class ID – 11091900
? Insert class password – mgt8022
? You may be asked for your name if you have not provided this before – please use your name that you use in normal USQ communications. Do not use aliases.
To submit assignments 1 and 2
? Click on ‘Submit’ icon for required assignment (1 or 2). A Turnitin report is not required for the online quizzes.
? Select ‘Single file upload’.
? Insert your first name as per USQ student records (if not automatically inserted).
? Insert your last (family) name as per USQ student records (if not automatically inserted). DO NOT USE AN ALIAS.
? Insert submission title (e.g. A1, Assignment 1, or similar to identify assignment).
? Make sure your file complies with the ‘requirements for single file upload’ listed by Turnitin on this page.
? Browse to locate the assignment file on your computer (select the file that has been adapted for submission to Turnitin with no mark sheet and no appendices).
? Click on ‘Upload’.
? Wait for file to upload (indicated by progress bar).
? Preview submission in window to ensure that file has loaded properly.
? Click on ‘Submit’.
? Wait for file to upload. ? Go back to Portfolio.
? Ensure that file shows as submitted (file title and date of submission are displayed) (if this has not happened, you may have to go back and repeat the submission process).
? Log out.
? You will receive an email from Turnitin to confirm submission.
To access your Originality Report and interpretation of report
? Return to Turnitin at a later time to check originality report (wait for at least 30 minutes) http://www.turnitin.com .
? Under the tab ‘My Classes’, click on the required class code from the list under ‘enter a class’.
? Details of your submissions will show up.
? If the assignment has been checked, a percentage will be shown in a box under ‘Originality’.
? Click on the number that shows the percentage of material that comes from other sources (e.g. 12%).
? Read the Originality Report which identifies any material from external sources and the level of material from that source (it is colour coded and easy to read).
? There is no fixed percentage that represents ‘plagiarism’.
? Do not worry about material that you have ‘quoted’ in the assignment or material that is clearly indicated as coming from a source where a citation has been provided.
? A document might legitimately contain material that has been quoted or cited and a higher percentage might be acceptable.
? If the percentage is above 10%, examine your assignment to ensure that materials are properly cited, or if there is material that can be stated in your words rather than the words of others. It is not possible to resubmit your assignment again to obtain additional reports.
? You can explore this report and the sources that have been indicated.
? Save a copy of the report to your computer by clicking on the ‘Download’ arrow in the top RH corner and select ‘OK’.
? Select Save and choose a folder to which the file can be saved (this should be an HTML file).
? If the report is generated as a PDF, it will be of a large size. Select ‘Text only report’ where indicated on the web page, and try to download the HTML version to reduce file size.
? Go to http://www.plagiarism.org/ to read about plagiarism and how to avoid being accused of it.
? You are not able to resubmit your assignment to Turnitin for further checking. You are only allowed one submission per assignment. Do not submit documents under a different user name as it will be compared to your previous submissions.
Submission of Originality report through the assignment submission facility with assignments 1 and 2
? When you submit your assignments 1 and 2 for marking, submit the Turnitin Report as well.
? You may submit it as a separate file, or you may prefer to ‘zip’ the assignment files and the HTML Turnitin file into a single folder to simplify submission.
Support
? If you have problems with submission of your assignment for checking or with downloading an originality report, there is a link to the Turnitin HelpDesk at the bottom of the Turnitin web pages. You can seek assistance there. Simply follow the instructions.
? If Turnitin is unable to assist, you can contact USQ for support through UConnect.
6. Assignment guidelines for assignments 1 and 2
General
? Assignments 1 and 2 are designed to encourage you to develop skills in research, critical analysis, problem solving, decision-making, communication and ethical behaviour.
• They require you to select a project (or projects) of your choice (so your studies are contextualized for your needs) and to analyse aspects of that project in a clinical and objective manner.
• Viewing the videos on critical analysis (accessed from the StudyDesk) will help you to understand the expectations and how to go about critical analysis.
• They require you to find relevant information (as it is not always provided in the study materials) and to compare theory with practice. This is not simple nor easy but reflects what is expected of you in the real world of practice.
? Assignment 1 is an essay. Assignment 2 is a case study.
? An essay is a simpler format than a case study but can be difficult to write well. It provides insights into an issue relating to your project.
? A case study is an analytical report that examines a specific issue and provides conclusions and clear recommendations.
? The word count is indicative. Past experience indicates that it is difficult to discuss the issues in less than the nominated word count but try to stay close to the word count if possible. Marks are gained for conciseness and marks are lost for unnecessary material.
