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Unit outline_

CIVL3806: Scheduling

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Projects typically need to be delivered within a defined timescale. Providing robust estimates, monitoring and controlling project duration are crucial to understand the ongoing viability of the investment made in a project. This unit provides students with a background in advanced scheduling and estimation techniques, supported by project management software.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
30 cp of any 2000 level units of study
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PMGT3623
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Shahadat Uddin, shahadat.uddin@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Marshal Hammam Alkouz, hammam.alkouz@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Short questions, closed book - During the final exam period
40% Formal exam period 80 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Small test Knowledge Test
In-semester small test
20% Week 07 40-50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Group Assignment Presentation
Presentation based on the group assignment report
10% Week 12 10 minutes per group
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Group Assignment Report Submission
MS Project-based feasible solution design and report
20% Week 13 Full report from each group
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Small continuous assessment Weekly Task
Weekly tasks related to the workshop topics
10% Weekly 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment Name Weight Due in
Weekly Participation 10% Weekly
Academic Writing 30% Week 6
Schedule 1 5% Week 8
Schedule 2 15% Week 10
Quiz 15% Week 13
Schedule 3 25% Week 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

*Attendance Requirements:

As per the Faculty of Engineering Coursework Awards Resolutions, students are expected to attend and actively engage in all timetabled activities of their respective units of study. For this unit of study, students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study unless granted exception by the Dean or Head of School most concerned. A student may be determined to fail a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90 percent.  

Text-matching software for Assignment Submission:
As part of the assessment process, text matching software such as Turnitin may 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.

Reliability of Canvas Marks:
Canvas will be used in this unit and while key assessments may be submitted via Canvas, it cannot be used to determine/ predict a student’s final marks in this unit. Not all assessment results may be visible to students and group/team marks can change for each individual team member based on the peer-evaluations conducted at the end of the semester.

Recycling Assignments Not Allowed:
Recycling involves submitting (or resubmitting) your own work that has already been assessed without the permission of the lecturer of this unit, and for which you have already been given feedback. Recycling is a form of academic dishonesty and will be handled in line with the coursework policy.

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.

Workshop Participation:
It is expected that students turn on the cameras during online workshops. Failure to do so, will result in the student being requested to show cause and failure to comply could be viewed as non-participation for assessment purposes.

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

Work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and reading, pointed and critical analysis of material, innovative interpretation of evidence, makes an insightful contribution to relevant debates, engages in the values, assumptions and contested meanings contained within sources, develops abstract or theoretical arguments on the strength of detailed research and interpretation. Properly documented; writing characterised by creativity, style, and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes good attempt to ‘get behind’ the issues and evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the concepts and practices covered in the unit of study. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of extensive reading and initiative in research, sound grasp of subject matter and appreciation of key issues and context. Engages critically and creatively with the topic or question, and attempts an analytical evaluation of material. Makes a good attempt to critique various interpretations, and offers a pointed and thoughtful contribution to relevant debates. Evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, to conceptualise and problematise issues.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter, shows a genuine effort to avoid paraphrasing, has a logical structure and acceptable documentation, and attempts to mount a credible argument. May have weaknesses of clarity or structure.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: irrelevance of content; inadequate level of research; poor presentation or grammar, structure so loose that it cannot be understood; unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; plagiarism or other acts of academic dishonesty; inadequate or misleading acknowledgement of information sources.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

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

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
Week 01 Introduction to Scheduling, Course Resources and Assessment Components Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Define and Sequence Project Tasks Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Project Network Diagram (Discrete Approach) Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Probabilistic Approach to Project Network Diagram – Part I Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Probabilistic Approach to Project Network Diagram – Part II Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Confidence Analysis of Project Network Diagram Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Knowledge Test Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Implementation of Project Network Diagram using Microsoft Project Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Simple Task Allocation Approach Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Complex Task Allocation Approach Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Progress Reporting and Earned Value Analysis Workshop (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Group Assignment Presentation Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Review Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Weekly Self Study - Every week 6 hours self study is expected from students Independent study (90 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study unless granted exemption by the Dean or Head of School most concerned.

There is also 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.

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

There are no prescribed readings. However, the weekly topics each have their own required reading material. Access to this is provided in the Canvas modules.

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. Select appropriate planning and scheduling approaches for different project types.
  • LO2. Understand different formats of project schedules such as precedence diagrams and Gantt charts.
  • LO3. Demonstrate competence in the creation of project schedules, manually and using commonly used computer software.
  • LO4. Demonstrate the ability to construct feasible project schedules under resource constraints.
  • LO5. Demonstrate the ability to track and manage costs using scheduling tools.
  • LO6. Demonstrate the ability to track and manage task progress using scheduling tools.
  • LO7. Demonstrate the ability to extract relevant management reporting information from scheduling tools.

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.

Significant changes have been made since this unit was last offered. All assignments are now individual, group work has been eliminated.

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

  • Disability support

We offer a range of services and adjustments to help you achieve your academic goals and minimise the impact a disability can have on your experience at university.

Overview

The University is dedicated to ensuring that all students have equal access to learning.

By registering with Disability Services students who have a disability can gain access to the adjustments and services they need to succeed in their studies.

Types of adjustment might include:

  • assessment and exam adjustments
  • alternative formatting
  • timetable adjustments
  • access to assistive technology
  • lecture support
  • library services.

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.

Help and support

As a student with a disability, Disability Services Officers are your main point of contact. They can liaise with your faculty or school to make sure you are provided reasonable adjustments and support.

Each faculty or school also has at least one Faculty Disability Liaison Officer (FDLO) who can provide quick advice and support specific to your learning environment.

Definition of disability

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 recognises that disability may be permanent, intermittent or temporary; acquired or lifelong; visible or invisible. The Act defines disability to include:

  • deafness/hearing impairment
  • blindness/vision impairment
  • physical disability
  • specific learning disability
  • psychiatric/psychological disability
  • acquired brain injury
  • chronic medical conditions
  • temporary disability.

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.