UTS 32601 Advanced Project Management Assessment 2: Research Report

Subject Details

Subject: 32601 Advanced Project Management

Assessment: Assignment 2 – Research Report

Weighting: 30 marks (30%)

Due Date: As per current subject outline (typically mid-semester; check Canvas for exact date in the relevant teaching period)

Word Length: 3,000 to 3,500 words (body text only, excluding executive summary, table of contents, references, appendices)

Format: Individual assignment, softcopy submission via Turnitin on UTS Canvas

Objectives and Graduate Attributes

This assignment aligns with subject objectives 1-5 and graduate attributes A1, A3, A5, B6, D1, E1, F3, focusing on critical analysis, research skills, and advanced understanding of project management concepts.

Task Description

Select one topic area from the approved list below as it relates to project management:

• Human side of projects (e.g. stakeholder management, PM skills, teaming, etc.)
• Intangible aspects of project leadership (e.g. social networking, influence management, politics, etc.)
• The future of project management
• Role of the Project Office
• Project benefits management, measurement and realisation
• Project management and culture
• An aspect of managing complex and/or non-standard projects (e.g. programs/portfolios, ‘large’ projects, virtual projects, global projects, etc.)

Develop a specific research question within the chosen topic area. Adopt an explicit viewpoint in response to the question. Advance written arguments supported by evidence to substantiate your position.

This assignment requires a targeted literature review. State your initial point of view clearly in the introduction and maintain focus throughout. Direct research toward relevant sources. Develop ideas logically toward a concise, supported conclusion. Define key terms and state assumptions where necessary.

Requirements

The report must include:

1. Title page (student name, number, subject details, due date)
2. Executive summary (approximately 200 words: purpose, viewpoint, main findings, conclusions)
3. Table of contents
4. Introduction
5. Body of the report
6. Conclusions
7. Reference list
8. Appendices (if applicable)

Use at least 15 unique, reasonably current references from varied quality sources (journals, books, etc.). Follow Harvard (UTS) referencing style consistently. Consult the UTS Bell Program Referencing Guide.

Ensure originality; adhere to UTS policies on plagiarism and academic integrity.

Marking Criteria

• Topic and Viewpoint (5 marks): Research question fits approved area; clear and specific; explicit, reasonable viewpoint; content relates directly to question.
• Development of Discussion (10 marks): Effective introduction; assumptions/limitations explained; rationale for question; logical structure; insightful analysis; substantiates viewpoint; concise; conclusions flow naturally.
• Evidence of Research (10 marks): Minimum 15 current sources; variety of respected sources; effective use in context; proper citation; consistent referencing.
• Professionalism (5 marks): Includes required structural elements; correct grammar, spelling, language; real executive summary; meets word length; readable style.

Total: 30 marks

Submission and Late Policy

Submit electronically via Turnitin on Canvas by the due time. Late submissions incur 10% penalty per day (including weekends). Submissions over 5 days late receive zero unless special consideration granted in advance.

Sample Content for Guidance

Stakeholder management remains central to project success in complex environments. Effective identification and engagement of stakeholders mitigate risks and enhance support. Research shows that projects with structured stakeholder analysis achieve higher satisfaction rates. Virtual teams introduce challenges such as communication barriers yet offer diversity benefits when managed properly. Leaders must prioritise trust-building and regular feedback mechanisms. Cultural differences influence expectations and require adaptive approaches. Benefits realisation demands clear metrics from initiation through closure. Strong planning integrates these elements for sustained outcomes. Project offices provide governance that supports consistent application of best practices across portfolios (Zwikael and Meredith, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.01.004).

References

1. Zwikael, O. and Meredith, J., 2019. Effective project governance: The importance of project governance in different project contexts. International Journal of Project Management, 37(3), pp.432-445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.01.004
2. Turner, R. and Lecoeuvre, L., 2018. Project management in small to medium-sized enterprises: Fitting the practices to the needs of the firm to deliver benefit. International Journal of Project Management, 36(2), pp.321-331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.11.005
3. Gemünden, H.G., Lehner, P. and Kock, A., 2018. The project-oriented organization and its governance. International Journal of Project Management, 36(1), pp.1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.10.001
4. Alvarenga, J.S., Branco, R.R., Guedes, A.L., Soares, R.R. and da Silva, W.M., 2020. The project manager’s role in sustainable project success: A literature review. Sustainability, 12(11), p.4553. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114553
5. Derakhshan, R., Turner, R. and Mancini, M., 2019. Project governance and stakeholders: A literature review. International Journal of Project Management, 37(1), pp.98-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2018.10.007