Students

STAT321 – Logistics and Project Management

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Kj Byun
kj.byun@mq.edu.au
Contact via kj.byun@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
STAT379
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Stat321 is a three credit point Capstone unit for Decisions Science Major offered by the Department of Statistics. It consists of the two modules – Project Management followed by Logistics. In the study of Project Management topics include Network Diagraming Techniques in Scheduling, Risk Analysis including Classic & Non-Classic PERT model, Time Limited Scheduling (Resource Levelling), Resource limited Scheduling, Goldratt’s Critical Chain Scheduling, Time-cost Tradeoffs and Project Selection. Practical applications will be undertaken using Microsoft Project. Also students will be introduced to new learning software developed by Jan Davos (former student of stat321) and Kj Byun (convenor of the unit), called AMUN. Logistics will include the following topics: Supply Chain Management, Push and Pull distributions, and Materials Management. Whilst it is open to any students having successfully completed Stat279, it is a compulsory unit for students majoring in the Decision Science. The combination of appropriate units will lead to a degree that will equip the graduate with the necessary skills required to solve practical real-world problems.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Tutorial Participation 10% Thursday from week 2
Project Outline 5% 26th March (Week 4)
Mid-Semester Test 13% 7th April (Week 6)
Assignment 12% 28th May (Week 11)
Final Examination 60% 16th June – Friday 4th July

Tutorial Participation

Due: Thursday from week 2
Weighting: 10%

To obtain full marks you need to attend and participate in every tutorial. You may be asked to submit some week's tutorial exercises.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Project Outline

Due: 26th March (Week 4)
Weighting: 5%

Students will discuss with other group members of their unique project ideas, write up the proposal and deliver it to the class for feedback during week 4 lecture. All team members must be present or else a mark of zero will be awarded.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Mid-Semester Test

Due: 7th April (Week 6)
Weighting: 13%

 

·         The test will be held during the lecture time on 7th April (week 6) and will commence at 3:10pm.

·         The test will cover all material up to and including the end of Week 5. It will be of 2 hours duration.

·         In the test you will be provided with relevant tables but no formulae will be given. However, you will be able to bring into the test one piece of paper up to A4 size on which you may write anything you like on one side only.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assignment

Due: 28th May (Week 11)
Weighting: 12%

 

·         Assignment is COMPULSORY and late assignments will not be accepted for credit.

·         Extension may be given in exceptional circumstances. An extension will not be considered unless the student applies for special consideration.

·         Your assignment must be word-processed or it will automatically receive zero marks. The presentation of the layout of your assignment will have some bearing on the mark you receive. 

·         You need to hand the assignment in at the beginning of the lecture on the due date, and I will return marked assignments as soon as possible.

·         In addition to being an assessment task, the assignment is meant to be a learning device so that marks will be awarded for the level of attempt made, presentation and logical answers.

·         In addition, your effort in this component together with your attendance at the lectures and tutorials will be used in deciding the grades of those students who are close to a grade borderline or who have requested special consideration.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Final Examination

Due: 16th June – Friday 4th July
Weighting: 60%

 

·         A 3 hour final examination for this unit will be held during the University Examination period.  

·         The final examination will cover all topics dealt within the unit.

·         In this examination you will be provided with relevant tables but no formulae will be given. However, you will be able to bring into the examination one piece of paper up to A4 size on which you may write anything you like on both sides. No other notes or books are allowed.

 

The University Examination period in First Half Year 2014 is from Monday 16th June – Friday 4th July.

 

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable and this includes Saturdays. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations.

http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam/

 

The only exception to not sitting an examination (or the mid semester test) at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Special Consideration. Information about unavoidable disruption and the special consideration process is available at

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/procedure.html

Student Request to the Faculty of Science web page for Special Consideration Applications is

http://web.science.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/current/admin_central/

 

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.

 

You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester that is the final day of the official examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Delivery and Resources

COREQUISITES

in 2013, corequisite of Stat379 was introduced to comply with capstone unit requirements as Stat321 is the capstone unit for the Decision Science major but this requirement is not necessary and will be dropped from 2015.

CLASSES

Lectures:                   

  • Length:                      One 3 hour beginning in Week 1
  • Location:                    C5A 313
  • Time:                          Wednesday3pm – 6pm

Tutorial:

  • Length:                      One 1 hour beginning in Week 2
  • Location:                    E4B 102
  • Time:                          Thursday 1pm, 2pm

The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at:

http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/

 Attendance at the lectures is optional but may be monitored to aid in deciding the grades of those students who are close to a grade borderline or who have requested special consideration.

