Outline

Overview

Project Management is specific form of establishing, programming, and coordinating an activity having a specific start point and end point. This body of knowledge - as for example in the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) - needs to be understood in general terms. Initially project managers must identify and define the services that are needed, (scope) and that their employers are willing to endorse. The activities requiring to be carried out need to be sorted and sequenced; the materials, labour and plant required need to be estimated and procured. Projects involve the management of information, and communications. This unit will develop the student's ability to ascertain and document the scope of a project, schedule a programme, and understand the difficulties in directing it. This unit approaches the profession of Project Management as a cooperative undertaking rather than adversarial: it promotes the adoption of soft-skills rather than that of forceful command and supervision.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	DESC9074
Academic unit	Architectural and Design Science
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sunil Dubey, sunil.dubey@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	In Class / on-line short assessments 3 x on-line tasks, multiple choice quiz & critical reflections on projects.	30%	Multiple weeks	Details per Canvas / during lectures,
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project Report (Group work / Business type format) Choose a preselected case study or own project develop a Project Report.	40%	Multiple weeks Closing date: 14 Nov 2022	3000 words excluding appendices & data.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project Management Plan (PMP) - Essay Type Students will be required to select a project/site or to develop simple PMP	30%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2022 at 23:59	Maximum 1500 words excl references.
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = group assignment with individually assessed component ?

Assessment summary

Students will be required to demonstrate Body of Knowledge (BoK) in leading / managing projects in the Built Environment. There are three key areas of assessments:

Theory – Foundations of project management.
Individual Essay type: Students will be required to work on pre-selected (3 options) project/site or a case study and develop a simple project management plan (PMP) for evidence-based better decision making. Students will be required to demonstrate ‘critical thinking’ as a project manager on developing the PMP.
Participatory and Critical thinking in project management.
In Class / Live on-line short assessments: Students will work in groups to undertake critical discussions (on-line & in-class) and short assessments including quiz and short critique of selected projects. In these assessments students will be required to demonstrate working in group (team) environments, critical thinking, accessing evidence & data in realtime and ability to make decison in conflicting environments.
Group work – to demonstrate ability to work in groups (stakeholders), managing conflicting and competing priorities and resources.
Project (business type) Report: Students will be required to work on a preselected project / case study (in consultation with tutor or project experts) or a building site, and develop project report. A Group Peer-Review session will take place on day 5 to discuss the PMP framework and overall project methodology (slides) for assignment two progressive works.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas and during the lectures and tutorial / project sessions.

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 of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

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:

Refer UoS guidelines and university policies on assessments and appeals.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 03	1. Introduction to project management; 2. UoS outline - Modes of working 3. Project initiation; 4. Assignment outline	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial group introductions, group workings - In person & on-line mix, Modes of working & available resources, case study selections (for each tutorial group) and assignment one discussions.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Feasibility and Project Planning 2. Planning and Control 3. Project Design - Fundamentals 4. Managing resources	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 05	Students will work in tutorial groups to work on the following: Feasibility and Project Planning, Planning and Control, Project Design - Fundamentals and managing resources.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	1. Selected Project - Scope Management 2. Selected Project - Work Breakdown Structure 3. Critical Path Methodology (2 x Case Studies) 4. Planning and Control - Advance	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 07	Students will work in tutorial groups, case study methodology: Scope Management Work Breakdown Structure & Critical Path Methods Planning and Control - Advance level Working on assignment two (Project report)	Project (3 hr)
Week 09	1. Resource planning and procurements, 2. Contracts and Strategic Options (Basics) 3. Project Control - Groups and Systems 4. Project Value Management 5. Assignment Two (Group) - Queris and RFIs	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 09	Resource planning and procuremetns, 2. Contracts and Strategic Options 3. Project Control - Groups and Systems 4. Project Value Management 5. Assignment Two (Group) - Queris and RFIs	Project (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Project Quality and Risk Management 2. Industry Lecture - Best Case Practices (Public Sector) 3. Project Leadership - Importance for the Built Environment 3. Assignment 2 - Peer Review, methodology & PMP framework only	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 12	Project Leadership - Importance for the Built Environment and Assignment 2 - Peer Review discussions with tutors.	Project (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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

Burke. (2006). Project management : planning and control techniques (5th ed.). Burke Publishing.

Optional:
Burke, & Barron, S. (2014). Project Management Leadership: Building Creative Teams. In Project Management Leadership (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Covey, S.R. (2013). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Anniversary Edition. Simon & Schuster, ISBN 978-1451639612

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.

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

LO1. Devlope foundational understanding of Body of Knowledge (Principles) of managing projects in the built environment.
LO2. Develop fundamental principles of managing small to medium projects in the built environment, including property, real-estate and construction related.
LO3. Understand the complexities of communication and management of a multitude of stakeholders, and the importance of providing direction and leadership to manage resources in the property and construction industry
LO4. Understand the role of project management in design, and illustrate the use of acquired knowledge, design tools and techniques available to manage the design process and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups, including clients, consultants and service providers.
LO5. Develop a critical project delivery pathway / matrix for a selected small to medium project (case study method), enabling better decison making based on Time, Quality and Cost.
LO6. Understand the role of a project manager during the projects delivery stage, and illustrate the use of relevant tools and techniques used to manage delivery and risk in relation to Time, Quality & Cost.
LO7. Understand the core disciplines of managing a project in particular time, cost and quality management, and the practical application of relevant tools and techniques as established by PMBOK.
LO8. Develop a project report (group work, leadership skills, implimentation) demonstrating the fundamentals of Time, Quality & Cost in built environment projects and ways this report enables better decsion about high performance of buildings.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 2.1 (PC19). Understand the purpose of project feasibility assessments, including research of site constraints, opportunities and risks, and methods of determining preliminary cost analysis. 2.1 (PC23). Understand the purpose and process of generating a return brief for approval by the client and relevant stakeholders, including an awareness of the implications of non-compliance. 2.1 (PC24). Understand how to identify and evaluate project development options in response to a project brief – its objectives, budget, user intent and built purpose, risks and timeframe, including environmental sustainability considerations.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.3. Assessment of project budget and timeframe against project requirements and objectives. 1.7. Preparation of project brief for approval by client and relevant stakeholders. 2. Design: Pre-Design 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 2.3. Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost. National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.1 (PC3). Understand the principles of project planning, considering implications for Country, environmental sustainability, communities, stakeholders and project costs. 1.1 (PC9). Understand contemporary and emerging building procurement methods. This involves identifying the most appropriate form of delivery for a project, including associated risks, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and understanding appropriate construction and consultant contracts and agreements. 1.2 (PC10). Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems. 2. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.3. Assessment of project budget and timeframe against project requirements and objectives. 1.4. Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives. 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 6.3. Incorporation of the project requirements and objectives in accordance with Project Brief and approved Detailed Design. 6.5. Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems. 7. Project Delivery: Procurement National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.1 (PC7). Understand appropriate processes for clear and consistent communication with clients and relevant stakeholders throughout a project, including obtaining approvals from clients and stakeholders.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.7. Preparation of project brief for approval by client and relevant stakeholders. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 9. Practice Management 9.2. Knowledge and application of practice resources required to ensure efficient and effective professional service. 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.2 (PC16). Understand risk management and mitigation principles and strategies – including safety in design, project risk, requirement for resilience from the impacts of climate change and appropriate insurances – across architectural services. 2.1 (PC30). Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors. 2.1 (PC31). Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project. 4. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR DESIGN DELIVERY AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES 4.1 (PC48). Understand available procurement methods and their application to project delivery, considering relevant factors including project type, scale and coordination of contractors 4.1 (PC56). Understand the purpose of identification of defects, rectifications and approval substitutions.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 6.1. Identification and adoption of a strategy, program and process of documentation integrated through all project stages to enable project delivery. 6.3. Incorporation of the project requirements and objectives in accordance with Project Brief and approved Detailed Design. 6.4. Timely completion and communication of accurate and comprehensible documents that will include, as required, drawings, models, specifications, schedules and other relevant modes of information. 7. Project Delivery: Procurement 8. Project Delivery: Construction Stage 8.6. Monitoring project requirements and objectives as described in project documents are met. 9.1. Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service. 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner. 9.8. Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project. National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.1 (PC6). Understand appropriate processes for reporting and varying the scope of services provided by an architect. 1.1 (PC9). Understand contemporary and emerging building procurement methods. This involves identifying the most appropriate form of delivery for a project, including associated risks, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and understanding appropriate construction and consultant contracts and agreements. 2.1 (PC19). Understand the purpose of project feasibility assessments, including research of site constraints, opportunities and risks, and methods of determining preliminary cost analysis. 4.1 (PC58). Understand the contract components – including all documents – and the process of executing a contract, as defined within the construction contract and in accordance with relevant building and planning codes.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 2.3. Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost. 2.6. Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief. 3.6. Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options. 5.7. Resolution of project design to address budget and time constraints. 6.7. Establishment of quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and completeness of project documentation in accordance with the requirement for the project brief, project timeframe and project budget. 9. Practice Management 9.8. Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project. National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 4.1 (PC57). Understand the principles of contract administration, including certification, variations, instructions, requests for information and practical completion. 4.1 (PC58). Understand the contract components – including all documents – and the process of executing a contract, as defined within the construction contract and in accordance with relevant building and planning codes.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN 3.1 (PC40). Be able to resolve and present a coherent detailed design solution within necessary timeframes to obtain client and stakeholder approvals. 3.1 (PC47). Be able to complete and communicate on-time, accurate documents for relevant stakeholders, including drawings, models, specifications, schedules and construction documentation. 4.1 (PC48). Understand available procurement methods and their application to project delivery, considering relevant factors including project type, scale and coordination of contractors 4.1 (PC58). Understand the contract components – including all documents – and the process of executing a contract, as defined within the construction contract and in accordance with relevant building and planning codes.

Responding to student feedback

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

Students and teaching staff will be requested to provide perceived outcome at the begining of the teaching (informal survey), followed up by regular feedback during the middle and end of the semester teaching. Students are encouraged to participate in-class and on-line forums for constructive critique in improving the Engaged Teaching and Learning environments. Industry leads will be invited to engage and interact with the students to provide comments and stratgies for, 'Best in Class' in the built environment projects with focus on High Performance Built Assets. The content and case study specific changes have been introduced based on student feedbacks from earlier years and expert feedback. Changes in assessments to reflect learning objectives and graduate attributes.

Additional information

N/A

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

Refer to university guidelines and instructions, including regular updates and access related protocols.

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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

DESC9074: Project Management

Semester 2, 2022 [Block mode] - Remote

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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect