Research Praposal

Assessment item 3 —Group presentation

Weighting:	20%
Length:	15 minutes; Maximum 15 slides for presentation (see details below)

Overview of assignment requirements

This is a group assignment for on-campus students (off-campus/distance education students may work on the presentation assignment individually).

On-campus students will be organised into groups of three(3) people. Groups will be organised in the weekly workshops in weeks 1 to 2. Groups must be finalized by the end of week -2 and your tutor will finalize your topics by the end of week -3. Students must not change their tutorial/workshop class after week-2.

Each group is to give a presentation about an aspect of project management. The intention is that no topic should be covered more than once during the term, so the tutor will approve topics on a first come basis.

For on-campus students the class presentations will commence in week -6.Your local tutor will schedule when your topic is to be presented in your workshop. However, all the research and preparation for the presentations must be completed and submitted in Moodle before the start of week 6 (when class presentations commence). See the exact due date and time in Moodle and in the unit profile. Note that marks cannot be awarded until after your class presentation.

Your presentation can be about:

1.     Any area of project management that is related to the weekly topics and adds a significant body of new material, a different perspective or depth to the information already covered in the course lecture material. It is important that you extend your knowledge and that of the class beyond what will be covered in this unit during the term.

There is scope to research and present more information about many of the weekly topics. For example, in the Quality Management week students may wish to investigate Six Sigma further or ICT students may wish to cover more detail about quality management in the Software Engineering discipline.

2.     Any other topic that is related to project management that is approved by your tutor.

Some suggested topics are shown below. Remember it is only a 15 minute presentation so you have to decide what aspects of a topic you are going to focus on in your presentation. Some topics below have more content than could be covered in a 15 minute presentation (e.g. procurement management). In that case the tutor may allow different groups to focus on different sub-topics.

You are expected to find appropriate reference material (at least three, good, recent, relevant references).

Remember to relate your presentation to managing a project and explain the significance of your content to project management. Often this is best illustrated with examples from your experience or actual project management scenarios.

a.     International Projects:  This is a chapter from the text book that is not covered in this course, so aspects of this topic would be appropriate for your presentation. You can read this chapter get an overview and understanding of this area. Some of the areas that could be discussed in your presentation are:

·        What additional challenges are there when you are involved in managing an international project?

·        What is culture shock and what are strategies for coping with culture shock?

·        How do you select and train personnel to work on international projects

·        What are cross-cultural considerations?    

b.     Outsourcing/Procurement Management: There is a chapter on outsourcing in the text book that is not covered in this unit.  Some of the areas that could be discussed in your presentation are:

·        What is outsourcing and what are the advantages/disadvantages of outsourcing?

·        What is an RFP and what is involved in selection of a contractor?

·        What are best practices in outsourcing project work?

·        Discuss the art of negotiation

·        What are the different contract types and their risks (from the contractor and customer perspective)? What is the “point of total assumption” and how do you calculate this?

c.      Leadership: For example:

·        Different leadership styles

·        The types of power leaders use

·        How to learn to be a good leader and what makes a good leader

·        Stephen  Covey and improving effectiveness

d.     Human resource management: For example:

·        Motivation Theories (e.g. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, McClelland’s Acquire-Needs Theory, McGregor Theory X and Y, Ouchi’s theory z etc.)

·        Developing the Project Team

                                                             i.      Training

                                                           ii.      Team-building Activities

                                                        iii.      Different “personality types”:  Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, The Social Style Profile, DISC

e.      Quality Management:  Quality management in only briefly introduced in the unit. There are a number of topics within the broad area of quality management that could be covered in more depth. For example:

·        Tools and Techniques for Quality control 

·        Six Sigma

f.       Agile Project Management: Agile project management is introduced in this unit. However there is scope to extend this topic. For example

·   Discussion of alternative agile PM methodologies (e.g. Kanban, Scrumban)

·        Scaled Agile Framework

·        DevOps (Agile development  and operations)

g.     Effective Communication: For example

·        Keys to good communication?

