Project Management Consolidated Portfolio - [University] [Semester]

This consolidated portfolio presents a comprehensive overview of project management principles, with a specific focus on the application of systems thinking. The assignment explores key concepts such as system engineering, the role of project managers, and the utilization of application systems. It details various learning outcomes, including the significance of systems thinking in addressing complex problems, the impact of application systems on project efficiency, and the application of tools like tree diagrams, graphical analysis, and influence diagrams. The portfolio integrates evidence from various readings and course materials, demonstrating the student's grasp of project management methodologies and their practical application in real-world scenarios. The document also touches upon the importance of system maps and matrix diagrams in project management, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different project elements and the need for a holistic approach.

Consolidated Portfolio
[Name of the Student]
[Name of the University]
[Author note]

Introduction:
Project management is considered to be the process that is associated with managing the project in an efficient and effective manner
so as to provide results or outcomes that are in favour of the organization for which the project is being conducted. In a project there
exists several type of constraints which are generally managed by making use of the different kind of tools or techniques. Besides this
the course conducted in last few weeks helped in understanding the basics of project management along with helping in understanding
how the application systems can be used for favouring the process of project management. Besides this the system also helped in
gaining an overview of the system engineering as well along with the concept of system thinking. The course have been mainly
associated with highlighting the basic responsibilities of the project manager along with highlighting the different ways by which the
project can be managed. Some of the major learning outcomes have been provided in the later section of the report.
Learning Outcome 1:
Summary:
System engineering is associated with pertaining the different kind of technical aspects that a project is having and is also responsible
for ensuring the delivering of the project within the assigned time. In addition to this the system engineering is also associated with the
monitoring and the management of the risks as well. The system engineering helps in sharing of the scope with the project
management except one thing which is the term project management is entirely about the project and not only just the technical
aspects related to the project. The project managers are capable of handling the project in a better way by making use of the different
kind of tools and methodologies. This mainly includes the Conceptual Model, Context Diagram, Decision Matrix, Functional Failure
Mode and Effect Analysis Function Means Analysis, Functional Modelling, Graphical Analysis and similarly any others like this,
Quad of Aims, Influence Diagram, N2. For a project manager the process of project management plays a very vital role in their
profession. The major reason lying behind is due to the fact that the project managers can manage the different aspects of a project in
an efficient and effective way by making use of the project management methodology. Along with this there also exists certain type of
methodologies and concepts that needs to be understood by the project managers so as to handle the projects with much more efficient
and guide the project towards success. One such concept is the system thinking. System thinking is generally the concept that makes
the project managers capable of looking into the entire system from a holistic viewpoint, along with helping them in understanding the
environment as well as the relationship that exists between the different kinds of elements. There exists different kind of elements in a
particular system that are generally connected with one another as well as dependent upon one another as well. For a project manager
understanding this kind of relationship is one of the crucial factor and besides this this type of understanding acts as an important
aspect of the system thinking process. Finding of solutions become much easier if the relationship existing between the system and the
external and internal elements is understood in a proper way.
Evidence:
Braglia, M., & Frosolini, M. (2014). An integrated approach to implement project management information systems within the
extended enterprise. International Journal of Project Management, 32(1), 18-29.
Harris, E. (2017). Strategic project risk appraisal and management. Routledge.
Learning Outcome 2:
Summary:
System thinking is generally considered to be the approach which is associated with allowing the user of a particular project or the
project manager to tackle the different of complex problems by taking into consideration the holistic view of the various problems.
This is generally dependent upon understanding the fact that there is no existing entity by itself along with considering the fact that

there is always existing different entities which affect each other. Besides this trying to understand and analysing the effects that they
are having upon each other is one of the important factor. Besides this determination of the interdependencies is the ultimate thing that
the system always thinks of. This are very much relevant for the project managers as a complete understanding of the various type of
problems are also provided by this. In addition to all this there also exists several tools which can be used for addressing the various
type of problems which are complex in nature and this is generally done by means of the system thinking process.
Evidence:
Badiru, A. B., & Osisanya, S. O. (2016). Project management for the oil and gas industry: a world system approach. CRC Press.
Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge.
Learning Outcome 3:
Summary:
Application system, this is generally considered to be another concept which has been associated with bringing a revolution in the
industry of project management. This has been associated with bringing a lot of convenience for the project managers as well as for
the different users in the industry. The application system helps them in handling the projects in an more efficient way alsong with
making sure of the fact the results or the outcomes that are obtained are in favour of the organization. According to my knowledge
from the course I understood the fact that the it is very much essential to choose the appropriate application system in accordance to
the project for which it is being selected. This is mainly to be done as the application system plays a vital role in determining if a
project would become successful or not. Improper selection of the application system might be associated with wastage of time as well
as effort along with the resources that are responsible and trying hard to handle to application system so as to control the project. For
instance if a simple application system is chosen for a complex project or a complex application system is chosen for a simple project
then various kind of difficulties might arise in handling the project. So for choosing the appropriate application system it is very
important to understand the scope and complexities that are existing in the project.
