1. Identify the strategic and operational needs of the IT project during the planning phase

1.1 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

1.4 Identify and explore client requirements and the impact of legislation and industry codes and standards

1.5 Conduct a risk-management analysis and develop and document a risk-management plan

2. Prepare the IT project plan

2.1 Define and document precise specifications and terms of reference for the project

2.2 Identify and document project budget, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks

2.3 Define skills needed for the successful completion of project

2.4 Define, document and secure physical and other resources required to support the project

2.5 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

3. Assemble the IT project team and commence work

3.1 Secure and brief appropriate project team members regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and the outcomes to be achieved

3.2 Implement effective communication processes to coordinate work and inform team members of progress

3.3 Identify and communicate clear reporting processes for team members

4. Manage the IT project

4.1 Monitor project progress according to project plan requirements, using appropriate project-management tools and methodologies

4.2 Manage team member performance, ensuring that their output is directed to the key performance indicators identified in the project plan

4.3 Make corrections, changes and additions to the project plan in light of changing circumstances to ensure project aims and outcomes

4.4 Monitor resourcing to support the project and make corrections to reflect changing circumstances

4.5 Report overall project progress to senior management or funding bodies as required and in line with the project plan

5. Finalise the IT project

5.1 Finalise the project in line with the project plan

5.2 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

5.3 Debrief project team members and relevant stakeholders about the conduct of the project and the outcomes achieved

5.4 Prepare a report analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project plan and the conduct of the project

6. Use the IT project to contribute to improved policies and processes

6.1 Identify and analyse opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by the project

6.2 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

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.

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.