·        Use of technology to enhance communication

·        Running Effective Meetings

·        Using E-mail, Texting and collaborative tools effectively

·        What makes a good presentation?

h.    Software Tools and Systems for Project Management

i.       Systems Engineering and Project Management: Topics to be covered could include:

·        What is Systems Thinking?

·        What is Systems Engineering?

·        What are the dimensions of Systems Engineering?

·        What is the Systems Life Cycle?

·        What is the relevance of Systems Engineering to Project Management?

j.       Value Management: For example:

·        What is value management?

·        What are the benefits of value management?

·        What industries use value management?

In this assignment, you can also draw from your experiences and incorporate them into the assignment. If you don’t have any work/project experience, that’s fine too.  You can also take the opportunity to be controversial and find academic and trade literature that challenges an aspect of the material you are presenting.  Pose questions – make your audience think.  Both on-campus and off-campus student, are required to produce the script for the presentation that should include some potential questions and responses indicating where you would pose questions to engage your audience. In addition, the end of the script is to include three potential questions (with their answers) that you would anticipate being asked by your audience at the end of the presentation.

Students should contact their local tutor on issues such as the membership of their group, selection of presentation topic, and schedule for their presentation. You must provide your tutor with the details of the members of your group and your top two preferred topics by the end of week two. This allows time for you to negotiate an alternative topic if necessary. The earlier you send the tutor details about your group and your preferred topic, the more likely you are to get your preferred topic. Your tutor will notify you about the topic and when your group is scheduled to present in class.The topics and presentation schedule must to be decided by the end of Week 3.

Off-campus/Distance students:The unit coordinator takes on the role of thetutor. Off-campus are not required to present in class, but are required to submit a recording of their presentation. It is an individual task for you. All recordings must be submitted by due date as mentioned in unit profile.

CQUniversity Library has many databases that contain refereed full-text journal articles. This is also a useful source of material for your assignment.The following library links may also be useful to help you get started:

http://libguides.library.cqu.edu.au/library-search-help

http://libguides.library.cqu.edu.au/evaluating-resources

Please check with your tutor if you need to discuss your choice of topic. Remember that you must obtain approval for your topic choice.

Presentation schedule for all students

The time limit for the presentation is 15 minutes for the presentation (as a guide this should be no more than 15 slides) plus 5 minutes for final questions and discussion at the end. The 15 slides limit does not include the title slide, “any questions slide” or the reference slide.It is important to adhere to the time limitset. All members of the group must give approximately equalparts of the presentation to the audience.

All members of the group must be familiar with all the material in the slides and be able to present any part of the presentation and/or answer questions related to any part of the presentation.

All members of the group are responsible for the whole presentation in terms of content, flow of material, resources and timing. You must rehearse your presentation together before you present to the class.

Slides with the list of references and the “anyquestions” slide must be included at the end. All slides must show the source(s) of the content or marks will be deducted.

·        The presentation format is to be determined after discussion with the local tutor. Innovative presentations will be welcomed, but discuss your plans and get approval from your local tutor prior to the presentation.

·        Each on-campus group must prepare and distribute a handout for each of their fellow students. This handout should be in a format that students can use as a summary of the main points of the seminar and include the references. All students are to include their script as part of their presentation, that is, what would be said if they were giving the presentation in front of an audience. The script should show clearly what would be said/discussed as each slide is presented.This script can beincluded in the ‘Notes’ section of your .PPT file.

·        The script associated with the “any questions” slide must include 3 questions that are likely to be asked by your audience and your proposed answers to those questions. In group presentations, each member of the group must be responsible for one of the questions.

·        Presentations must proceed on the allocated day. If the group does not present their topic to the class on the allotted day they will receive 0 marks unless they are granted an extension by the unit coordinator. The extension will only be granted if the student meets the conditions for extensions described in the CQU assessment policy.An extension request based on a medical condition will have to be supported by a medical certificate that meets the requirements of university policy. You must apply for extensions through the extension system. See the link on Moodle.