The application system are also helpful for the project managers in handling in the project and controlling the different operations of
the project. Besides this it would be allowing the project managers in monitoring, tracking, executing and managing the risks existing
in a project. Along with this the application system adaptation would also help in establishing an effective communication with the
various stakeholders associated with the project. In an application system there exists several tools which are very much helpful in
converting the information fed to the system into meaningful data that are very much helpful in controlling and managing the
processes of a project. Internet connectivity is one of the major game changer as this is the only thing that helps the application is
delivering the real-time reports and updates of the data.
Evidence:
Boyle, G. (2017). Design project management. Routledge
Cavanagh, M. (2017). Second order project management. Routledge.
Learning outcome 4:
Summary:
Some of the major system thinking tools that are existing in today’s world mainly includes eth following:
Tree diagram: This is the tool which is associated with allowing the managers to organize a larger number of idea options. Besides this
it is also associated with organizing the issues into a meaning information and structure. This in turn is associated with allowing a
clear representation of the various problems.
Graphical analysis: This is another tool associated with providing the feature of searching the patterns present in the data variations.

18 word statement: Half of the solution for the problem statement is provided if the problem is defied in a well manner. Besides this
by having a well-defined problem statement it is also possible to have a solution which is much more appropriate. There is a
requirement of lot of effort so as to become capable of defining the problem in a proper way. The conciseness of the problem is
generally associated with the determination of the effectiveness and easiness of the solution. Due to this reason the use of the 18 word
method is used for the defining the purpose as well as the context of the problem. This is a smart statement which means that the
problem would be specific, measurable, achievable and relevant and along with making the course time bound.
Affinity diagram: this is the method which is generally dependent upon the generation and organizing of the information that generally
requires the usage of mental skills in a divergent as well as in a convergent way. In case of divergent thinking the usage of the right
brain is done which is responsible for the generation of the ideas. Whereas in case of the convergent thinking it is observed that the
left brain is more active and is responsible for organizing.
Influence diagram: This is the process that is associated with helping the project managers in understanding and capturing of the
relationships along with the interdependencies that are existing in between the different entities present in a system. This generally
occurs in four different steps. This generally starts form the identification of the entities present inside the boundaries as well as the
entities existing outside the boundaries. Amongst all this the similar ones which are associated with sharing of similar kind of
viewpoints are identified. After the identification process is completed all this are grouped together in small groups which is followed
by the sorting of the influences. The influences are generally depicted by making use of the diagrams.
Besides this there exists some other type of tools similar to this and are associated with providing the opportunity along with benefits
related to the addressing of the various problems in a way which is much more holistic. Some other tools also includes the following:
Conceptual Model,
Context Diagram,
Decision Matrix,
Functional Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Function Means Analysis
Functional Modelling
Graphical Analysis and similarly many others like this.
Quad of Aims
Influence Diagram
N2
Evidence:
Turner, R. (2016). Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons

Learning outcome 5:
Summary:
System engineering is associated with pertaining the different kind of technical aspects that a project is having and is also responsible
for ensuring the delivering of the project within the assigned time. In addition to this the system engineering is also associated with the
monitoring and the management of the risks as well. The system engineering helps in sharing of the scope with the project
management except one thing which is the term project management is entirely about the project and not only just the technical
aspects related to the project. The project managers are capable of handling the project in a better way by making use of the different
kind of tools and methodologies and some of the major tools have been discussed in the section provided below:
1. System maps: This is methodology that has been adopted so as to clearly define the boundaries that a project is having along
with indicating the various type of subsets existing within the system. Besides this it is also used to indicate the external items
related to the project as well, along with allowing the project managers to address the various kind of changes occurring in the
scope of the project.
2. Matrix Diagram: This generally refers to the relationship that exists between the very things and the besides this the matrix is
nor a one dimensional diagram. The complexities existing in a project needs to understand all these relationships in an accurate
and simple way.
Evidence:
Hornstein, H. A. (2015). The integration of project management and organizational change management is now a
necessity. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 291-298.
Kaiser, M. G., El Arbi, F., & Ahlemann, F. (2015). Successful project portfolio management beyond project selection techniques:
Understanding the role of structural alignment. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 126-139.
Learning outcome 6:
Summary:
For a project manager the process of project management plays a very vital role in their profession. The major reason lying behind is
due to the fact that the project managers can manage the different aspects of a project in an efficient and effective way by making use
of the project management methodology. Along with this there also exists certain type of methodologies and concepts that needs to be
understood by the project managers so as to handle the projects with much more efficient and guide the project towards success. One
such concept is the system thinking. System thinking is generally the concept that makes the project managers capable of looking into
the entire system from a holistic viewpoint, along with helping them in understanding the environment as well as the relationship that
exists between the different kinds of elements. There exists different kind of elements in a particular system that are generally
connected with one another as well as dependent upon one another as well. For a project manager understanding this kind of
relationship is one of the crucial factor and besides this this type of understanding acts as an important aspect of the system thinking
process. Finding of solutions become much easier if the relationship existing between the system and the external and internal
elements is understood in a proper way.
