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Unit outline_

PMGT2850: Project Cost and Finance

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is a theory and case study based unit providing students with a unified approach to the analysis of project value, supported by explicit methods for ranking and selection of projects on the basis of returns and sensitivity. The unit uses "Project Finance" as a vehicle for descibing the fundamentals of project management financing and contrasts it with "Direct Financing", a more traditional approach to funding projects.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(PMGT1850 or ENGG1850) or [(PMGT1865 or ENGG1865) and (30cp of any 1000 level units of study)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG2850
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jeffrey Scales, jeffrey.scales@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jeffrey Scales, jeffrey.scales@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Five quizzes
5 online quizzes covering topics introduced over the previous 2 weeks
40% Multiple weeks 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Interim project report
An outline of the chosen group project, with an action plan
10% Week 05 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment group assignment Project report
Teams will develop a business case for their chosen project.
30% Week 13 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Reflection report
Reflection on learning and competencies development
20% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment Name                   Team-Based?  Weight Due in     
Quiz 1 No 8% Week 4
Group Project Interim Report Yes 10% Week 5
Quiz 2  No 8% Week 6
Quiz 3 No 8% Week 8
Quiz 4 No 8% Week 10
Quiz 5 No 8% Week 12
Group Project Final Report Yes 30 Week 12
Reflection Report No 20% Week 13

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.
 
Text-matching software for Assignment Submission:
As part of the assessment process, text matching software such as Turnitin will 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.
 
Mark Moderation:
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

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and reading, pointed and critical analysis of material, innovative interpretation of evidence, makes an insightful contribution to relevant debates, engages in the values, assumptions and contested meanings contained within sources, develops abstract or theoretical arguments on the strength of detailed research and interpretation. Properly documented; writing characterised by creativity, style, and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes good attempt to ‘get behind’ the issues and evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the concepts and practices covered in the unit of study. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of extensive reading and initiative in research, sound grasp of subject matter and appreciation of key issues and context. Engages critically and creatively with the topic or question, and attempts an analytical evaluation of material. Makes a good attempt to critique various interpretations, and offers a pointed and thoughtful contribution to relevant debates. Evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, to conceptualise and problematise issues.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter, shows a genuine effort to avoid paraphrasing, has a logical structure and acceptable documentation, and attempts to mount a credible argument. May have weaknesses of clarity or structure.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: irrelevance of content; inadequate level of research; poor presentation or grammar, structure so loose that it cannot be understood; unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; plagiarism or other acts of academic dishonesty; inadequate or misleading acknowledgement of information sources.

 

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: 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: https://www.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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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
Ongoing Independent study guided by the online contact and lectures. You are expected to undertake 8-10 hours per week on independent study in addition to workshops Independent study (100 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 01 An introduction to project finance Workshop (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 The foundation principles of project finance and overview Workshop (2 hr) LO1
Week 03 The time value of money Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 04 Use of variable discount rates in accounting practice Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 05 The structuring of projects Workshop (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 06 The structuring of projects II Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Project valuation and analysis Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Project valuation and analysis II Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Managing project risks Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO6
Week 10 Decision tree analysis and sensitivity analysis Workshop (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Legal considerations in project finance Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO7
Week 12 Integrated analysis and overview of project finance Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Revision Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study unless granted exemption by the Dean or Head of School most concerned.

There is also 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.

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 prescribed readings. However, the weekly topics each have their own required reading material. Access to this is provided in the Canvas modules.

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. conduct a broad-based, well-informed project valuation using quantitative methods
  • LO2. critically evaluate a given project valuation
  • LO3. understand risk from a statistical and sensitivity perspective
  • LO4. make decisions on ranking and selecting projects using sound project management principles
  • LO5. comprehend how external forces affect project valuation and understand how these forces can be mitigated
  • LO6. understand low-probability, high-impact events and behavioural influences in project valuation
  • LO7. discuss the valuation of projects within a coherent conceptual framework.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

In this unit of study, it is mandatory to turn on the cameras during online workshops that may be scheduled. Failure to do so, will result in the deduction of points and effect participation marks. 

It is every student's responsibility to:

  • act in accordance with the values and principles of mutual ­responsibility and expectations between staff, students and the University as set out in the University of Sydney Student Charter (pdf, 221KB)

Racism, sexism, ageism, dishonesty or defamation will never be tolerated and reported for follow up.

Work, health and safety

Disability support

We offer a range of services and adjustments to help you achieve your academic goals and minimise the impact a disability can have on your experience at university.

Overview

The University is dedicated to ensuring that all students have equal access to learning.

By registering with Disability Services students who have a disability can gain access to the adjustments and services they need to succeed in their studies.

Types of adjustment might include:

  • assessment and exam adjustments
  • alternative formatting
  • timetable adjustments
  • access to assistive technology
  • lecture support
  • library services.

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.

Help and support

As a student with a disability, Disability Services Officers are your main point of contact. They can liaise with your faculty or school to make sure you are provided reasonable adjustments and support.

Each faculty or school also has at least one Faculty Disability Liaison Officer (FDLO) who can provide quick advice and support specific to your learning environment.

Definition of disability

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 recognises that disability may be permanent, intermittent or temporary; acquired or lifelong; visible or invisible. The Act defines disability to include:

  • deafness/hearing impairment
  • blindness/vision impairment
  • physical disability
  • specific learning disability
  • psychiatric/psychological disability
  • acquired brain injury
  • chronic medical conditions
  • temporary disability.

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.