Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the foundations of project management in business contexts. It provides an overview and practical understanding of different project management approaches, ranging from structured frameworks such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to light-weight techniques such as Agile or Lean Management. Students learn how to select appropriate projects based on their alignment with an organisation's strategy and then how to manage those projects successfully from initiation through execution to completion. The unit explores both the technical and behavioural aspects of project management and students gain experience in critically analysing the application of techniques in specific business contexts. As organisations increasingly structure their activities on a project basis, the unit is of value to a range of discipline specialisations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Business Information Systems
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mark Freeman, mark.freeman1@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
Written work	Individual assignment 2 Written task	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Nov 2025	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Individual assignment 1 Written tasks completed in tutorials	25%	Multiple weeks	2000 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Class Quizzes Online quizzes	10%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes per quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Project Assignment Written task	35%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2025	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Class Quizzes: Four (4) online quizzes in weeks 3, 5, 10 and 12 that are due on Friday at 23:59 of the week. These quizzes focus on the fundamental concepts and applied knowledge acquired in the unit (from lectures, tutorials and readings). These tasks will be in the form of Canvas Quizzes with various question types. Students will be assessed based on the correctness of their answers in the quizzes.

Individual Assignment 1: This secure written assignment is completed during the tutorials in weeks 4 to 8, students will assume the role of a project manager and engage with a supplied business case study. Students will discuss the key lessons that can be learned from a project regarding project management knowledge and discuss how/if a systematic approach may have helped. This assignment will initially be completed during the tutorial, at the end of each tutorial, before students leave, images will be captured of the student work to ensure the secure nature of the assessment. Students will then be allowed to type their written work verbatim for marking.

Individual Assignment 2: This assignment will require you to integrate information from lectures and tutorials. Students will be required to critically reflect on their group project, research project management concepts and practices, and prepare a concise analytical report.

Group Project Assignment: Team-based learning (TBL) and Project-based learning (PBL) are group-based activities designed to help students acquire higher-level learning skills in this context, including creativity, lateral and reflective thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis. In this simulation assignment, students are to design and develop a detailed project with supporting documentation and rationale for the business project.

Detailed instructions for assessments will be available 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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
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.

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	Introduction to Project Management [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Project Performance Domains and Principles [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Planning and Project Management Processes [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Risk Management and Decision Making [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Monitoring and Controlling Project Work [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Team Building and Leadership [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Communication and Stakeholder Engagement [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Project Resource Management [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Team Performance [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Ethics, Compliance, and Professional Responsibility [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Project Governance, Structure and Adaptive project management [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Quality Management and Continuous Improvement [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Project Management Maturity; review [online recorded lecture + on-campus tutorial]	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

To assist with your learning in INFS6071:

Recorded Online Lectures

The lectures are recorded and made available online (Canvas).
In your timetable, there is a 1.5-hour block on Monday from 18:00 to 19:30 for you to engage with the lecture recordings and start to read the subject readings.
The lecturer will be online to answer any questions about the materials during the lecture block. During this time, in some weeks, live online Q&A sessions will be conducted. Details of these weeks will be posted on Canvas.
The weekly subject materials should be completed before attending your allocated on-campus tutorial.

On-Campus Tutorials

You have enrolled in an on-campus tutorial.
The tutorials allow you to actively engage with a small group of students from the unit.
In weeks 4 to 8, Individual Assignment 1 will be held during part of the tutorial time.
Please attend your allocated tutorial; the unit coordinator must approve any weekly changes (with clear documentation on the reasons for a change).

You will learn more if you complete all the activities as you work through this Unit of Study.

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 assigned textbooks.

Readings and online resources will be made available on 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. Apply and analyse project management methodologies, frameworks and knowledge areas for planning across the project lifecycle.
LO2. Evaluate formal and adaptive project management practices, considering their guiding principles and processes.
LO3. Evaluate and critically analyse the factors affecting various project stakeholders and team processes.
LO4. Create and critically reflect on project planning by applying relevant project management techniques.
LO5. Identify and critically assess project challenges, success factors and the applicability of formal project management frameworks.

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.

This subject underwent a redesign process in S2,2024. This involved modernising the course content and emphasising transferable project management skills. Teaching materials and activities were updated to reflect current industry developments and changing global business environments. Changes have been made to the Learning Outcomes, weekly schedule, and assessment activities with consultation and the support of the Business Co-Design unit. Further refinement has occurred in S2, 2025, based on student feedback from the USS and the changing nature of project management. This has included the redevelopment of Individual Assignment 1, modifications to the quizzes and changes to the assessment instructions.

Additional information

Business School Policies

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INFS6071: Project Management in Business

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links