There also some other similar terminologies as well as concepts that the project manager must remain aware of along with knowing
the basic differences that exists between the methodologies and the methods along with knowing the difference between the program
and the project.
A methodology generally refers to the way associated with the analysis of a collection of methods in a theoretical way. This is
different from the methods in various ways. This is mainly due to the reason that a method is a way which is generally adopted in
order to reach a solution but methodology is entirely different from this so they are entirely different from one another. In a similar

way concept is generally considered to be an idea or some kind of mental representation associated with depicting an idea coming in
the mind. A project is also different from a program as a program is generally considered to be a collection of various projects. So it
can be stated that a program generally runs at a broader sense than the project. Projects are generally created as a smaller aspect of
some bigger program. A project manager is associated with working in different levels and this is entirely based upon the seniority and
the experience that the project manager is having. Besides tis a project manager is also capable of handling an entire program as well
as being just responsible for handling the small aspects of a program which is known as the project.
A project manager needs to make use of their technical skills as well as the soft skills so as to manage the projects existing in the
dynamic environment along with understanding the different kind of terminologies as well as the concepts existing in the process of
project management. Along with this the constant changes occurring in the variables of the project is having a requirement of making
quick and right decisions by the managers so as to keep the project in track. For making this to happen there is a need of appropriate
skills which includes the soft skills as well as the technical skills.
Evidence:
Joslin, R., & Müller, R. (2015). Relationships between a project management methodology and project success in different project
governance contexts. International Journal of Project Management, 33(6), 1377-1392.
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance.
John Wiley & Sons.
Learning outcome 7:
Summary:
Making of particular decision or the decision making process is also one of the most important task that is included in the project
management process and is to be done by the project managers associated with the project. The decision making process is generally
considered to be a very difficult process for the project managers as the decision that they make are entire associated with determining
the future of the project, besides this the dynamic environment existing in today’s world have been associated with making this
process face much more difficulties. The difficulties are mainly arising due to the constant changes taking place in the variables along
with the instability of the variables. All this reasons are responsible for putting forward the need of tools by the project managers in
order to help them in gathering more data so as to translate those data into information that are useful. The application system acts as a
revolutionary step in the industry which is responsible for helping the project managers in handling the project in an efficient way.
From the course I understood about the fact that application system plays a vital role in taking certain decisions within the project
along with assisting the project managers to handle the project in an efficient way so as to make decisions that are always in favour of
the organization.
Evidence:
Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley
& Sons.
Nicholas, J. M., & Steyn, H. (2017). Project management for engineering, business and technology. Routledge.
Learning outcome 8:
Summary:
During the course it was very much fascinating to gain an insight of this topics is fascinating. Application systems have played a very
significant role in the industry these days with their capabilities to handle and address various aspects of the project. Some application
systems are very complicated, and some are very simple, and it is appropriate to choose the one as per the requirement of the project.
If you choose a complex application system for a simple project, it will make the project too complicated and will result in failure. On
the contrary if your application system is too simple and the project is too complicated, the application system may not be able to

handle the project leading to the loss of money and failure of a project. So, choosing a right application system is an important aspect
of managing a project. The environment these days is very dynamic, and this will result in a lot of variables which are constantly
changing making it difficult for the project managers to make decisions.
Various organizations have different requirements for application systems as per their requirements but some of the basics ones are
their ability to handle changes and variations in the project. A small change in this could lead to a big change in the other aspects of
the project. For example a small change in the scope of the project could lead to change in the entire delivery schedule and cost of the
project. This will result in the failure of the project. Other important requirements could be the ability to ensure that the application
system is able to extract information efficiently and then change it in to more meaningful information leading to faster decision being
made by project managers. Another important criterion is to ensure that the communication process is smooth by the use of
application system. Miscommunication could result in damages to the project leading to loss of money and failure of the project.
Evidence:
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2015). Management information systems (Vol. 8). Prentice Hall.
Sears, S. K., Sears, G. A., Clough, R. H., Rounds, J. L., & Segner, R. O. (2015). Construction project management. John Wiley &
Sons.
Learning outcome 9:
Summary:
In each and every step of the project there exists the need of monitoring as well as tracking the various kind of changes taking place in
a project along with the performance. It is easy to measure the performance of the project by making use of the application system.
The application systems being used in modern world are consisting of various technologies which helps the real-time monitoring of
the project much easier. The output should be as close to what was expected and detecting this should ensure that the project is on
track. Besides this the course also helped in understanding the fact that the application systems are not only restricted towards
handling of the performance or monitoring of the performance but is also associated with addressing the various kind of changes that
are generally occurring in the project. Besides this the application system tools are also associated with making user of the fact that the
scope within the project along with the other facets of the project are being monitored closely so as to handle any kind of problems or
issues that might arise during the time conducting the processes of the project.