? A high standard of presentation is expected at postgraduate level. There is no excuse for poor spelling, bad grammar, nor lack of formatting. Use one and a half line spacing with 12-point font, and pages must be numbered.
? Do not use ‘I, we, you, our’ etc. Reports and assignments should not be written in the ‘first person’.
Executive summary (required only for assignment 2)
? An Executive summary must be provided for assignment 2 case study (before the Contents page). It provides a reader with a summary of why the report (assignment) was prepared, what it covers, and a summation of the conclusions, and/or recommendations.
? It should be about 10% of the assignment length, single line spacing, and is excluded from formal word counts.
? It is not an introduction, but should function as a totally self-contained removable document for readers who will read no more of the report.
? It should contain all pertinent information including conclusions and recommendations in a concise summary, but should not contain any theory.
Table of contents and numbering (required only for assignment 2)
? A comprehensive table of contents is required for assignment 2, with section numbers, section headings, and page numbers as per the assignment requirements. It will include the List of references, a List of appendices, a List of figures, and a List of tables, all with page numbers indicated. All sections and pages should be fully numbered. At this level of study, you should be able to use the automated table of contents function in MS Word to create a professional report.
Introduction (for assignments 1 and 2)
? An Introduction should be provided at the beginning to summarise the structure of the following sections of the essay/report/assignment.
? The introduction does not contain theory, nor does it contain any conclusions nor recommendations.
? Do not assume that the reader has read any Executive Summary (if one is provided), as it is a totally separate document. Include any relevant information in the Introduction.
Body of assignment (for assignments 1 and 2)
? This is an academic assignment, so it is essential that your statements and views be justified by relevant academic theory. For example, don’t just use terms like ‘stakeholder’ – explain why you selected those terms, and the academic theory to justify their use and definition.
? A major failing of students is to simply ‘describe’ the processes that have happened. At postgraduate level, you are expected to be able to apply recognised theory to situations, and form opinions. You will often find conflicting opinions from so-called ‘experts’. You should be developing analytical and communication skills.
? Students coming from other universities, and especially overseas students, find this need for ‘analysis’ the most difficult transition to make to Australian university study. You are expected to use your judgement to analyse problems, make value judgements as to whether it is good or bad (or both), use existing academic theory from a range of sources to justify your position, and to argue whether something is valid or not. In the study of management, there are no right nor wrong answers, only lots of opinions, many of which change over a period of time. Show that you can act as managers, and communicate your opinions.
? Watch the video at http://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/course/view.php?id=3335 to get a better understanding of ‘critical analysis’. The enrolment key for this course is: pmd.
? Major sections of assignment 2 should start on a new page. You will be surprised just how much more readable it makes your assignment / report.
Referencing
? Referencing is NOT just inserting a list of publications at the end of the report and this is not acceptable.
? Referencing is NOT just inserting a citation at the end of each paragraph and this is not acceptable.
? At postgraduate level, you are expected to cite a wide range of different sources of reference material (at least 10-15), and to make multiple references to such material. This is where e-Books and e-Journals are valuable – they are accessed through the Library website. You are recommended to explore the following databases to find relevant information easily and quickly:
• Books 24x7 - http://library.books24x7.com.ezproxy.usq.edu.au/bookshelf.asp?site=JE61N
• eBrary - http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.usq.edu.au/lib/unisouthernqld/home.action
You can also explore all of the professional journals to which the USQ library subscribes through http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.usq.edu.au/lib/unisouthernqld/home.action.
• In all cases, you will be asked to log into ‘EzProxy’- simply use your UConnect username and password.
• References must be cited using Harvard AGPS system (which is author/date). Please do not use footnotes, etc. Read the Communication skills handbook for information on how to cite reference materials. This is where Endnote bibliographic software will be of value. You can download it for free from the Library website.
? Please refer to the USQ Library web site for referencing guidelines in the Harvard AGPS style. Go to http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/harvard.htm. Click on the Harvard AGPS link under ‘Reference it…’ This provides details on the referencing of print and electronic publications. There are exercises provided to give you practice in using the Harvard AGPS referencing system. Marks will be deducted for failure to use the Harvard AGPS style.
? In the Harvard AGPS references must be listed alphabetically by author in a single List of References at the end of each assignment. Do not put multiple lists of references at the end of each section or part.
? The required referencing style is Harvard AGPS and the recommended version is AGPS 6. Endnote users may download this style from the USQ Library website. If you have problems, contact the Library staff for assistance.
Figures and tables
? There are many instances where diagrams and tables would assist in the communication of information, and the reduction of word length. For example, if a stakeholder analysis were required, it would be much more clearly understood if presented in a table.
