Outline

Overview

The capstone project aims to provide students with the opportunity to plan and execute a defined scope of work that fosters the development of practical skills relevant to project management. Students work in small, semi-random team to deliver an assigned project for the semester. The concepts covered depend on the nature of the project. The project outcomes will be presented in a report that is clear, coherent and logically structured. The project will be judged on the extent and quality of the student's contribution to the project and the product deliverables, particularly on their understanding of the business or organisational context and their critical, perceptive and constructive reflection/feedback on his/her work and that of others. Student teams will also be required to present the results of their project work to their peers and supervisors either face to face or by production of a video recording of their presentation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Project Management
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	36 credit points of Core units of study
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Louis Taborda, louis.taborda@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Louis Taborda, louis.taborda@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	A6 - Project Status Final project status with comparison to plan and Post Implementation Review	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 20 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Jun 2025	~10+ page doc with required Appendices
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A7 - Product Report Professional client/sponsor report describing/including product/value delivered	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 13 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Jun 2025	20+ page doc with evidence in Appendices
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	A3 - Participation Mark Participation in surveys, tutorial attendance, peer-evaluations, and result of 1-on-1 tutor interview. To be assessed in two parts, mid-semester and end of semester. Note: Marks will not be released for these assessments but go towards the final mark.	20%	Ongoing Due date: 22 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Jun 2025	~30 min per week for 15 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	A8 - Project Journal Final submission of a Project Journal which collates and formats weekly reflections and project deliverables.	5%	Progressive Due date: 27 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Jun 2025	~30 mins/wk to reflect-record experience
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A1 - Project Charter A high-level overview of the project provided as Powerpoint slides or poster format	10%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Mar 2025	Powerpoint equivalent to ~15 slides
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A2 - Project Plan Professionally-formatted project plan as a Word document with appendices	15%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Apr 2025	~20+ pages
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	A4 - Presentation/seminar + draft poster Group presentation to sponsor /class with draft poster handout	10%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 May 2025	~15 minutes presentation + Q&A
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A5 - Project poster (final) Final poster as PPT describing key aspects of capstone project	5%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 May 2025	One A1 (form factor) poster
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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	Exceptional project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with excellent peer-evaluations
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with excellent/good peer-evaluations
Credit	65 - 74	Professional project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with good peer-evaluation
Pass	50 - 64	Adequate project deliverables/ value delivered to sponsor by team with fair peer-evaluation
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) 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.

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.

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	Work on project and assessment tasks	Independent study (110 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the Capstone Project, assessment review and team formation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Team building, project allocations and scoping session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	Sponsor meetings and scope definition	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 05	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 09	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	Project work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Presentation	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Project work / retrospective	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Peer-Evaluations + Personal Experience Portfolio	Independent study (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

Selected readings may be provided for critical review and to guide student reflections.

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. initiate and coordinate a critical analysis and investigation of project processes in a specific context
LO2. formulate and justify plans or recommendations for achieving project goals and systemic improvement of performance
LO3. convey complex ideas, analysis and recommendations in a manner suited to the specific purpose and audience
LO4. demonstrate well-integrated critical judgement concerning content, assumptions, uncertainties and inter-connections
LO5. demonstrate understanding of theory and practical context with fluent command of specialist language
LO6. demonstrate ability to select and apply current and new PM knowledge relevant to purpose and audience
LO7. demonstrate understanding of context and of operational implications of plans and recommendations.

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.

We are clarifying activities that can be conducted during the Capstone sessions to make project teams more effective including regular status reports. We have also made participation and the product deliverable (for the sponsor) are now "hurdle assessments" meaning that students/teams must pass them to pass the unit.

Additional information

For prompt response, all correspondence relating to this unit must be sent to the email: pmgt5850@sydney.edu.au

Assessments and/or documentation students create in this unit will need to use the following convention in its title/subject heading: PMGT5850_2025S1_TeamX: Topic

Further information and Team identifiers (X) will be provided in Canvas.

All administrative/ enrolment matters should be directed to the Student Centre in the first instance.

Allocation of Capstone Projects:

As the Capstone cohort grows there is increased competition for interesting real-world projects. It is not always possible to give student teams the projects they want and we must prioritize sponsor benefits by ensuring projects are allocated to the most capable teams based on evidence of prior performance.

Requests for References:

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

PMGT5850: Project Management Capstone Project

Semester 1, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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