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:
- Describe the unique characteristics and challenges in creating and maintaining a governance framework which supports (and documents) transparent decision-making;
- Explain with examples and illustrate the limitations of risk management tools and techniques;
- Critically discuss the nature of risk and its impact on the project environment;
- Develop a strong knowledge of the interdependencies of the cyclical risk management process (identification, analysis, treatment, monitoring);
- Analyse the quality of a project risk management framework in real-life scenarios; and,
- Create a project risk management plan for the delivery of projects of scaleable sizes.
Research-Led Teaching
This course is taught in seminar format comprising of pre-recorded topic videos and in-class discussion/exercises. Topic videos will be recorded and made available on Echo360/Canvas. The lecture content is driven by research in the field of project management. Students are encouraged to engage in a range of research activities. In addition, other data, research and concepts will be presented during the lectures that may not be in the text book. The lectures will contain a central presentation followed by classroom activities during the seminar in the application of learned material and participation in case studies.
Additional Course Costs
No additional class costs
Examination Material or equipment
See Assessment Task 1. More information on the quizzes will be made available on Canvas by week 1.
Required Resources
The required resources for the course include topic videos, lecture slides, and reading materials that are uploaded onto Canvas on a weekly basis.
Recommended Resources
Title: "The Rules of Project Risk Management : Implementation Guidelines for Major Projects"
Authors: Chapman, Robert James
Edition: Second edition, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-367-20932-2(hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-429-28182-2(hbk)
Online textbook: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/anu/detail.action?docID=5894054
Staff 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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
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.Other Information
The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/
Publication of Final Results
The release of final grades may change prior to end of semester. The last return of assessment date (4th Dec 2025) provided in the Assessment Summary table is the latest expected. If results are released earlier, then that assessment item(s) will be returned earlier as well.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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| 1 | Introduction to the Course
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| 2 | Project Management
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz A |
| 3 | Risky Projects
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz B |
| 4 | Risk Management Frameworks
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz C |
| 5 | Tools and Techniques for Project Risk Management
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz DAssessment Task #2a: Risk Management Presentation due Wednesday at 23.59 |
| 6 | Governance
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Assessment Task #2b: Risk Management Conversation |
| 7 | Risk Management Lifecycle
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz E |
| 8 | Systemic and Cascading Risk
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz F |
| 9 | System and Project Risk Management
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz G |
| 10 | Project Resilience
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Assessment Task #1: In-class Quiz H |
| 11 | Forecasting Risk
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Assessment Task #3a: Risk Management Plan Planning Conversation |
| 12 | Course Review | |
| 13 | Non-Teaching Week | Assessment Task #3b: Risk Management Plan Due Wednesday at 23.59pm |
Tutorial Registration
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses.
An hour of pre-recorded lectures will be provided for each week, that along with relevant readings are expected to be completed before attending seminars.
Interactive seminars will be conducted each week of the semester. Registration for seminars will be available two weeks prior to the semester and will close at the end of week 1.
Further details about the structure and teaching activities for this course will be available on the course Canvas site from 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Class Quizzes (20%) [Individual] | 20 % | * | * | 1,2 |
| Risk Management Presentation (10%) and Conversation (30%) [Individual] | 40 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Risk Management Plan Planning Conversation (30%) and Plan and Journal (10%) [Individual] | 40 % | 30/10/2025 | 04/12/2025 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Extenuating Circumstances Application
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
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
The course will be delivered on campus (Face-to-Face).
Examination(s)
See Assessment Task 1. More information on the quizzes will be made available on Canvas by week 1.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2
In-Class Quizzes (20%) [Individual]
Description: A closed-book quiz will be held in class (via Canvas) each week from week 2 to week 5 and week 7 to 10 (8 quizzes in total). The quiz will cover the material for the week in which it is set.
It is expected that you have watched the pre-recorded lecture and completed any provided readings before attending the seminar and attempting the quiz.
Seminar Attendance: You must attend the seminar and have your presence recorded to attempt the quiz; anyone found completing the quiz who has not attended the seminar will have their results for that quiz set to 0.
Use of Artificial Intelligence: The quizzes for this course are closed book, and the use of AI is not allowed during the quiz. Suppose you are found using AI in any quiz. In that case, you will be investigated for a potential breach of Academic Integrity Rule 2021, which may result in a mark of 0 for that quiz, a failing grade for the course, exclusion from the university, or other actions taken.
Due Date: During the seminar, each week from week 2 to week 5, and week 7 to week 10 (8 quizzes).
Feedback: Marks will be provided at the end of each week. The question/answer sets will not be shared with the class, but students may request a consultation to review and discuss any/all quizzes.
Grade and Moderation: The top 6 quiz results (equally weighted) will be used to assess the grade; students can miss 2 quizzes without any penalty to their mark in this assessment.
Further Details: Please refer to Canvas for more information to be provided by the end of Week 1.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Risk Management Presentation (10%) and Conversation (30%) [Individual]
This assessment is conducted in two parts:
Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that students develop a critical understanding of risk and its impact on project environments, gain comprehensive knowledge of the risk management process, and analyse the effectiveness of risk management frameworks in real-life scenarios.
Part 2a: Video Presentation of Risk Management Topics and Frameworks (worth 10%)
Description: This video of no more than 5 minutes long and covers an overview of risk management topics and frameworks.
Marking criteria: Submissions will be assessed against the Learning Outcomes shown in the ASSESSMENT SUMMARY table and assessment brief.
Due date: 23:59 on Wednesday of Week 5 via the course Canvas site.
Feedback: feedback and marks will be provided after the conversation as part of 2b.
Length: Video submissions longer than 5 minutes, will be stopped at 5 minutes, with anything further not being watched or marked.
Part 2b: Conversation on Risk Management Topics and Frameworks (worth 30%)
Description: During the seminar in WEEK 6, you will have a 7–10 minute conversation with a marker about your presentation. During this conversation, you will answer questions about your presentation and provide additional information showing your understanding of the topics. Conversations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy)
Marking criteria: Conversations will be assessed against the Learning Outcomes shown in the ASSESSMENT SUMMARY table and assessment brief.
Due date: You will be provided a timeslot during the seminar time during WEEK 6 (25-29/8) to attend and have your conversation.
Feedback: You will be provided feedback as part of the conversation.
Length: Conversations will be stopped at 10 minutes.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use of AI is rapidly growing in all sectors, particularly the use of Large Language Models, of which there are many proprietary brands. In this course, students may choose to use or to not use AI tools. In any case where AI tools are used, the student must do so in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI, as well as accurately cite and reference what tools were used, and advise in an appendix how they used the tool. Guidance on how to do this appropriately is provided in the assessment requirements on the course Canvas page, and the ANU provides further broad guidance in the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. As part of handling a potential breach of academic integrity, students are reminded that they may be requested to meet with the Convenor to discuss any assessment submission, including responding to questions on the content of submissions and on their understanding of the course concepts assessed by the submission.
Further Details: An assessment brief will be provided on Canvas before the beginning of Week 3.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Risk Management Plan Planning Conversation (30%) and Plan and Journal (10%) [Individual]
This assessment is conducted in two parts:
Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that students develop a critical understanding of risk and its impact on project environments, gain comprehensive knowledge of the risk management process, analyse the effectiveness of risk management frameworks in real-life scenarios, and acquire the skills to create detailed risk management plans for projects of varying scales.
Part 3a: Conversation on Planning a Risk Management Plan (worth 30%)
Description: During the seminar in WEEK 11, you will have a 7–10 minute conversation with a marker about your Plan for developing a Risk Management Plan. During this conversation, you will answer questions about your expectations about tools, techniques, theories, and methods for developing a Risk Management Plan. Conversations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy)
It is expected that you have prepared for this conversation, with detailed plans of how you will address the criteria and how you will approach part 3b.
Marking criteria: Conversations will be assessed against the Learning Outcomes shown in the ASSESSMENT SUMMARY table and assessment brief.
Due date: You will be provided a timeslot during the seminar time during WEEK 11 (13-17/10) to attend and have your conversation.
Feedback: You will be provided feedback as part of the conversation, with Marks being provided as part of 3b at the end of semester.
Length: Conversations will be stopped at 10 minutes.
Part 3b: Risk Management Plan and Journal (worth 10%)
Description: Two documents will be submitted, a risk management plan report (maximum 15 pages) and a production journal (maximum 15 pages).
- Risk Management Plan Report: It is expected that you have used AI and other tools to produce this report in line with your planning conversation.
- Production Journal: This journal includes your prompts, insights, and learning process in using the tools to produce your Risk Management Plan Report.
Marking criteria: Submissions will be assessed against the Learning Outcomes shown in the ASSESSMENT SUMMARY table and assessment brief.
Due date: 23:59 on Thursday of the first week of exam period, via the course Canvas site.
Feedback: Mark and feedback will be returned when final grades are released.
Length: Documents that are submitted with more than 15 pages, anything beyond 15 pages will not be read or marked.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use of AI is rapidly growing in all sectors, particularly the use of Large Language Models, of which there are many proprietary brands. In this course students may choose to use or to not use AI tools. In any case where AI tools are used, the student must do so in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI, as well as accurately cite and reference what tools were used, and advise in an appendix how they used the tool. Guidance on how to do this appropriately is provided in the assessment requirements on the course Canvas page and the ANU provides further broad guidance in the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. As part of handling a potential breach of academic integrity, students are reminded that they may be requested to meet with the Convenor to discuss any assessment submission, including responding to questions on the content of submissions and on their understanding of the course concepts assessed by the submission.
Further Details: An assessment brief will be provided on Canvas prior to the beginning of Week 7.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
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
Note: Late submission is not allowed for all assessment tasks.
All requests for Assessment Adjustment (including Requests for Extension and for Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances) should be submitted via ANUHub.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Returning Assignments
Please see relevant assessment 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 assignments 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
Convener
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Research InterestsManagement Education; Project Management; Information Systems |
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Simon Thompson
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Simon Thompson
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