Skip to main content
Unit outline_

PMGT5872: People and Leadership

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

This is a core program unit with a focus on enhancing leadership and people management capability. It covers diverse traditional and innovative theories, models and tools. It complements traditional views based on PMBoK, applying diverse approaches to contemporary project environments. Many of the unit tasks are framed in uncertain and potentially ambiguous terms as is common in many project environments. Topic areas covered: Project context; Personal Competence; Interpersonal Competence; Team Competence. The unit references a range of Australian and global Project Management, Management and Consulting Standards. It integrates theory and practice to optimise results.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PMGT6872
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Marzena Baker, marzena.baker@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Mahshid Tootoonchy, mahshid.tootoonchy@sydney.edu.au
Marzena Baker, marzena.baker@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Mudassara Alvi, mudassara.alvi@sydney.edu.au
Karyne Ang, karyne.ang@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Team In-Class Group Presentation
In-class team presentation on one topic/module of choice and facilitation.
15% Ongoing 20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Online task Quiz #1
Multi-choice, multi-answer and short answer Quiz.
10% Week 06
Due date: 09 Sep 2022 at 17:00
15 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Case Study: Critique a project-based event
Critique a project-based Australian event as a case study
30% Week 10
Due date: 14 Oct 2022 at 23:55
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment group assignment Group paper
Group academic paper based on selected theme. Presented in class.
25% Week 11
Due date: 21 Oct 2022 at 23:55
2500 words (max) academic paper
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Online task Quiz #2
Multi-choice, multi-answer and short answer Quiz.
10% Week 12
Due date: 28 Oct 2022 at 17:00
15 min
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO9 LO8 LO7
Assignment Individual reflection report
Individual reflection report
10% Week 13
Due date: 04 Nov 2022 at 23:55
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO10
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Team In-Class Group Presentation (15%): Once each, during Weeks 3-11. These team-based assessment tasks are based on pre-class and in-class group work. During the Semester, each group is responsible for preparing and delivering 1 x team presentation on a module and leading a facilitated class discussion on that module. Groups are encouraged to be creative in their approach to share information and engage the audience. Groups must submit all supporting materials and a credit sheet, clearly outlining the role each group member played and their contribution to this assessment. Marks are based on a combination of your quality contributions in preparation and in class, and the submitted uploads. 

     

  • Team In-Class Group Assignment & Presentation (25%), made up of: 

    • 1) Academic paper (20%) – submitted week 11, 2500 word academic paper based on the theme in the present year. The theme will be released in Week 3.
    • 2) Group paper presentation (5%) – Week 12 or 13, 20 minute presentation.

 

 

  • Individual case study critique report (30%): Week 10. Analyse and critique a project-based Australian event as a case study in relation to people, teams and leadership. A range of topic areas and criteria will be provided on Canvas. Submit your 2000 word report through Turnitin.

 

  • Individual reflective essay (10%): Week 13. Submit a 1500 word reflection essay relevant to this unit of study and its learning activities, based on specific criteria provided in the Canvas Assignments page. Reflections should be specific and consistent with the content in this unit of study, and your learning activities and assessment tasks throughout the course. Submit your reflection report through Turnitin.

 

  • Quiz #1 (10%): Week 6. In-class quiz based on the materials (readings, group work, slides, discussions, etc.) for weeks 1-5 inclusive.

 

  • Quiz #2 (10%): Week 12. In-class quiz based on the materials (readings, group work, slides, discussions, etc.) for weeks 6-11 inclusive).

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

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.

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:

5% per day for written submissions; No mark for no-shows for in-class assessments.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Independent study guided by the online content and workshops (Week 1-13). You are expected to undertake 8-10 hours per week of independent study in addition to the workshops Independent study (96 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 01 1. Introduction to leadership in complex and challenging project environments; 2. Knowing oneself and others; 3. Models of leadership; 4. The reflective practitioner Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 02 1. Values and beliefs; 2. Personality and behaviour; 3. Communication; 4. Presenting to groups Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 03 1. Managing stress and interpersonal conflicts; 2. Facilitating groups Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO9 LO10
Week 04 1. Building high performing teams; 2. Multiple Intelligences and EQ Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO9 LO10
Week 05 Leaders and systems thinking Workshop (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9
Week 06 1. Power and politics; 2. Negotiating shared outcomes Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO7 LO9 LO10
Week 07 1. Cultural competencies in leadership; 2. Leading and facilitating for diversity and inclusion Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9 LO10
Week 08 1. Dealing with negative workplace behaviours; 2. Resilience and positive thinking Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9 LO10
Week 09 Managing and leading stakeholders Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Week 10 1.Vision, mission and strategy. 2. Leading and facilitating change Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Week 11 Creating value through people and leadership Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Week 12 Group presentations (assessed) Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Group presentations (assessed) Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is encouraged for all workshop sessions. Absenteeism may affect in class individual and team performance and assessments.

Special considerations applications must be made in advance for approvals. Any absenteeism and appeals must be supported by a valid reason evidenced through official documents e.g. medical certificate or company documentation.

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.

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. recognise leadership competences (to inspire, motivate and influence) in order to manage the group, and also understand stakeholder behaviours, assumptions and expectations.
  • LO2. understand the differences in leadership styles, situations and context.
  • LO3. manage oneself and other's emotions effectively through development of emotional intelligence
  • LO4. effectively and collaboratively work in a team and solve complex problems through engaging with team members and utilising the strengths of other team members
  • LO5. recognise cultural differences and hence be able to communicate effectively across cultures and boundaries
  • LO6. understand interdependencies and the complex system that surrounds a project and the project's stakeholders
  • LO7. build the bridge between leadership and project management.
  • LO8. analyse the impact of different leadership theories through time under different lenses such as: psycohistory, psychology, genetics, social sciences, economy, and so on.
  • LO9. map the leader skills needed in a project team and identify possible gaps.
  • LO10. gather and reflect on lessons learnt at the end of the group and individual assignments, reflect on past experience in order to improve future practice.

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.

Feedback from the USS survey about increasing the challenge in the tasks and having increased teamwork opportunities have been considered. The new assessment tasks are intended to facilitate student ownership and empowerment for their own learning, and for students to exercise more critical thinking in how they view people and leadership in project management in relation to this unit of study. Assessment tasks are varied to instil interest, authenticity and originality of authorship.

Expectations:

Normally students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours per week of independent study per 2-hour workshop session. 

PREPARATION BEFORE CLASS is key to the successful peer-to-peer engagement and learning in this unit.

This unit of study has an interactive and participative hands-on workshop approach based on the concepts of flipped (preparing beforehand, self-directed learning) and blended learning (using online resources, technology and live learning in class). The principles of flipped learning and online interactions and online resources would apply to students in both face-to-face and online environments. Discussions and collaborative sessions can be conducted in both online and face-to-face modes. We strongly urge students to take leadership and ownership of their own learnings, come prepared to discuss, engage and learn in an interactive environment.

Late Penalty:

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

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:

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.

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.