Outline

Overview

All projects contain some element of organisational or behavioural change, from small aspects of retraining to complete transformation of organisational values and behaviours. Change management can be required at the strategic or operational level. It may be required to assist in achieving project outcomes or the primary focus of the project may be the implementation of change. This Unit covers the fundamentals of change management including consideration of the psychological impacts of change, change competencies and leading change methodologies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Project Management
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[24 credit points of BPM core 2000 level units] or [30 credit points of any 2000 level or higher units of study]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Louis Taborda, louis.taborda@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
Presentation	Assessment 1: Transformation strategy (group presentation) Video (all members must present) + in class (secure) feedback on 2 other presentations	20%	Week 04 Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assignment 2: Transformation Programme Design Transformation Programme Design and critique reflection in word doc/docs format	30%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 3: Change impact Assessment (Group Research Project) PPT slides with detail notes pages + recorded presentation + in class (secure) feedback on 2 other presentations	20%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assessment 4: Change Management Strategy Written strategy	30%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group presentation: Transformation strategy – demonstrating knowledge of how a business might change because of a transformation strategy or agenda (8 min video).
Transformation Programme Design – translate a transformation strategy into a programme design (programme charter)
Group Research Project – assess the impact of change, using research methods (impact assessment via slides (with detailed notes) and 5 minute video presentation)
Change Management Strategy – develop a high level change management plan using organisational insights and data (change management strategy report)

Note: students must achieve at least 45% overall in their group assessments and 45% overall in their individual assessments, and 50% overall, in order to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment will be provided on Canvas.

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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 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, your expectations on the unit, and reading	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 01	Transformation and Change	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 01	Defining transformation and change	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Reading on Business Transformation Strategy and Australia Post case study as well as group assignment work	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 02	Initial group work on Australia Post case study and preparation for first group assignment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Reading on Australia Post case study and group assignment	Independent study (9 hr)
Week 03	Australia Post case study and further work for first group assignment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Reading and videos on Digital Transformation. Group work on first assignment.	Independent study (9 hr)
Week 04	Transformation program design case study	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Read and watch Australia Post case studies; Individual assignment on Transformation Programme Design	Independent study (9 hr)
Week 05	Assignment group presentations on Australia Post transformation strategy including peer feedback	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Reading on change management models and why transformations succeed/fail. Individual Assignment on Transformation Programme Design	Independent study (9 hr)
Week 06	Group activity on why transformations fail	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Reading on change models, change readiness and organisational capacity for change	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 07	Group Research Project - Change Impact Assessment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Group Research Project: Impact Assessment and Reading on Change Management	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 08	Group Research Project - Change Impact Assessment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Group Research Project & Reading on change management case studies and reactions/ resistance to change	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 09	Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement Activity	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Reading on change readiness, capacity for change and case studies related to Change Management Strategy. Group Research Project.	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 10	Self-paced activities due to Public Holiday: Change Management Strategy & Change Framework case study activities	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 11	Reading and case study on leadership, culture, change and innovation. Individual Assignment	Independent study (6.5 hr)
Week 11	Assignment group presentations on Change Impacts assignment including peer feedback	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Readings on Leadership. Individual assignment	Independent study (6.5 hr)
Week 12	Activity on Leadership	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Readings and video on culture change and innovation. Work on individual final assignment.	Independent study (9 hr)
Week 13	Activities on change & innovation. Final reflection activity and final Q&A on Assignment 4 which is due on Sunday	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.

Required readings

Required readings are available on Canvas and/with link to the library website.

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. Identify change requirements and transformation opportunities
LO2. Develop a transformation strategy
LO3. Assess the adaptability to change of the organisation(s)
LO4. Design and implement a change management strategy
LO5. Define culture and identify what types of cultures create the capacity for change and innovation
LO6. Identify the leadership capabilities that enable transformational change
LO7. Assess the culture and values of the organisation and their implications for the project

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 is the fourth time this unit has been offered. Students' feedback indicated 'no changes' were due.

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.

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

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)

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PMGT3624: Change and Transformation

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links