You represent an external consulting firm engaged by Monash University. Your firm works closely with Monash’s internal teams to design and plan an IT-driven project under the Campus Digitisation Initiative. Your responsibilities include: Selecting one

FIT5057 Project Management Assignment Help

Assignment 1: Project Charter, Scope, and Planning

Enhancing Monash University’s Campus Digitisation Initiative

FIT5057 – Project Management S1, 2025

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this assignment you will:

Develop a clear project charter that addresses one of the new IT-focused project options.
Define a precise scope and plan that meets updated goals.
Produce detailed work breakdown structures and scheduling documents.on
Collaborate on a shared portfolio budget within the $3.5 million limit.
Apply PMBOK guidelines and modern project management methods.

Introduction

Purpose of the Assignment

This assignment provides hands-on experience in applying project management principles to a real-world scenario: Monash University’s Campus Digitisation Initiative. It develops skills in project charter development, scope definition, scheduling, team collaboration, and cost estimation. By the end of this assignment, you will:

Understand the foundational elements required to initiate and plan a project effectively.
Develop practical skills in project initiation, planning, and execution.
Identify and address stakeholder needs to align with project objectives.
Create and justify comprehensive project scope and budget plans.
Demonstrate how projects contribute to organisational and global objectives, including sustainability and innovation.
1. Overview

You will work both individually and in teams to:

Part 1: Develop comprehensive Business Justification and a Project Charter for a chosen project. (Week 4 Friday, 28th March 2025, 11:55 PM) (30%)
Part 2: Collaborate with your team to create a Team Charter, a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Gantt Chart, and present your Team Charter and individual Gantt Charts (during your Week 5 Applied class). (30%)
Part 3: Expand on your planning by producing a detailed Scope Document and a comprehensive Cost Estimate. (Week 6 Friday, 11th April 2025, 11:55 PM) (40%)

Additionally, students have the option to participate in an optional Engagement Task, where they can deliver a 1-minute Business Pitch and attract extra marks (during Workshop or Applied class in Week 4 – Week 5).

This document outlines the objectives, requirements, and expectations for each part of the assignment. It also provides guidance on project selection, budget planning, cost estimation, and project management methodologies to help students successfully complete their submissions.

Monash University’s Campus Digitisation Initiative

Background

Monash University is committed to digital innovation. The Campus Digitisation Initiative supports a modern IT environment that improves administrative, academic, and operational performance. This project seeks to advance digital infrastructure and promote sustainable IT practices across campus. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Objectives of the Initiative

Your project must support one of these four specific goals. Each goal links to a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and directs IT efforts on campus.

Enhance Digital Infrastructure (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- Upgrade campus networks and IT systems.
- Boost data centre reliability and speed.
- Aim for a 20% improvement in network performance over 18 months.
Boost Digital Work and Learning (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- Implement digital tools for administration and academic use.
- Improve online learning and remote work platforms.
- Target a 15% rise in digital engagement across campus.
Strengthen Cybersecurity and Digital Governance (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
- Develop robust cybersecurity measures.
- Set clear digital policies for data protection.
- Meet recognised cybersecurity standards within 12 months.
Foster Collaborative Partnerships (SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals)
- Form alliances with industry, government, and research organisations.
- Share digital resources and best practices.
- Launch at least three collaborative initiatives during the project cycle.

Your Role

You represent an external consulting firm engaged by Monash University. Your firm works closely with Monash’s internal teams to design and plan an IT-driven project under the Campus Digitisation Initiative. Your responsibilities include:

Selecting one project option from the following:
- Campus Network Modernisation
- Digital Learning Platform Enhancement
- Cybersecurity and Data Governance Improvement
- Industry Collaboration and Innovation Portal
Collaborating with Monash stakeholders to define the project scope, deliverables, constraints, and assumptions.
Developing SMART objectives that align with a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and Monash University’s strategic priorities.
Creating detailed work breakdown structures and scheduling documents.
Preparing a comprehensive cost estimate that fits within the total portfolio budget of $3.5 million. Both external consulting fees and Monash University’s internal resources will share this budget.
Leveraging Monash’s existing infrastructure, research facilities, and IT support services.
Working as a team with your consulting colleagues and Monash representatives to produce a unified portfolio of project deliverables.

NOTE: Each student selects one project for individual submissions (Parts 1 & 3). The team then aligns their work into a unified Team Charter, WBS, and Gantt Chart in Part 2.

Your project plan must be realistic, well-structured, and clearly show how the $3.5 million budget will be allocated between external and internal resources. The plan should outline each team’s cost responsibilities in the project charter and ensure that the collaborative efforts achieve the project’s objectives within the 18-month timeline.

This IS A TEAM PROJECT

A “Team Project” is NOT the same as a traditional “Group Project”.

In a “Team Project” the members of a team work on closely related problems (in this case projects within a portfolio). Students develop some work as a team, in this case, Part 2 of the assignment. Students also submit other work as an individual, in this case, Parts 1 and 3 and all other components of the assignment.

Even though Parts 1 and 3 are individual pieces of work, you are expected to work alongside the other members of your team in the unit’s applied sessions as a number of elements of the individual parts depend upon decisions that you make collectively as a team (e.g. how to navigate your projects and team towards the success of your portfolio).

If, after reading the above, you are still unclear about the difference between a “Team Project” and a traditional “Group Project” then contact your tutor and/or Chief Examiner.

Project Options

Select one project option that aligns with the Monash University strategic goals and the following specific goals. Each option must support a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and direct IT efforts on campus towards meeting those goals. You may propose your own project option if it meets these criteria. Your proposed option must have a clear focus, detailed background, and measurable objectives.

Campus Network Modernisation

This project aims to upgrade Monash University’s network infrastructure to improve speed, reliability, and security across campus. It aligns with Monash’s Digital Transformation Strategy, ensuring a modern IT environment that supports academic, research, and administrative functions.

Monash’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy highlights the need to replace outdated networking equipment and enhance campus-wide connectivity.
Research from Gartner and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) indicates that universities implementing network modernisation programs experience up to 20% improvements in network speed and reliability.
Aligns with SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, supporting technology-driven advancements to create a sustainable and resilient digital infrastructure.

Relevant Resources

Monash University Digital Strategy – https://www.monash.edu/it/hcc/digital-transformation
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal9
Australian Computer Society (ACS) IT Reports – https://www.acs.org.au
Gartner IT Research – https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology

Digital Learning Platform Enhancement

This project focuses on enhancing Monash’s digital learning platforms by improving user experience, accessibility, and student engagement. It supports Monash’s Learning & Teaching Strategy, ensuring that digital education tools remain effective, inclusive, and adaptive to modern learning needs.

Research from EDUCAUSE and Australian higher education studies highlights that improving LMS usability and AI-driven engagement features can increase digital participation by 15% or more.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, exposing challenges in platform stability, accessibility, and interactivity.
Aligns with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring that students benefit from an optimised and interactive digital learning experience.

Relevant Resources

Monash Learning & Teaching Strategy
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth – https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8
EDUCAUSE – Digital Learning Trends – https://www.educause.edu/
Australian Government Digital Education Research – https://www.education.gov.au

Cybersecurity and Data Governance Improvement

This project focuses on strengthening Monash University’s cybersecurity framework by implementing advanced security measures, compliance policies, and user training. The goal is to protect student data, research assets, and university-wide digital infrastructure.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reports that higher education institutions are among the most targeted sectors for cyber attacks, necessitating proactive security measures.
Universities managing large-scale digital transformations often experience increased cybersecurity risks, requiring a robust governance framework.
Aligns with SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, ensuring that Monash implements secure and ethical data management practices.

