Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Information and Knowledge Management
Credit points: 16 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 57089c Information Research and Data Analysis AND 48 credit points of completed study in C04203 Master of Arts in Information and Knowledge Management

Handbook description

This is a core subject for the Master of Arts in Information and Knowledge Management. The subject involves the implementation of a professional project that is aimed at integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A combination of learning frameworks is used (e.g. learning contracts, information project management, information consolidation) to enable the student to develop, with academic supervision, an individually tailored program or project.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject you are expected to be able to:

1. identify an information problem.
2. propose solutions to the problem based on the theoretical and professional literature.
3. develop and apply criteria for determining the most appropriate solution.
4. plan for the implementation of the preferred solution.
5. implement a project plan and complete a project with time and resources constraints.
6. evaluate the effectiveness of the completed project.
7. reflect critically on your performance as an information professional.
8. assess the value of the theoretical and professional literature to their project.
9. explore possibilities for the publication of project outcomes.

Contribution to graduate profile

The subject enables students to begin integrating their learning in information and knowledge management through the planning and implementation of a project designed to resolve an information or knowledge management problem encountered in a workplace. It encourages students to adopt a critical stance to the literature and to information practice. It provides students with strategies for engaging in critical reflection on their experiences and for managing a professional level project.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning activities will be tailored to the needs of your project and the student group but will include seminars and presentations to peers. There are five compulsory classes (see class schedule) which you are expected to attend and prepare for. As you will be working independently on your project, you are expected to develop a professional relationship with your academic and professional supervisors and to maintain regular contact with them. You will also be expected to expand your networks of contacts and to develop a reflective approach to your project as it unfolds. UTS Online will be used as a forum for the subject and to facilitate peer communication.

Content

This is determined in part by the nature of student projects but topics treated in class may include: the nature of reflective practice, use of literature to develop a conceptual framework for an information problem, project management, social and political dimensions of workplaces, professional standards, ethics of information practice and principles and techniques of evaluation as well as information sharing and peer support.

Assessment

Assignment 1: Project Proposal

Objectives	a, b, c, d
Value	30% Your Academic Advisor's assessment and your Professional Supervisor's report will be taken into consideration by your Academic Supervisor when determining the final grade for the project.
Due	5 September
Task Summary	You are required to submit a Project Proposal.
Further Information	The Project Proposal must be in two parts that contains the following as a minimum. Drafts of the Proposal should be submitted to your academic supervisor prior to submission to your academic advisor and professional supervisor. Part 1: Rationale A discussion of the information/knowledge management problem and its rationale. A review of theoretical and professional literature relevant to the problem A discussion of the dimensions to be considered in selecting a preferred solution. An outline of the preferred solution and an explanation of its conceptual framework Approaches to project evaluation and possible criteria that reflect industry standards where possible Bibliography of reading Part 2: Project Plan A statement of the information/knowledge management problem Aim and objectives for the project A detailed plan for implementing the solution including a timeline and statement of resources required A list of the evaluation criteria to be applied Name, position and contact details of your professional supervisor; the plan should be signed and dated by your professional supervisor Name of academic advisor and contact details; the plan should be signed and dated by your academic advisor Your name, signature and date
Assessment criteria	use of relevant literature to support plan a well-developed conceptual framework clear and concise expression of information/knowledge management problem appropriateness of the preferred solution sufficient level of detail in plan for implementing solution appropriateness of evaluation criteria to project aim and objectives. appropriate and consistent referencing

Please note:
All project proposals should show that the work will be completed and handed over to the academic assessor and professional supervisor by the due date of 3 November; and that the assessment from the academic advisor and report of the professional supervisor, together with the Reflective Report will be submitted to the academic supervisor by the due date of the 11 November.

Assignment 2: Project Report and Presentation

Objectives	e, f
Value	50%
Due	Project Presentation in class Week 14 Project report and associated products to academic adviser and professional supervisor by 3 November. Completed project work and assessor and supervisor reports together with Reflective Report (see below) to academic supervisor by the 11 November.
Task	In the class presentation you will present the outcomes of your project to your peers and invited academics and supervisors and lead a discussion on issues encountered in the project. At this time your project work should be submitted to your academic advisor and professional supervisor for feedback. Your completed project work as specified in the Project Plan, is due one week later. It is your responsibility to ensure that your professional supervisor and your academic advisor provide you with written feedback on your project work by the due date.
Assessment criteria	clarity of oral presentation articulation of issues and their relevance to information and knowledge management practice well written, organised and presented project work effectiveness of project work quality of project implementation (including specific evaluation criteria from your Project Plan. These may be modified by written agreement with your academic supervisor).

Please note:
Your academic advisor's assessment and your professional supervisor's report will be taken into consideration by your academic supervisor when determining your grade for this assignment.

Assignment 3: Reflective Report (2000 words)

Objectives	g, h, i
Value	20%
Due	Tuesday 11 November
Task	The preparation of a reflective report on your performance as a project manager and information or knowledge management practitioner; a bibliography of your reading should be included with your report.
Assessment criteria	integrity of reflections and critique of performance links between experiences and the literature clear statement of theory-in-action and reflections on its development appropriate and consistent referencing

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

These references relate to professional development and lifelong learning and to project management. References relevant to individual projects will be determined by each student in consultation with their supervisors. You are expected to read widely on topics relevant to your project.

Professional development and lifelong learning

Booth, A. 2003, 'Bridging the research-practice gap? The role of evidence-based librarianship, New review of information and library research, vol. 9, pp.3-23.

Booth, A. and Brice, A. eds, 2004, Evidence based practice for information professionals: a handbook, Facet, London.Candy , P. 1991, Self-direction for lifelong learning, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Candy , P. 1991, Self-direction for lifelong learning, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Eraut, M. 1994, Developing professional knowledge and competence, Palmer Press, London.

Knowles, M. 1975, Self-directed learning: a guide for learners and teachers, Follett, Chicago.

Schon, D.A. 1991, Reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action, New edition, Arena, Aldershot.

Watson, L. 2003, Lifelong learning in Australia, University of Canberra, Canberra

Project management

Allan, B. 2004, Tools and techniques for today's ILS professionals, Facet Publishing, London

Andersen, E.S. et al, Goal directed project management: effective techniques and strategies, Kogan Page, London, 2004

Frame, J. Davidson, Managing projects in organizations: how to make the best use of time, techniques, and people, (3rd edition) Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 2003

Polonsky, M.J. & Waller, D. Designing and managing a research project: a business student's guide, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, Calif.,2005

Watson, M., Managing smaller projects: a practical guide, Project Manager Today, Hook, 2002