Evidence:
Serra, C. E. M., & Kunc, M. (2015). Benefits realisation management and its influence on project success and on the execution of
business strategies. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 53-66.
Todorović, M. L., Petrović, D. Č., Mihić, M. M., Obradović, V. L., & Bushuyev, S. D. (2015). Project success analysis framework: A
knowledge-based approach in project management. International Journal of Project Management, 33(4), 772-783.
Learning outcome 10 & 11:
Summary:
Project is generally considered to be a temporary endeavour that is having a specified beginning as well as a specified ending. Besides
this he project is also having a well-defined scope and availability of appropriate resources. Each project is having unique
characteristics and besides this a project cannot be considered to be routine operation. However this is a set of operation that is
generally designed for the purpose of achieving a particular goal. Project management is generally considered to be a process
associated with the application of knowledge along with the skills, tools as well as the techniques so as to meet the requirements of the
project and conduct the activities of eth project. A project can be classified into five steps which includes the initiation, planning,
execution, controlling and monitoring and lastly the closure phase.

A project manager is generally considered to be the individual or professional who is associated with working with a project in order
to manage the entire project. Their main responsibility includes the planning of the project along with the procurement and execution
of the project. Besides this project managers are the first point of contact in case of any kind of issues or discrepancies that arises from
the side of various other departs of the project before any kind of escalation is provided to the higher authorities. The entire course has
been helping in understanding the various aspects of a project management along with understanding the major responsibilities of the
project. Besides this the course also helped in understanding the usage of application system as well as design thinking in the process
of project management. Application software are generally used as it is almost impossible to manage a project without the usage of
this. This software are very helpful as they help the project managers in effective management of the project. Handling of the various
processes along with controlling of the risks becomes very easy as well.
Evidence:
Turner, R. (2016). Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons
Conclusion:
The course helped in learning the fact that the usage of application system along with the system thinking and system engineering
helps a lot in running the projects in a smooth way. Besides this they also play a very vital role in assisting the project managers in
managing, tracking and controlling of all the project activities. All this are having different kind of tools that are generally having
different capabilities and are associated with providing various kind of facilities. Implementation of all this concepts and
methodologies helps a lot in managing the project in an efficient and effective way. Besides this all this also play a crucial role in
determine the fact that if a project would become successful or not.

References:
Badiru, A. B., & Osisanya, S. O. (2016). Project management for the oil and gas industry: a world system approach. CRC Press.
Boyle, G. (2017). Design project management. Routledge.
Braglia, M., & Frosolini, M. (2014). An integrated approach to implement project management information systems within the
extended enterprise. International Journal of Project Management, 32(1), 18-29.
Cavanagh, M. (2017). Second order project management. Routledge.
Harris, E. (2017). Strategic project risk appraisal and management. Routledge.
Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge.
Hornstein, H. A. (2015). The integration of project management and organizational change management is now a
necessity. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 291-298.
Joslin, R., & Müller, R. (2015). Relationships between a project management methodology and project success in different project
governance contexts. International Journal of Project Management, 33(6), 1377-1392.
Kaiser, M. G., El Arbi, F., & Ahlemann, F. (2015). Successful project portfolio management beyond project selection techniques:
Understanding the role of structural alignment. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 126-139.
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance.
John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley
& Sons.
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2015). Management information systems (Vol. 8). Prentice Hall.
Nicholas, J. M., & Steyn, H. (2017). Project management for engineering, business and technology. Routledge.
Sears, S. K., Sears, G. A., Clough, R. H., Rounds, J. L., & Segner, R. O. (2015). Construction project management. John Wiley &
Sons.
Serra, C. E. M., & Kunc, M. (2015). Benefits realisation management and its influence on project success and on the execution of
business strategies. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 53-66.
Todorović, M. L., Petrović, D. Č., Mihić, M. M., Obradović, V. L., & Bushuyev, S. D. (2015). Project success analysis framework: A
knowledge-based approach in project management. International Journal of Project Management, 33(4), 772-783.
Turner, R. (2016). Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.

Appendix
Week 1 Topic: Explain the relevance of systems thinking to PM
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 1
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoK:
'Introduction to
SEBoK'
 SEBoK:
'Introduction to
Systems
Engineering';
 SEBoK:Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 2.3 - 2.5;
2.22;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
 AS ISO 21504:2016
Project,
programme and
portfolio
management—
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
Explain the relevance
of systems thinking to
the project, program
and portfolio manager.
System thinking is generally considered to be the approach which is associated
with allowing the user of a particular project or the project manager to tackle
the different of complex problems by taking into consideration the holistic view
of the various problems. This is generally dependent upon understanding the
fact that there is no existing entity by itself along with considering the fact that
there is always existing different entities which affect each other. Besides this
trying to understand and analysing the effects that they are having upon each
other is one of the important factor. Besides this determination of the
interdependencies is the ultimate thing that the system always thinks of. This
are very much relevant for the project managers as a complete understanding of
the various type of problems are also provided by this. In addition to all this
there also exists several tools which can be used for addressing the various type
of problems which are complex in nature and this is generally done by means of
the system thinking process.