Relevant Resources

Monash IT Security & Governance – https://www.monash.edu/cybersecurity
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16
Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Reports – https://www.cyber.gov.au
ISO 27001 Cybersecurity Framework – https://www.iso.org/standard/54534.html

Industry Collaboration and Innovation Portal

This project aims to develop an online platform for Monash University to manage industry research collaborations. It will facilitate secure partnerships between Monash, industry, and government organisations, supporting innovation and funding opportunities.

Many global universities, including MIT, Stanford, and University of Queensland, use digital platforms to streamline research partnerships and funding applications.
Digital collaboration portals can increase research productivity, improve data security, and enhance Monash’s reputation as a leader in industry partnerships.
Aligns with SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, ensuring Monash strengthens cross-sector research collaborations.

Relevant Resources

Monash Industry Partnerships – https://www.monash.edu/industry
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals – https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal17
Australian Research Council – Industry Collaboration – https://www.arc.gov.au
Case Studies on Digital Collaboration (MIT, Stanford, UQ) – https://mit.edu

Custom Project Option

You may propose your own project option. Requirements:

– The option must support one or more of the four specific SDG goals and the Monash Strategic goals.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Part 1: Individual Submission – Business Justification and Project Charter

Assignment Breakdown

Weight: 30% (including 5% for Completeness and correctness of statements; clarity of expressions and Use of references)
Due Date: Week 4, 28th March 2025, 11:55 PM

Objective: Develop a submission that starts with a clear Business Justification, followed by a detailed Project Charter. The justification explains why the project is needed, while the charter details how it will be executed.

Instructions: Select one of the four projects. Using the writing guide provided: Step 1: Develop Business Justification, including

Strategic Alignment: Explain how the project supports Monash University’s mission and strategic priorities in support of the targeted UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Optional (for students pursuing for Distinction/High Distinction): Include a detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis (estimated costs vs. anticipated benefits).
  - Identify and Categorise Costs
  - Outline both financial and strategic benefits
  - Net Present Value (NPV) Calculation/ Return on Investment (ROI)
  - Provide a clear conclusion on whether the project is financially justified or primarily driven by strategic value.NOTE: Incorporate a recommended discount rate with reference (e.g., 5-10%) for NPV calculations. – Provide a cost-benefit table with NPV calculations.

Step 2: Develop Project Charter, including the following and other sections in the writing guide

Project Title and Description: Provide a concise statement of the project’s purpose and scope.
- Project Objectives: List specific objectives aligned with project goals and the relevant UN SDGs.

Key Considerations:

Avoid overlapping content between the justification and the charter.
- The Business Justification provides the rationale for the project, explaining why it is necessary and how it aligns with Monash University’s strategic priorities.
- The Project Charter focuses on defining and structuring the project, outlining its key components and execution plan.

Submission Requirements:

Format: PDF document
Length: Maximum 2,000 words (excluding references and appendices)
File Naming Convention: YourStudentID_Assignment1_Part1.pdf
Submission: Upload to Moodle by Week 4, 28th March 2025, 11:55 PM

Completeness and correctness of statements; clarity of expressions (Part 1: weight 2%)

The individual report should contain clearly structured information that is focused on identifying and addressing all requirements of the deliverable with clear supporting information. The report should be well presented and include key elements of a succinct report such as a title or cover page, a table of contents, page numbers, appendices (if applicable), etc.

All sections of the report and the analyses and discussions are expected to demonstrate originality, creativity, and sophisticated thinking. The statements show an excellent understanding of the foundation of the unit and a strong capability to transform the theories into intellectual contributions.

Use of references (Part 1: weight 3%)

The reference section should use the American Psychological Association (APA) style of referencing.

(APA 7th style: https://guides.lib.monash.edu/apa-7 )

ENGAGEMENT TASK – OPTIONAL – Earn up to 5 additional marks on Assignment 1 Students are encouraged to deliver a pitch of your business justification in less than 1 minute in one of our workshops or applied classes of the semester.

