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Unit of study_

PMGT5811: Critical and Systems Thinking

2025 unit information

Analytical thinking abilities are essential in building and communicating management strategy for all projects, from the most simple to the most complex. This unit develops critical judgment skills, applicable to complex problem situations involving uncertainty, incomplete information and dynamically interacting systems and contexts. Students will develop their ability to articulate a critical, reflected and well-reasoned response at a level that contributes to project strategy discussions. In addition the unit also equips students with knowledge and communication competencies that will be valuable in all aspects of their academic study. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and concepts in order to practice robust methods of questioning and argument. A central element of content is linking theory to practice with students' experience as the focal point. The unit will help students to clearly define the main problem at hand, organise and filter relevant evidence and issues, identify and evaluate logical connections, recognise critical assumptions and uncertainties, reach well-reasoned conclusions, develop and reflect on your own personal views, and present critical arguments in a constructive manner to colleagues and supervisors. These abilities are essential for an understanding of the relevance of epistemological and ontological considerations in relation to the broader, more thoroughgoing analysis of complex system dynamics to be developed in other advanced Project Management units. 

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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ENGG5811
Assumed knowledge:
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None

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

  • LO1. Analyse complex problems by building an explanation
  • LO2. Critically evaluate the assumptions, conclusions and evidence used in given arguments
  • LO3. Synthesise ideas from diverse sources clearly, succinctly and accurately
  • LO4. Construct logical, perrsuasive arguments in spoken and written form to a high professional standard
  • LO5. Contribute constructively to team discussions and decision-making
  • LO6. Identify, exercise and reflect on personal values & beliefs, standards and ethical judgment consistent with the requirements of academic and professional practice
  • LO7. Apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research skills to identify and diagnose complex and unfamiliar problems
  • LO8. Navigate an AI-driven world with a critical mindset by recognising bias and misinformation in AI algorithms promoting the ethical use of AI and accepting responsibility for one's own thinking.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2024
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 1 2025
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.