Unit rationale, description and aim
The Masters project (Parts A and B) extends across two semesters and is designed to promote the development of research including project management, communication and technical skills through the investigation of a particular area in information technology. It prepares students for research higher degree studies or transition from study to professional practice in industry. The objective of these two units is for students to show initiative, acquire new knowledge, develop basic skills in research, evaluating solutions, and disseminating results. The investigation includes the following phases: a) project identification, b) literature search and review, c) planning and management of the project, d) implementation of the project resulting in defensible results, e) development and presentation of seminars, and (f) production of a final thesis. Both units require students to integrate and consolidate knowledge, attitudes and capabilities acquired in other units of study.
The focus of Part A is to provide students with fundamental project management, communication and technical skills in the context of a particular information technology project, with an emphasis on investigation phases a) to c). It specifically covers the ACS (Australian Computer Society) code of ethics for the information technology profession as well as catholic social thought, for example, students may work on developing successful community and environmental stewardship projects such as digital identity for homeless people, marine pollution, carbon foot-print tracking. The project has both team and individual work elements. A team of students will work together on the project, while each team member, while also involved in overall team-oriented responsibilities, will contribute to their team by employing the specialist capabilities of their professional pathway.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate advanced understanding of research fun...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically reflect on and interpret existing knowl...
Learning Outcome 02
Collaborate effectively to produce a coherent and ...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply the knowledge and skills learned so far to d...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics covered:
- Project planning
- Literature review including relevance of the topic under investigation to the common good
- Project scope management
- Project schedule management
- Project quality management
- Project communications management
- Project people management
- Project stakeholder management
- Professional code of ethics
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment is a project management plan. The aim of this assessment item is to test students’ critical ability to apply and synthesise their project management knowledge and skills in deeper levels. The second assessment is a literature review report, which details literature search process and techniques used, existing work and gaps, justification for new ideas, and ethical considerations. The aim of this assessment item is to test students’ literature review and critical thinking skills. The last assessment is a project proposal presentation where students will present their project design and demonstrate what has been achieved in Part A of the project. All the assessment items require group work as collaborative work is common in the information technology industry and the capstone project aims to provide authentic learning experience so that students are prepared to transit into professional workplace. Peer assessment of group work will be adopted so that students will be marked based on the contributions to the group project.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Project management plan This ...
Assessment Task 1: Project management plan
This assessment task consists of a 2000-word project management plan. This task requires students to demonstrate their critical ability to apply and synthesise their project management knowledge and skills in deeper levels.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Project Management Plan
Artefact: Written project management plan
30%
Assessment Task 2: Literature review report This ...
Assessment Task 2: Literature review report
This assessment task consists of a 4000-word literature review report, which details literature search process and techniques used, existing work and gaps, justification for new ideas, and how. The aim of this assessment task is to test students’ research and critical thinking skills.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Literature Review
Artefact: Written literature review
40%
Assessment Task 3: Project Proposal Presentation ...
Assessment Task 3: Project Proposal Presentation
This assessment task consists of a project proposal presentation. This task requires students to present their project design and demonstrate what has been achieved in Part A of the project.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Presentation
Artefact: Presentation notes
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit will be delivered in attendance mode over a twelve-week semester or equivalent study period. These are: “Attendance” mode, “Blended” mode and “Online” mode. This unit is offered in three modes to cater to the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants and maximise effective participation for isolated and/or marginalised groups.
Students will have access to all primary learning materials online through LEO, along with formative and summative assessments, all of which will be available online, to provide a learning experience beyond the classroom. While there are no formal classroom lectures for this unit, students will be required to attend weekly three-hour workshops, which will include a seminar and specific tasks related to achievement of the unit learning outcomes.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation and assessment preparation.