The pitch will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Engagement: How well you capture and maintain the audience’s attention.
Clarity: The ease with which your ideas are understood.
Persuasiveness: How convincing your business justification is.
Relevance: How well your pitch aligns with the goals and objectives of the project.
Delivery: The confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness of your presentation style.

Engaging in the optional engagement task is not obligatory for the fulfillment of Assignment 1; however, your active participation will be acknowledged and incentivised through a potential reward of up to 5 additional marks of your Assignment 1 total mark. Your commitment to these supplementary tasks will be appreciated and reflected in your overall assessment. Conditions strictly apply:

The engagement marks would only be granted upon the condition that the student attains a minimum “Pass” mark, equivalent to 50% or more of the total marks available for their individual submission (Deliverables 1 – 3).
The presentations will only be considered if conducted within the specified timeframe in one of the unit workshops or applied classes, which is from Monday Mar 24 – April 6 2025) (Week 4 and Week 5 of the semester).
You could use this link to schedule your presentation and share your slides for review: https://forms.gle/7cb5aqPdbyFs79Ak6

Please note that there is a limit to the number of pitches that can be delivered in a single applied session or workshop. If a particular session or applied option is marked as unavailable on the form, it means the maximum number of pitches has been reached. In this case, you will need to choose a different session. For example, if Applied 01 Week 5 is unavailable, you can select either your workshop or Applied 01 in Week 4.

Part 2: Team Demonstration – Team Charter, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Gantt Chart

Weight: 30%
Due Date: During your Applied 5 class in Week 5

Objective: Collaborate as a team to develop and demonstrate detailed plans for your chosen project. Your presentation must cover your Team Charter, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that aligns with your project objectives (from Part 1), and an individual Gantt Chart showing the project timeline.

Instructions:
Step 1: Team Formation:
- Form teams of 3–4 members prior to Week 3 Applied Class.
- Ensure team members represent diverse project perspectives. If two people in the same team have chosen the same project topic, one of them is expected to change their topic.
Step 2: Develop a Team Charter for the team:
- Use the provided template to create one Team Charter for the team.
- Your completed Team Charter will be demonstrated during the demonstration.
Step 3: Each team member to develop their own Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
- Each team member will brainstorm with their team and develop their own WBS that directly aligns with the project objective defined in Part 1.
- Ensure the WBS:
  - Captures all key deliverables and activities, broken into manageable work packages.
  - Uses no more than 3–4 levels of hierarchy to maintain clarity.
  - Implements a consistent numerical or hierarchical ID system that reflects task relationships.
  - Focus on high-level clusters rather than every minor task.
  - NOTE: The 3-4 level limit is a guideline, not a restriction. Larger projects may need deeper breakdowns.
Step 4: Each member to develop their own Gantt Chart:
- Each team member will brainstorm with their team and create a Gantt Chart using project management software with the WBS created in Step 3.
- Ensure it includes:
  - The project start date and scheduled durations using predecessor relationships.
  - Key milestones and the critical path.
  - The Gantt Chart should reflect the major phases and dependencies outlined in your WBS.
Step 5: Prepare and deliver a demonstration up to 12-minute as a team
- Your demonstration is subject to a strict 12-minute time limit for a team of four, after which you will be required to end the demonstration. To ensure all team members have the opportunity to contribute, please plan and manage your time carefully. Practicing in advance is highly recommended for a smooth and balanced delivery.
Guidelines for Team Demonstration (12 Minutes Total for team of 4; 9 Minutes Total for team of 3)

Slide 1: Introduction & Team Charter (2 minute total)

Presenter: Team Leader
- Introduce the team and briefly describe each team member’s project
- Demonstrate the prepared Team Charter and highlight some key points:
  - Team’s mission, communication protocols, and meeting schedules.

