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Unit outline_

PMGT5205: Professional Project Practice

Semester 1, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Project Management is a key approach to achieving organisational objectives across multiple industries, including engineering, construction, IT, organisational change and transformation, including many others. Project Management is a rapidly growing profession, involving the coordinated definition and delivery of unique objectives within time, cost, and quality constraints. This unit provides students with an introduction to Project Management, including a review of the project lifecycle from conception, through delivery, to acceptance. In this unit, students will also gain an understanding of different project methodologies and the organisational context in which projects are managed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG5205
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Louis Taborda, louis.taborda@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Louis Taborda, louis.taborda@sydney.edu.au
Ibrahim Dani, ibrahim.dani@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Catherine Graham, catherine.graham@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Assessment 3 - Online Canvas Quiz
Quiz on concepts + case study/ scenario covered in class
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Small continuous assessment Weekly Worksheets
Mix of group exercises, revision quizzes, surveys, reviews conducted weekly
20% Multiple weeks
Due date: 30 Jan 2024 at 11:35

Closing date: 27 May 2024
In class + up to 1 hour/ wk after class
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Assessment 1 - Online Canvas Quiz
Quiz on concepts + case study/ scenario covered in class
20% Week 05
Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 14:00

Closing date: 22 Mar 2024
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4
Assignment group assignment Assessment 2 - Group Report
Team-based report responding to scenario provided in class: SparkPlus used
20% Week 10
Due date: 04 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 May 2024
Minimum 20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assessment 4
Written report: course reflection + collation of project deliverables.
10% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 May 2024
500 word reflection + Project Portfolio
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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

Exceptional project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with excellent peer-evaluations

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with excellent/good peer-evaluations

Credit

65 - 74

Professional project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with good peer-evaluation

Pass

50 - 64

Adequate project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with fair peer-evaluation

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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
Multiple weeks Independent study guided by the online content & lectures. You are expected to undertake 8 - 10 hours per week of independent study in addition to the workshops. Independent study (120 hr)  
Week 01 Introduction to project management: 1. Project management history; 2. Project manager roles and responsibilities; 3. Project complexity and uncertainty; 4. Project typologies, structures and frameworks Online class (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 Strategy and Project Initiation: 1. Project justification & Business Case 2. Strategic and organisational context; 3. Strategic alignment & project selection Online class (2 hr)  
Week 03 Stakeholder management: 1. Definitions of stakeholder 2. Analysing stakeholders 3. Understand the stakeholder perspectives 4. Stakeholder engagement/ comms Online class (2 hr)  
Week 04 Scope and requirements: 1. Collecting requirements; 2. Recording requirements; 3. Requirements analysis/ traceability; Online class (2 hr)  
Week 05 Project planning: 1. Network diagrams and their variants; 2. Scheduling/ time planning including Gantt charts; 3. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Online class (2 hr)  
Week 06 Costs & Estimates: 1. Cost management: 2. Cost estimating; 3. Cost planning Online class (2 hr)  
Week 07 Resource management: 1. Resource estimating; 2. Resource planning; 3. Resource leveling Online class (2 hr)  
Week 08 Risk and quality management: 1. Risk identification, analysis and response; 2. Quality control and assurance Online class (2 hr)  
Week 09 Procurement and ethics: 1. Procurement planning and control; 2. Why does ethics matter? Online class (2 hr)  
Week 10 Execution and governance/ monitoring 1. Work delegation; 2. Project governance; 3. Progress monitoring and reporting Online class (2 hr)  
Week 11 Teamwork & Leadership: 1. Team collaboration; 2. Leadership styles; Online class (2 hr)  
Week 12 Project communication and closure: 1. Project success and evaluation; 2. Project completion and handover activities Online class (2 hr)  
Week 13 Organizational Maturity & Integrated PM Review Online class (2 hr)  

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

Some weekly exercises that form a part of the Continuous Assessments mark can take the form of critical reviews of readings that will be provided in class.

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. Describe the nature of projects and their organisational context
  • LO2. Evaluate the implications of project lifecycles in different contexts and from different perspectives
  • LO3. Understand and identify ethical issues facing project management professionals in projects.
  • LO4. Analyse the trade-offs between competing constraints such as time, cost and resources.
  • LO5. Recognise various stakeholder roles in projects and the need for stakeholder management.
  • LO6. Recognise the broad principles and processes that guide project management practice.
  • LO7. Recognise ethical issues and considerations facing project management professionals.

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.

We will be introducing some new content (readings and videos) for this semester to better introduce and contextualize key concepts. We will also be ensuring early visibility and consistency in the due dates for the weekly workshops.

All correspondence, assessments and/or documentation students create in this unit will need to use the following convention in its title/subject heading: PMGT5205_2024S1_TeamX: Topic

Further information and Team identifiers (X) will be provided in Canvas.

All administrative/ enrolment matters should be directed to: project.management@sydney.edu.au

 

Expected Conduct:

It is every student's responsibility to behave in accordance with the values and principles of mutual ­respect between staff, students and the University – see the Student Charter. This entails respecting all members of our diverse community and racism, sexism, ageism, dishonesty or defamation will not be tolerated, and instances will be reported to the authorities.

Work, health and safety

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.

 

Talk Campus

Life is full of challenges, and we want you to know that however you feel is valid. Download the Talk Campus mental health support app for free and instant access to online peer support 24/7, wherever you are in the world and in your own language:

Sign up: sydney.edu.au/students/talkcampus.html

 

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.