This unit applies to senior managers responsible for identifying, planning, controlling and finalising complex projects.
The environment in which the project is managed is also complex and involves the management of a project team, which typically will includes staff with diverse skill sets. The management of complex projects also involves significant reporting requirements.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify, plan, control and finalise complex IT projects.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
design, implement, manage and finalise a complex IT project
manage planning processes, scheduling, human resources, reporting and response to contingencies
ensure projects undertaken are aligned with and support organisational strategies and requirements
learn from project outcomes and refine and improve future IT project management processes.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
codes and standards
legislation relevant to the jurisdiction and the project being undertaken
project documentation
research resources, including product information and data
theoretical texts and other information to support the assessment of the unit's required skills and knowledge
relevant computer software packages and suitable hardware
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of candidate performing complex IT project management
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s ability to formulate metrics and milestones
review of candidate’s project documentation.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
analytical skills to analyse project progress
communication skills to:
facilitate groups
liaise and negotiate with clients and team members
present, transfer and collect information and gain consensus
literacy skills to:
read and interpret drawings, plans and specifications, including architectural, structural, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical
research and evaluate competing technologies in new products and systems
review and comment on reports, including building, insurance and corporate
search, access, read, interpret and apply current relevant legislation, codes and standards
update knowledge of products, software systems and technology
numeracy skills for budgeting and financial management
planning and organisational skills to:
manage human resources
manage time
participate in the development of strategic initiatives
plan and execute a project
plan communications and risk management for a project
consider scoping, timeframe, cost and quality for a project
research skills to specify, analyse and evaluate broad features of a particular business domain and solutions to project problems
technical skills to formulate milestones.
Required knowledge
budgets and financial plans
concepts of risk-management planning and processes
computer software functions and operation, including relevant proprietary software
relevant current legislation, codes and standards
sustainability requirements and ratings, including reporting mechanisms
tools and models of project management:
energy conservation
water conservation
organisational frameworks and functions, including:
enterprises
government bodies
industry associations.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Strategic context may include:
operating environment in which the project will be conducted.
Legislation and industry codes and standards may include:
Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics
sector-specific impacts on the project design and delivery.
Risk-management analysis may include:
business continuity, including emergency plans for activities to continue in the event of loss of building, equipment or systems
changing government policy or funding arrangements
environmental concerns:
hazardous waste
pollution
tree-retention policies
public liability
safety of staff
workers-compensation claims.
Specifications and terms of reference may include:
definition of the project aims
description of stakeholders
description of the outcomes to be achieved using, wherever possible, the nomination of clear metrics
description of the project parameters:
flexibilities involved
scope of operations
identification of the budget
specification of the communication strategy to be used
specification of the timescale.
Project-management tools may:
be in-house or proprietary software
incorporate scheduling and reporting templates
incorporate the use of Gantt or PERT charts
use critical path analysis.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Identify the strategic and operational needs of the project during the planning phase
1.2 Identify and consider the project's strategic context and requirements
1.3 Identify and consider the organisation's strategic and business plans and its output requirements
Identify and explore client requirements and the impact of legislation and industry codes and standards
Conduct a risk-management analysis and develop and document a risk-management plan
Define and document precise specifications and terms of reference for the project
Identify and document project budget, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks
Define skills needed for the successful completion of project
Define, document and secure physical and other resources required to support the project
Develop and document timelines, schedules and critical path for the project, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages
2.6 Define and document a consultation strategy or process that will be used to inform clients, contractors and other interested parties of the project's progress, and seek their input as required
Secure and brief appropriate project team members regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and the outcomes to be achieved
Implement effective communication processes to coordinate work and inform team members of progress
Identify and communicate clear reporting processes for team members
Monitor project progress according to project plan requirements, using appropriate project-management tools and methodologies
Manage team member performance, ensuring that their output is directed to the key performance indicators identified in the project plan
Make corrections, changes and additions to the project plan in light of changing circumstances to ensure project aims and outcomes
Monitor resourcing to support the project and make corrections to reflect changing circumstances
Report overall project progress to senior management or funding bodies as required and in line with the project plan
Finalise the project in line with the project plan
Conduct handover to staff members responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of project products or services efficiently, effectively and in line with organisational procedures
Debrief project team members and relevant stakeholders about the conduct of the project and the outcomes achieved
Prepare a report analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project plan and the conduct of the project
Identify and analyse opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by the project
Forward opportunities for future further developments following project completion for consideration by senior management
6.3 Consider the strategic impact of the project and feed into the organisation's ongoing strategic planning processes
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
ICAPMG609A - Plan and direct complex IT projects
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
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Assessment Record Sheet
ICAPMG609A - Plan and direct complex IT projects
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent