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Unit outline_

OPMG6850: Project Studies Capstone

Semester 2a, 2024 [Online] - Online Program

The Project Studies Capstone unit aims to provide students with an opportunity to integrate and apply the theoretical concepts, skills, and knowledge acquired throughout the degree. This unit is designed around a real-world project, program, or organizational capability and leadership challenge. Students will draw on their understanding of key project and program management principles such as value delivery, governance, strategy, planning, control, risk, communications and stakeholder management. This capstone unit emphasizes the application of these concepts in a practical context, enabling students to demonstrate their proficiency and readiness for professional practice. Students will also be expected to critically evaluate the outcomes of their project or program, comparing them against initial objectives and identifying areas for improvement. This process will not only showcase their technical skills but also their decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership abilities, preparing them for success in their future project and program management careers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PMGT6850
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lynn Crawford, lynn.crawford@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Stuart Morgan, stuart.morgan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 16 August 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Personal Reflective Journals
Reflections on group work and specific topics covered each week.
20% Multiple weeks 5 submissions each of 150 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Benefit Realization Map
Group submission
14% Week 02
Due date: 08 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Template
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Benefits Register
Individually complete template and add to group submission
14% Week 03
Due date: 15 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Template
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Status Report
Group submission
14% Week 04
Due date: 22 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Template
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5
Assignment group assignment Change request
Group submission
14% Week 05
Due date: 29 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Template
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Project Charter and WBS
Complete template
14% Week 06
Due date: 05 Sep 2024 at 23:59
Template
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1 LO7 LO6
Presentation Presentation on Bradfield City Project Charter and WBS
Presentation
10% Week 07
Due date: 10 Sep 2024 at 18:00
3 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group Submissions:

Teams will be required to complete provided templates for each of the following in weeks 2, 4 and 5.

  • Benefit Realization Map
  • Status Report
  • Change Request

Submissions will be due 48 hours following the weekly Workshop. 

Individual Submissions:

Individuals, working within teams, will be required to complete provided templates for each of the following in weeks 3 and 6.  

  • Benefits Register
  • Project Charter and WBS

Individual work will be compiled and submitted at group level but marked individually.

Final Presentation

Students will form groups, each responsible for a program within the Bradfield City Portfolio.  Within each program, individuals will be responsible for a specific sub-project.  Each group will deliver a combined pre-recorded presentation, with each member speaking individually (and marked individually) on the Project Charter and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for their selected project within the group's program. The presentation needs to provide an understanding to the panel as to how each of the five projects in each groups's program are individually achieving some or all of the state-level objectives and how they link to other projects or programs in the Bradfield City Portfolio.

Personal Reflective Journals

Individual submissions of up to reflecting on your agency's presentation in class, and commenting on:
1)    How your work on the weekly topic can be improved, or altered based on the group discussion.
2)    Your key takeaway from the discussion on the weekly topic?

The final submission will require reflection on your agency's presentation in class, and response to one of the questions asked by the panel following your agency's presentation.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO ASSESSMENT

Use of Generative AI:

At the University of Sydney, the use of generative AI for learning is permitted, however, use in assessments is prohibited unless explicitly allowed by your unit coordinator.

Your coordinator will let you know at the beginning of semester whether use of generative AI tools is permitted in their unit for assessment purposes. This means, if your unit coordinator has not addressed use of generative AI, you are not permitted to do so for the purposes of assessment.

Text-matching software for Assignment Submission:

As part of the assessment process, text matching software such as Turnitin may be used to identify plagiarism and/or be used for providing feedback.

Confidential Peer Evaluation:

As part of the group contribution assessment process, collaborative & self-peer evaluation tools (e.g. SparkPlus, CATME, etc.) may be used, either on a confidential or non-confidential basis, to understand contributions and interactions amongst group members. Marks may be adjusted for an individual team member, following on from the peer evaluation process.

Reliability of Canvas Marks:

Canvas will be used in this unit and while key assessments may be submitted via Canvas, it cannot be used to determine/ predict a student’s final marks in this unit. Not all assessment results may be visible to students and group/team marks can change for each individual team member based on the peer-evaluations conducted at the end of the semester.

Recycling Assignments Not Allowed:

Recycling involves submitting (or resubmitting) your own work that has already been assessed without the permission of the lecturer of this unit, and for which you have already been given feedback. Recycling is a form of academic dishonesty and will be handled in line with the coursework policy.

Mark Moderation:

There may be statistically defensible moderation when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with unit outcomes.

Assessment criteria

 

 

Study Commitment:

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6-credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

*Attendance Requirements:

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study unless granted exception by the Dean or Head of School most concerned. A student may be determined to fail a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90 percent.  Please see the Resolutions of the Faculty - Faculty of Engineering - The University of Sydney for further details.

Use of Generative AI:

At the University of Sydney, the use of generative AI for learning is permitted, however, use in assessments is prohibited unless explicitly allowed by your unit coordinator.

Your coordinator will let you know at the beginning of semester whether use of generative AI tools is permitted in their unit for assessment purposes. This means, if your unit coordinator has not addressed use of generative AI, you are not permitted to do so for the purposes of assessment.

Text-matching software for Assignment Submission:

As part of the assessment process, text matching software such as Turnitin may be used to identify plagiarism and/or be used for providing feedback.

Confidential Peer Evaluation:

As part of the group contribution assessment process, collaborative & self-peer evaluation tools (e.g. SparkPlus, CATME, etc.) may be used, either on a confidential or non-confidential basis, to understand contributions and interactions amongst group members. Marks may be adjusted for an individual team member, following on from the peer evaluation process.

Reliability of Canvas Marks:

Canvas will be used in this unit and while key assessments may be submitted via Canvas, it cannot be used to determine/ predict a student’s final marks in this unit. Not all assessment results may be visible to students and group/team marks can change for each individual team member based on the peer-evaluations conducted at the end of the semester.

Recycling Assignments Not Allowed:

Recycling involves submitting (or resubmitting) your own work that has already been assessed without the permission of the lecturer of this unit, and for which you have already been given feedback. Recycling is a form of academic dishonesty and will be handled in line with the coursework policy.

Mark Moderation:

There may be statistically defensible moderation when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with unit outcomes.

Workshop Participation:

It is expected that students turn on the cameras during online workshops. Failure to do so, will result in the student being requested to show cause and failure to comply could be viewed as non-participation for assessment purposes.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. Example: Consider an assignment's maximum awardable mark is 10; the assignment is submitted 2 days late; and the assignment is marked as 7/10. After applying the penalty, marks will be: 7 - (0.5 x 2) = 6/10. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work. Refer to section 7A of Assessment procedures policy available at: http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Case Studies and Benefits Mapping Independent study (16 hr) LO1
Portfolio Review and Benefits Realization Map Workshop (1.5 hr) LO1
Week 02 Portfolio Outcomes Tracker Independent study (16 hr) LO1 LO2
Portfolio Outcomes Tracker Workshop (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Status Reporting Independent study (16 hr) LO5 LO6
Status Reporting Workshop (1.5 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 04 Change Requests Independent study (16 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Change Requests Workshop (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 Project Charter and Work Breakdown Structure Independent study (16 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Project Charter and Work Breakdown Structure Workshop (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Portfolio Mapping and Tracking Independent study (16 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Portfolio Mapping and Tracking Workshop (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Reading and assignment work Independent study (16 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Final Portfolio Presentation and Assessment Workshop (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Final reading and assignment work Independent study (18 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Study Commitment:
Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 120-150 hours of student effort for a  6-credit point Unit.
 
Attendance  Requirements: 
Attendance, active engagement and contribution to the online Live Sessions is required.

As per the Faculty of Engineering Coursework Awards Resolutions, students are expected to attend and actively engage in all timetabled activities of their respective units of study. For this unit of study, students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study unless granted exception by the Dean or Head of School most concerned. A student may be determined to fail a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90 percent.

Workshop Participation:

It is expected that students turn on the cameras during online workshops. Failure to do so, will result in the student being requested to show cause and failure to comply could be viewed as non-participation for assessment purposes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no required readings for this Unit.  It draws upon learning in other Units. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Systematically and critically analyse a business and identify a business problem or business need whilst taking into consideration the needs of the client.
  • LO2. Integrate theoretical concepts, and apply the skills and knowledge cumulatively acquired throughout the degree to solve a business problem or to satisfy a business need.
  • LO3. Formulate, justify and propose a plan to achieve identified and agreed objectives.
  • LO4. Produce a sustainable solution to solve a business problem or to satisfy a business need.
  • LO5. Document, report and communicate on project progress and outcomes in a manner suited to the specific purpose and audience.
  • LO6. Manage stakeholder engagement and communication.
  • LO7. Gain acceptance of project deliverables and close the project.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Work, health and safety

Work, health and safety requirements  

The University is dedicated to ensuring that all students have equal access to learning. Students can register with Disability Services and gain access to the adjustments and services they need to succeed in their studies. Faculty Disability Liaison Officers (FDLOs)  can provide quick advice and support specific to your learning environment.  As a student with a disability, Disability Services Officers are your main point of contact. Eligibility for these services is determined on an individual needs basis, upon review of the recommendations made in your supporting documentation and your consultation with a Disability Services Officer.

Our students’ wellbeing is our highest priority. The University offers several support channels to help you find relief from current emotional distress, explore coping strategies and advice pathways for longer term solutions:

  • Wellbeing support

If you would like support or to talk confidentially about any concerns that may be impacting on your academic performance or mental health and wellbeing with the Student Wellbeing team, the first step is to fill in this form. Once your form is received, a clinician from Student Wellbeing will call you within 1-2 business days to discuss your support needs.

  • Sonder

All University of Sydney International Students have free access to Sonder, a 24/7 on-demand safety and wellbeing app, to get you the support you need whenever you need, wherever you are.

Learn more: sydney.edu.au/students/sonder.html

  • Innowell

This is free to all students at the University. It is a digital platform designed to give you 24/7 on demand access to tools that assist in self-management of mental wellbeing and health and provide information about how to seek help as needed.

Learn more: sydney.edu.au/students/innowell.html

  • After hours mental wellbeing support line

If you’re in Australia and require support after hours, you can contact the Mental Wellbeing Support Line by calling 1300 474 065 or by texting 0488 884 429.

The Mental Wellbeing Support Line is available after 5pm from Monday to Friday, 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday, and during University close-down periods and public holidays.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.