Unit outline_

PMGT2855: Project Acceptance

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Projects are initiated to deliver specific objectives. This Unit of Study builds on material introduced in Project Initiation and Scope focusing on fitness for purpose and organisational benefits. It is concerned with the practices required to ensure that specific project objectives are met, the project is successfully delivered and is accepted by key stakeholders.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Project Management
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG2855 or CIVL4819
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Hoonyong Lee, hoonyong.lee@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Kenneth Cameron, kenneth.cameron@sydney.edu.au
Hoonyong Lee, hoonyong.lee@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Case Study Report
Report on team case study
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 20 Jun 2025 at 23:59
3,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8
Assignment AI Allowed Individual Assignment
Case study for project acceptance
30% Mid-semester break
Due date: 27 Apr 2025 at 23:59
2,000-3,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Participation AI Allowed Tutorial Participation
Tutorial participation
10% Multiple weeks NA
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8
Participation AI Allowed Online Discussion
Contribution to discussion on Dubai 2020 Expo Case Study through Canvas
10% Multiple weeks NA
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8
Online task group assignment Early Feedback Task AI Allowed Early Feedback Task
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 02 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Team Presentation
Team case study presentation
15% Week 13 10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8
Tutorial quiz AI Allowed Pre-tutorial Quiz
Online quiz based on the weekly readings
10% Weekly 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = 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) 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 the 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Independent study before and after the tutorial Independent study (104 hr) LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8
Week 01 Project acceptance from a holistic systems perspective Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 02 The management ethos of projects through simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 03 Implementing strategy through projects in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Building institutional project relations in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Collective leadership and shared identity in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Exploration and innovation in projects via simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 07 Stakeholder dynamics and influence through simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 08 Early warning signs in projects in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO7
Week 09 Strategic decision-making and managing uncertainty in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 10 Cognitive biases and quality control in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO6
Week 11 Governance, trust, and ethics in simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO7 LO6
Week 12 Optimizing sponsor value through simulation, role play or case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO8
Week 13 Revision of all topics and learning outcomes Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6 LO8

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.

It is expected that students will attend their allocated Workshop each week, with attendance contributing to the participation mark for the Unit.  A student can miss no more than two Workshops without a penalty being applied.

 

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 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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the key criteria for project success and how to measure them
  • LO2. Identify and prioritise project benefits, requirements, and acceptance criteria
  • LO3. Create a feasibility study to assess project acceptance by the board or project sponsor
  • LO4. Develop a benefits realization strategy to ensure that the project delivers value
  • LO5. Assess and develop the conditions needed to achieve the project objectives
  • LO6. Plan, organise and validate project results to meet the objectives
  • LO7. Manage all phases of the project, including initiation, execution, and closure
  • LO8. Deliver project results, gain stakeholder approval, and document lessons learned

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Update assessment criteria: Pre-tutorial Quiz, Individual Assignment, Team Project, and Tutorial Participation, along with their weights. Due dates have been updated to 2025.

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

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.