Assessor Resource

PSPPM502B
Manage complex projects

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers management of projects that may be reasonably complex in terms of scope, degree of risk, political, cultural and social factors that apply, consequences of failure and degree of control of the projects. It includes managing start-up, project implementation, project integration and follow-up activities. Contract management requirements are not included as this aspect is addressed by units of competency within the Competency field of Procurement and Contract Management.

In practice, managing complex projects overlaps with other generalist and specialist work activities such as acting ethically, coordinating resource allocation and usage, developing client services, undertaking research and analysis.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication

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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV502B Develop client services

PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage

PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis

PSPGOV505A Promote diversity

PSPPM501B Design complex projects

PSPPM503B Close complex projects

PSPPROC501A Manage contract risk

PSPPROC503A Manage contract performance

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

management of complex projects in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, guidelines, procedures and protocols relating to project management in the organisation and the public sector

workplace project documentation

scenarios and case studies

examples of project management tools

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when managing complete projects, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

management of complex projects in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

portfolios

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


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.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

leading and mentoring people to achieve project outcomes

maintaining agreement of stakeholders and team members to timelines, roles and responsibilities

negotiating with stakeholders and team members using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

using project management tools applicable to reasonably complex projects

applying ethical decision making and problem solving related to project management of reasonably complex projects

writing recommendations and preparing project reports requiring precision of expression

applying workplace safety procedures in line with project requirements

accessing/preparing information electronically or in hard copy

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, organisational policies and procedures that may impact on project implementation, for example:

public sector codes of ethics/conduct

occupational health and safety and environmental and sustainability requirements

project governance requirements

quality standards

risk management

procurement guidelines

financial management and budgetary framework

human resources

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

project management tools to suit a range of reasonably complex projects in terms of scope, degree of risk, political, cultural and social factors that apply, consequences of failure and degree of control of the project

project management systems

organisational and political context

critical analysis in a project management context

business and commercial issues related to the projects managed

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Project plans will include some or all of:

acquisition strategies

budget and financial management strategy

contract management

cost estimates

evaluation criteria

expected outcomes/measurable benefits of the project

facilities

inclusions and exclusions from project

information/communication strategy

intellectual property strategies

milestones

objectives

outputs/project deliverables and their acceptance criteria

people plan including human resource management and human resource development

performance criteria/indicators

project control mechanisms

project implementation strategy

project governance strategy

purpose

quality assurance

quality control

quality standards for project

rationale

required project resources

resource management

risk management

roles and responsibilities

schedule/timeline

task/work breakdown structure (WBS)

Required systems for project management may include:

planning and monitoring system

financial management including:

budget allocation/funding

income generated

expenditure

recordkeeping for documented information such as:

correspondence

quality data including survey, needs, test results

contracts

time allocated and spent on each aspect of the project

progress reports

performance reports against milestones

project outcomes

samples, prototypes, models

Project management tools may include:

risk analysis

organisational project governance framework

communications plan

reporting framework

project management software and other tools:

Gantt and bar charts

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts

Critical Path Method

cost schedule control system

logistics support analysis

life cycle cost analysis

spreadsheets

recording systems - electronic and manual

Integration of project activities may include:

scope

time

cost

quality

human resources

communications

risk

procurement

Management may include:

scope management

communication and reporting

schedule management

financial management

fraud control

quality management

resources management

people management

logistics management

risk management

contract management

project implementation

transition

change management

Development may include:

regular meetings

feedback

encouragement

mentoring and coaching

additional physical and human resources (within allocated budget) if and as required

Policy and procedures may include:

government legislation (Federal, State and Local) affecting organisation's administration such as:

public sector management acts

financial management and accounting legislation and regulations

privacy legislation

government and organisational guidelines and procedures relating to:

project governance

resourcing

security

strategic plans

recruitment

risk management

procurement guidelines

designation approvals

industrial agreements

environment and sustainability

Stakeholders may include:

project sponsor/funding bodies

clients or customers (internal and external)

industry

other agencies

general public

relevant interest groups

unions

functional areas

the organisation's senior management

Ministers

project team

steering committee

end user

supplier/service provider

Contract change proposals may include:

administration

cost

engineering, technical, technology changes

resources

scope

specifications

time

Specifications may include:

functional

technical

performance

material

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
Project plans are refined in consultation with steering committee and team members, and precise details are included for schedules of activities, milestones and resources 
Required systems are established and maintained throughout the project in accordance with the complexity of the project and in line with the project plan 
Project team members' understanding of and commitment to fulfilling the project requirements and their roles and responsibilities for the duration of the project are confirmed 
Project management tools are selected and applied effectively to achieve project outcomes 
Integration and management of complex project activities are handled in accordance with the project plan 
Leadership and required development are provided to the project team, and morale, stress levels and triggers are managed throughout the life of the project in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Stakeholder input and expectations are managed throughout the project in accordance with the communication plan 
Disagreements and disputes are resolved to the satisfaction of stakeholders or referred to a higher authority in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Project change proposals are negotiated, agreed and documented in accordance with policy and procedures 
All aspects of the project and related projects are integrated and links are established to ensure objectives are met in accordance with the project plan 
Consultation and reporting mechanisms are applied in accordance with the communication plan and staff and contractors are regularly consulted to discuss progress and ensure effective results 
Project integration is monitored, and management plans and any related contracts are reviewed and amended as appropriate, with results reported in accordance with mechanisms identified in the communication plan 
Ongoing progress is monitored against agreed milestones in accordance with the project plan to provide a measure of performance throughout the life of the project 
Programmed review of objectives and achievement is planned and implemented in accordance with the project plan 
Significant judgment is applied in the analysis of project deliverables against specifications, performance standards and project objectives, and the results are reported to stakeholders 
Support package arrangements are identified and offered to stakeholders who will be required to apply the project results 
Options for stakeholders to take account of environmental and cultural factors in applying the project results are included in the support package 
Operational and support authorities are consulted to investigate any testing/trialling/building and evaluation requirements resulting from the project, and funding implications estimated in project report 
Project plans are refined in consultation with steering committee and team members, and precise details are included for schedules of activities, milestones and resources. 
Required systems are established and maintained throughout the project in accordance with the complexity of the project and in line with the project plan. 
Project team members' understanding of and commitment to fulfilling the project requirements and their roles and responsibilities for the duration of the project are confirmed. 
Project management tools are selected and applied effectively to achieve project outcomes. 
Integration and management of complex project activities are handled in accordance with the project plan. 
Leadership and required development are provided to the project team, and morale, stress levels and triggers are managed throughout the life of the project in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Stakeholder input and expectations are managed throughout the project in accordance with the communication plan. 
Disagreements and disputes are resolved to the satisfaction of stakeholders or referred to a higher authority in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Project change proposals are negotiated, agreed and documented in accordance with policy and procedures. 
All aspects of the project and related projects are integrated and links are established to ensure objectives are met in accordance with the project plan. 
Consultation and reporting mechanisms are applied in accordance with the communication plan and staff and contractors are regularly consulted to discuss progress and ensure effective results. 
Project integration is monitored, and management plans and any related contracts are reviewed and amended as appropriate, with results reported in accordance with mechanisms identified in the communication plan. 
Ongoing progress is monitored against agreed milestones in accordance with the project plan to provide a measure of performance throughout the life of the project. 
Programmed review of objectives and achievement is planned and implemented in accordance with the project plan. 
Significant judgment is applied in the analysis of project deliverables against specifications, performance standards and project objectives, and the results are reported to stakeholders. 
Support package arrangements are identified and offered to stakeholders who will be required to apply the project results. 
Options for stakeholders to take account of environmental and cultural factors in applying the project results are included in the support package. 
Operational and support authorities are consulted to investigate any testing/trialling/building and evaluation requirements resulting from the project, and funding implications estimated in project report. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPPM502B - Manage complex projects
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPPM502B - Manage complex projects

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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