? Figures and tables must be numbered in some logical way, so they can be listed on the
Contents page, and referred to in the text. A recommendation is that you call it Figure/Table X.1, X.2 etc. where ‘X’ represents the section number. Consecutive numbering through the whole document (rather than by section) can mean lots of renumbering if there are changes.
? Tables should not run over onto following pages. Start them on a new page to avoid this. If they are multi-page tables, then think about making them into an appendix. Use a smaller font (10 point) and single line spacing to reduce the size of tables.
Appendices
? Where required, larger amounts of relevant material (such as sample documents or supporting material) should be put at the end of the assignment in an Appendix after the List of References. Smaller charts or summaries could be located in the text, but anything over a page becomes a distraction.
? Where included, appendices should be numbered sequentially (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.). Unnecessary and irrelevant information should not be attached. Size of assignments has no bearing on marks achieved.
Comment
? Some students choose part of a project or organisation that is extremely simple in its structure, and has few issues to discuss. Those of you who choose a more complex organisation are given credit for the ‘degree of difficulty’.
? Make sure you answer all parts of the questions. Use the mark sheet as a checklist to ensure you have addressed all sections.
7. Assignment preparation
Refer to the assignment guidelines provided as the requirements are quite specific and failure to conform to the guidelines may result in loss of marks.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course. These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding of the expectations of the course examiner.
There is no examination for this course, so a higher standard of assignment work is expected in this course than for courses with examination requirements.
Selection of suitable project
You should identify a project or projects suitable for carrying out assignments 1 and 2. You may have to read ahead to understand the requirements of those assignments. The project/s should be from your workplace, personal experience, or from some source where you can obtain appropriate and sufficient information. Although it is recommended that you use the same project for assignments 1 and 2, it is acceptable to use different projects for the respective assignments. Your project should be complex enough so that you are able to examine the issues related to the issues covered by these assignments. Read the assignment requirements immediately so that you understand what you will need.
For the purposes of these assignments, a ‘project’ is any significant endeavour undertaken by an organisation. It may be internal or external, but should be of sufficient size or complexity to warrant detailed analysis. For example, it could be:
? an organisational restructure or company merger
? development of a capital asset (building, structure, etc.)
? development of intellectual property (software, website)
? development of some capability (Defence projects, information system)
? organisation of a conference or large event, or ? marketing/development of a new product range.
Software requirements for assignments
Identify any software requirements you might require to complete assignments. Obtain this software in sufficient time to become familiar with it before attempting the assignments. As a USQ student, you are entitled to purchase ‘academic’ versions of software through authorised retailers (including the USQ Bookshop) at reduced prices, whether you live in Australia or overseas.
Students of MGT8022 and MGT8025 will be provided access to Microsoft Project at no charge for the duration of the course. Instructions will be provided to obtain the electronic ‘key’ required to load the software. Information will be available on the StudyDesk.
There is no requirement to us e this s oftware. It is provided to allow students to become familiar with industry-based project management software and to use it where it is of assistance.
Permission to use project data
If your project proposal is from your workplace and contains sensitive information, it may be in your interests to obtain permission in writing from a senior person in your organisation to base your assignment on the identified proposal, and that you have permission to obtain and analyse relevant data. There is no requirement to submit the letter of permission with your assignment, but you may do so if you wish. Assignments are returned to students, and confidentiality of sensitive information is respected by USQ staff.

8. Online Quiz 1
Description Marks out of Wtg (%) Due date
Online Quiz 1
(multiple choice quiz) 100 5 The quiz is open on
8th to 9th December
2015
Word count: Not applicable
Online Quiz 1 is a short online quiz and students are encouraged to complete the activity to ensure they understand the nature of the studies. The quiz is of a broad nature and does not relate to any specific modules in the study materials. The quiz will be open for two days but students can only access the quiz once. Failure to attempt the quiz could prevent you from obtaining an ‘Incomplete’ grade should your final marks be between 45/100 and 49.4/100 for the course.
To complete Online Quiz 1, go to the StudyDesk and follow the instructions to complete the online quiz.

9. Assignment 1
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Assignment 1 – Essay 100 30 28th December 2015
Word count: 2000 approximately
TOPIC: Critical analysis of the use of project breakdown structures
Reminder:
• Please do not be tempted to submit material obtained from an assignment from a previous offering of MGT8022 as it will be detected by plagiarism software (even if it is modified), and the consequences are severe.
• Assignments should be attached to the specific electronic mark sheet for this assignment.
• All assignments are to be submitted through the Electronic Assignment Submission facility.
• Check the file types and maximum file sizes that can be submitted via the website.