PPMP20012Unit Profile
PPMP20012 Moodle
Web site
Have you any insights
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
References
Braglia, M., & Frosolini, M. (2014). An integrated approach to implement project management information systems within the
extended enterprise. International Journal of Project Management, 32(1), 18-29.
Harris, E. (2017). Strategic project risk appraisal and management. Routledge.
Week 2: Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve
project problems.
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 2
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'Introduction to SE
Transformation';
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'SEBoK Users and
Uses';
 Part 6: Related
Disciplines -
'Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering and
Project
Management'
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 2.3 - 2.5;
2.22;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
Project,
programme and
portfolio
Identify different
systems thinking tools
and techniques to aid
project managers solve
project problems.
Some of the major system thinking tools that are existing in today’s world
mainly includes eth following:
Tree diagram: This is the tool which is associated with allowing the managers to
organize a larger number of idea options. Besides this it is also associated with
organizing the issues into a meaning information and structure. This in turn is
associated with allowing a clear representation of the various problems.
Graphical analysis: This is another tool associated with providing the feature of
searching the patterns present in the data variations.
18 word statement: Half of the solution for the problem statement is provided if
the problem is defied in a well manner. Besides this by having a well-defined
problem statement it is also possible to have a solution which is much more
appropriate. There is a requirement of lot of effort so as to become capable of
defining the problem in a proper way. The conciseness of the problem is
generally associated with the determination of the effectiveness and easiness of
the solution. Due to this reason the use of the 18 word method is used for the
defining the purpose as well as the context of the problem. This is a smart
statement which means that the problem would be specific, measurable,
achievable and relevant and along with making the course time bound.
Affinity diagram: this is the method which is generally dependent upon the
generation and organizing of the information that generally requires the usage
of mental skills in a divergent as well as in a convergent way. In case of divergent
thinking the usage of the right brain is done which is responsible for the
generation of the ideas. Whereas in case of the convergent thinking it is
observed that the left brain is more active and is responsible for organizing.
Influence diagram: This is the process that is associated with helping the project
managers in understanding and capturing of the relationships along with the
interdependencies that are existing in between the different entities present in
a system. This generally occurs in four different steps. This generally starts form
PPMP20012Unit Profile
PPMP20012 Moodle
Web site
Have you any insights
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?

Reading samples Learning
outcome # 2
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
management—
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
Case Study
 Chief Counsel's
Report - Chapter 5
(PDF 700KB),
the identification of the entities present inside the boundaries as well as the
entities existing outside the boundaries. Amongst all this the similar ones which
are associated with sharing of similar kind of viewpoints are identified. After the
identification process is completed all this are grouped together in small groups
which is followed by the sorting of the influences. The influences are generally
depicted by making use of the diagrams.
Besides this there exists some other type of tools similar to this and are
associated with providing the opportunity along with benefits related to the
addressing of the various problems in a way which is much more holistic. Some
other tools also includes the following:
Conceptual Model,
Context Diagram,
Decision Matrix,
Functional Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Function Means Analysis
Functional Modelling
Graphical Analysis and similarly many others like this.
Quad of Aims
Influence Diagram
N2
References
Badiru, A. B., & Osisanya, S. O. (2016). Project management for the oil and gas industry: a world system approach. CRC Press.
Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge.
Week 3: Assess the Relevance of Systems Engineering to Project Cases
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 3
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoK Part 2:
Foundations of
Systems
Engineering –
 'Knowledge
Area: Systems
Fundamentals';
 'Knowledge
Area: Systems
Science';
 'Knowledge
Area: Systems
Thinking';
 'Knowledge
Area:
Representing
Systems with
Models';
 Part 6: Related
Disciplines –
 'Knowledge
Area: Systems
Engineering
and Industrial
Engineering';
 'Knowledge
Area: Systems
Engineering
and Specialty
Engineering';
 Part 7: Systems
Engineering
Assess the relevance of
systems engineering to
project cases.
System engineering is associated with pertaining the different kind of technical
aspects that a project is having and is also responsible for ensuring the
delivering of the project within the assigned time. In addition to this the system
engineering is also associated with the monitoring and the management of the
risks as well. The system engineering helps in sharing of the scope with the
project management except one thing which is the term project management is
entirely about the project and not only just the technical aspects related to the
project. The project managers are capable of handling the project in a better
way by making use of the different kind of tools and methodologies and some of
the major tools have been discussed in the section provided below:
3. System maps: This is methodology that has been adopted so as to
clearly define the boundaries that a project is having along with
indicating the various type of subsets existing within the system.
Besides this it is also used to indicate the external items related to the
project as well, along with allowing the project managers to address
the various kind of changes occurring in the scope of the project.
