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 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	A6 - Project Status Final project status with comparison to plan and Retrospective/ Post Implementation Review (PIR)	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 23 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Nov 2025	~10+ page doc with required Appendices	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A7 - Product Report Professionally formatted Word document for sponsor with appendices capturing the Project Plan - using Team Branding - no USYD logos.	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 23 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Nov 2025	20+ page doc with evidence in Appendices	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	A8 - Project Journal Final submission of a Project Journal of student's Capstone experience which collates and formats weekly reflections and project deliverables into a job-application-ready submission.	5%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Nov 2025	~20pp or Trello capturing experience	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	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%	Progressive	~30 min per week for 15 weeks	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A1 - Project Charter A high-level overview of the project to be captured in Powerpoint slides.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Sep 2025	Powerpoint equivalent to ~15 slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A2 - Project Plan Professionally formatted Word document with appendices capturing the Project Plan - using Team Branding - no USYD logos	15%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Sep 2025	~20+ pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	A4 - Presentation Group presentation to sponsor /class with draft poster handout	10%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 21:00 Closing date: 30 Oct 2025	~15 minutes for presentation + Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	A5 - Project Poster Final poster as PPT describing key aspects of capstone project. Selected posters will be printed and displayed at the end-of-semester Expo!	5%	Week 13 Due date: 10 Nov 2025 at 09:59 Closing date: 12 Nov 2025	One A1 size/form-factor poster	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

A1 - Project Charter: A high-level overview of the project captured in a document and/or slide-deck describing the proposed project including key elements of the management approach proposed. The initial presentation should identify the project team, the client, background / problem statement, key stakeholders, purpose and justification, objectives, proposed management approach / methodology, preliminary risks and issues and proposed deliverables.
A2 - Project Plan: A detailed plan for the execution of the project providing a clear schedule/ network based on resourcing (human and equipment) and an appropriate cost model, captured in the specified/ approved Project Management tool.
A3 - Participation: Accessed mid-way through the semester (A3-A) and at the end of semester (A3-B), students are to undertake a series of essential activities to ensure participation in the Capstone, including compulsory team formation and peer-evaluation surveys, attendance in class, peer support and reviews. A one-on-one interview with a tutor aims to ensure that every student has an understanding of their Capstone Project, role(s) in the project team and that everyone is actively contributing to achieving the planned outcomes.
A4 - Presentation / seminar: This will be a 10-15 minute presentation of the project, its results and recommendations, provided either face to face or by submission of a video clip or other form of recorded media agreed with the lecturer. The intended audience for the presentation should be clearly identified and the presentation tailored accordingly. Individual team members’ contribution (and therefore mark) will be differentiated based on the CATME (or equivalent) peer-evaluation tool.
A5 - Project Poster: This will be a poster based on a template provided which provides a visually appealing summary of key project information.
A6 - Final Project Status: This is an assessment of the project performance with a comparison of "actuals against plan" with a reasonable and justifiable "claim of success" made in which the project's success criteria are evaluated against the project's accomplishments. A Post Implementation Review (PIR) or retrospective of the project needs to be conducted/ documented, discussing how the Capstone was managed and identifying lessons learned for use on future projects. Individual team members’ contribution (and therefore mark) will be differentiated based on the SparkPlus (or equivalent) peer-evaluation tool.
A7 - Product Report: This is a professionally presented business report that is to be provided to the client/ sponsor and should encompass the agreed deliverables; describing or linking to any products that are tangible or online in nature. The report should be understandable by anyone and cover the background / problem statement, purpose and justification, objectives, literature referenced, description of the investigative approach / methodology, risks and issues, with an emphasis on final results and recommendations. Individual team members’ contributions (and therefore mark) will be assessed and differentiated based on the SparkPlus (or equivalent) peer-evaluation tool.
A8 - Project Journal: Regular, near-weekly reflections are to be taken by students (minimum 8 structured entries of between 150 to 200 words are expected for a Credit mark) where personal experiences are to be diarised. The assessment of this activity will be based on the regularity of submissions (as timestamped), that will be collated and formatted as an individual (digital) journal or portfolio documenting the individual’s project experiences.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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
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	Presentations and feedback on project	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Project work / retrospective	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Peer-Evaluations + Personal Experience Portfolio	Individual 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)

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 2, 2025 [Normal evening] - 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