Outline

Overview

There is more than one way to manage a project. However, many organisations become entrenched in standardisation that may limit their capacity to innovate and respond to emerging opportunities. This Unit of Study introduces students to a range of different approaches to project management, building the ability to critically question current practice and foster innovative thinking to improve organisational outcomes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Project Management
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PMGT2854
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CIVL4817
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Petr Matous, petr.matous@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
Evaluation	Peer-review feedback and content reflection Feedback on work of other students and reflection on course content	19.4%	Multiple weeks	video or graphics with 300-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Innovation research review Recorded presentation of a research review in innovation project management (+ in-class oral presentation with live Q&A for students aspiring for above-average marks)	25%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Innovation stakeholder interview Recorded interview with a stakeholder in a real-world innovation project and synthesis with theory	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	5-8min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Innovation case study Recorded presentation of an innovation project case study (+ in-class oral presentation with live Q&A for students aspiring for above-average marks)	25%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59	10min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Top participant bonus Bonus marks for the most pro-active contributions in live classes	15.6%	Weekly	Live session duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Research review presentation: Teams of students describe, critically analyse, and present their assessment on a recent study related to project innovation management. The presentations are pre-recorded and submitted online prior to live classes. Student groups that aspire for above-average marks need to be willing to also present their work live in class and answer questions from the audience live.
Innovation stakeholder interview: Individual students interview a stakeholder of a real-world innovation and connect their experience with theory. The submission is prerecorded and enhanced by original graphics.
Case study presentation: Teams of students conduct a case study of a real innovation management project. The presentations are pre-recorded and submitted online prior to live classes. Student groups that aspire for above-average marks need to be willing to also present their work live in class and answer questions from the audience live.
Peer-review feedback and content reflection: Via-online discussion boards, students provide constructive written feedback on other students’ work and, using visual communication tools, reflect on main points of the core content. The quality and timeliness of the students’ contributions to online interactions during the semester will be assessed.
Top participant bonus: Based on lecturers’ assessment, a small number of points will be allocated after every teaching block to a small proportion of top participants who invested extraordinary effort into positive in-class contributions and to lifting the collaborative spirit of the sessions. In addition to pro-active verbal contributions, student will also have an opportunity to gain additional fractional points during live-classes by contributing written submissions online.

Detailed information for each assessment will be on Canvas.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO ASSESSMENT

Confidential Peer Evaluation:

As part of the group contribution assessment process, collaborative & self-peer evaluation tools (e.g. SparkPlus, CATME, etc.) may be used, either on a confidential or non-confidential basis, to understand contributions and interactions amongst group members. Marks may be adjusted for an individual team member, following on from the peer evaluation process. A team member may obtain zero points for a group submission if they did not actively collaborate in the group work.

Reliability of Canvas Marks:

Canvas will be used in this unit and while key assessments may be submitted via Canvas, it cannot be used to determine/ predict a student’s final marks in this unit. Not all assessment results may be visible to students and group/team marks can change for each individual team member based on the peer-evaluations conducted at the end of the semester.

Mark Moderation:

There may be statistically defensible moderation when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with 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 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 and overview - What is innovation in project context?	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 02	Innovation process models	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 03	Innovation frameworks	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 04	Challenges in managing innovation projects	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 05	Knowledge Management and IP	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 06	Innovative culture of project-based organizations and teams	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 07	Searching for innovation ideas and mobilizing the wisdom of crowds	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 08	Selecting the right innovation projects	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 09	Crowdfunding and innovation funnel	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 10	Skunk works	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 11	Networks in Project Context	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 12	Project within innovation systems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (7 hr)
Week 13	Course summary	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Independent study expanding on the weekly module and workshop.	Self-directed learning (5 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.

A substantial part of this unit is based on the experiences and outputs from the weekly workshops. This makes regular engagement of high importance.

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.

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

The most comprehensive general reference for this course is:

Tidd, J., & Bessant, J. R. (2024). Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change (8th ed.). Wiley. ISBN: 978-1-394-25206-0.

Topical research articles are introduced in Canvas materials.

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. Demonstrate understanding of how methodologies are constructed, particularly in relation to innovation
LO2. Explain the relationship between governance and innovation in project
LO3. Demonstrate how innovation project approaches align with control processes across different contexts
LO4. Identify essential differences between methodologies commonly used in a range of different contexts
LO5. Assess project complexity and its consequences for the approach
LO6. Identify and implement change and transformation requirements related to the project
LO7. Build a methodology to suit the needs of an innovation 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 will be the first delivery of Innovation in Project Context

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

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

PMGT3858: Innovation in Project Context

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links