4. Matrix Diagram: This generally refers to the relationship that exists
between the very things and the besides this the matrix is nor a one
dimensional diagram. The complexities existing in a project needs to
understand all these relationships in an accurate and simple way.
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Reading samples Learning
outcome # 3
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Implementation
Examples:
 How Lack of
Information
Sharing
Jeopardized the
NASA/ESA
Cassini/Huygen
s Mission to
Saturn;
 Project
Management
Case Study;
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 17.11-
17.16;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Chapter 5;
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
Project,
programme and
portfolio
management—
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
Movies and Web sites
 YouTube:
 "Systems
Engineering"
(by
ThinkTVPBS)
 Modelling the
Management of
Systems
Engineering
Projects (by
VitechCorp)
 Web Sites:
 International
Council on
Systems
Engineering
(INCOSE)
 Systems
Engineering
Society of
Australia
 The Guide to
Lean Enablers
for Managing
Engineering
Programs – MIT
References
Boyle, G. (2017). Design project management. Routledge
Cavanagh, M. (2017). Second order project management. Routledge.
Week 4: Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project manager
organise a project
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 4
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoK Part 2:
Foundations of
Systems
Describe how systems
engineering concepts
and methodologies can
help a project, program
For a project manager the process of project management plays a very vital role
in their profession. The major reason lying behind is due to the fact that the
project managers can manage the different aspects of a project in an efficient
and effective way by making use of the project management methodology.
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Have you any insights

Reading samples Learning
outcome # 4
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Engineering -
'Knowledge Area:
Systems Approach
Applied to
Engineered
Systems';
 Part 5: Enabling
Systems
Engineering;
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 1.23;
2.15 - 2.17; 17.17;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Chapter 6.1-6.2;
 Al-Mamary Y.H.,
Shamsuddin A,
&Aziati N., (2013)
"The Impact of
Management
Information
Systems Adoption
in Managerial
Decision Making:
A Review"
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
 Portfolio
Management;
 Movie: Enterprise
Project Portfolio
Management
(EPPM).
and portfolio managers
organise a project.
Along with this there also exists certain type of methodologies and concepts
that needs to be understood by the project managers so as to handle the
projects with much more efficient and guide the project towards success. One
such concept is the system thinking. System thinking is generally the concept
that makes the project managers capable of looking into the entire system from
a holistic viewpoint, along with helping them in understanding the environment
as well as the relationship that exists between the different kinds of elements.
There exists different kind of elements in a particular system that are generally
connected with one another as well as dependent upon one another as well. For
a project manager understanding this kind of relationship is one of the crucial
factor and besides this this type of understanding acts as an important aspect of
the system thinking process. Finding of solutions become much easier if the
relationship existing between the system and the external and internal elements
is understood in a proper way.
There also some other similar terminologies as well as concepts that the project
manager must remain aware of along with knowing the basic differences that
exists between the methodologies and the methods along with knowing the
difference between the program and the project.
A methodology generally refers to the way associated with the analysis of a
collection of methods in a theoretical way. This is different from the methods in
various ways. This is mainly due to the reason that a method is a way which is
generally adopted in order to reach a solution but methodology is entirely
different from this so they are entirely different from one another. In a similar
way concept is generally considered to be an idea or some kind of mental
representation associated with depicting an idea coming in the mind. A project
is also different from a program as a program is generally considered to be a
collection of various projects. So it can be stated that a program generally runs
at a broader sense than the project. Projects are generally created as a smaller
aspect of some bigger program. A project manager is associated with working in
different levels and this is entirely based upon the seniority and the experience
that the project manager is having. Besides tis a project manager is also capable
of handling an entire program as well as being just responsible for handling the
small aspects of a program which is known as the project.
A project manager needs to make use of their technical skills as well as the soft
skills so as to manage the projects existing in the dynamic environment along
with understanding the different kind of terminologies as well as the concepts
existing in the process of project management. Along with this the constant
changes occurring in the variables of the project is having a requirement of
making quick and right decisions by the managers so as to keep the project in
track. For making this to happen there is a need of appropriate skills which
includes the soft skills as well as the technical skills.
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
References
Turner, R. (2016). Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons
Week 5: Explain the importance of appropriate selection of Project Management (PM) application
systemsregardingproject realisation
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 5
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoK
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Introduction to
Life Cycle
Processes;
Explain the importance
of appropriate selection
of project management
(PM) application
systems inregards to
meeting the internal
and external objectives
of a project.
Application system, this is generally considered to be another concept which has
been associated with bringing a revolution in the industry of project
management. This has been associated with bringing a lot of convenience for
the project managers as well as for the different users in the industry. The
application system helps them in handling the projects in an more efficient way
alsong with making sure of the fact the results or the outcomes that are
obtained are in favour of the organization. According to my knowledge from the
course I understood the fact that the it is very much essential to choose the
appropriate application system in accordance to the project for which it is being
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Reading samples Learning
outcome # 5
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Life Cycle
Models;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Concept
Definition;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Systems
Definition;
 Part 6: Related
Disciplines -
'Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering and
Software
Engineering';
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 15.1-
15.7;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Chapter 6.3-6.4;
 Raymond L., &
Bergeron F.,
(2008) "Project
management
information
systems: An
empirical study of
their impact on
project managers
and project
success"
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
 SWEBOK V3
Guide.
