The courses focuses on the management of the execution phase of projects. Students will learn practices and tools to monitor and control projects, making corrective decisions and introduce changes to plans to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify the contextual factors affecting project monitoring and control during the project execution phase. (Ask + Remember)
- Implement evidence-based project control. (Acquire + Understand)
- Gauge the quality of available evidence to evaluate the project progress. ( Appraise + analyse)
- Ascertain the appropriate corrective actions based on relevant approaches and evidence to ensure that project status is effectively monitored, managed and communicated. (Aggregate + evaluate)
- Recognize the implications of the courses of actions on project outcomes. (Apply + evaluate)
- Devise a project execution report for future project monitoring and control (Assess + create)
Research-Led Teaching
Project Monitoring and Control is a research-led course. The course content, learning outcomes, and assessment design are informed by published research on project management, including peer-reviewed work from leading project management journals and the lecturer’s research. Research findings support critical evaluation of monitoring and control frameworks, and evidence-based performance management. This ensures students are exposed to project monitoring and control not only as a set of tools and techniques, but as an evolving research-informed practice.
Field Trips
There are no field trips for this course
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional course costs
Examination Material or equipment
There is no exam for this course.
Required Resources
Required text:
There are no required texts for this course
Recommended Resources
Resources can be accessed through the ANU library or by following the links below.
- Project Management Institute. (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.
- https://anu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ANU_INST/1alil8h/alma991026792390807631
- Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) (7th ed.). Project Management Institute.
- https://anu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ANU_INST/1alil8h/alma991026814146707631
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
Important: Updates and announcements for this course will be circulated via email and/or Canvas site. Students should ensure that their official ANU email address is effective and that they have access to Canvas. Students should check their ANU email address daily during teaching periods.
Student consultation: Consultation requests to students will be circulated by Course Announcements or by email. Every effort will be made to respond to student queries as soon as possible, and within 2 business days unless there are special circumstances. The preferred initial method of contact is email, with other forms of communication (such as in-person consultation, online consultation, chat, or phone) used by agreement.
Course Guidance: Detailed guidance on assessment requirements, marking criteria, assessment submission standards, navigating the teaching facilities, and how to study, as well as detailed course notes are all available on the Canvas page.
Personal portfolio: You may benefit from a range of learning tools. Consider keeping a personal journal throughout the course to record the thoughts, issues and dilemmas that arise for you. Such a journal may be electronic or maintained in any other format that suits you. The journal is used to record insights gathered from course reading and other sources, as well as for noting personal reflections as the course proceeds. Students may reflect on their skills, resources, capabilities, thinking and learning styles as well as the course content and how it relates to their previous life experiences, and consider how they will prepare themselves for working in a management role, deploying the skills and knowledge gained in this course.
Submission size: A maximum submission size is specified for assessment items. The specified sizes are adequate to cover the requirements to a high standard, and they encourage focused and business-like writing and presentation. Note that words, slides, pages, or time in excess of the specified maximum submission size will not be marked.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use of AI is rapidly growing in business, in particular, 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, but in any case where AI tools are used, the student must accurately cite and reference the particular tools and must also advise in an appendix how they used the tool. Guidance on how to do this appropriately is provided in the Getting Started block on the Canvas page; the ANU provides further guidance at the following link: ANU Libguide https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai 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.
Assessment submission standards: Detailed advice on assessment submission standards, including detailed guidance on what is counted towards submission size, is provided on the Canvas page.
Procedure for extensions: The procedure for obtaining an extension of time for an assessment item is advised in the section on LATE SUBMISSION.
Scaling: Your final mark for the course will be based on the raw marks allocated for each of your assessment items. However, your final mark might not be the same number as produced by that formula, as marks may be scaled. Any scaling applied will preserve the rank order of raw marks (that is, if your raw mark exceeds that of another student, then your scaled mark will exceed the scaled mark of that student), and may be either up or down.
Applicable timezone: The Australian National University is situated in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, and all references to times and dates refer to time in the Australian Capital Territory. Be aware that the Australian Capital Territory observes Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the summer months; the effect of this is to shift the time by one hour from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Australian Eastern Daylight-saving Time (AEDT). This shift is taken into account in setting times for submission of assessment items or other activities, so the set time will be as specified, but AEST or AEDT will apply depending on the time of year.
Support: The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these services is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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| 1 | Week 1: Introduction and foundation topics
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| 2 | Week 2: Project performance
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| 3 | Week 3: Project schedule
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| 4 | Week 4: Project cost
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| 5 | Week 5: Project Governance
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Assessment 1: In-Class Quiz 1(15%) [Individual Assessment]Due: in seminar - 25th March 2026 |
| 6 | Week 6: Project quality
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| 7 | Week 7: Project stakeholders
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| 8 | Week 8: Project team performance
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| 9 | Week 9: In-class group presentations | Assessment 2: Oral Presentation - Monitoring and Control Plan (25%) [Group Assessment]Due: in seminar - 5th May 2026 |
| 10 | Week 10: Dashboards and reporting
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| 11 | Week 11: Project disruption and delay
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Assessment 3: In-Class Quiz 2 (15%) [Individual Assessment]Due: in seminar - 20th May 2026 |
| 12 | Week 12: Course Review | Assessment 4: Report - Monitoring and Control Execution (10%) [Group Assessment]Due: 5 pm 27 May 2026 |
| 13 | NO TEACHING / End of semester examination period | Assessment 5: Project Closure and Lessons Learned Journal (35%) [Individual Assessment]Due: 5 pm 4th June 2026 |
Tutorial Registration
There are no tutorials for this course
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment #1: In-Class Quiz 1(Individual - 15%) | 15 % | 25/03/2026 | 31/03/2026 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Assessment #2: Oral Presentation - Monitoring and Control Plan (Group - 25%) | 25 % | 05/05/2026 | 19/05/2026 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Assessment #3: In-Class Quiz 2 (Individual - 15%) | 15 % | 20/05/2026 | 04/06/2026 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Assessment #4: Report - Monitoring and Control Execution (Group - 10%) | 10 % | 27/05/2026 | 02/07/2026 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Assessment #5: Project Closure and Lessons Learned Journal (Individual - 35%) | 35 % | 04/06/2026 | 02/07/2026 | 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 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 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). Attendance at seminars, while not compulsory, is expected in line with "Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning," Clause 2 paragraph (b). Where students will not be able to attend a seminar, lecture and tutorial, they should advise the Convenor and discuss how to otherwise address the learning materials.
Examination(s)
There is no exam for this course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment #1: In-Class Quiz 1(Individual - 15%)
The in-class quiz covers topics discussed in the course from week 1 to week 4, with a 60-minute timeframe to complete the quiz.
Purpose:
To demonstrate your understanding of key project monitoring and control concepts, principles, and techniques discussed in weeks 1 to 4.
Marking Criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester.
Value:
15%
Assessment Type:
Individual. Paper and pencil format. This is a closed-book quiz.
Time limit:
60 minutes. The quiz will commence at 09:15 am.
Due date:
Week 5 in class on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Return of Assessment:
31 March 2026.
Late submission: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Canvas in the preceding weeks.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment #2: Oral Presentation - Monitoring and Control Plan (Group - 25%)
Description:
This assessment requires groups to deliver an oral presentation outlining their monitoring and control plan for a project. The presentation should explain how project performance will be systematically monitored, reported, and controlled during execution. Groups are expected to demonstrate how monitoring and control tools and techniques have been designed to manage key project dimensions, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder expectations. The presentation should clearly articulate the selected performance measures, reporting processes, thresholds, and corrective action mechanisms, and justify their suitability for the specific project context. Groups should explain how monitoring information will be used to support timely decision-making and manage deviations from the plan. A short Q&A session will follow each presentation.
The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the group's ability to translate theory, bodies of knowledge and research into a practical, coherent, and professionally communicated monitoring and control plan. Scaffolded support will be provided through scheduled milestones, including topic approval, progress check-ins, and feedback prior to final submission. To address potential group issues, students will be given clear guidance on expected roles, collaboration processes, and conflict resolution pathways. In addition, students will have opportunities to move from group to group in Weeks 1 to 5 to ensure the most optimal fit with their selected team members. Where problems arise within a group, students are required to notify the lecturer early so that mediation or alternative arrangements can be implemented if necessary.
Group work:
Groups will be formed by the end of Week 6 to work on this group assignment. Students will be assisted in forming their own groups.
The ANU expects groups to manage themselves and work collaboratively with equal contribution from each member towards the successful completion of the project. The ANU reserves the right to give members in a group different marks for group assessments, including this assessment item, if a member has not contributed equally. Group members' contribution is determined by the group members and submitted (group member contribution form to be provided) with the assessment. Detailed instructions regarding the oral presentation will be given during the lectures and provided on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester. Presentation order will be announced in Week 7.
Marking criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester.
Value:
25%
Assessment Type:
Group.
Time limit:
Maximum of 15 minutes for each group presentation
Due Date:
All group presentations are to be uploaded to Canvas by a single member of the group on behalf of the group by 5 May 2026 in Week 9.
Presentation will be in class on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, in Week 9. Presentations will commence at 09:15 am.
Form of submission:
In-class oral group presentation.
Return of assessment:
Within 10 working days of the due date.
General 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.
Linkage: This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 4 and 5.
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task.
Group presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of the assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy).
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment #3: In-Class Quiz 2 (Individual - 15%)
The in-class quiz covers topics discussed in the course in weeks 6, 7, 8 and 10, with a 60-minute timeframe to complete the quiz.
Purpose:
To demonstrate your understanding of key project monitoring and control concepts, principles, and techniques.
Marking Criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester.
Value:
15%
Assessment Type:
Individual. Paper and pencil format. This is a closed-book quiz.
Time limit:
60 minutes. The quiz will commence at 09:15 am.
Due date:
Week 11 in class on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Return of Assessment:
29 May 2026
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Canvas in the preceding weeks.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment #4: Report - Monitoring and Control Execution (Group - 10%)
Description:
This assessment requires groups to evaluate how effectively project performance was monitored, controlled, and adjusted during execution. Groups are expected to present evidence of performance tracking across key project dimensions, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk, and to explain how monitoring data informed project decisions and corrective actions. Groups must also explicitly document the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, demonstrating responsible and transparent use of AI in line with university policy.
Group work:
Groups will be formed by the end of Week 6, as they will work together on Assessment Item 2 before this group assignment.
The ANU expect groups to manage themselves and work collaboratively with equal contribution from each member towards the successful completion of the project. The ANU reserves the right to give members in a group different marks for group assessments, including this assessment item, if a member has not contributed equally. Group members' contribution is determined by the group members and submitted (group member contribution form to be provided) with the assessment. Scaffolded support will be provided through scheduled milestones, including topic approval, progress check-ins, and formative feedback prior to final submission. To address potential group issues, students will be given clear guidance on expected roles, collaboration processes, and conflict resolution pathways. Where problems arise within a group, students are required to notify the lecturer early so that mediation or alternative arrangements can be implemented if necessary.
Marking criteria:
Further guidelines, including expected word count, page limit (if any), and associated penalties, as well as marking criteria, will be posted on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester.
Value:
10%
Assessment Type:
Group
Word limit:
2000-word report (including tables).
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:
Group submission to be uploaded to Canvas by a single member of the group on behalf of the group, by 17:00 (5 pm) on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, in Week 12.
Form of submission:
Report submitted via the course Canvas site
Return of assessment:
2 July 2026, with the final release of grades.
Specific use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: It is expected that you will use AI in the completion of this assessment. Any and all AI or other tools are permitted for this assessment.
General 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.
Linkage: This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 2 and 5.
Note: Late submission is not allowed for this assessment task.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2,3,4,5,6
Assessment #5: Project Closure and Lessons Learned Journal (Individual - 35%)
Description: This assessment requires students to critically reflect on the closure of a project.
Marking criteria:
Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas a fortnight before Week 1 of the semester.
Value:
35%
Assessment Type:
Individual
Word limit:
2500-word report (including tables).
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.
Specific use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: It is expected that you will use AI in the completion of this assessment. Any and all AI or other tools are permitted for this assessment.
General 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.
Linkage: This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 4 and 5.
Due Date:
Before 17:00 (5 pm), Thursday 4 June 2026, Exam Week 1
Form of submission:
via the course Canvas site
Return of assessment:
Marks are released on 2 July 2026 with the final release of grades. Students may contact the Convenor for qualitative feedback after the release of marking.
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
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.
- Late submission permitted. 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 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 the relevant assessment task details under the Assessment tab/section.
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
Convener
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Research InterestsProject management, organisational psychology and artificial intelligence |
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Alicia Gilchrist
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Alicia Gilchrist
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