Front-end planning is core to the effective management of projects and occurs at the stage during which high-level, strategic planning and development is undertaken. By adopting a case study methodology, this course is designed to develop the specialised knowledge and skills required to undertake effective front-end planning.

You'll critically examine the concepts, processes and tools relevant to front-end planning in local, national and global contexts. Core topics covered in this course include principles, processes and tools in front-end planning, project success factors and criteria, strategic stakeholder, team and risk management.

Course coordinator

Dr Tiendung Le, Lecturer - School of Property, Construction and Project Management

Course objectives

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex project management theory, principles and best practice to applied projects to contribute to the profession and discipline of project management;
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on project management theory and developments, both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice;
  • Professionally communicate and justify project scope, design, implementation, strategy and/or outcomes, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders across a range of industry sectors;
  • Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively address the diverse needs of project stakeholders, formulating innovative solutions and demonstrating independent and sound decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline; and
  • Utilise specific research and technical skills to strategically develop and implement project management strategies and solutions that are responsive to complex sustainable and economic theories and enhance project value, delivery and governance.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Analyse and apply front-end planning theories and best practice to undertake effective planning in local and global contexts;
  • Analyse, utilise and communicate project success factors and criteria to deliver project success and value;
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of the front-end planning process to advise key decision makers engaged in the process; and
  • Develop and apply front-end planning techniques to enable the effective management of projects.

Assessment

Assessment for this course will occur at various times across the seven-week teaching period. In most cases, assessment should follow a similar structure to the below:

  • A short assessment may occur in the first couple of weeks, driven mostly by peer-assessment or objective feedback as is the case of a survey quiz or contribution to discussion.
  • Assessments that occur mid-study period (approximately week 2 to 5) will have a highly formative purpose, like an extended case study or a scenario role play. These are intended to provide an indication of performance and occur at this time to enable positive changes to future performance.
  • Final assessments are usually summative, and generally draw the course's threshold concepts together. Your previous assessments will have directly prepared you for a summative-style assessment.

Rich, online feedback will be provided to you throughout the teaching period on practical exercises and by individual consultation, ideally within five business days.


Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your RMIT Student Enrolment Advisor on 1300 701 171 for more information based on your particular circumstances.