Outline

Overview

Communication is a vital element of a successful project and about 90% of the time on a project is spent on communication by project managers. This Unit of Study covers the essential skills of effective project communication and sets students up to exercise influence through interpersonal skills and construct patterns of communication suitable to different project contexts. This unit will help students to build effective networks and high performing project teams. Students will focus on personal integrity and reliability as well as self-awareness.

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	Kate Anichenko, ekaterina.anichenko@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ashher Siddiqui, ashher.siddiqui@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Ibrahim Dani, ibrahim.dani@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	In-Class Group Presentation In-class group presentation on one of modules of choice, Q&A facilitation	10%	Multiple weeks	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active Participation Attendance and Active participation in class activities	10%	Ongoing	During the workshop
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Communication Analysis Cross-cultural communication analysis of a given project	30%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2024 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Communication Plan Students will prepare a communication plan for a given case study in groups	35%	Week 11 Due date: 12 May 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 May 2024	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Reflective Summary A structured written expression on the learning journey and acquired skills	15%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= 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 of a very high standard, a credit of a good standard, and a pass of 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.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Independent study guided by online content and workshops (Week 1-13). You are expected to undertake 4-6 hours per week of independent study in addition to the workshops	Independent study (96 hr)
Week 01	Introduction. Importance of communication. Communication management as key knowledge area for Project Managers. Reflective practice.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Models of communication. Communication as an interactive process. Adapting communication to the needs of the project types & audience. Communication preferences - the DISC Model. Communication barriers.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Organisational culture. Cultural competencies in communication. Diversity and Inclusion - impacts on communication.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Interpersonal communication. Listening and the value of feedback. Communication channels in projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Multiple intelligences. Emotional intelligence. Self, social and relational awareness. Johari window.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Negotiation and conflict management. Influencing outcomes.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Communication across organisations. Intercultural communication.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Project leadership and communication. Delegation and motivation of project teams.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Teams vs groups. Team roles - Belbin Model. Team and work group communication in projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Communication for high performing teams	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Virtual project communication	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Group presentations (assessed)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Group presentations (assessed)	Workshop (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

Please refer to Canvas

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Adapt communication to the needs of the audience.
LO2. Develop communication strategies to foster engagement.
LO3. Build networks and relationships.
LO4. Nurture a high-performing project team.
LO5. Develop self-awareness for communication effectiveness.
LO6. Devise and apply facilitation techniques to advance the projects.
LO7. Use influence and negotiation skills to achieve project outcomes.
LO8. Reflect on practice and cultivate a learning environment.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessment types and weighting are adjusted to better evaluate the performance of students. The average for this unit has been relatively high, so with this new structure, we aim to address this issue.

Additional information

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.

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:

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PMGT5872: People and Communications

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect