Master of Project Management - 2019

The Master of Project Management is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary course that integrates the knowledge needed to manage projects and programs across multiple sectors. The course focuses on developing specialist expertise in organising the project function utilising a diverse vocational skill set. It encourages an evidentiary and interdisciplinary approach to critical thinking and problem solving, strengthened by a capacity to undertake research.

You will choose from a range of discipline-specific electives and have the opportunity to work on real-life projects where theory and practice are applied to problems situated in local and international, corporate, government and social contexts. You will be strongly placed to provide strategic project leadership in a wide range of settings, such as business delivery, IT developments, engineering solutions, in both the corporate, government and not for profit sectors.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that you will be able to:

1. think critically to source, adapt, and apply project management tools and techniques to meet complex contextual demands in different sectors
2. evaluate, analyse and integrate professional approaches to managing projects within sector specialisations at the project, program and portfolio level to deliver sustainable change
3. apply expert, specialised cognitive, research, technical, and communication skills to analyse, design, and deliver solutions to complex problems
4. reflect and participate constructively in ethical decision-making to improve practice and deliver value in culturally diverse project contexts.

   In addition, depending on the electives chosen, you will be able to:

5. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of related theories, concepts and principles to work and communicate across the borders of discipline, context or culture
6. critically analyse problems through independent research to enable effective delivery of innovative solutions.

The faculty has commenced the accreditation process for full recognition by the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Project Management Institute. Once accreditation is confirmed, graduates will be eligible to apply for professional membership of the Project Management Institute (PMI).

This course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for project management studies, Part B. Core master's studies, and Part C. Advanced practice studies. You must complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or both.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies

In these studies, you will develop an understanding of the principles and techniques of delivering projects using different methods, processes and knowledge frameworks. You will explore the techniques to manage the project context, including people, stakeholders, communications, culture, and politics.

These studies will also introduce you to project management studies at advanced graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field, and build on existing professional work experience.

Part B. Core master's studies

In these studies you will develop specialist expertise in organising the project function to deliver value through your ability to manage complex projects and knowledge. These studies will introduce you to advanced graduate level concepts in project management within allied disciplines such as engineering, IT or business. In this part you will also develop specialist expertise to critically analyse complex problems and to identify adaptive approaches so agreed project outcomes are delivered across multiple boundaries, utilising innovative project practices.

Electives

Business

The business-focused electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the context and practice of management as a context where projects occur.

Engineering

The engineering-focused electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage projects and infrastructure assets, which are situated in an engineering context.

Information technology

The information technology-focused electives will provide you with the option to study IT from a project management perspective. These electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to apply IT tools and techniques when managing projects.

Law

The law-focused electives will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to negotiate with various stakeholders, and prevent and manage workplace problems and conflicts within your projects. You will have an opportunity to learn the theory and skills of principled negotiation in a hands-on practical unit that improves your effectiveness as a negotiator across your project management practice. You will also have the opportunity to learn about legal aspects of workforce management.

Part C. Advanced practice studies

In these studies you will develop advanced expertise in managing projects. You will also develop the research skills and knowledge needed to either undertake independent research or for the capacity to work and communicate across the borders of discipline, context, and culture. In this part you will undertake professional or scholarly work that will contribute to a portfolio of professional development in your area of specialisation.

You will be able to choose between two options: a professional pathway or a research pathway. In the professional pathway, you will undertake a field or interdisciplinary team project. In the research pathway, you will undertake an 18-point research project. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take the research option.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's studies (48 points) and Part C. Advanced practice studies (24 points).

If you are admitted at:

• entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Parts A, B, and C
• entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
• entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-b6019.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies

You must complete the following four units (24 points):

• OPM4000 Principles of managing projects
• OPM4001 Managing the project context
• OPM4002 Techniques for managing projects
• OPM4003 Delivering projects

Part B. Core master's studies

You must complete the following four units (24 points):

• OPM5000 Organising the project function
• OPM5001 Project as a social system
• OPM5002 Innovation in the project context
• OPM5003 Managing project knowledge

Plus four units (24 points) from the elective lists below or any level 5 units offered across the University with course director approval:

Electives

Arts

• APG5805 Project planning and management in international development

Business

• BFF5333 Project finance
• BFF5954 Business finance
• MGF5670 Leadership
• MGF5680 Managerial problem solving and decision making
• MGF5960 Organisations: people, purpose and structure

Engineering

• CIV5310 Infrastructure project and policy evaluation
• CIV5313 Asset management
• CIV5899 Infrastructure information management

Information technology

• FIT5086 Organisational informatics
• FIT5094 IT for management decision making
• FIT5101 Enterprise systems
• FIT5107 Recordkeeping informatics
• FIT5133 Enterprise architecture and management

Law

• LAW5393 Law of workforce management
• LAW5464 Negotiation and influence: Strategy and skills

Part C. Advanced practice studies

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Professional pathway:

• BEX5112 Industry project (12 points)
• BEX5604 Professional development
• 6 points from Part B. b.

b. Research pathway:*

• FIT5125 IT research methods
• FIT5126 Masters thesis part 1
• FIT5127 Masters thesis part 2
• FIT5128 Masters thesis final

* In order to progress into the research pathway you must achieve the minimum marks set within the prerequisites of FIT5125 and FIT5126. If you do not achieve the required minimum marks you will be required to complete the professional pathway.

You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in this master's course:

Graduate Certificate of Project Management after successful completion of 24 points, based on the following entry requirements:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 24 points, comprising Part A.
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 or 3 you complete 24 points, comprising Part B non-elective units.

Graduate Diploma of Project Management after successful completion of 48 points, based on the following entry requirements:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 48 points, comprising Part A and Part B non-elective units.
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part B units.

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a higher degree by research if you are admitted at entry levels 1 and 2 completing the research pathway in Part C. If you are admitted at entry level 3 you will normally already have an honours degree, however, if you are in this group and wish to complete a research thesis you should discuss the option with the course coordinator.