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Research School of Management · ANU College of Business and Economics
Management Framework for Business Projects (MFBP) seeks to establish rigorous theoretical foundations for the initiation and management of projects (and programs) in business. MFBP explores concepts that are intended to enhance the success of projects by guiding the way they are initiated, scoped and governed. The Course introduces a set of frameworks and examines a number of contemporary issues in project management within the public and private sectors. While we refer to accepted project management practice (as reflected, for example, in the Project Management Body of Knowledge), this Course is based on an exploration of rigorous management principles - it is not a training program in any particular methodology. Indeed, armed with the theoretical principles that we will explore, it is possible to make considered judgements about the worth, strengths and weaknesses of the proprietary methodologies in common use throughout industry today. The focus of the Course is on the project as a domain of management decision-making. A number of important tools and techniques in project management that are covered comprehensively in other Courses are discussed only superficially in MFBP. This is particularly the case with such areas as: work planning, task scheduling, and project resourcing. Conventional wisdom in project management is based on a rich and fascinating collage of: analytical techniques, accepted practice, proprietary products, agreed standards, regularised procedures, anecdotal evidence, folklore, urban myths, professional ritual, assertions, strongly-held beliefs and methodological zealotry. The course discusses the theoretical foundations of project management.
Typical assessments may include, but is not restricted to: in-class exercises, written and oral assignments, quizzes, examinations, group project tasks, oral presentation, and other assessment deemed appropriate to show attainment of the learning outcomes set for the course. Further details will be made available via the Class Summary.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Students taking this course are expected to commit 130 hours to complete the work. For semester length offerings this will typically include 3 hours per week in class and at least 7 hours a week on average (excluding non-teaching weeks) on course reading, research, writing and assessment work. Where this course is offered in intensive delivery mode as a continuous block over a shorter period of time, the expected total time commitment for this course will be 130 hours.
Information about the prescribed textbook (if any) will be made available via the Class Summary. Preliminary Reading Additional information about indicative readings (if any) will be made available via the Class Summary.