Outline

Overview

Project management is a rapidly growing profession applied across all industries. This subject provides an overview of project management and its relationship to program and portfolio management and the broader business context. The Unit introduces students to variations in project management as interpreted and applied in different industries. It will cover the nature of the project management profession, project career paths and the graduate qualities sought by employers. It introduces the primary professional standards and project management terminology. Projects are constructed and progressed through communication. Effective communication can save a poor project just as much as poor communication can undermine previously successful implementation. This Unit of Study covers the essential skills of effective project communication and sets students up to exercise influence through interpersonal skills and construct patterns of communication suitable to the demands of different projects. This unit will help students develop critical thinking and source and use information in their decision making. Students will focus on personal integrity and reliability as well as self awareness.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Project Management
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENGG1863
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nader Naderpajouh, nader.naderpajouh@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Ibrahim Dani, ibrahim.dani@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Participation Participation in class activities	10%	Multiple weeks	Will vary based on the week's content.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Week 4 Group presentation Presentations will be delivered during class.	15%	Week 04	10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 7 Quiz Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions - Quiz	10%	Week 07	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Report and Video Students will create a communications plan for a project.	20%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	1500 words max and 5 minutes video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	TED TALK Presentation Group Presentation During the Workshop	15%	Week 12	10 Min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Week 13 Quiz Week 13 Quiz	20%	Week 13	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflection Student reflections on their learning and professional growth	10%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	1000 words max	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

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 2021 (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 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 the 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
Multiple weeks	There is a minimum expectation of 8-10 hours of student effort per week for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 104-130 hours of student effort in total.	Self-directed learning (130 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Project Communication. Explores the project manager's role as the project's "information switchboard." Learn why communication is the primary driver of project success and the main cause of failure.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Personality and Individual Differences (The OCEAN Model). Introduces the Big Five traits to understand team diversity. Learn to identify different personality profiles to predict work styles and communication preferences.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Emotional Intelligence (EI) for Project Managers. Links personality to self-management and empathy. Focuses on developing the "social software" needed to regulate emotions and bridge gaps between different personality types.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Written Communication and The Project Record. Covers the "3 Cs" (Clear, Concise, Correct) of professional writing. Learn to create official audit trails through reports, minutes, and formal documentation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Nonverbal Communication and Digital Presence. Examines body language, tone, and nonverbal cues. Includes strategies for maintaining professional authority and engagement in remote or hybrid video environments.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Formal vs. Informal Channels. Distinguishes between official reporting and the "social grapevine." Focuses on building a Communication Management Plan that balances accountability with speed.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Cultural Intelligence and Active Listening. Focuses on how cultural backgrounds influence communication styles (High-Context vs. Low-Context) and how to adapt listening techniques to ensure project requirements are accurately captured across diverse teams.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Managing Conflict in Projects. Introduces the TKI Model to categorise conflict styles. Learn to move teams from destructive personality clashes toward constructive, functional problem-solving.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	The Science of Influence (Cialdini’s Principles). Explores the seven psychological triggers used to gain buy-in. Focuses on how project managers can influence team members and vendors without having formal authority over them.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	From Managing to Leading (Situational Leadership). Introduces the Hersey-Blanchard model for adapting leadership styles. Focuses on building psychological safety and communicating the "Why" behind project tasks.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Final Synthesis & Crisis Communication. Integrates all course topics to manage project emergencies. Teaches resilient communication strategies for delivering bad news while maintaining stakeholder trust.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Group presentation session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision and quiz session	Tutorial (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.

Required readings

Articles & book chapters will be provided to students.

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. analyse infrastructure, processes and systems for document management and information flow.
LO2. develop a communication plan including emphasis on risk and quality, adapting communication to the needs of the audience
LO3. construct and nurture networks and alliances
LO4. provide clear and structured information to others and verify their understanding
LO5. facilitate and promote open communication, demonstrate empathy and listen effectively
LO6. promote project vision and goals to gain engagement and commitment
LO7. communicate effectively with virtual teams
LO8. consciously develop a personal brand

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.

Some changes have been made since this unit was last offered to increase the assessment rigour.

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.

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

PMGT1863: Effective Project Communication

Semester 1, 2026 [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

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