For this assessment students are asked to develop an optimised, resourced and priced project schedule based on a given scenario, during the tutorial class, applying the Microsoft Project (MSP) skills learned in the 5 practicals (week 3-7). Students demonstrate their scheduling skills through several progressive steps using the software, and in doing so, their understanding of the value proposition embedded in a well-conceived and optimised project schedule, resource plan, and budget.

This assessment is preceded by 5 classroom Microsoft Project practicals which have to be completed in the weekly tutorial classes from week 3-7. 

Scenarios for the assessment (case study) are handed out at the start of the week 8 tutorial class. Several different scenarios may be used. A minimum number of activities to be included in the schedule will be stated.

Students are required to submit individually in the tutorial class as monitored by the respective tutor. DST students will receive their assessment in a shortened tutorial, after which they will have to submit their work within a given time limit. Late submissions will not be accepted unless a formal extension request has been submitted and approved as per CQU Policy.

Note: re-attempt is not allowed for this assessment item.

Assessment Criteria
 The schedule is representative of the project, is realistic and achievable, and allows for known risks.

• Representative tasks are shown for the automated schedule with the correct start date and appropriate holiday information (2 marks)
• The tasks are entered correctly with appropriate indentation (2 marks)
• The WBS column are displayed (1 mark)
• The project name is shown on top of the schedule. Task durations and predecessors are entered. The WBS predecessors’ column is displayed (2 marks)
• The schedule is automated, and the critical path(s) is displayed in red with the appropriate milestone added at the end of the schedule (3 marks)
• Appropriate slack for no-critical tasks is identified (2 marks)
• A resource pool is created, and resources are allocated to the relevant tasks (2 marks)
• The resource overallocation is resolved within and outside the available slack (2 marks)
• The impacts of resource leveling outside the available slack on the resource over-allocation problem is explained (2 marks)
• The project’s total duration and cost after adding task contingency allowance are included (2 marks)

Peer assessment is an integral part of the learning process that encourages students to critically evaluate each other's work, provide constructive feedback, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This task will require you to assess the work of your peers using a structured rubric, offering both qualitative and quantitative feedback. By participating in this process, you will enhance your analytical and evaluative skills while gaining insights from diverse perspectives.

Purpose
The primary objectives of this peer assessment task are to:

• Foster a reflective learning environment where students can critically engage with course materials.
• Develop students’ ability to provide constructive and professional feedback.
• Encourage collaborative learning through peer interaction and diverse perspectives.
• Enhance self-awareness and self-regulation in academic work through comparison with peers’ submissions.

Task Requirements
Submission of Work for Review

• You will first complete and submit your individual assignment.
• Submissions must meet the requirements outlined in the assessment guidelines.

Reviewing Peer Work

Each student will be assigned a set number of peer submissions (typically 3–4, unless otherwise specified). You will evaluate each assigned submission based on a structured rubric provided within the assessment framework.

Providing Feedback

• Feedback should be constructive, specific, and relevant, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
• You are expected to write a minimum of 150 words per peer review (as specified in the task details on Moodle).
• Use professional and respectful language, ensuring your feedback is aligned with the rubric criteria.

Note: re-attempt is not allowed for this assessment item.

Your peer assessments will be evaluated based on the following:

• Quality of Feedback: Depth, clarity, and usefulness of comments provided to peers.
• Use of Rubric: How well you align your feedback with the provided criteria.
• Professionalism: Respectful and constructive communication in your assessments.

This assessment item involves an in-class (closed-book), online quiz earning 20% of the unit marks. The students will be evaluated on their acquisition of knowledge, comprehension, and application of the unit content covered to this point.

• The online quiz will be an in-class, closed-book test.
• Only one attempt will be allowed.
• The online quiz will be held during the week 9 tutorial class.
• The quiz must be completed within the given time frame.
• There will be 39 questions in total (a combination of multiple-choice, true/false, and calculations questions).
• There will be a time limit of 50 minutes to complete the quiz. After this the quiz will automatically close and submit.
• The quiz covers the content from weeks 1 to 8 (lectures, tutorials, readings, etc.).
• It is mandatory that you complete the quiz in the tutorial classroom.
• An online (zoom) session will be organised for DST students in which they will have to perform the quiz under the supervision of the unit coordinator.
• Late submissions will not be accepted unless a formal extension request has been submitted and approved as per CQU Policy.

Note: re-attempt is not allowed for this assessment item.

• Each question will earn 0.5 marks except the CPA calculation question which will earn 1 mark.
• There will be no penalty for incorrect answers.

This assessment requires students to work in groups of 3–4 to develop a comprehensive Project Management Plan (PMP) for a complex, real-world project scenario. The PMP must include project objectives, scope, delivery method, scheduling, budgeting, quality management, risk management and ethical considerations. Each group will justify their management decisions using industry best practices, academic literature, and project management standards (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile).

The case study will be provided to students by week 5.

Students who are not part of a team by week 3 will be allocated a team by their tutor and will have to abide by their decision. No change in team membership can be allowed once groups are formed as that would affect team performance.

Students must form teams with students from the same tutorial class. DST students are encouraged to work in a team as well but may apply to work individually should circumstances prohibit effective team formation.

This assignment accounts for 50% of your overall grade and consists of:  

• A 3000-word Project Management Plan following a professional report format.
• Include supporting artefacts (Gantt chart, risk register, cost breakdown, stakeholder analysis etc.).\
• In addition to the report, you must provide a link to the OneDrive folder at the end of the report where you have stored all your research artefacts. The folder should include relevant materials such as relevant resources, earlier word drafts, communications with team members, meeting minutes and any other resources you have used or created while developing the report.
• Failure to submit the link to the OneDrive folder will result in a zero mark.
• Based on the resources stored in the OneDrive folder, the marks in Part A may be moderated.
• Each student must complete a confidential peer evaluation form assessing the contribution of all team members, including themselves.

Note: re-attempt is not allowed for this assessment item.

Part A. Written report (Group submission) (40 marks)

The marking criteria ensure a fair and transparent assessment of students' work by evaluating key aspects of their Project Management Plan (PMP). Each section is graded based on clarity, depth of analysis, justification, and real-world application. Higher scores are awarded for well-structured, thoroughly researched, and professionally presented reports that incorporate strong critical thinking, appropriate project management tools, and industry best practices. The rubric also considers team collaboration, and ethical considerations, ensuring students develop both technical and professional skills. Constructive feedback will be provided to help students enhance their understanding and application of project management concepts. Further details are available on Moodle.  Inclusion and organisation of complete relevant research artefacts in the OneDrive folder. Artefacts are genuine and original as a result of the student's own work and effort.

Part B. Peer Evaluation Form for Group Work (Individual submission) (10 marks)

Each student must complete a confidential peer evaluation form assessing the contribution of all team members, including themselves. The evaluation should consider factors such as task completion, collaboration, communication, and overall effort.

Students will rate each member (including themselves) on a scale of 1–5 across key criteria and provide brief justifications for their ratings. Any significant discrepancies in contribution may result in individual grade adjustments.

Note: re-attempt is not allowed for this assessment item.