• Assignment 1 submissions that do not include an Originality Report generated by Turnitin will not be marked (refer previous instructions).
Word length
Assignment 1 should be 2000 words approximately, exclusive of tables, figures, appendices, etc.
Software requirement to complete assignment
There are no specific software requirements for this assignment, apart from word processing. You may wish to use software to create diagrams where they are of value.
Assignment requirements
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing this assignment. Remember to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course. These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding of the expectations of the course examiner.
Provide the following:
Assignment 1 mark sheet: Download the MGT8022 electronic submission mark sheet from the StudyDesk. Electronic assignments should follow the correct file-naming guidelines and use the electronic submission mark sheet.
Title page: Ensure that your essay includes a normal cover sheet or title page that would be expected of a professional document to provide details of essay title, author, date, student number, etc. (this is in addition to the electronic mark sheet discussed above). This assignment is a professional academic paper so should be presented as one.
(Note: No executive summary is required for this assignment as it essay style). (Note: No table of contents is required as it is essay style).
Critical analysis of the use of breakdown structures in a project case study chosen by you (around 2000 words)
Consider the following statement:
“Scope definition may be expressed by designated, clearly defined boundaries, such as:
? product breakdown structure (a cascade of products, sub-products, assemblies and components)
? organisation breakdown structure (a cascade of resource types, skill types or activities ? work breakdown structure (a cascade of the products and work activities),and/or ? some other form which comprehensively defines products and activities”.
(Australian Institute of Project Management 2010, AIPM Professional Competency Standards for Project Management, Unit 1 – Plan, Manage and Review Scope, Australian Institute of Project Management, Canberra, p. 6)
Think about your chosen project for analysis.
Write a critical analysis of the use of all types of breakdown structures in your chosen project in the form of an essay. Your discussion may differ depending on whether your project is completed, is under way or is yet to start. You must do some research to understand what sort of breakdown structures are used to manage projects? How are they used? Then you can examine the project of your choice and analyse whether breakdown structures are used or not, and if so, are they used effectively?
The focus of this essay is the ‘use of breakdown structures’. Make sure you clearly understand and define what a breakdown structure is for this assignment. You may wish to include a table or a diagram in the essay – that is permissible.
Important note
THIS IS A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF ALL OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BREAKDOWN STRUCTURES IN THIS PROJECT AND IT IS NOT ANALYSIS OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT.
Refer to the recommended Communication skills handbook to understand how to structure and write an essay. It is expected that you would provide an introduction, the body of your essay, a conclusion and recommendations, and a list of references. You may use headings for major sections if you wish. Guidelines for essay writing are provided on the study desk.
This assignment is deliberately open-ended to give you an opportunity to do some research about breakdown structures in the context of project management. There are no right or wrong answers. This assignment will allow you to explore the text books, journal articles and other sources on the importance or otherwise of breakdown structures. This may require you to access the e-Books and e-Journals in the USQ Library website and develop some research skills. See http://library.usq.edu.au/.
As part of your analysis, ensure that you make reference to the relevant theory (or theories) covered in the study materials, text, selected readings and other relevant sources. Use any figures or tables clearly and concisely to support your analysis where you feel this is appropriate.
List of references – (using the Harvard AGPS system): Provide a complete list of references providing full details of all citations used in the body of the essay. For a postgraduate assignment, if you have done sufficient research, there should be at least 15 references, many of which will be cited more than once. Remember to use the e-Journals and e-Books available from the Library website to research the literature on the topic (especially Books 24×7 and eBrary). Contact the Library staff if you need assistance to find these databases.
Appendices: There should not be any appendices for this essay.
Turnitin Originality Report: Remember to submit a version of your assignment (without the mark sheet and appendices) to Turnitin for checking and to submit a copy of the Turnitin Originality Report with your assignment. See ‘Course assessment’ above for more detailed instructions.
Marking criteria for assignment 1
Marking criteria is included in the electronic mark sheet. Use only the MGT8022 mark sheet provided for assignment 1 for this course.

10. Assignment 2
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Assignment 2 – Case study report 100 60 12 February 2016
Words count: 3000–4000 approximately
TOPIC: Critical analysis of how a project was/is being managed
Reminder:
• Please do not be tempted to submit material taken from an assignment from a previous offering of MGT8022 as it will be detected by plagiarism software (even if it is modified), and the consequences are severe.
• Assignments should be attached to the specific MGT8022 electronic mark sheet for this assignment.
• All assignments are to be submitted through the electronic assignment submission facility on the study desk.
• Check the file types and maximum file sizes that can be submitted through the website.
• Assignment 2 submissions that do not include an Originality Report generated by Turnitin will not be marked (refer previous instructions).
Word length
3000–4000 words approximately, exclusive of the executive summary, tables, figures, appendices, etc. and excluding all appendices.
Software requirement to complete assignment
Software requirements for this assignment will include word processing. If you need to produce a project schedule, a copy of MS Project may be supplied with the study materials.
Assignment structure
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing Assignment 2. Remember to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
Guidelines for preparation of assignments are provided on the StudyDesk for the course. These are in the form of short videos which explain how to carry out critical analysis of your selected project in relation to the topics for each assignment. You are strongly advised to watch these videos multiple times during the semester to ensure you have an understanding of the expectations of the course examiner.
To carry out this assignment, it will be necessary for you to read other texts and journal articles on managing projects. It is recommended that you use the e-Books and electronic journals available from the USQ Library website.
By now, you should have chosen a project for analysis. If you are working on a very large project, you can use one of its sub-projects for your assignment. If the project is too large, it may increase your workload significantly and it is not recommended.
Assignment requirements
Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing this assignment. Remember to integrate academic theory into your assignment to support your arguments and proposals.
TOPIC: Critical analysis of how a project was/is being managed
Provide the following:
Assignment 2 mark sheet: Download the MGT8022 electronic submission mark sheet from the StudyDesk. Electronic assignments should follow the correct file-naming guidelines.
Title page: Ensure that your document includes a normal report cover sheet or title page that would be expected of a professional document to provide details of report title, author, date, student number, etc. (this is in addition to the electronic mark sheet discussed above). This assignment is a professional academic paper so should be presented as one.
Executive Summary (200–250 words but this does not form part of the assignment word count). The executive summary comes before the table of contents. Read the guidelines and provide a formal Executive Summary with details of why the report was prepared, how it is structured, and what the important findings, conclusions and recommendations are. The Executive Summary relates to the analysis only. (SUGGESTION: this should be written last after you have finished the report.)
Table of contents: This should be a full listing with respective page numbers of executive summary, introduction, main sections, references, individual appendices, and full listing of all figures and tables.
1. Introduction (250 words): Briefly state why your report has been prepared, what project is being analysed, and how your assignment is structured. (Note – this may be similar to material in assignment 1 if you have used the same project, but this is a new report, and you need to provide the information your reader/marker needs to understand the report. You can use the same information in both assignments. There is no need to reference assignment 1 if you are using your original work.)
2. Project background (250 words): Your project description should describe the project and its context – what organisation is the project owner/sponsor, what this organisation does, why the project is being done, where it is located, etc. The description should contain enough detail for the reader to understand the nature and objectives of the project and its sponsor.
3. Critical analysis of the management of your chosen project (2000-3000 words): Using the PMBOK knowledge areas as a framework, write a critical analysis of how your project is being managed (or was managed if it has been completed). Write a section on each of the PMBOK knowledge areas.
4. Conclusions (250 words): Summarise your findings from the analysis of the management of your chosen project. What did you find out? Are the project management practices consistent with recognised theory? What issues are important and are of significance to project outcomes? What are the strengths and its weaknesses of the project management practices?
5. Recommendations (250 words): What are your recommendations flowing from this analysis of the management of your project? What changes should be made for better management of this project (or similar future projects)? Address the shortcomings identified in the conclusions.
List of references: Provide a complete list of references providing full details of all citations used in the body of the assignment. This must be in Harvard AGPS6 format. See library website.
Appendices: Attach any appendices that support your analysis. They should be numbered sequentially in the order in which they appear (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.).
Turnitin Originality Report
Remember to submit a shortened version of your assignment (remove the mark sheet and all appendices) to Turnitin for checking and to submit a copy of the Turnitin Originality Report with your assignment. See above for more detailed instructions.
Marking criteria for assignment 2
Marking criteria are included in the electronic mark sheet. Use only the mark sheet provided for assignment 2 for this course.

11. Online Quiz 2
Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
Online Quiz 2 (multiple choice quiz) 100 5 Quiz 2 is open on 11th and 12th February 2016.
Words count: Not applicable
Online Quiz 2 is a short online quiz and students are encouraged to complete the activity to gain an understanding of what they have learnt from the course. The quiz covers a range of topics that relate to all modules in the study materials. Results for this quiz can be compared to those gained for Online Quiz 1. The quiz will be open for two days but students can only access the quiz once. Failure to attempt the quiz could prevent you from obtaining an
‘Incomplete’ grade should your final marks be between 45/100 and 49.4/100 for the course.
To complete Online Quiz 2, go to the StudyDesk and follow the instructions to complete the online quiz.