Unit outline_

PMGT5876: Change Implementation

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

Projects always introduce change, but if the personal, psychological, and behavioural impacts of change are not managed carefully, unanticipated resistance may emerge hampering otherwise successful delivery. The organisational or behavioural change in projects range from small aspects of retraining to complete transformation of organisational values and behaviours. Change management plays a role at both the strategic and operational level. Organisational or behavioural change may be required to assist in achieving project outcomes, or the primary focus of the project may be the implementation of change. In this unit, students will be introduced to 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
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
WORK6026
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lynn Crawford, lynn.crawford@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Chris Lawler, chris.lawler@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment AI Allowed Case Study and Analysis
Written report
20% Week 03
Due date: 16 Mar 2025 at 23:59
2,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Change Planning Stage 1 Portfolio
Students will create a workflow portfolio demonstrating change management planning for a nominated case organisation.
20% Week 07
Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59
2,000 words (or multimedia equivalent)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO7
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Change Planning Stage 2 Portfolio
Students will build on their previous workflow portfolio to incorporate feedback and full lifecycle of change planning through to value creation for a nominated case organisation.
30% Week 10
Due date: 11 May 2025 at 23:59
3,000 word (or multimedia equivalent)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Discussion / Interview
In person discussion. Held during the workshop in weeks 12 and 13.
20% Week 12
Due date: 20 May 2025 at 14:00
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment AI Allowed Reflection
Essay/Report
10% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59
1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

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) 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.

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
Week 01 Introduction to Strategy Independent study (8 hr) LO1
Introduction to Strategy Online class (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 What Change? Why? Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2
What Change? Why? Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Change Management Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Change Management Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Kotter's Eight Stage Process Independent study (8 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Kotter's Eight Stage Process Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 05 Culture and Change Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Culture and Change Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 06 Leadership and Change Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Leadership and Change Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Change Management and Project management Independent study (8 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Change management and Project management Online class (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Power, Persuasion and influence part 1 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Power, Persuasion and influence part 1 Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Power, Persuasion and influence part 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Power, Persuasion and influence part 2 Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Vision(s) of the future Independent study (8 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Vision(s) of the future Online class (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Organisational storytelling Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Organisational storytelling Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 12 Positivity and feedback Independent study (8 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Positivity and feedback Online class (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Final considerations on Change and Reflections Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Final considerations on Change and Reflections Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library.

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. Identify the scope of change and prepare interventions, communication plans and training accordingly
  • LO2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the organisational change implementation
  • LO3. Assess progress, and monitor business stability and capability to cope with change
  • LO4. Explore implications inherent in employee relations and employee contracts
  • LO5. Appreciate the links and tensions between strategy, organisational change and project/programme management
  • LO6. Identify new methods and approaches for implementing changes in organisations
  • LO7. Analyse the culture of organisations and identify cultural aspects that could change

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.

Have updated assessment dates and reviewed evaluations

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.