Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

LGAGCM711A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Manage complex projects

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency LGAGCM711A - Manage complex projects
Description This unit covers the skills and knowledge required of senior managers responsible for identifying, planning, controlling and finalising complex projects. The unit addresses the management of projects of significant scope and duration, for example, the development and implementation of a major new program or service or the construction of a significant new piece of infrastructure.The environment in which the project is managed is also complex and involves the management of a significant project team which typically will include staff representing diverse skill sets. The management of complex projects also requires significant reporting requirements.The unit will support managers with responsibility across all portfolios and departments within councils who must exercise the skills necessary to ensure projects are planned and managed effectively in order to deliver the required outcomes on time and within budget.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations that provide the boundaries for the operation of councils is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government, directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities must be appropriately reflected.This unit may also be contextualised to other public or private sectors as long as the essential outcomes of the unit are not changed.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Prerequisite Unit/s
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify strategic and operational needs of project during planning phase
  • Strategic context and requirements for the project are identified and considered.
  • Council's strategic and business plans and their output requirements are identified and considered.
  • Requirements resulting from the project or program funding are identified and fully explored.
  • Risk management analysis is conducted and a risk management plan documented.
       
Element: Prepare project plan
  • Precise specifications and terms of reference for project are defined and documented.
  • Budget for project is identified, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks, and documented.
  • Skills needed for successful completion of project are defined and project team is assembled.
  • Physical and other resources required to support project are defined, documented and secured.
  • Timelines, schedules and critical path for project are developed and documented, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages.
  • Communication plan to be used to support project, including engagement of stakeholders and communication of project progress to team members, is defined and documented.
       
Element: Assemble project team and commence work
  • Appropriate project team members are secured and briefed regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and outcomes to be achieved.
  • Steps are put in place to ensure effective communication processes are used to coordinate work and inform team members of progress.
  • Clear reporting processes for all team members are identified and communicated.
       
Element: Manage project
  • Progress of project is monitored according to project plan's requirements and using appropriate project management tools and methodologies.
  • Team members are supported and their output managed against the measurements identified in project plan.
  • Corrections, changes and additions are made to project plan in light of changing circumstances and to ensure project aims and outcomes are met.
  • Resourcing to support project is monitored and corrections are made in light of changing circumstances.
  • Reporting of overall project progress is made to relevant senior management and/or funding bodies as required and specified in project plan.
       
Element: Finalise project
  • Project is finalised in line with project plan.
  • Any necessary handover to staff members responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of products or services emanating from project is conducted effectively and in line with organisational procedures.
  • Project team members and relevant stakeholders are debriefed about conduct of the project and outcomes achieved.
  • Report is prepared analysing strengths and weaknesses of project plan and the conduct of project.
       
Element: Use project to contribute to improved policies and processes
  • Opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by project are identified and analysed.
  • Opportunities for future and further developments following project completion are forwarded for further consideration by senior management.
  • Strategic impact of project is considered and fed into organisation's ongoing strategic planning processes.
       


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.

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

The demonstrated ability to:

successfully design, implement, manage and finalise a complex project.

Context of assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken with the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the range of variables applicable to the workplace environment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

preparation of a major workplace project report/portfolio (that may incorporate assessment of related units) as a key form of assessment that enables candidates to integrate the learning and assessment project into their regular work responsibilities, which enables integrated and holistic assessment of the complex skills and knowledge addressed in this unit

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies

written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioner

completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

relevant council documents, such as strategic and operational plans

relevant local government legislation and regulations.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

project planning and execution

time management

human resource management

team leadership

budgeting and financial management

proactive thinking

decision making

high-level problem solving

research

critical and analytical thinking

comparative analysis.

Required Knowledge

local government framework (policies and practices) for initiating and managing projects

budgets and financial plans

concepts and application of risk management planning and processes

understanding and application of the tools and models of project management

understanding and application of reporting mechanisms.

Hidden text

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Strategic context for the project will include:

operating environment in which the project will be conducted including, for example:

community sensitivities relating to public-private partnerships

potential for environmental impacts

impact of outsourcing functions

impact of redesigning or reducing services

impact of project outcomes on the regional community, businesses and other stakeholder and interest groups

potential impact on neighbouring communities.

Requirements resulting from project or program funding may include funding body's requirement for:

particular reporting time frames and project deliverables

use of specific procedures to secure subcontractors

engagement with specific interest, user or stakeholder groups

recognition of diversity and equity principles

adherence to principles of competitive neutrality

adherence to specific purchasing arrangements

adherence to good governance principles.

Risk management analysis may include consideration of:

public liability

safety of staff

workers compensation claims

business continuity, e.g. emergency plans for activities to continue in the event of loss of building, equipment or systems

property development and maintenance

changing governmental policy or funding arrangements

environmental concerns, e.g. pollution, hazardous waste, tree retention policies.

Specifications and terms of reference for the project may include an accurate and complete:

definition of project aims

description of outcomes to be achieved using, wherever possible, the nomination of clear metrics

description of all stakeholders

description of project parameters, e.g. scope of operations and flexibilities involved

identification of budget

specification of time frames

specification of communication strategy to be used.

Stakeholders and personnel may include:

departmental managers

staff

senior management

industry representatives

contractors

risk management consultants

community groups

business groups and individual business operators

state and federal government representatives and managers.

Project management tools typically will be computer-based and may:

be developed in-house or use proprietary software

use critical path analysis

incorporate the use of Gantt or PERT charts

incorporate scheduling and reporting templates.

Hidden text

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
Strategic context and requirements for the project are identified and considered. 
Council's strategic and business plans and their output requirements are identified and considered. 
Requirements resulting from the project or program funding are identified and fully explored. 
Risk management analysis is conducted and a risk management plan documented. 
Precise specifications and terms of reference for project are defined and documented. 
Budget for project is identified, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks, and documented. 
Skills needed for successful completion of project are defined and project team is assembled. 
Physical and other resources required to support project are defined, documented and secured. 
Timelines, schedules and critical path for project are developed and documented, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages. 
Communication plan to be used to support project, including engagement of stakeholders and communication of project progress to team members, is defined and documented. 
Appropriate project team members are secured and briefed regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and outcomes to be achieved. 
Steps are put in place to ensure effective communication processes are used to coordinate work and inform team members of progress. 
Clear reporting processes for all team members are identified and communicated. 
Progress of project is monitored according to project plan's requirements and using appropriate project management tools and methodologies. 
Team members are supported and their output managed against the measurements identified in project plan. 
Corrections, changes and additions are made to project plan in light of changing circumstances and to ensure project aims and outcomes are met. 
Resourcing to support project is monitored and corrections are made in light of changing circumstances. 
Reporting of overall project progress is made to relevant senior management and/or funding bodies as required and specified in project plan. 
Project is finalised in line with project plan. 
Any necessary handover to staff members responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of products or services emanating from project is conducted effectively and in line with organisational procedures. 
Project team members and relevant stakeholders are debriefed about conduct of the project and outcomes achieved. 
Report is prepared analysing strengths and weaknesses of project plan and the conduct of project. 
Opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by project are identified and analysed. 
Opportunities for future and further developments following project completion are forwarded for further consideration by senior management. 
Strategic impact of project is considered and fed into organisation's ongoing strategic planning processes. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGAGCM711A - Manage complex projects
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

LGAGCM711A - 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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: