Outline

Overview

This subject is designed to support Engineers in the implementation of engineering tasks in the workplace. It addresses the use of quality control and management as well as systems assurance processes. It is designed to enable engineers entering practice from other related disciplines or with overseas qualifications to do so in a safe and effective way. The study program will include management of quality in research, design and delivery of engineering works and investigation, as well as of safe work practices and systems assurance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	First degree in Engineering or a related discipline
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Faham Tahmasebinia, faham.tahmasebinia@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Final report Submission Final Technical Report	25%	Formal exam period	Final Technical Report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 3 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 4 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 04 Due date: 28 Aug 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 5 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 6 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 7 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 8 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 9 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 10 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 11 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Week 12 Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	5%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 19:00	Five Minute Presentation followed by Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Final Quiz - Week 13 60 Minutes Quiz in class	25%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 19:00	60 Minutes Quiz in class	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment Overview:

Weekly Presentations (Weeks 3–12) with Q&A – 50%
Final In-Class Quiz (Week 13) – 25%
Final Technical Report Submission – 25%

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Please note: Late submissions will be handled in accordance with the University of Sydney’s official policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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
Week 01	Week 1: Course Introduction & Project Management Fundamentals Learning Outcomes: Define project management and explain its importance in engineering contexts Identify the key characteristics that distinguish projects from routine operations Analyse the triple constraint (scope, time, cost) and explain trade-off relationships Recognize the role of project managers in balancing competing project demands	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Week 2: Project Management Practice Learning Outcomes: Apply fundamental project management principles to practical scenarios Demonstrate understanding of project lifecycle phases Evaluate different project management methodologies and their applications Practice using basic project management tools and techniques	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Scope Management Learning Outcomes: Create comprehensive project scope statements Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) for given project scenarios Distinguish between project scope and product scope Apply scope verification and control processes	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Week 4: Schedule Management Learning Outcomes: Sequence project activities using precedence relationships Estimate activity duration using various techniques Develop project schedules using scheduling software or manual methods Identify schedule compression techniques and their implications	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: Cost Management Learning Outcomes: Prepare detailed project cost estimates using different estimation methods Develop project budgets and cost baselines Apply Earned Value Analysis (EVA) techniques to monitor project performance Calculate and interpret key EVA metrics (CPI, SPI, EAC, ETC)	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Quality Management Learning Outcomes: Define quality in the context of project management Develop quality management plans including quality assurance and control processes Apply quality planning tools such as flowcharts, cause-and-effect diagrams, and checklists Evaluate quality costs and their impact on project success	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Week 7: Critical Path Analysis & Resource Scheduling Learning Outcomes: Perform Critical Path Analysis (CPA) to identify project critical paths Calculate early start, early finish, late start, and late finish times Determine total float and free float for project activities Apply resource leveling and resource smoothing techniques	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Week 8: Resource Management Learning Outcomes: Identify and categorize different types of project resources Develop resource management plans including acquisition, development, and team management Apply resource allocation techniques to optimize resource utilization Resolve resource conflicts and constraints in project schedules	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Week 9: Risk Management Learning Outcomes: Conduct comprehensive project risk identification using various techniques Perform qualitative and quantitative risk analysis Develop risk response strategies (avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept) Create and maintain risk registers and contingency plans	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Week 10: Procurement Management Learning Outcomes: Plan procurement activities and develop procurement management strategies Evaluate different contract types and their appropriate applications Conduct procurement processes including vendor selection and contract administration Manage procurement relationships and resolve procurement-related issues	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: Stakeholders & Communication Management Learning Outcomes: Identify and analyses project stakeholders using stakeholder analysis techniques Develop comprehensive communication management plans Apply effective communication methods for different stakeholder groups Manage stakeholder expectations and engagement throughout the project lifecycle	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Week 12: Project Integration Management & Change Control Learning Outcomes: Integrate all project management knowledge areas into a cohesive Project Management Plan (PMP) Implement integrated change control processes Coordinate project activities across different functional areas Apply project closure procedures and lessons learned processes	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Week 13: Final Review Learning Outcomes: Synthesize knowledge from all project management areas into integrated solutions Evaluate real-world construction project scenarios using learned principles Demonstrate ability to work effectively in project management teams Present comprehensive project management solutions with professional competency	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Class attendance is required for all presentations in order to receive individual assessments. All students will work in multidisciplinary teams.

Team marks are allocated equally to each student in that team.

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

Refer Canvas handouts and study material.

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. Week 1: Foundation & Project Charter Development Theme: "Setting the Stage for Success" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: PM fundamentals, project vs. operations, PM frameworks overview Tutorial Activity: Project selection and team formation Practical Exercise: Draft project charters for semester-long projects Key Deliverable: Project Charter (scope statement, objectives, high-level timeline) Innovation: Students select real engineering projects they'll develop throughout the semester, creating investment in learning outcomes.
LO2. Week 2: Stakeholder Analysis & Communication Planning Theme: "Understanding Your Project " Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Stakeholder theory, communication principles, project environment analysis Tutorial Activity: Stakeholder mapping exercise using semester projects Practical Exercise: Develop communication management plans Key Deliverable: Stakeholder Analysis & Communication Plan for semester project Innovation: Moved stakeholder management earlier to establish foundation for all subsequent PM activities.
LO3. Week 3: Integrated Scope & Schedule Foundation Theme: "Defining What and When" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Scope definition, WBS principles, activity identification, sequencing basics Tutorial Activity: Collaborative WBS development (peer review between teams) Practical Exercise: Create WBS and high-level schedule for semester projects Key Deliverable: Detailed WBS and preliminary project schedule Innovation: Combines scope and basic scheduling to show their interconnection from the start.
LO4. Week 4: Advanced Scheduling & Critical Path Analysis Theme: "Mastering Time Management" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Advanced scheduling techniques, CPA methodology, float calculations Tutorial Activity: CPA calculations and critical path identification Practical Exercise: Develop detailed schedules with critical path analysis Peer Learning: Schedule optimization challenges between teams Key Deliverable: Comprehensive project schedule with CPA completed Innovation: Moved CPA earlier when students are most receptive to technical calculations.
LO5. Week 5: Resource Integration & Cost Fundamentals Theme: "Balancing Resources and Budget" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Resource types, resource scheduling, cost estimation principles Tutorial Activity: Resource leveling exercise using semester projects Practical Exercise: Develop resource-loaded schedules and preliminary budgets Case Study: Resource conflict resolution in engineering projects Key Deliverable: Resource management plan and cost estimates Innovation: Integrates resource and cost management to show their relationship.
LO6. Week 6: Earned Value Management & Project Control Theme: "Measuring and Controlling Performance" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: EVA principles, performance metrics, project control systems Tutorial Activity: EVA calculations using provided scenarios Practical Exercise: Set up EVA framework for semester projects Simulation: Mid-project performance review scenarios Key Deliverable: EVA baseline and control procedures for semester project Innovation: Positions EVA as a control tool rather than just a calculation exercise.
LO7. Week 7: Quality & Risk Integration Theme: "Managing Uncertainty and Standards" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Quality planning, risk identification and analysis techniques Tutorial Activity: Risk assessment and quality planning for semester projects Practical Exercise: Develop integrated quality and risk management plans Key Deliverable: Quality Management Plan and Risk Register Innovation: Combines quality and risk as they often overlap in engineering projects.
LO8. Week 8: Mid-Semester Integration Review Theme: "Connecting the Dots" Learning Components: Integration Workshop: Teams present complete project plans developed to date Peer Review Session: Structured feedback on project development Reflection Activity: Individual learning journals and course feedback Key Deliverable: Comprehensive mid-semester project review presentation Innovation: Formal integration point to consolidate learning before advancing to complex topics.
LO9. Week 9: Advanced Risk Management & Contingency Planning Theme: "Preparing for the Unexpected" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Advanced risk analysis, contingency planning, decision trees Tutorial Activity: Quantitative risk analysis using semester projects Practical Exercise: Develop contingency plans and risk response strategies Key Deliverable: Advanced risk analysis and contingency plans
LO10. Week 10: Procurement Strategy & Contract Management Theme: "Managing External Relationships" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Procurement planning, contract types, vendor management Tutorial Activity: Procurement strategy development for semester projects Practical Exercise: Contract negotiation simulation Case Study: Major engineering project procurement failures and successes Key Deliverable: Procurement management plan and contract strategies Innovation: Emphasizes strategic aspects of procurement rather than just administrative processes.
LO11. Week 11: Change Management & Project Adaptation Theme: "Leading Through Change" Learning Components: Lecture Focus: Change control processes, organizational change management Tutorial Activity: Change impact analysis using semester projects Workshop: Change leadership and communication strategies Key Deliverable: Change management procedures and impact analysis Innovation: Positions change management as leadership skill rather than just administrative process.
LO12. Week 12: Project Integration & Final Planning Theme: "Bringing It All Together" Learning Components: Integration Workshop: Complete project management plan assembly Tutorial Activity: Final project plan review and optimization Practical Exercise: Project closure planning and lessons learned preparation Presentation Prep: Final presentation coaching and peer review Key Deliverable: Complete Project Management Plan (PMP) Innovation: Dedicated time for integration and quality assurance of final deliverables.

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.

Additional practical examples of application of tools have been included in Canvas notes. Assessment Overview: Weekly Presentations (Weeks 3–12) with Q&A – 50% Final In-Class Quiz (Week 13) – 25% Final Technical Report Submission – 25% Please note: Late submissions will be handled in accordance with the University of Sydney’s official policy.

Additional information

Students are encouraged to attend and participate in professional networking opportunities offered through Engineers Australia or other relevant professional bodies.

Reflection of this engagement in the form of evidence provided of competency gain in personal progress reports will contribute to additional marks.

Additional costs

Team project costs if incurred will be agreed with the team and managed as part of Team quality assurance evidence.

Work, health and safety

Students should budget not more than 150 hours at a cost per hour chosen as equivalent to a professional salary for this course. Evidence of managing this budget and the achieved competency gain is required as part of personal quality control assurance.

If work is evenly paced, then there should be no last-minute rush before the final report in the exam period.

The course work includes requirements to demonstrate the preparation and management of personal quality assurance and WH&S plans as evidence of competency in quality assurance.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENGG5203: Quality Engineering and Management

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links