MBA430

Graduate School of Business

Special Topic in Business
The University of the South Pacific Administration
Laucala Campus, Private Mail Bag,
Suva, Fiji (Project Management)
Tel: (679) 323 1391 or 323 1392
Fax: (679) 323 1397 or 3231373
www.usp.ac.fj

COURSE OUTLINE

1. TRIMESTER/YEAR: Trimester 2, 2022

2. MODE OF DELIVERY/LOCATION: Face-to-Face, Alafua Only

3. PRE-REQUISITES: Admission to the Postgraduate programme

4. COURSE FACILITATOR: Dr. Suwastika Naidu

Graduate School of Business,

School of Business & Management
Email: naidu_s@usp.ac.fj
5. LECTURE TIMES & VENUE
Lecture Time: TBC
Venue: Zoom lectures-link will be provided on Moodle

6. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is for MBA students that would like to take up roles as project managers, overseeing
development and other projects. Project management should be viewed as an integrated system of
skills and processes applied over the entire project cycle, from the initial stages of project
identification, through project implementation and evaluation. Project success is directly linked to the
effectiveness of project planning, monitoring and control at each stage of the life cycle, requiring a
broad range of functional skills including communication, planning, budgeting, risk management,
resource management, monitoring and evaluation.
7. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Evaluate the concepts of a project, the project life cycle and project management.
LO2 Formulate key concepts, techniques, and tools used by project managers.
LO3 Illustrate the management of project to stakeholders as against their expectations.
LO4 Critically examine risks and reform a risk analysis.
LO5 Apply project management software to schedule time, cost and resources.
LO6 Prepare a high quality project proposal.

8. GSB PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

S1 Critical Judgment: Students will employ evidence-based approach to critically

evaluate opinions and materials for decision-making.
S2 Ethical and Social Understanding: Students will apply corporate ethical,
social and civic responsibility in a global environment.
S3 PRME-Principles for Responsible Management Education - Students will
develop responsible leadership principles to meet social and environmental
responsibilities in a national, regional, global complex business environment.
S4 Creativity - Students will generate innovative business related ideas to solve
problems enabling adaptation to a changing regional and global environment.
S5 Effective Communication - Students will evaluate appropriate
communication tools suitable to be used for effective written and oral
communication and interaction in any business environment.
S6 Team work - Students will collaborate with people of diverse perspectives to
achieve goals.
S7 In depth Knowledge of Business Administration - Students will apply the
theories and business related practices of business administration from a
national, regional and global perspective.

(Note: It is assumed that Pacific Consciousness is embedded in outcome 3, i.e., S3 AND

Professionalism is subsumed in outcome 6, i.e., S6)

9. USP INSTITUTIONAL POST- GRADUATE LEARNING OUTCOMES

The USP postgraduate outcomes are as follows:
GO1 Autonomy: Demonstrate autonomy, initiative and responsibility in scholarly,
professional, social and personal decision-making.
GO2 Collaboration: Demonstrate consultative and collaborative approaches to
scholarly enquiry and/or professional practice.
GO3 Communication & ICT Literacy: Communicate ideas effectively, in an
appropriate language and format, in a range of contexts, including the
professional and scholarly, using ICT tools where suitable.
GO4 Creativity: Evaluate the boundaries of current knowledge, theories and
practices at the forefront of a discipline.
GO5 Critical Thinking: Engage critically with scholarly and professional issues,
demonstrating the capacity to solve problems and manage uncertainty.
GO6 Ethics: Demonstrate the ethical standards of the professional code of practice
in their discipline, recognizing the implications of their decisions.
GO7 Pacific Consciousness: Engage innovatively with the diverse cultural heritages
of Pacific Communities to support sustainable development in a global
environment.
GO8 Professionalism: Apply the knowledge, skills and standards expected of a
professional in the discipline, demonstrating the capacity for leadership and
continual improvement.
GO9 Research and Scholarships: Demonstrate increasing levels of knowledge of a
field and the associated skills and methods of research for the advancement
of scholarship and/or professional practice.

10. COURSE CONTENT

Session 1/2/3/4 Introduction to Project Management / Project identification, formulation and

design
What is a project?
The project life cycle
Why do projects fail?
Aligning projects with organization strategy
Projects as the main tool for achieving business goals
Typical dimensions of project success
Identification, formulation and design of new project
Using a design and monitoring framework
Stakeholder analysis
Writing a project proposal
Project selection

Sessions 5/6/7/8 Risk Analysis, Project Planning, Project control

Identify project risks
Undertake a project risk analysis
Activity planning
Preparing the work breakdown structure
Budgeting and cost estimation
Planning and Scheduling with the critical path method
Project management methodologies
Resource Management
Cost Management
Project control

Sessions 9/10 Designing systems for monitoring and evaluation of projects

Improving the quality of performance indicators
Setting performance targets and assessing progress toward achieving them.
Collecting performance data
Progress and Performance management

Session 11 Hand-in Group Assignments and group Presentations

Each group will present their project proposal to the class.
 Details of classes Time

Sessions 1 to 11 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 5pm to

9pm Zoom Class

11. PRESCRIBED TEXT AND OTHER RESOURCES

Textbook:
Gray, C., Larson, E., (2021), Project Management: The Managerial Process (7th ed.),
McGraw-Hill, New York.
Moodle:
Lecture power points, assignments, and messages will be placed on Moodle. website:
elearn.usp.ac.fj
Selected Readings:
Texts/articles/notes/exercises/slides as distributed by the lecturer.
 12. ALIGNMENT OF COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES, ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSMENT

The following table demonstrates the alignment of the course learning outcomes to appropriate activities and
assessments and the links to programme and USP graduate outcomes.

Associated Teaching and Programme USP

Course
Learning Activities Assessment Graduate Graduate
Learning
Outcomes Outcomes
Outcomes
(PGO) (GO)
LO1 Evaluate Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S1, S2, S3, GO1, GO2,
the concepts case studies and homework and in- S4, S5, S6, GO3, G04,
of a project, homework assignments class exercises, S7 G05, GO6,
the project Final examination and test Mini Lecture, GO7, GO8,
life cycle and preparation, Research, Group Assignment, GO9
project Consult with academic Final Examination
management. staff and SLS.
LO2 Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S1, S2, S3, GO2, GO3,
Formulate case studies and homework and in- S4, S5, S6, G04, GO6,
key concepts, homework assignments class exercises, S7 GO7, GO9
techniques, Final examination and test Mini Lecture,
and tools preparation, Research, Group Assignment,
used by Consult with academic Final Examination
project staff and SLS
managers.
LO3 Illustrate Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S1, S2, S3, GO1, GO2,
the case studies and homework and in- S4, S5, S6, GO3, G04,
management homework assignments class exercises, S7 G05, GO6,
of project to Final examination and test Mini Lecture, GO7, GO9
stakeholders preparation, Research, Group Assignment,
as against Consult with academic Final Examination
their staff and SLS
expectations.

LO4 Identify Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S1, S2, S3, GO1, GO2,
risks and case studies and homework and in- S4, S5, S6, GO3, G04,
reform a risk homework assignments class exercises, S7 G05, GO6,
analysis. Final examination and test Mini Lecture, GO7, GO9
preparation, Research, Group Assignment,
Consult with academic Final Examination
staff and SLS
LO5 Apply Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S4, S5, S6 GO2, GO3,
project case studies and homework and in- G04, GO6,
management homework assignments class exercises, GO7
software to Final examination and test Mini Lecture,
schedule preparation, Research, Group Assignment,
time, cost Consult with academic Final Examination
and staff and SLS
resources
LO6 Prepare Lectures, class discussions, Participation, S1, S2, S3, GO1, GO2,
a high quality case studies and homework and in- S4, S5, S6, GO3, G04,
project homework assignments class exercises, S7 G05, GO6,
proposal. Final examination and test Mini Lecture, GO7, GO8,
preparation, Research, Group Assignment, GO9
Consult with academic Final Examination
staff and SLS

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 13 ASSESSMENT
AM 1: Testing - Students will be assessed on their knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis,
synthesis, and evaluation of the theories and practices of disciplined-based materials and information
(tests, quizzes, case studies, final examinations).
AM 2: Individual Papers - Students will demonstrate a variety of independent academic skills to present
reports, analyse case studies, and write persuasive papers in grammatically correct English, for completion
and submission of assignments in a timely manner.
AM 3: Group Papers - Students will demonstrate teamwork skills and collaboration techniques, determine
how to cooperatively utilize the strengths of peers, and coordinate the development of persuasive reports
in proper English, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
AM 4: Class Presentations - Students will justify their views and positions by demonstrating research and
other communication competencies.
AM 5: Student Participation - Student will be observed demonstrating their academic performance and
participation in various settings (zoom lectures, tutorials, seminars, labs, field trips).

13.1 ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIO

Performance of students will be assessed throughout the course. The final grade will be arrived at
according to the following contributions of elements of assessment.

Elements of
Basis of Learning
Performance Weight Comments and Rationale
Assessment Outcome
Assessment

Mid Trimester Test 15% Individual The exact date and the coverage of LO1, LO2, LO3,
the mid-trimester test will be LO4, LO5
announced during class.

Mini Lecture 15% Group A group of students will together LO1, LO2, LO3,
prepare a 20-minute mini-lecture on LO4
a special topic related to project
management. You may also include
a short in-class exercise or activity. A
list with possible mini-lecture topics
will be circulated in class.

Group Assignment 20% Individual Groups of students will prepare a LO1, LO2, LO3,
written project proposal for LO4, LO5
assessment based on a template.
Groups will give an oral presentation
on their concept papers (5 %) during
session 6 and their detailed project
proposal during session 11(15%).

Total Continuous 50% Individual

Assessment

Final Exam 50% Individual The final examination will be LO1, LO2, LO3,
conducted at the end of the LO4, LO5

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 trimester. Students are required to
obtain a minimum of 40 percent
mark in the final examination in
order to pass this course.

TOTAL 100% Individual

13.2 ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION

ASSESSMENT 1: Mid Trimester Test

Value: 15%

Date: To be announced during the zoom class

There will be three sections in the mid trimester test. These are short answers, essays and case studies. The
coverage of the test will be announced during the zoom lectures.

ASSESSMENT 2: THE MINI LECTURE

Value: 20 %

Date: Continuous Assessment

A small group of students will together prepare a 20-minute mini-lecture on a special topic related to project
management. A list with possible topics will be circulated in class. Your group may also choose another
project management topic of your choice. The objective of the mini-lecture is that students learn from each
other. The best mini lectures are based on solid project management theory AND include real life examples
of projects that you are familiar with, or that you have worked on. Please provide the class with a two-page
executive summary of your topic with your main points. You may also conduct a short in-class-learning-
exercise, complementing your mini- lecture; after prior consultation with the lecturer. Your presentation
(PowerPoint Document) and two-page summary (Word Document) must be uploaded before your
presentation. All mini-lectures and two-page summaries will be made available for all class members on
Moodle for learning purposes.

MINI LECTURE EVALUATION FORM

Presenter: Date:
Ratings
Below Above
Poor Average Superior
Average Average
0- 49 60-69 80-100
50-59 70-79
1. Educational significance of presentation. 1 2 3 4 5
Did the presentation contribute to learning of
class- members?
2. Relevant issues clearly identified and 1 2 3 4 5
discussed
3. Did the presentation include a sound 1 2 3 4 5
theoretical basis, complemented with
practical real life examples (preferably from
the students work experience)?
4. Organization of presentation, use of time 1 2 3 4 5
5. Communication skills: voice, body 1 2 3 4 5
language, and eye-contact.
6. Handling of questions, management of 1 2 3 4 5
class discussion.

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7. Quality and readability of two-page 1 2 3 4 5
summary
OVERALL EVALUATION: 1 2 3 4 5

ASSESSMENT 3: Group Project

Value: 20%

Date: This has to be handed in during session 11

Groups of students will prepare a written project proposal for assessment based on a template. Groups will give
an oral presentation on their concept papers (5 %) during session 6 and their detailed project proposal during
session 11 (15%).

ASSESSMENT 4: FINAL EXAM

Value 50%

Date: TBC

The final examination will be conducted at the end of the trimester. Performance of students will be
assessed throughout the course. The final grade will be arrived at according to the following contributions of
the individual elements of assessment.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING

All written work is to be word processed, spell checked, proof read and corrected before it is submitted.
Students who need assistance in writing skill, oral presentation, examination skill or preparation of scholarly
analytical papers are advised to seek help from the Student Learning Services (SLS). If found copying, you will be
penalised and awarded ‘zero’.

13.3 PASSING THE UNIT

In order to be awarded a pass in this unit, students must obtain a minimum of 16 percent marks in the
final examination in order to pass this course.
13.4 GRADE DISTRIBUTION

A+ A B+ B C+ C D E
85-100 78-84 71-77 64-70 57-63 50-56 40-49 0-39

13.5 ASSESSMENT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

For detailed regulations, please refer to the USP Handbook and Calendar.

Plagiarism, copying materials from other sources without proper referencing and acknowledge of the source is a
serious offence and will be dealt with severely. In the Regulations Governing Academic Misconduct section of
the USP Handbook & Calendar plagiarism is defined as “the copying of another person’s creative work and using
it as one’s own – without explicitly giving credit to the original creator. Work copied without acknowledgement
from a book, from another student’s work, from the internet or from any other source”. If lecturer is satisfied
that plagiarism has occurred, they will report the matter to the Head of School. They can reduce marks
appropriately. If the matter is seen as serious enough it can be taken to the Student Disciplinary Committee by

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the Head of School.

14 IMPORTANT DATES

Activity Week Weighting (%)

Participation, Homework
and In-class exercise Continuous 10%
Mini Lecture 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 20%
Written Project Proposal 10 20%
Final Exam 12 50%

15 ADDITIONAL COURSE ATTENDANCE

Attendance of GSB classes is compulsory. Students who fail to attend at least 80% of the face-to-face learning
hours of a GSB course, shall withdraw from the course, or shall be awarded a fail grade, regardless whether the
student has attained total marks for the continuous assessment and final examination equal to or greater than
the pass mark.

16 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

16.1 Guidelines for Writing

All written work is to be word-processed, spell checked, proofread and corrected before it is submitted.
Students who need assistance in writing skill, oral presentation, examination skill or preparation of scholarly
analytical papers are advised to seek help from the Campus Student Learning Support Services.

16.2 Policy for Late Assignments

Please note that the due dates for assignments are to be strictly followed. 10% penalty for any late submission
of assignments until preceding week. After preceding week, zero mark will be assigned against submission.

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 16.3 Plagiarism and Dishonest Practice in Coursework

1. Plagiarism in coursework is the taking and using of another person’s thoughts, writings, inventions
or other work as one’s own. It includes copying from a current or past student or using someone
else’s work without indicating the source.

2. Dishonest practice in coursework is cheating or being party to cheating or misconduct in tests,

laboratory work or any other type of coursework. It includes submitting work for assessment that
is to be counted towards a final mark if that work has been previously submitted for the same or
other course(s).

3. Plagiarism and dishonest practice in coursework are punishable academic offences.

4. Where a member of academic staff has reasonable grounds to believe a student has been guilty of
plagiarism or dishonest practice in coursework, that student shall be liable to:

5. be reprimanded by the Head of School; and/or

6. have their marks for the relevant piece of work reduced by the Head of School; and/or

7. be awarded zero marks by the Head of School or nominee for the relevant piece of work; and/or

8. be reported to the Head of School.

9. The Head of School shall have discretion to refer the offence to the Student Development
Committee.

(Source: Student Academic Integrity Regulations, (2021), USP Calendar, University of the South Pacific,
Suva, Fiji: pp 111 - 114).
16.4 STUDENT WORKLOAD

Table 1.5 – Student Workload

TYPE Hours Comments

Lectures 44 Students by required to attend 44 hours face to face learning
Assessment Preparation 10 Revision and drafting submission
Assigned Readings 15 Cases and articles
Group study 20 Researching and writing a project proposal
Exam preparation 20 Revision: Power points, lecture recordings, cases, textbook, journal
articles
Test preparation 15 Revision: Power points, lecture recordings, cases, textbook, journal
articles, practice self-assessments
Consulting with academic staff 5 By zoom/face to face consults
Research data 15 On line desk research
Project preparation 10 Presentation, report writing and submission
TOTAL 154

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