 

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY

·         The lecture and tutorial handouts will be available at the website before the lecture/tutorial is given, but may be corrected after the lecture/tutorial.

·         In each week, lectures will be conducted following the structure of the lecture handout. It will contain examples and exercises mostly without solution.

·         The solution to these examples and exercises will be covered in the lecture.

·         Some additional exercises may be discussed during the lecture time.

·         Students are encouraged to participate in the lecture discussion and ask questions.

·         In tutorial, you will work individually and in groups with your fellow students. We will cover additional and revision exercises as well as learning to use Microsoft Project 2010. 

·         We also expect that you will make a good attempt at the assignment, mid semester test and final exam.

 

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

The web page for this unit can be found at:  

      www.stat.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/stat_units/stat_units300/stat321/

 Alternatively, you can get there conveniently from the Department of Statistics website www.stat.mq.edu.au/ by selecting Undergraduate Programs, then Statistics Units and then Stat321.

 The iLearn site for STAT321 and can be accessed at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/(or from the Stat321 web page).Students should check the site regularly to find the latest announcements, lecture notes, tutorial sheets, and assignments.

 You will be asked for your Student ID number and myMQ Portal password. If you have any problem accessing this website, you should go to the Online Teaching Facility support web page at http://online.mq.edu.au/docs/tecinf.html .

 

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Some useful references include:

Klastorin Ted. “Project  Management Tools and Trade –Offs”  John Wiley, 2004

                                                                                                                        [HD69.P75 K57 2004]

Pinto Jeffrey K. “Project Management Achieving Competitive Advantage and MS Project” Prentice Hall, 2010.                                                                             [HD69.P75 P5498 2010]

Meredith. “Project Management, A Managerial Approach (4th Ed)”            [HD69.P75.M47]

Kerzner, Harold. “Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlling”                                                                                             [HD69.P75.K47/2001]

Rosenau, Milton, D. “Successful project management: a step-by-step approach with practical examples”                                                                                              [HD69.P75.R67/1998]

Tatnall, A. “Project management: a guide to Microsoft Project”           [HD69.P75.T38/1996]

BALLOU Ron H.  “Business Logistics Management”                                 [HD38.5.B35/1998]

GILMOUR P. “Logistics Management”                                                     [HF5415.12.A8.G476]

SHAPIRO R. “Logistics Strategy”                                                               [HD38.5.S53/1985]

TYNDALL G. “Supercharging Supply Chains”                                        [HD38.5.s895/1998]

BLOOMBERG David. “The Management of Integrated Logistics”            [HD38.5.B55/1998]

 

 

Unit Schedule

 

STAT 321 SCHEDULE (D1 2014)

Week

Lecture

Date

Topic

Assessment due (Wednesday 3pm)

1

5 March

Introduction to Project Management

 

2

12 March

Creating a project schedule and network Scheduling

 

3

19 March

CPM and PERT

 

4

26 March

Time Limited Scheduling

Project Outline

5

2 April

Resources Limited Scheduling

 

6

9 April

Mid-Semester Test

 

Mid Semester Break (Saturday 12th April – Sunday 27th April)

7

30 April

Time-cost trade analysis in a project environment

 

8

7 May

Critical Chain Project Management

 

9

14 May

Introduction to Logistics Systems

 

10

21 May

Development and Growth of Business Logistics

 

11

28 May

The Supply-Chain Concept – Demand Driven Logistics

Assignment

12

4 June

Logistics of Information Systems

 

13

11 June

Revision

 
 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lecture

Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.

Tutorial/Practical

Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.

Group Project/Assignment

Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Project Outline
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • understand the difference between real life project and process
  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Project Outline
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Assignment
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Project Outline
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Assignment
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • explain the meaning of common terms that are used in project management
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Project Outline
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Project Outline
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Assignment
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Project Outline
  • Assignment
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • apply a range of statistical techniques and logical thinking in project scheduling
  • use Microsoft Project 2010 to plan, schedule and monitor large projects
  • communicate the results of planning and scheduling of a project clearly
  • appreciate the role of logistics in industry including project management and supply chain management
  • continue any future business decision analysis studies with increased confidence

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Project Outline
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Assignment
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Presentation of new material via examples, discussion and hands-on exercises.
  • Practical application of project scheduling and managing via Mocrosoft Project 2010, Amun and Microsoft Excel. Some computer simulation games for understanding supply chain management.
  • Assessment task where students can apply the project scheduling concepts ann techniques learned in practice as a team.