Project risk & issues management explores the management of the risks and issues that arise before and during a projects execution.  This involves:  development of a conceptual framework, analysis of the way in which risks and issues influence project decisions, and examination of processes to manage risks and issues throughout the life of a project.

PRIM does not align with any particular methodology in risk and issue management.  Armed with the theoretical principles and techniques that we will explore, students will be able to evaluate the appropriateness and gauge the limitations of the approaches used within their own organisations.  AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 (a case in point), is found to be a special instance of the general risk framework covered in PRIM.

The objective of PRIM is to equip students with essential skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the management of project risk and issues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the unique characteristics and challenges in creating and maintaining a governance framework which supports (and documents) transparent decision-making;
2. Explain with examples and illustrate the limitations of risk management tools and techniques;
3. Critically discuss the nature of risk and its impact on the project environment;
4. Develop a strong knowledge of the interdependencies of the cyclical risk management process (identification, analysis, treatment, monitoring);
5. Analyse the quality of a project risk management framework in real-life scenarios; and,
6. Create a project risk management plan for the delivery of projects of scaleable sizes.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will integrate the latest research on issues related to PRIM with practical tools and techniques. In particular, students are required to read selected research papers and lead discussions in class. Additionally, in groups, students are required to review and analyse the literature on a topic of their choices. All these together can enhance students’ analytical capability and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs expected in this course

Examination Material or equipment

The course does not have a final exam (see assessment tasks).

Required Resources

Information about required resources including prescribed books and journal articles will be made availabe on the first day of Week 1 on Wattle

Recommended Resources

Optional Recommended Reading: (Available for borrowing from ANU Library collection)

1. Meredith,R., Mantel, S.J. 2009. Project Management: A Managerial Approach. 7^th Edition. John Wiley and Sons.
2. Barkley,T. 2004. Project Risk Management. McGraw-Hill.
3. Hillson, 2009. Managing Risk in Projects. Gower Publishing Company

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 1: - Course introduction - What may happen if project risks and/or issues are not properly managed?	Activities/Readings Course outline (available on Wattle) Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings;
2	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 2: - Basic concepts of projects and project managementHomework - conduct research on the Korean Seoul-Pusan high-speed railway (KTX) project	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; By 4pm Tuesday: submit on the Wattle course page (in the Discussion Forum) a “One-page self-introduction” briefing your personal background (academic, work and any personal interests). Please also include your photo, student number and expectations from the class to Wattle. In-class: Group confirmation and topic confirmation for Assignments 2.1 and 2.2;
3	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 3: - Brief on THSR Project - Uncertainties, risks, opportunities and issues - Overview of industry standards and generic frameworks for project risk management - Q&As for A1.1	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; Before seminar: project topic is due (topic for assignment A1.1). In-class: Article discussion on B2 and 3.
4	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 4: - Project risk management planning - Risk identification (objectives, tools/techniques) - Q&As on A2	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; In-class: article discussion on B5
5	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 5: - Risk analysis (qualitative and quantitative analysis methods)	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; By 4pm Thursday: Quality Contribution #1 and #2 due. In-class: Article discussion on B6 and 7
6	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 6: - Risk response planning - Risk allocation	Due date: By 4pm Monday: Assignment 1.1 is due (Project Description. Background, Risk Mgmt Planning, Identification and Analysis). Before seminar: complete all required readings; In-class: Article discussion on B8, 10, 11
7	Mid -Semester Break Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 7: - Risk tracking and controlling - Project opportunity management - Project issues and change management	Two week teaching break Activities/Readings:To be announced on WattleDue date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; In-class: Article discussion on B14, 16, 17
8	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 8: - Managing unknown unknowns - Project risk management vs. people vs. organisation culture	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings; In-class: Article discussion on B18 and 20
9	Group Presentations and discussions (1) - Week 9: In class group presentations and discussions	Activities/Readings: Prepare for group presentations and discussions (TBA) Due date: Before seminar: complete all required presentation preparation; By 4pm Tuesday: Assignment 2.1 Topic Analysis Oral Presentation is due (i.e. the supporting PowerPoint presentation for ALL Groups is required to be submitted to the convenor). In-class: Assignment A2.1 Group Presentations and Discussions to commence (some Groups will present in Week 10) By 4pm Tuesday: Assignment 2.2 Topic Analysis Report is due for ALL Groups
10	Group Presentations and discussions (2) - Week 10: In class group presentations and discussions	Activities/Readings: Prepare for group presentations and discussions (TBA) Due date: Before seminar: complete all required presentation preparation; In-class: Assignment A2.1 Group Presentations and Discussions (remaining Groups to present, continued from Week 9)
11	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 11: - Project risk management vs. people vs. organization culture (cont.)	Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings;
12	Lecture/In-class Exercises - Week 12: - Course Summary and Q&As	Activities/Readings: All course materials (To be made available on Wattle) Due date: Before seminar: complete all required readings;

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Separate tutorials are not part of this course. Further details about the structure and teaching activities for this course will be available on the course Wattle site in O-Week.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
A1.1 Project Background, Description, Planning, Identification and Analysis	30 %	28/08/2023	11/09/2023	1,2,3,4
A1.2: Complete Project Risk Management Plan	35 %	02/11/2023	30/11/2023	1,2,3,4
A2.1 Major Group Assignment - Topic Analysis (Oral Presentation)	15 %	03/10/2023	24/10/2023	1,2,3,4
A2.2 Topic Analysis (Report)	10 %	03/10/2023	24/10/2023	1,2,3,4
A3: Quality Contribution	10 %	24/08/2023	30/08/2023	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at, and participation in all classes are expected in line with the “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Students will be provided with prescribed readings on Wattle in week 1. Students are expected to do all their readings before the weekly classes.

Examination(s)

Not applicable

Assessment Task 1

A1.1 Project Background, Description, Planning, Identification and Analysis

Details of task and presentation requirements:

For the project of your selection, complete the required Sections 1 and 2 (as listed below).

1. Project background

1.1 Why this project is important? And the context, such as the business environment etc, of the project?

2. Project description

2.1 Project outputs and requirements

2.2 Project governance model

2.3 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

2.4 Estimated high-level project timeline and budget

2.5 Critical assumptions about this project

3. Objectives and scope of the project risk management process

4. Roles and responsibilities of project participants in PRM process

5. Project risk management plan

5.1 Project risk identification - this section 5.1 is the critical element of the assignment. As such, section 5.1 should receive considerable coverage in your Risk Management Plan.

5.2 Project risk analysis - this section 5.2 is the critical element of the assignment. As such, section 5.2 should receive considerable coverage in your Risk Management Plan.

Individual assessment

World limit: Less than 2,000 words (excluding tables, figures, references and appendices). Any wording in excess of word limit will neither be read nor marked.

Marking Criteria: will be addressed in Wattle and the classes at least two weeks before due date.

Project Topic Selection: will be discussed in weeks 1 and 2 of the course. Students are to select their own project topic and scope, however, the convenor will discuss this with the class to ensure the topic and scope can feasibly be addressed within the assignment requirements.

Due date: By 4pm Monday, 28 August 2023 (Week 6)

Assessment Task 2

A1.2: Complete Project Risk Management Plan

Details of task and presentation requirements:

This is the second part of Assessment Task 1 and also the final complete project risk management plan.

For the project of your selection, develop a complete project risk management plan containing the following sections (Please note you should incorporate all comments from A1.1 , to improve the quality of the overall assignment):

5.3 Project risk management strategies

5.3.1 Management strategies

5.3.2 Resource estimation and budgeting

5.3.3 Timeframes

6. Project opportunity management

7. Conclusions (managerial recommendations) - this section 7 is the critical element of the assignment. As such, section 7 should receive considerable coverage in your Risk Management Plan.

8. References and Appendix

 

Individual assessment

World limit (for all new sections of content under A1.2): Less than 2,000 words (excluding tables, figures, references and appendices). Any wording in excess of word limit will neither be read nor marked.

Marking Criteria: will be addressed in Wattle and the classes at least two weeks before due date.

Due date: By 4pm Thursday, 2 November 2023

Assessment Task 3

A2.1 Major Group Assignment - Topic Analysis (Oral Presentation)

Details of task:

Group work is a critical skill in project management, thus this Major Group Assignment is a very important part of the course, not just for the necessary academic learning but also for the practice of teamwork. The groups will consist of approximately 2-5 students, depending on the overall size of the class. Membership of the groups will be decided by the Convener.

