Outline

Overview

Projects exist as and within complex systems of human activity. Systems thinking enables us to understand the patterns of interconnection both within projects and their dependencies to contextual forces. This Unit introduces students to a variety of systems thinking techniques which will help in responding to the interconnectedness of all things and taking action in face of uncertainty and ambiguity. Upon completion of the course, the students will learn to think and question critically, while building skills to deliver projects that align with organisational strategic objectives. This unit will help student understand how to manage change while exercising empathy and learn to listen effectively.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michele Barnes, michele.barnes@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Walter Galdames Opazo, walter.galdamesopazo@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 exam ?	Final exam Pen-and-paper assessment conducted in exam period	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation A 15 min in-class team presentation on a selected case study. Presentations delivered in Weeks 12 & 13.	25%	Multiple weeks	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Focus questions Questions to be answered the Sunday before Week 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 workshops	10%	Multiple weeks	150 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshops participation Workshop activities and discussions	5%	Ongoing	All semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 3 Quiz Online quiz to be completed in Canvas in class during the workshop. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	10 questions/15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 6 Quiz Online quiz to be completed in Canvas in class during the workshop.	10%	Week 06	20 questions/30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Team Charter Presentation teams to complete a charter outlining key aspects of teamwork for their final presentation	5%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59	4-5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 11 Quiz Online quiz to be completed in Canvas in class during the workshop.	10%	Week 11	20 questions/30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Focus Questions: Answers to five focus questions on topics to be covered in the next week’s workshop, to be submitted online in Weeks 2 – 6. Due by 23:59 the Sunday prior to each week (i.e. Week 2's question needs to be answered by 23:59 on Sun in Week 1). Each worth 2% of final mark, total 10 marks.
Participation: Contribution to workshop activities and discussions throughout semester. Worth 5% of final mark.
Quizzes: Three quizzes in multiple choice question format. Week 3 quiz is the early feedback task consisting of 10 questions to be answered in 15 minutes and will cover the topics studied in weeks 1-2. Week 6 quiz will consist of 20 questions to be answered in 30 minutes and will cover the topics studied in weeks 1 to 5. Week 11 quiz will consist of 20 questions to be answered in 30 minutes and will cover the topics studied in weeks 6 to 10. Each question will have four possible answers, with one correct answer. These will be completed online in Canvas during class. Week 3 quiz is worth 5% of the final mark. Week 6 and 11 quiz are worth 10% of the final mark each.
Team charter: Presentation teams to complete the charter template, including contact details, performance expectations and penalties, meetings schedule. Students must sign their team charter to gain 5 marks for assessment. Due 23:39 on Sun in Week 8.
Group presentation: Teams to analyse a project or program case study using any systems tools, models, and/or approaches covered in the unit. Members to select a project or program case they care about as a group. Possibilities for cases to analyze and present will be presented in class, or groups can select their own case. To be delivered by teams of no more than five students in class in workshop time in Weeks 12 and 13. Presentation slides need to be uploaded as a pdf in Canvas by 23:59 on Sun in Week 11. Worth 25% of final mark.
Final exam: To be completed in formal exam period. The exam will comprise three sections, each with an overarching project scenario resembling workshop activities and a number of short answer questions and multiple choice questions regarding the scenario. Worth 30% of final mark.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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.

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 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 unit. History of systems thinking. Types of systems. Overview of types of complexity in projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Hard and soft systems thinking. Mental models. Laws of the Fifth Discipline. Single/Double/Triple loop learning.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Structural complexity 1: Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), emergence, edge of chaos, causal loop diagrams (CLDs).	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Structural complexity 2: Stock and flow diagrams, quant systems dynamics, applications to complex projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Technical complexity. Shenhar typology, technical risk, Jazz Tool for semi-structured projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Directional complexity 1. PESTLE analysis, Viable Systems Model (VSM).	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Directional complexity 2. Multi-methodology in series. Soft Systems Methodology.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Relational complexity. Social network analysis (SNA), stakeholder mapping, system interdependencies, coordination risks.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Temporal complexity: Timeline analysis, Mapping the Complexity Tool, time-based uncertainty in projects.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Leverage points. The power of paradigms. The Risk Interdependencies Tool.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Review of all project complexity types. Critical System Heuristics.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Presentations	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Presentations	Workshop (2 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.

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. differentiate between selected key ‘control’ systems thinking models
LO2. differentiate between selected key ‘soft’ systems thinking models
LO3. critique the limitations of different approaches to systems thinking
LO4. select from appropriate systems thinking models according to context
LO5. apply systemic conceptual and analytic thinking to understand situations, cultures and strategies
LO6. explore fallacies of judgement
LO7. explain the impact of mental models on personal and stakeholder perspectives
LO8. apply systems thinking approaches to develop and evaluate options with potential to meet needs of all parties.

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.

Updates to this unit for 2024 include adding the early feedback task consisting of a short online quiz in week 3, and replacing the in person quizzes with online quizzes to be completed in Canvas (which is less resource intensive and more environmentally sustainable). We also ensured there is no essay assignment anymore as they are becoming increasingly difficult to mark due to AI.

Additional information

Requests 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.

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

Early feedback task

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

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

PMGT1711: Systems Thinking in Projects

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

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