Project Management 641 - Assignment 1 (Value 40%)

Topic: PROJECTS & SYSTEMS THEORY

The most pervasive intellectual tradition to project management is without doubt the systems approach
Learning Objectives
General - To describe the concept of the systems theory and apply it to projects
Specific - To analyse
the systems of a project
the interrelationships between systems of a project
how systems can be co-ordinated
the influence and effect of the external environment on systems.
PART I THEORY (20 MARKS)
Describe the key fundamentals of systems theory (20) (1000-1500 words)
This is a succinct literature review of systems theory. At least 4 references sources must be referenced (including
Hamilton). The Chicago method of referencing must be used
PART II - PRACTICAL APPLICATION (65 MARKS)
Apply systems theory to a project from your experience, as follows:
Describe the project and list all its systems (4), and describe 2 systems in detail (16) [20 marks]
(Remember systems are processes, so you are in fact discussing processes) (250-500 words in total)
Describe 2 examples showing how your project systems are interdependent
[16 marks]
(show how a change, decision, problem in 1 system affects other systems) (250-500 words in total)
Describe 2 management techniques/processes/tools by which your project systems may be co-ordinated [16
marks] (Clue: look in management books). We need to ensure that interrelated systems work together
effectively. This can be achieved by coordination (200-300 words)
Describe 2 examples showing how the external environment affects your project systems [16 marks] (200-300
words)
PART III REFLECTION (15 MARKS)
You have now completed Parts I & II. What practical use is systems theory to a project manager (200-300 words)? [12
marks]

SCHOOL OF
B U I LT
ENVIRONMENT

Project Management
Program

CRICOS Provider
Code 00301J

SCHOOL OF
B U I LT
ENVIRONMENT

Project Management
Program

CRICOS Provider
Code 00301J

Length
2500-3000 words for whole assignment
Dates & Penalties
See unit outline
Format
Assignment is to be emailed in word format: D.baccarini@curtin.edu.au
The assignment must be typed on A4 paper (using one side only) in one-and-and-half space typing and
presented with a cover sheet setting out your name, lecturer's name, unit title and the topic of the assignment
All pages should be numbered. All assignments should be thoroughly checked for typing, spelling and
grammatical errors before being submitted. Work of an unacceptable quality will be returned for correction and
resubmission.
Acknowledgement of Sources
All source material must be acknowledged. Any form of plagiarism can result in failure on the assignment.
Some guidance
Writing style - avoid unstructured work. Headings and subheadings are useful and desirable.
The best sources of information are likely to be:
Gecko ProQuest 5000 database
Google Scholar
Project management book - 658.404 (6th floor of library)
General management texts - 658.4 (chapter on systems approach to management)

SCHOOL OF
B U I LT
ENVIRONMENT

Project Management
Program

CRICOS Provider
Code 00301J