Outline

Overview

Programs are temporary, flexible organisation structures created to coordinate, direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities to enable the implementation of strategy and change and the realisation of benefits. A project portfolio is a set of projects and/or programs and other activities, which are not necessarily related, brought together with the aim of alignment with achievement of organisational goals, optimum use of resources and minimisation of portfolio risk. For the program, shared vision and values are important due to high levels of interrelatedness and interdependence that increase complexity. Project portfolio management is a dynamic decision-making process in which new projects and programs are evaluated, selected, prioritised and balanced to align projects with strategy and resource capability and deliver maximum value from project investments. This Unit addresses the nature, design and management of programs and portfolios. It specifically addresses the selection, prioritisation and balancing of multiple programs and projects which have been grouped to support an organisation's strategic portfolio. The allocation of programs of work within a multi-project environment, benefits definition and realisation, governing, controlling and supporting the organisation's strategy, are considered. Students will learn and practice the issues to be considered in selecting an effective organisation portfolio and how to implement a portfolio management framework. Strategic resourcing, risk and opportunity, funding, governance structures and processes, at program and portfolio levels will also be addressed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Project Management
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PMGT5879
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lynn Crawford, lynn.crawford@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Harold Ainsworth, harold.ainsworth@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gerard McGarry, gerard.mcgarry@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 9 May 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Discussion Discussion	12%	Multiple weeks	Various
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 - Portfolio Management Case Study Portfolio Management Case Study - Team based	20%	Week 04 Due date: 18 May 2025 at 23:59	approx. 20 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 - Program Management Case Study Program Management Case Study - Team based	20%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Jun 2025 at 23:59	approx. 20 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 - Reflective Journal Reflective Journal on weekly learnings	12%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Jun 2025 at 23:59	approx. 10 - 12 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 4 - Selected Case Analysis Selected Case Analysis	10%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Jun 2025 at 23:59	approx. 5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Oral examination Based on Assignment 3, to demonstrate understanding of the content.	0%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 14:02	10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 5 - Learning Application Learning Application	14%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 23:59	approx. 5 pages or 10 minute video
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz Quiz	12%	Weekly	Various
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1 – group: For a case study provided select the proposed portfolio for the organisation from the list of possible projects, describing your process and assumptions, and also recommend how it should be monitored during implementation.
Assignment 2 – group: For a case study organisation provided, prepare selected nominated parts of the program plan that both describe the program objectives and how it will be delivered, so that management can approve the plan.
Assignment 3: For each of the 6 weeks, summarise several of your key learnings, and suggest with specific examples how you might apply these in the future. Submit at the end of the session.
Oral examination: Based on the above Assignment 3 a brief 10-15 minutes online oral exam to demonstrate understanding of the assignment content.
Assignment 4: Analyse a program case that you select, highlighting what worked well or did not work well in achieving the planned outcomes.
Assignment 5: Prepare an essay or a 10-minute video presentation discussing your key learnings from the unit of study, and how they can be applied by organisations to improve their portfolio and program management practice.
Discussion forums: Participate with other students by contributing posts in the 4 online forums (weeks 2-5) based on the topics provided.
Knowledge quiz: Answer the 4 questions (mostly multiple choice) provided for each of the 6 weeks to test knowledge of the unit material covered.

Confidential Peer Evaluation:

As part of the assessment process for group work, collaborative and self-peer evaluation tools (e.g., SparkPlus) may be utilised, either confidentially or non-confidentially, to assess contributions and interactions among group members. Based on the outcomes of the peer evaluation process, individual team member marks may be adjusted accordingly.

Reliability of Canvas Marks:

Canvas will be used in this unit for the submission of key assessments; however, it should not be relied upon to determine or predict a student’s final marks. Not all assessment results may be visible to students, and group or team marks may be adjusted for individual members based on peer evaluations

Mark Moderation:

Statistically defensible moderation may be applied when combining marks from individual assessment components to ensure consistency between markers and alignment of final grades with the unit outcomes.

Assessment criteria

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

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	The Context for Program and Portfolio Management	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 01	The Context for Program and Portfolio Management: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Portfolio Management	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 02	Portfolio Management: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Program Management	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 03	Program Management: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Governance, Reporting and Business Cases	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 04	Governance, Reporting and Business Cases: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Risk and Benefits	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 05	Risk and Benefits: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Change and Stakeholders	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 06	Change and Stakeholders: Live Session	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Final reading and assignment work	Independent study (14 hr)
Week 08	Final reading and assignment work	Independent study (14 hr)

Attendance and class 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 85 percent of timetabled activities. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted only by the Dean or the Head of School.

Failure to meet the minimum attendance requirement may result in a fail grade.

Heads of School, Program Directors and / or Unit of Study Coordinators may set additional assessment items where the attendance requirement differs from 85 percent.

Workshop Participation:

Students are required to engage in a professional manner during workshops. This includes being fully prepared by thoroughly reviewing and engaging with all materials provided by the Unit of Study Coordinator and / or teaching team prior to the workshop where applicable. Active participation in class activities, discussions, and team-based tasks is expected to ensure meaningful contributions and effective collaboration.

Students participating in learning activities, including workshops conducted remotely or online, are strongly encouraged to have their cameras turned on for the duration of the session. Failure to comply may result in a request to show cause. Continued non-compliance may be deemed as non-participation, which could impact assessment outcomes.

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

Readings as specified in Canvas including some material available at Sydney University Library Reserves

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. Select, prioritise and balance program and portfolio components required to implement organisational strategy.
LO2. Develop and monitor a strategic resource and finance plan considering the quality, quantity and sourcing of the required resources for programs and portfolios.
LO3. Assess program and portfolio level risks and opportunities and recommend responses.
LO4. Identify, define and develop a strategy for realisation of project and program benefits.
LO5. Design and maintain a program vision, business case, change and execution approach, knowledge sharing and governance framework to deliver desired outcomes and benefits.
LO6. Select and apply analytic techniques to predict future portfolio performance, evaluate implications of program and portfolio decisions and assess alternative solutions.
LO7. Devise processes for program and portfolio performance reporting and knowledge sharing.

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.

in live session more focus on case studies and application than Unit of Study lecture material.

Additional information

Request for References from Teaching Staff:

Unit of Study Coordinators and the teaching team for this unit are not obligated to, and typically will not, provide personal references for students.

Students requiring a letter of good standing should direct their request to the Student Centre as the first point of contact.

Support with Administrative / Enrolment Matters

The Student Centre is the primary point of contact for students seeking assistance with administrative, enrolment, or timetable matters.

In certain cases, the School’s Administrative Team may be able to provide additional support and can be contacted at: project.management@sydney.edu.au.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice.

Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OPMG6879: Program and Portfolio Management

PG Online Session 1B, 2025 [Online] - Online Program

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links