For those who are doing my assignment, please do know that I had failed in the first assignment done by your team, and if I need to pass I need a proper 75% to pass this subject. Please look into my first assignment result of how they had marked my Assignment so that you can cover them in this assignment. • Please read through this file completely before you start doing my assignment. And also go through my university study link Assessment o Assessment book My student id is u1073495 Password is: Coolraaj-007 Assessment book 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 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://resguide.usq.edu.au/index.php?type=eresources&letter=All&subject=subjec ts&ID=147 • eBrary - http://resguide.usq.edu.au/index.php?type=eresources&letter=All&subject=subjec%20ts&ID=37 • 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/referencing. Click on the Harvard AGPS link. 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. 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 is available in the Introductory book. There is no requirement to use this software. 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. Words count: 3000–4000 approximately TOPIC: Critical analysis of a Project Management Plan (PMP) Reminder: 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 accessed from the Assessment link 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 used (and may be obtained from USQ at no cost – see instructions). Assignment structure Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for assistance in completing Assignment 2. Watch the video on Assignment 2 Hints and Tips on the study desk on how to write assignment 2. Read the ‘Guidelines on Marker’s Expectations’ on the study desk. 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 links to 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 PM Plans to gain an understanding of their role. 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 which a project management plan (PMP) (sometimes described as a Project Plan or a Project Implementation Plan) is available. The PMP is a document that should adequately define what is to be done, who is to do it, when they are to do it, etc. If you are working on a very large project, 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. Your PMP may be a single document or it may be a compilation of several documents prepared for the project. The PMP might be a plan that you produce yourself for this assignment, or it might be a plan that you import from your workplace, or from an external source. Note carefully that a project schedule or a Gantt chart by itself is NOT a PMP. Your submission should have TWO PARTS. The first part is the body of the assignment and is a ‘critical analysis’ of your chosen PMP. It will contain a description of the project and a critical analysis of the structure and content of the PMP, fully supported by reference to relevant project management theory. It is not a critical analysis of the project itself, nor how it was managed. The focus should be on the PMP. Read the study materials and a wide range of other reference materials (including the PMBOK® Guide and the set text) to be clear on the purpose and content of a PMP as this topic is not widely covered in the literature. You will have to research relevant literature to complete this assignment, using the e-Books in the USQ Library. The second part is Appendix 1 which should be the ‘Project Management Plan’ (sometimes described as a Project Plan) for your chosen project. The PMP might be a plan that you produce yourself for this assignment, or it might be a plan that you import from your workplace, or from an external source. You must state clearly the source of the plan. NOTE: no marks are allocated for the actual PMP as it may not be original work in many instances. Any other attachments would become Appendix 2, 3, etc. If you produce your own project management plan, it is strongly recommended that you use project management software for development of the project schedule and network. You may also use it to develop the project budget, but a spreadsheet can be equally useful. It is essential that you become familiar with the software at the earliest opportunity as it can be time-consuming to learn how to use it effectively. The course leader is not available to provide guidance on the use of the software, although other students may help through exchanges on the Discussion Board. 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. 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. NB: PART 1:CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN (3000–4000 words approximately) 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. Introduction (250 words): Briefly state why your report has been prepared, what project is being analysed, and how the report is structured. (Note – this may be similar to the introduction 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 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.) 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 reason behind each of the components of the plan – why it is included and its content and format. Audience and structure of the Project Management Plan (1000–1500 words approximately) 3.1 Provide a critical analysis of who is intended to be the main audience of the PM plan? What do they need to know? How will they use the plan? What information needs to be provided? 3.2 What alternatives exist for the structure of a PM plan (examine and compare a range of theories and opinions here)? How should that information be provided? In what sequence? What does the theory say? 4. Contents of the Project Management Plan (1000–1500 words approximately) Provide a critical analysis of the major sections of the plan and provide some theoretical framework for what is included in each section (e.g. Why has a project schedule been included, is it a meaningful document, was it prepared by the right people, does it contain the right information, etc.?) This explanation will be drawn from the study modules, text book, selected readings, and other sources. This discussion will probably cover most, if not all, knowledge areas covered under the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (PMI 2013) in one form or another. It does not have to be under those headings but should clearly indicate that it covers all recognised areas covered by the various Project Management Bodies of Knowledge. 5. Conclusions (250 words): Summarise your findings from the analysis of your project management plan. What did you find out about the project plan? Does it conform to the recognised theory? What aspects are important and are of significance to project outcomes? What are its strengths and its weaknesses? (Focus here on the project plan and not on the theory). 6. Recommendations (250 words): What are your recommendations flowing from this analysis with regard to your chosen PMP? What changes should be made to your PMP for this project (or similar future projects)? Address the shortcomings identified in the conclusions. Again, focus on recommendations related to your PMP and not on the project itself. List of references: Provide a complete list of references providing full details of all citations used in the body of the assignment. Appendices: The PMP you have analysed will be attached as Appendix 1 (see below). Attach any additional appendices that relate specifically to the analysis following appendix 1. They should be numbered sequentially in the order in which they appear (Appendix 2, etc.). PART 2: APPENDIX 1 – THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN Appendix 1 should ideally be an actual project management plan for your chosen project and would be the sort of document that would be handed to a client/manager to illustrate how it is intended to manage the project through to completion. A project plan is often used to gain sponsor/client commitment, and should contain sufficient information to allow such a decision to be made with confidence. Make sure you understand what a project management plan is before you select a document for analysis. It might be a document that you create yourself for this assignment or it might be an existing plan from your place of work or from another source if you don’t have access to one from your workplace. Either way, the source should be clearly indicated. Appendices in addition to the PM plan may be attached to the report. If so, they should be numbered sequentially, e.g. Appendix 2, Appendix 3, 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 through EASE. See above for more detailed instructions. Marking criteria for assignment 2 NOTE: No marks are allocated for appendix 1 of the assignment (the PMP to be analysed). Marking criteria are included in the electronic mark sheet. Use only the mark sheet provided for assignment 2 for this course.