·        One member of the group must upload their presentation electronically via the unit website by the due date for submissions. All memebers must ensure that the presentation files have been submitted on Moodle. Student marks for the presentation will be returned via this system. On-campus student presentations will not be graded until after their class presentation.

·        All students (i.e. all group members) must upload the Word document outlining the contribution of each member of the group (see below).

·        Students must ensure that all material used in the presentation is referenced appropriately on the slides.

·        Students must include a final slide (after the “Any Questions” slide) with the list of references.

·        Students must ensure that where relevant hypertext links to the relevant references are made in their presentation.

·        Students must include a script with the presentation. It must be clear which part of the script is associated with each slide.

·        Students must include a summary handout. This must include references and on-campus students must print a class set of the handouts to be distributed in their class presentation.

The marking criteria are listed on the presentation marking guide and more detailed notes are provided after the marking guide. Be sure to read the notes as they will also help you to prepare for your presentation. There is also a CRO from Gido & Clements on the unit website. This chapter has a good section describing how to give a good presentation.

As this is a group assignment, a highstandard of research and presentation is expected. All group members are expected to contribute and help eachother in preparing and delivering the presentation. Groups are to decide amongst themselves the tasks to be completed by each member, but remember that all members of the group are responsible for the presentation as a whole and all members of the group must be familiar with all aspects of the presentation.

A separate Word document must be submitted that outlines the contribution ofeach member of the group to the assignment. More than one student can contribute to each task. Forexample, each student should be responsible for researching the topic and finding appropriate references.All members of the group should work together to make sure that the introduction, bodyandconclusion flow and are appropriate.

For on-campus students each member of the group must be responsible for giving part of the presentation to class. Each member of the group should present for approximately the same amount oftime.

Group members will not necessarily receive the same mark for this assignment. The individual mark willbe based on their presentation and contribution to the assignment.

Marking Guide for Assessment item 3 – Presentation

Criteria	Available Marks
1.  Presentation structure:
a. Introduction.         Introduce the speakers and the  topic (make it clear what you         plan to talk about in the presentation – remember the 3Ts).         Aim to engage your audience from the beginning of the         presentation.        This mark also considers  first impressions created by the speakers        Be professional in your behaviour and appearance. Be prepared        early.	2 marks
b. Body.         Marks will be given for the quality of the content and correct           referencing of the sources of the material. The content must          expand the knowledge of the class beyond the scheduled lecture         material for the course. Marks are also based on the flow and fluency of the presentation.	5 marks
c. Conclusion.         Summarise the key points and conclusions.(Remember the 3Ts –         summarise and conclude)	2 mark
2.  Questions facilitating discussion during the presentation  and at the end of the presentation This includes marks for questions to be posed to the audience during the presentation and for the three proposed “audience questions and answers” at the end of the presentation. Each student should be responsible for at least one of these questions.         Note that for on-campus students the final 3 questions can be discussed in class if there is time after audience questions.	2 marks
3.  Delivery and coping with questions/facilitating discussion. Marks for delivery of the material. For on campus students this will also include how well students handled questions from the audience. Each group member should be responsible for answering questions for a section of the presentation. If appropriate, other group members can also contribute to the answer after the student responsible has been given an opportunity to answer.	4 marks
4.  Visual aids (e.g. slides), summary handout, script.        Marks for quality of the slides, quality of the script and  a good summary handout with the reference list. For on campus students this must be provided to students in the class on the day of the presentation.	3 marks
5.  Timing Timing must be within the range of 13 – 15 minutes.	2 marks
6.  Contribution to the group This document must be submitted by all groups before the work can be marked. It is         compulsory for all groups.
	Total out of 20 marks

[These criteria are described in more detail in the notes on the following pages.]

Notes

1.       Presentation structure:

a.     Introduction:

·        greet the audience courteously

·        title/topic made clear

·        purpose of the presentation is clear

·        issues to be discussed are outlined

·        unusual terms defined adequately.

