This course is designed to introduce students to advanced management topics relevant to the execution of major projects. The aim of this course is to provide a grounded understanding of key aspects of successful project management practices in the context of a global economy and increased organisational complexity.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe the unique characteristics and challenges surrounding major projects (Ask & Remember);
2. Explain the various leadership and support roles in major projects (Acquire & Understand);
3. Gauge the quality of project management methodologies and evidence in the context of major projects (Appraise & Analyse);
4. Compile a communication plan so major projects are effectively communicated to senior executives. (Aggregate & Evaluate);
5. Consider a plan to manage conflicts in major projects (Apply & Evaluate);
6. Create a stakeholder management plan for major projects (Apply & Create); and
7. Select an effective approach to manage major projects in challenging and uncertain environments (Assess & Create).

Research-Led Teaching

This course is delivered in a seminar format that combines lectures with in-class discussions, and practical exercises. Lectures may be recorded and made available on Canvas. The lecture content is informed by current research in the field of project management, and students are encouraged to engage with a wide range of research activities.

In addition, supplementary data, research insights, and concepts not covered in the textbook will be introduced throughout the course. Each lecture will include a core presentation followed by interactive classroom activities designed to apply the learned material, including group exercises.

Field Trips

Not applicable.

Additional Course Costs

No additional class costs

Examination Material or equipment

Refer to Assessment Tasks 1 and 2 for detailed information. Additional details regarding in-class assessments will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks prior to the assessment dates.

Required Resources

Title: "Project Management: the Managerial process"

Authors: Larson and Gray

Edition: Seventh edition, 2018

ISBN: 9781259253874

Available at Chifley General  (HD69.P75 L37 2018)

Link to textbook ANU library page (to access online)

Recommended Resources

Students are encouraged to consult leading project management journals to deepen their understanding of current research, emerging trends, and practical applications in the field. Key journals include:

• Intrnational Journal of Project Management
• Project Management Journal
• Project Leadership and Society
• International Journal of Managing Projects in Business

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.

Other Information

Student Support

The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/

Recommended Appropriate Use of AI

• Brainstorming: Generating initial ideas for research directions or report structure
• Editing: Identifying grammatical errors, improving sentence clarity, or suggesting alternative phrasing
• Summarisation: Creating initial summaries of lengthy sources (which must then be verified and integrated)
• Formatting: Assistance with citation formatting, table creation, or document structure
• Translation: Translating non-English sources (with acknowledgment)
• Concept explanation: Seeking clarification of complex project management concepts (followed by verification in course materials)

Inappropriate Use of AI

• Generating entire report sections without substantial human analysis and revision
• Using AI to fabricate references or data
• Submitting AI-generated content as original work without acknowledgment
• Relying on AI to answer questions you should understand independently
• Using AI to generate group meeting minutes or contribution records that did not actually occur

Possible Academic Integrity Follow-Up

As part of an academic integrity case process, the course convener may request individual or group meetings to discuss the submitted work, ask follow-up questions, or confirm students' understanding of course concepts relevant to the assignment.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Introduction to the Course.Review of modern project management concepts, frameworks, and techniquesReadings: Ch.1
2	Week 2: Project Definition Defining and planning the project Readings: Ch. 4 & 5
3	Week 3:Developing a Project Network Creating project network Critical Path Analysis Readings: Ch. 6	Assessment 3: Team formation for the Major Assignment
4	Week 4: Scheduling Resources and Reducing Project Duration Resource-constrained scheduling Critical Chain Project Management Readings: Ch. 8 & 9
5	Week 5: In-Class Assessment 1Readings: Ch.1, 4, 5 , 6, 8, 9	Assessment 1: in-class examination.This assesses students' understanding of the key project management concepts and techniques covered during the first four weeks of the course.
6	Week 6: Managing Project Teams Being an effective project manager and good leader. Team management and team types. Conflict management. Reading: Ch. 10 & 11
7	Week 7: Managing Project Stakeholders Stakeholder communication and engagement in major projects Reading: Handout
8	Week 8: Project Cost Management Estimating project costs Project budgeting Reading: Handout
9	Week 9: Project Progress Evaluation Project controlling tools Earned Value Management Reading: Ch. 13
10	Week 10: In-Class Assessment 2	Assessment 2: in-class examination.This evaluates students' understanding of key topics covered from Week 6 to Week 9, including project team and stakeholder management, project cost management, and project progress evaluation.
11	Week 11: Systems Thinking for Project Managers: Principles and Practice Definitions of systems Foundational concepts of systems thinking Applying systems tools to projects
12	Week 12: Course Review Review Conclusion Q&A about the final assessment
13	NO TEACHING - End of semester examination period	Assessment 3: Report due 23:59 on first Friday of the Examination period.

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable, as this course is taught in seminar mode

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
In-Class Assessment 1 (Individual - 30%)	30 %	26/03/2026	31/03/2026	1,3,7
In-Class Assessment 2 (Individual - 30%)	30 %	14/05/2026	28/05/2026	1,2,3,5,6,7
Major Assignment Report (Group - 40%)	40 %	05/06/2026	02/07/2026	1,3,4,7

* 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

The course will be delivered on campus (Face-to-Face).

Examination(s)

Refer to Assessment Tasks 1 and 2 for detailed information of in-class examinations. Additional details regarding in-class assessments will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks prior to the assessment date.

Assessment Task 1

In-Class Assessment 1 (Individual - 30%)

"In-Class Assessment 1," covering topics discussed from Week 1 to Week 4 of the course, will be conducted during class with a 90-minute time limit for completion.

Purpose:

To demonstrate your understanding of key Project Management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 1 to week 4.

Marking Criteria:

Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Value:

30%

Assessment Type:

Individual

Time limit:

90 minutes

Examination Material or Equipment:

This is a closed-book examination. Students are not permitted to bring any materials, including textbooks, course slides, notes, or any other reference documents. AI use is not permitted.

Students may bring a non-programmable calculator for numerical or analytical questions. Programmable calculators, electronic devices, dictionaries, or any additional aids are not allowed.

Due date:

The In-Class Assessment 1 will take place in Week 5. Students will have a 90-minute timeframe to complete the assessment during class.

Return of Assessment:

By 31 March.

Deferred Examination:

Students who are unable to complete this assessment due to approved circumstances may be eligible for a Deferred Examination, in accordance with ANU Assessment Rules. Applications must be submitted through the formal Deferred Examination process, with supporting documentation, by the published deadline (see ANU Deferred Examinations guidelines).

Additional details regarding in-class assessments will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks before the assessment date.

Assessment Task 2

In-Class Assessment 2 (Individual - 30%)

"In-Class Assessment 2," covering topics discussed from Week 6 to Week 9 of the course, will be conducted during class with a 90-minute time limit for completion.

Purpose:

To demonstrate your understanding of key Project Management concepts, principles, and techniques discussed from week 6 to week 9.

Marking Criteria:

Marking criteria for this assessment will be made available on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Value:

30%

Assessment Type:

Individual

Time limit:

90 minutes

Examination Material or Equipment:

This is a closed-book examination. Students are not permitted to bring any materials, including textbooks, course slides, notes, or any other reference documents. AI use is not permitted.

Students may bring a non-programmable calculator for numerical or analytical questions. Programmable calculators, electronic devices, dictionaries, or any additional aids are not allowed.

Due date:

The In-Class Assessment 2 will take place in Week 10. Students will have a 90-minute timeframe to complete the assessment during class.

Return of Assessment:

Within 10 working days of submission.

Deferred Examination:

Students who are unable to complete this assessment due to approved circumstances may be eligible for a Deferred Examination, in accordance with ANU Assessment Rules. Applications must be submitted through the formal Deferred Examination process, with supporting documentation, by the published deadline (see ANU Deferred Examinations guidelines).

Additional details regarding in-class assessments will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks before the assessment date.

Assessment Task 3

Major Assignment Report (Group - 40%)

By the end of Week 4, teams will be formed to work on the Major Assignment. This assignment involves researching a project management topic, which will be allocated to each team by the course convener. The assignment will require the development of a comprehensive report, along with an individual reflection on each team member's learning experience, including interactions with group members, the impact of those interactions on their learning, and the overall project outcomes.

Each group will consist of approximately 4-5 students, depending on the class size. Group membership will be determined by the course convener. Teams are expected to work collaboratively, with each member contributing equally to the successful completion of the project.

Detailed instructions for the Major Assignment will be provided during lectures. This assignment constitutes 40% of the total course grade.

Purpose:

1. To develop skills in describing the unique characteristics and challenges surrounding major projects (Learning Outcome 1)
2. To gauge the quality of project management methodologies and evidence in the context of major projects (Learning Outcome 3)
3. To develop a professional report that effectively communicates major project communication plans to senior executives (Learning Outcome 4)
4. To select and discuss effective approaches to manage major projects in challenging and uncertain environments (Learning Outcome 7)

Marking criteria:

Marking criteria will be available on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Further guidelines will be posted on Canvas in Week 4

Value:

40%

Assessment Type:

Group (More information on group formation and group work will be made available on Canvas and/or in class)

Word limit: 

2500 words report

For the Report: no more than 2,500 words. Penalties for exceeding the word limit will be applied as follows:

• 200 - 250 words excess, -5% of the grade awarded;
• 251- 350 words excess, -10% of the grade awarded;
• >350 words excess, -20% of the grade awarded.

Due Date:

05 June 2026, 11:59 pm (Canberra time)

Form of submission:

via the course Canvas site

Late submission:

Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task.

Return of Assessment:

With the release of final grades.

Group Contribution Summary Form (Mandatory)

All students must submit a Contribution Summary Form, signed and acknowledged by all team members. This form documents the percentage contribution of each member and a brief description of tasks completed.

• Marks will be adjusted individually based on the verified level of contribution.
• If the form is missing, unsigned, or inconsistent, the group may be required to meet with the convener before marks are released.
• Any student receiving a significantly lower contribution percentage (as agreed by the group and supported by evidence) may receive a proportionally lower grade for the assignment.

Group Work Expectations and Conflict Resolution

1) Teams are expected to collaborate professionally and maintain regular communication.

2) If any problems arise (including unresponsiveness, unequal participation, or conflict), students must report these issues to the course convener immediately via email.

3) The convener will arrange:

• an individual meeting, or
• a group meeting with all members,
• to assess the situation and determine appropriate actions (e.g., redistribution of tasks, documentation of issues, adjustment of contributions).

Failure to report issues early may limit the support the convenor can provide.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Students may choose to use generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Deepseek) to support their learning and completion of the Major Assignment, provided such use is consistent with ANU Academic Integrity principles for GenAI. While students may use AI tools, any use of generative AI must be clearly disclosed and appropriately referenced. Content generated by AI that is not transparently acknowledged may be considered a breach of academic integrity. Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work, and must ensure that any AI assistance does not replace their own critical thinking or analysis. Submitted work is subject to review using a combination of methods, including stylistic analysis and oral vivas (defences) where appropriate. Inconsistencies between a submission and a student's demonstrated understanding may trigger a formal academic integrity case review.

If your group chooses to use AI tools, you must:

1) Include a dedicated section (as an appendix, not counted toward word limit) titled "Use of Artificial Intelligence" that specifies:

• Which AI tools were used (name and version, e.g., "ChatGPT-4, accessed May 2026")
• What specific tasks AI was used for (e.g., "brainstorming initial research questions," "proofreading for grammar and clarity," "summarising literature findings," "generating alternative phrasing for technical explanations")
• How AI outputs were integrated into your work (e.g., "AI-generated summaries were verified against original sources and rewritten in our own words")
• What proportion of the work involved AI assistance versus independent human effort

2) Submit your report in MS Word with 'tracked changes' enabled that shows the progression of academic effort. This documentation must demonstrate:

• Multiple drafts showing iterative development of ideas
• Evidence of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis beyond AI-generated content
• Group members' intellectual contributions through comments, revisions, and substantive additions
• How AI suggestions were critically evaluated, modified, or rejected

3) Follow APA 7th edition guidelines for citing AI-generated content. For example:

• OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (May 15 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

Please refer to Other Information and the course Canvas site for further information about the appropriate use of AI in this course.

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

Note: Late submission is not allowed for any assessment tasks.

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

All requests for Assessment Adjustment (including Requests for Extension and for Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances) should be submitted via ANUHub .

Referencing 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.

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
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students