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Unit outline_

PMGT6867: Quantitative Methods: Project Management

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal evening] - Remote

Methods studied in this unit are used in a wide range of project management tasks and problems. The unit explains why and where particular methods are used and provides examples and opportunities to apply these methods in practice. This unit will also facilitate the understanding of the mechanics of these methods and their underlying theory.

Unit details and rules

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

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Shahadat Uddin, shahadat.uddin@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final exam
Questions based on the entire course materials
50% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Online task Quiz
Short questions, case study, multiple choice question (question bank)
30% Multiple weeks 15-20 minutes (week 6 and week 12)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Group assignment
Answer questions in a report based on a case study
20% Week 12 Approximately 16 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Online quiz: The online quiz will comprise of short questions and exercises of different quantitative methods that are covered in previous weeks’ lectures. The mark for each class test is 15, and there will be 2 onine quizzes.

 

  • Group assignment: The group assignment is case study, which will be posted via Canvas before week 4, and is designed to develop student’s skills in actual applications requiring the use of different quantitative methods in interpreting data for decision-making. The total weight of the group assignment is 20.

 

  • Final Examination: The final examination (open book) will be drawn from all aspects of the unit of study. The final exam weighs 50 marks.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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:

As per the University policy

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 learning activities Independent study (100 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 01 Basic measures of number and QM for capital budgeting Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 02 Network diagram and critical path method Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 03 Probability and probability distribution Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Probability tree and decision table Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Deduction analysis: depreciation Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 06 WBS and project estimations Workshop (3 hr) LO3
Week 07 Correlation, regression, Pareto analysis, histogram and earned value analysis Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 08 Fuzzy logic in project management Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 09 Decision making approaches: payoff analysis and utility function Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 10 The mathematics of project contracts Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Project forecasting Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 12 Process capability and control chart Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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. explain the features of different quantitative methods used in a range of project management functions including budgeting, scheduling, quality management and forecasting
  • LO2. account for limitations and capabilities of each method in selecting and applying quantitative methods for different project management tasks
  • LO3. reliably interpret the numerical values generated by these methods, correctly apply them in project decisions, particularly where risk is involved
  • LO4. develop effective metrics for evaluating project success, based upon a sound quantitative analysis of the project's business value
  • LO5. explain and justify the results of quantitative analyses in clear simple terms to diverse project stakeholders.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
LO2
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
LO3
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
2.3. Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost.
2.4. Analysis of project brief in relation to clients objective budget and timeframe.
2.5. Attainment of approval from client of project budget and timeframe.
LO4
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
2.6. Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief.
6.5. Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems.
LO5
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
8.5. Identification and application of all relevant processes required for certification of monetary claims, project variations, extensions of time, project instructions or other administrative responsibilities under the contract provisions.
8.6. Monitoring project requirements and objectives as described in project documents are met.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - ACCA
1. PM Performance Management

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

The exam has now been made open book to enable a more authentic assessment, and delivery has been adapted for a 12 teaching-week semester.

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.