Slide 2 – 5: Gantt Chart & Timeline Highlights (2 minutes per member)

All Presenters (shared equally):
- High-level introduction of your project and the main deliverables
  - Display a high-level Gantt Chart showing key milestones, task dependencies and durations and the critical path in the slideshow or in the PM software.
  - Each team member highlights one key phase or milestone of their own Gantt Chart, justifying the rationale for one example of the milestones, task durations and dependencies
  - Emphasise how the timeline ensures on-time delivery and supports risk management.

Slide 6: Reflection & Conclusion (2 minutes total)

All Presenters (shared equally):
Briefly discuss one or two significant challenges encountered during planning and the mitigation strategies implemented.
- Conclude with a strong, unified statement on the project’s value and next steps.
Submission Requirements for demonstration:
- Format: Presentation slides in PDF format
- File Naming Convention: TeamNumber_Assignment1_Part2.pdf
- Submission: Upload to Moodle before your Applied Class in Week 5. Each team member must upload their work individually. A high Turnitin score is not a concern if it results from similarities between team members’ submissions. The uploaded file will not be marked; the final score will be based on the in-class demonstration.The uploaded file serves only as evidence of the demonstration artefact.
Submission Requirements for written individual submission in Part 3:
- Each individual student is required to include the WBS and one screenshot of the overall Gantt chart in the written submission that shows the tasks descriptions, timeline, flow of the tasks, dependencies, and milestones. This will not be reassessed in Part 3, but will be used to ensure consistency of the WBS/Gantt chart with the Project Plan (Scope Statement, Cost Model and Cost Baseline) in Part 3. Failure to include these in Part 3 may result in a loss of marks for the Part 3 deliverable.
- Submission: Include in the written report and upload to Moodle by Part 3 Due Date

Part 3: Individual Submission – Scope Document and Cost Planning

Weight: 40% (including 5% for Completeness and correctness of statements; clarity of expressions and Use of references)
Due Date: Week 6, 11th April 2025, 11:55 PM.

Objective:

Develop a comprehensive Scope Document and detailed Cost Estimate for your chosen project. Your submission must reflect rigorous planning, control measures, and industry-standard practices in line with PMI guidelines. It should clearly define the project boundaries and present a realistic cost plan that aligns with the allocated $3.5 million portfolio budget. This means the team of three or four members will share the total budget accordingly.

Scope Management (15%):

Your Scope Document must clearly address the following key points:

Project Scope Statement:
- Define the overall purpose, boundaries, and major deliverables of the project. Explain why the project is needed and what it aims to achieve.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- List the specific features, functions, and activities that are included in the project. Also, explicitly state what is excluded to prevent scope creep.
  - Constraints & Assumptions:
    - Identify any limitations (such as budget, timeline, or technology restrictions) that will impact the project. State the key assumptions underpinning your plan and how you will validate them.
    - Deliverables & Acceptance Criteria:
      - Provide an itemised list of major outputs, with brief descriptions, listing the functional and non-functional requirement and expected completion dates. Establish clear, measurable acceptance criteria under which project deliverables will be accepted by stakeholders.
    - Annotated WBS & Gantt Chart:
      - Include visuals (screenshots or excerpts) of your Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart. Use annotations to highlight critical dependencies, milestones, and the project’s critical path
      - Suggested solutions for incorporating visual aids:
        
        Use zoomed-in sections for clarity in the Appendix.
        
        Before taking the screenshot, Change the section to landscape orientation and set the page size to A3 to improve the resolution of the charts.

Cost Management (20%):
- Your Cost Estimate must detail the financial plan for the project, ensuring robust justification and alignment with industry practices:
  - Labour Costs:
    - Estimate the staffing expenses using appropriate benchmarks (e.g., Monash University’s Enterprise Agreement and the Hays IT Contractor Rates Guide FY24/25). Provide justification for your estimates.
    - Materials & Equipment:
      - Identify all necessary hardware, software, and other resources, along with their estimated costs.
    - Services & Vendors:
      - Include anticipated expenses for third-party services and vendor contracts, with supporting evidence or industry data.
    - Contingency:

Allocate a contingency reserve (typically 15–20%) to cover unforeseen expenses. Explain your rationale for the percentage chosen (Optional for those aiming for High Distinction).
- Overheads:
  - Account for indirect costs such as administration, facility expenses, and other miscellaneous items.
    - Cost Estimation Methodology & Justifications:
      - Describe the estimation approach (e.g., analogous, parametric, bottom-up) used in your analysis, and provide clear justifications for major cost items.
  - (Optional for students pursuing Distinction/High Distinction) Cost Baseline:
    - Present a cost baseline that outlines expected expenditures over the project lifecycle, indicating how costs will be monitored and controlled.

Submission Requirements:

Format: PDF document
Length: Maximum 1,000 words for the Scope Management section (excluding references and appendices); no word limit for the Cost Management section
File Naming Convention: YourStudentID_Assignment1_Part3.pdf
Submission: Upload to Moodle by Week 6, 11th April 2025, 11:55 PM.

Completeness and correctness of statements; clarity of expressions (Part 3: weight 2%)

Use of references (Part 3: weight 3%)

Students are expected to search for relevant extra readings and draw on suitable literature from academic publications as well as practitioner outlets. All sources of information must be fully and appropriately acknowledged using in-text citation and reference list. Use at least 3 references in Deliverable 1 and 5 references in Deliverable 3. The minimum references exclude the IT Contractor Rates Guide by HAYS provided. The IT Contractor Rates Guide by HAYS should also be cited where appropriate.

The reference section should use the American Psychological Association (APA) style of referencing.

(APA 7th style: https://guides.lib.monash.edu/apa-7 )

Plagiarism Declaration

When uploading your assignment on Moodle, you are required to accept the Student Statement (which includes a declaration that you have not plagiarised during the preparation of your assignment solution). You are required to ACCEPT the Student Statement; otherwise, you will not be able to submit your assignment electronically and your assignment will NOT be assessed.

Generative AI

AI & Generative AI tools may be used SELECTIVELY within this assessment. Where used, AI must be used responsibly, clearly documented and appropriately acknowledged (see LearnHQ).

Any work submitted for a mark must:

represent a sincere demonstration of your human efforts, skills and subject knowledge that you will be accountable for.
adhere to the guidelines for AI use set for the assessment task.
reflect the University’s commitment to academic integrity and ethical behaviour. Inappropriate AI use and/or AI use without acknowledgement will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Late Submission
Submission must be made by the due date. Unless an extension or special consideration has been granted, or otherwise specified in the learning management system, students who submit an assessment task after the due date will receive a late-submission penalty of 5 percent of the available marks in that task. A further penalty of 5 percent of the available marks will be applied for each additional day (24-hour period), or part thereof, the assessment task is overdue.
If you cannot complete an assessment (due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control), you may be eligible for a short extension or special consideration. A short extension is two calendar days and is available once for each eligible assessment. The first short extension for a unit will be granted without a reason given. All subsequent extensions require a reason when the application is submitted. Special consideration is a longer extension (for more than two days). Eligible students must supply a reason and supporting documentation.
For more details of the Special Consideration procedure and rules, and how to apply, visit: https://www.monash.edu/students/admin/exams/changes/special-consideration
Additional Resources

Use the following resources to support your research, analysis, and project planning. These sources cover project management standards, sustainability practices, and Monash University’s strategic initiatives. They will help you align your work with industry best practices and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Management Resources:

Project Management Institute (PMI):

Access the PMBOK® Guide (7th Edition) and other PMI standards and guidelines for project planning, scope management, and cost estimation.

URL:https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards

Monash University Library:

Utilise academic journals, books, and databases for case studies, research articles, and additional readings on project management.

URL: https://library.monash.edu

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Resources:

UN SDGs Official Website:

Get detailed descriptions of all 17 SDGs, including goals, targets, and indicators. URL: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

PMI Sustainability and SDGs Resources:

Learn how project management practices can support sustainability initiatives and the achievement of SDGs.

URL: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/sustainability-sdgs-project-management-12125

Monash University Strategic Resources:

Monash Sustainability:

Explore the Monash Climate Action Plan, Net Zero Initiative, and other sustainability efforts at Monash University.

URL: https://www.monash.edu/sustainability

Monash Learning:

Access resources and information on digital learning strategies and teaching innovations at Monash University.

URL: https://www.monash.edu/learning

Monash IT Security:

Review information on protecting digital assets, data governance, and IT security standards at Monash University.

URL: https://www.monash.edu/it/security

Monash Industry Partnership:

Learn about Monash University’s initiatives and strategies for industry collaboration and research partnerships.

URL: https://www.monash.edu/industry

Business Justification and Project Charter

Key Resources:

PMI:
- PMI Practice Guide on Project Charters: Explains the role and structure of the project charter in aligning with strategic goals. PMI Library
PMBOK 6th Edition:
- Chapter 4.1: Develop Project Charter (pp. 75-82)

(Outlines inputs, tools, and techniques for charter development, emphasising SMART objectives and stakeholder alignment.)

PMBOK 7th Edition:
- Principle 2: Stewardship and Principle 3: Team (pp. 12-15).

(Connects project charters to organisational strategy and ethical considerations.)

Schwalbe (2018):
- Chapter 3: The Project Management Process

(Provides step-by-step instructions for drafting a charter with examples tailored for IT projects.)

Brewer & Dittman (2018):
- Chapter 2: Creating a Project Charter

(Detailed examples of project justifications, including cost-benefit analysis and strategic alignment.)

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Gantt Charts

Key Resources:

PMI:
- Creating a WBS: PMI WBS Guide

(Illustrates how to structure deliverables and tasks effectively.)

PMBOK 6th Edition:
- Chapter 5.4: Create WBS (pp. 157-166).

(Process for creating a WBS, including decomposition techniques.)

PMBOK 7th Edition:
- Section: Measurement Performance Domain (pp. 56-60).

(Discusses integrating schedules like Gantt charts to track progress.)

Schwalbe (2018):
- Chapter 6: Time Management

(Detailed examples of Gantt charts and network diagrams for IT projects.)

Brewer & Dittman (2018):
- Chapter 6: Scheduling Techniques

(Combines Gantt charts and critical path method for time management.)

Scope Management

Key Resources:

PMI:
- Defining Project Scope: PMI Scope Management (Comprehensive techniques for defining and controlling scope.)
PMBOK 6th Edition:
- Chapter 5: Scope Management

(Explains processes like collecting requirements, defining scope, and creating a WBS.)

PMBOK 7th Edition:
- Section: Delivery Performance Domain (pp. 50-55) (Focus on delivering agreed-upon scope through adaptive methods.)
Schwalbe (2018):
- Chapter 5: Scope Management

(Includes practical exercises for creating WBS and managing scope creep in IT projects.)

Brewer & Dittman (2018):
- Chapter 4: Defining the Project Scope

(Strategies for establishing boundaries and handling exclusions.)

Cost Estimation and Planning

Key Resources:

PMI:
- Cost Management Practices: PMI Cost Estimation (Covers analogous, parametric, and bottom-up estimation methods.)
PMBOK 6th Edition:
- Chapter 7: Project Cost Management

(Includes cost estimation tools and techniques, cost baseline, and budget control.)

PMBOK 7th Edition:
- Section: Planning Performance Domain (pp. 44-47) (Modern approaches to budgeting and cost alignment.)
Schwalbe (2018):
- Chapter 7: Cost Management

(Explains IT-specific cost estimation challenges and contingency planning.)

Brewer & Dittman (2018):
- Chapter 8: Cost Estimation Methods

(Detailed walkthrough of estimating labor, materials, and vendor costs.