Web Sites
 SAP
 Oracle Primavera
 IBM Maximo &
BPM
 Microsoft Project.
selected. This is mainly to be done as the application system plays a vital role in
determining if a project would become successful or not. Improper selection of
the application system might be associated with wastage of time as well as
effort along with the resources that are responsible and trying hard to handle to
application system so as to control the project. For instance if a simple
application system is chosen for a complex project or a complex application
system is chosen for a simple project then various kind of difficulties might arise
in handling the project. So for choosing the appropriate application system it is
very important to understand the scope and complexities that are existing in the
project.
The application system are also helpful for the project managers in handling in
the project and controlling the different operations of the project. Besides this it
would be allowing the project managers in monitoring, tracking, executing and
managing the risks existing in a project. Along with this the application system
adaptation would also help in establishing an effective communication with the
various stakeholders associated with the project. In an application system there
exists several tools which are very much helpful in converting the information
fed to the system into meaningful data that are very much helpful in controlling
and managing the processes of a project. Internet connectivity is one of the
major game changer as this is the only thing that helps the application is
delivering the real-time reports and updates of the data.
References
Hornstein, H. A. (2015). The integration of project management and organizational change management is now a
necessity. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 291-298.
Kaiser, M. G., El Arbi, F., & Ahlemann, F. (2015). Successful project portfolio management beyond project selection techniques:
Understanding the role of structural alignment. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 126-139.
Week 6: Describe how the use of PM application systems can lead to effective PM knowledge
management and decision making
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 6
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoK
 Part 3: Systems
Describe how the use of
project management
(PM) application
Making of particular decision or the decision making process is also one of the
most important task that is included in the project management process and is
to be done by the project managers associated with the project. The decision
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Reading samples Learning
outcome # 6
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Systems
Realization;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Systems
Deployment and
Use;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering
Management;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Product and
Service Life
Management;
 Part 3: Systems
Engineering and
Management:
Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering
Standards;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Annex E
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
Web Sites
 YouTube: What is
Portfolio
Management vs.
Project
Management?
systems can lead to
effective PM knowledge
management and
decision making.
making process is generally considered to be a very difficult process for the
project managers as the decision that they make are entire associated with
determining the future of the project, besides this the dynamic environment
existing in today’s world have been associated with making this process face
much more difficulties. The difficulties are mainly arising due to the constant
changes taking place in the variables along with the instability of the variables.
All this reasons are responsible for putting forward the need of tools by the
project managers in order to help them in gathering more data so as to translate
those data into information that are useful. The application system acts as a
revolutionary step in the industry which is responsible for helping the project
managers in handling the project in an efficient way. From the course I
understood about the fact that application system plays a vital role in taking
certain decisions within the project along with assisting the project managers to
handle the project in an efficient way so as to make decisions that are always in
favour of the organization.
Have you any insights
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
References
Joslin, R., & Müller, R. (2015). Relationships between a project management methodology and project success in different project
governance contexts. International Journal of Project Management, 33(6), 1377-1392.
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance.
John Wiley & Sons.
Week 7:Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different manual and electronic
PM application systems within each PM knowledge area over the life cycle of a project.
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 7
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 SEBoKPart 4:
Applications of
Systems
Engineering;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Annex F & G
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
 BP News Wrap-up
Compare and contrast
the advantages and
disadvantages of
different manual and
electronic project,
program and portfolio
(PPPM) application
systems within each
PPPM knowledge area
over the life cycle of a
project, program or
portfolio.
The application systems which are being used in today’s world are very much
complex in nature along with being very much confusing while using and
utilizing the various features that this application systems are having.
Application systems are nothing but an interconnection of several other smaller
systems that are responsible for communicating with one another in a logical
way so as to make sure that the goals are being reached.
It is essential that the project managers are having the essential tools so as to
help them in the process of gathering the more amount of data so as to
translate those data into some kind of information which are very much useful.
Another major advantage of the application system is that all the activities in a
project can be monitored, tracked and managed in a very efficient way by the
project managers. This is generally done by usage of the tools present in the
application system.
The application systems are comprehensive in nature as the usage of the papers
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Reading samples Learning
outcome # 7
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
so as to write on it is also having the same amount of importance. This systems
helps in taking of quick actions and noting down of the information quickly so as
to to take immediate actions in accordance to the situation.
References
Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley
& Sons.
Nicholas, J. M., & Steyn, H. (2017). Project management for engineering, business and technology. Routledge.
Week 8: Identify how PM application systems can assist project managers to monitor performance
and manage changes within the project.