Speaker/presentation appearance and other first impressions:

·        appropriate standard of dress for the occasion (tidy and free of distracting features)

·        first impression was one of confidence and poise

·        speaker appeared confident and purposeful before starting to speak

·        speaker attracted audience’s attention from the outset

·        little or no fidgeting and few distracting mannerisms

·        presentation format is simple, clear and appealing

·        For off-campus students this will be marked on the basis of their recording, script and PowerPoint slide presentation.

b.     Body of presentation:

·        each issue from the Intro is discussed simply and clearly, and conclusions/recommendations made, if relevant

·        sufficient information and detail are provided

·        sufficient periodic recapitulation

·        appropriate and adequate use of examples/anecdotes

·        discussion flowed logically.

·        the material is relevant and new

·        good sources of reference material were used to prepare the presentation

·        references included (and reference slide included at the end)

c.      Conclusion:

·        ending of presentation signalled adequately

·        main points summarised adequately - ideas brought to fruition

·        conclusion linked to Introduction and follow from discussion in the Body

·        final message is clear and easy to remember

·        opportunity for questions from the audience

·        reference slide included at the end

1.     Questions facilitating discussion during the presentation  and at the end of the presentation

·        Inclusion of questions designed to facilitate discussion with an appropriate response (or possible responses) for each question. These are to be included during the presentation to engage with the audience. They must be shown clearly in the script.

·        Any questions slide at the end of the presentation. Students must propose at least three questions that might be posed by the audience with an appropriate response to each of the questions.

2.     Delivery and coping with questions/facilitating discussion:

Delivery:

·        speech clear and audible to entire audience

·        suitable vocabulary (few clichés, little jargon and repetition)

·        interesting variety in tone of voice

·        clarity and quality of pronunciation

·        little false or excessive use of spoken emphasis

·        short comprehensible sentences

·        presentation directed to all parts of audience (on-campus presentation)

·        eye contact held with audience throughout the presentation (on-campus presentation)

·        meaningful gestures appropriately used

·        full text not read

·        each speaker kept to his/her time limit (start on time and finish within the time frame)

·        good use of time without rushing at the end

·        pace neither too fast or too slow

·        showed enthusiasm

·        audience rapport (e.g. approachable)

Coping with questions/facilitating the discussion (relevant to on-campus students0:

·        interact with the audience courteously

·        invited audience to ask questions

·        whole audience searched for questions

·        ability to listen

·        questions answered in order

·        questions handled adeptly

·        full audience addressed with answers

·        speaker maintained control of discussion

·        “any questions slide”

4.       Visual aids (slides), summary handout, script

·       visual aids clearly visible to entire audience

·       overhead/slide projector/computer, equipment etc. operated correctly

·       speaker familiar with own visual aids

·       visual aids well–prepared (content well-presented on the slides, not too cluttered, slides consistent, easy to read, good use of diagrams and images, bullet points to show key points etc.)

·       effective use of handouts and/or visual aids (i.e. integrated into the presentation)

·       handouts well–prepared and useful – a good summary and with reference list

·       Script clear and well written. Script must make it clear how each part of the script relates to the slides. Questions and answers must be easy to find within the script. (see criteria 2).

5.       Timing

·       The timing of the presentation must be within the range 13- 17 minutes and ideally 15 minutes in length. If it is longer than 17 minutes, the tutor will be required to interrupt your presentation. All studentsin the group are responsible for ensuring that the timing for the overall presentation falls within this range.

6.       Contribution to the group

·       All groups must submit this document before marks can be awarded. It may be taken into consideration when marking each student’s work.

·       Examples of the tasksfor this assessment item are

-                     researching the topic

-                     developing the slides,

-                     producing the handout, printing the handout,

-                     developing the script

-                     developing the embedded questions and answers

-                     developing the final “any questions” questions

-                     practicing the presentation

·        Note that more than one student can contribute to each task. Forexample, each student should be responsible for researching the topic and finding appropriate references.All members of the group should work together to make sure that the introduction, body andconclusion flow and are appropriate. It is also acceptable (and expected) that all students will be involved in all or most of the tasks. It is also acceptable to give an indication of each student’s contribution to each task (e.g. 30%, 50%).

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