The Major Group Assignment requires you to conduct a literature review on one of the following Topics. The Convener will allocate the topic to each group. Please note that:

For the assignment, please use recent articles to make sure that you have the most recent knowledge on the selected area. The results should add significant value to the discussions held in class, using multiple sources. The preference orders of references: A*/A journal articles, other-ranking journal articles, conference proceedings, industry standards and other online sources. Ranking of journals articles is available at http://www.arc.gov.au/era/era_2010/archive/era_journal_list.htm#1

Reference styles should follow APA style. More information is available: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/writing-references-list-or-bibliography

Report should follow the general formatting rules which is available on Wattle

List of project risk management areas: (Note: Areas suggested below are broad. Your team is suggested to choose a more specific sub-topic within the selected area) 

The Topics are:

1. Project risk management frameworks
2. Project risk management practices in a selected industry/sector/country
3. Project risk identification
4. Project risk analysis
5. Project risk management strategies
6. Project risk monitor and control
7. Project opportunity management
8. Influence of human factors (e.g., risk attitudes of project manager or risk manager) on project risk management
9. Influence of organizational context (e.g., culture, organizational structures) on project risk management
10. Influence of project context (e.g., project complexity) on project risk management
11. *Project issue management (Note Major Group Assignment that this is a challenging topic; select this one only if you are really up for a challenge)
12. Others (discussed with the Course Convener)

Please note, this Major Group Assignment has two components: (i) A2.1: Group Oral Presentation; and (ii) A2.2: Written Report (e.g. the course assessment pieces A2.1 and A2.2 are done by the same Group, and is focused on the same Topic listed above)

Time limit (Oral presentations and discussions):

Exact time tbc by end of Week 2 depending on the size of the class, but likely to be approximately 10-15mins for each group. This structure and duration of the assignment is subject to change, and will be confirmed in class with the Course Convener.

Presentation requirements:

Important Note: This is not simply a presentation. Your team should evoke audience interest.

Prepare powerpoint slides (or posters) to assist you with the presentation and discussion. The presentation should discuss the key results and recommendations from the topic analysis. Your team may also wish to develop a set of questions to stimulate discussions after (or as part of) your presentation.

As we are restricted in time, it is your responsibility to ensure to finish your presentation and discussions within the allocated time. An unfinished presentation will result in losing points of your grade.

All members of a group should be involved, but they may take different roles.  

Presentations will be recorded for review purposes.

Marking Criteria: will be addressed in Wattle and the classes at least two weeks before due date.

Due date: By 4pm Tuesday, 3 October (Week 9). Presentation method is tbc by the Convenor and confirmed in week 7. Presentations will either be presented 'live' during class in Weeks 9 & 10, or pre-recorded in week 9 and posted online for the entire class to see.

Assessment Task 4

A2.2 Topic Analysis (Report)

Details of task:

This is the written report of your group's Topic analysis, that is provided in assessment piece A2.1.

Group task

World limit: Less than 2,000 words (excluding tables, figures, references and appendices). Any wording in excess of word limit will neither be read nor marked.

Presentation requirements:

The written report should include the following sections:

1. Introduction. Teams should describe the objectives of this report and its contributions to the body of PRIM knowledge.

2. The significance of the selected topic. Teams should discuss the importance of the selected topic (e.g., project risk identification) in the overall project risk and issues management practices. This section 2 is a critical element of the Assessment A2.2. As such, this section 2 should receive consideration coverage in your report.

3. Research methodology. Teams should describe the methodology by which this literature review is conducted.

4. A review and analysis of relevant literature on the selected topic. Teams should review and analyse (e.g., group them into themes, and analyse their findings) the relevant literature.

5. Theoretical implications. Teams should discuss the theoretical implications of the literature review. For example, what are possible future research directions?

6. Practical implications. Teams should discuss the practical implications of the review, such as how your research summaries can help companies in developing their capabilities in project risk (and issues) management? This section 6 is a critical element of the Assessment A2.2. As such, this section 6 should receive considerable coverage in your report.

Marking Criteria: will be addressed in Wattle and the classes at least two weeks before due date.

Due date: By 4pm Tuesday, 3 October 2023 (Week 9)

Assessment Task 5

A3: Quality Contribution

Details of task:

It is essential to your learning, and the learning of others in the class, that you actively participate and contribute to the course. This assessment task will focus on course's student discussions forum on Wattle. Student will be required to do two (2) contributions to the course's student discussion forum (in Wattle). Each contribution will be awarded a mark out of 5%, with the total of the two marks counting towards the maximum of 10% for this task.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges pertaining to PRIM.

Marking Criteria:

Each contribution must be of an appropriate quality and will be assessed taking into consideration: the extent of research and supporting justifications utilised to support the views presented; and appropriate linkages of that contribution, back into the key topics addressed in the course. Each of the two contributions must not be more than 250 words in length. Any wording in excess of word limit will neither be read nor marked. Feedback on the Quality Contributions will be provided weekly during class.

Due date: Quality Contribution #1 and #2 are both due no later than 4pm on Thursday, 24 August 2023 (Week 5).

Feedback on Contribution #1 and #2 will be provided by 30 August 2023 (Week 6)

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students