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 8
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 PMI (2013) The
Standard for
Program
Management --
Third Edition
Chapter 8;
 PMI (2013) The
Standard for
Portfolio
Management --
Third Edition
Chapter 7;
Identify how project,
program and portfolio
(PPPM) application
systems can assist
project managers to
monitor performance
and manage changes
within a project.
In each and every step of the project there exists the need of monitoring
as well as tracking the various kind of changes taking place in a project
along with the performance. It is easy to measure the performance of
the project by making use of the application system. The application
systems being used in modern world are consisting of various
technologies which helps the real-time monitoring of the project much
easier. The output should be as close to what was expected and
detecting this should ensure that the project is on track. Besides this the
course also helped in understanding the fact that the application systems
are not only restricted towards handling of the performance or
monitoring of the performance but is also associated with addressing the
various kind of changes that are generally occurring in the project.
Besides this the application system tools are also associated with making
user of the fact that the scope within the project along with the other
facets of the project are being monitored closely so as to handle any kind
of problems or issues that might arise during the time conducting the
processes of the project.
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you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
References
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2015). Management information systems (Vol. 8). Prentice Hall.
Sears, S. K., Sears, G. A., Clough, R. H., Rounds, J. L., & Segner, R. O. (2015). Construction project management. John Wiley &
Sons.
Week 9: Propose appropriate PM application systems to support successful project execution in
different industries.
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 9
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 PMI (2013) The
Standard for
Program
Management --
Third Edition
Chapter 8;
 PMI (2013) The
Standard for
Portfolio
Management --
Third Edition
Chapter 7;
Propose appropriate
project, program and
portfolio (PPPM)
application systems to
support successful
project, program and
portfolio execution in
different industry
domains.
During the course it was very much fascinating to gain an insight of this topic is
fascinating. Application systems have played a very significant role in the
industry these days with their capabilities to handle and address various aspects
of the project. Some application systems are very complicated, and some are
very simple, and it is appropriate to choose the one as per the requirement of
the project. If you choose a complex application system for a simple project, it
will make the project too complicated and will result in failure. On the contrary
if your application system is too simple and the project is too complicated, the
application system may not be able to handle the project leading to the loss of
money and failure of a project. So, choosing a right application system is an
important aspect of managing a project. The environment these days is very
dynamic, and this will result in a lot of variables which are constantly changing
making it difficult for the project managers to make decisions.
Various organizations have different requirements for application systems as per
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Reading samples Learning
outcome # 9
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
their requirements but some of the basics ones are their ability to handle
changes and variations in the project. A small change in this could lead to a big
change in the other aspects of the project. For example a small change in the
scope of the project could lead to change in the entire delivery schedule and
cost of the project. This will result in the failure of the project. Other important
requirements could be the ability to ensure that the application system is able
to extract information efficiently and then change it in to more meaningful
information leading to faster decision being made by project managers. Another
important criterion is to ensure that the communication process is smooth by
the use of application system. Miscommunication could result in damages to the
project leading to loss of money and failure of the project.
References
Serra, C. E. M., & Kunc, M. (2015). Benefits realisation management and its influence on project success and on the execution of
business strategies. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 53-66.
Todorović, M. L., Petrović, D. Č., Mihić, M. M., Obradović, V. L., & Bushuyev, S. D. (2015). Project success analysis framework: A
knowledge-based approach in project management. International Journal of Project Management, 33(4), 772-783.
Week 10& 11: Discuss contemporary developments in the use of PM application systems.
Reading samples Learning
outcome # 10
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and
prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
 Sterman Chapters
1, 2, 13 and 15;
 Insight Maker
Optional Readings
 INCOSE
Discuss contemporary
developments in the
use of project, program
and portfolio (PPPM)
application systems.
Project is generally considered to be a temporary endeavour that is having a
specified beginning as well as a specified ending. Besides this he project is also
having a well-defined scope and availability of appropriate resources. Each
project is having unique characteristics and besides this a project cannot be
considered to be routine operation. However this is a set of operation that is
generally designed for the purpose of achieving a particular goal. Project
management is generally considered to be a process associated with the
application of knowledge along with the skills, tools as well as the techniques so
as to meet the requirements of the project and conduct the activities of eth
project. A project can be classified into five steps which includes the initiation,
planning, execution, controlling and monitoring and lastly the closure phase.
A project manager is generally considered to be the individual or professional
who is associated with working with a project in order to manage the entire
project. Their main responsibility includes the planning of the project along with
the procurement and execution of the project. Besides this project managers
are the first point of contact in case of any kind of issues or discrepancies that
arises from the side of various other departs of the project before any kind of
escalation is provided to the higher authorities. The entire course has been
helping in understanding the various aspects of a project management along
with understanding the major responsibilities of the project. Besides this the
course also helped in understanding the usage of application system as well as
design thinking in the process of project management. Application software are
generally used as it is almost impossible to manage a project without the usage
of this. This software are very helpful as they help the project managers in
effective management of the project. Handling of the various processes along
with controlling of the risks becomes very easy as well.
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you can add from other
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References
Turner, R. (2016). Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons