The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to practical project management techniques applicable to business projects in the private and public sectors. Concepts and techniques covered may include project specification, work breakdown structures, scheduling, network analysis, resource management and budgeting, cost analysis, reporting tools such as Gantt and PERT network charts, contractual issues, and project termination.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. explain and illustrate the organisational context and environment within which project management operates;
2. define, explain and illustrate the project management framework and common tools;
3. explain and illustrate the linkages and interrelationships of strategic deployment and project management from a strategic perspective;
4. examine, reflect and comment upon contemporary issues in project management both nationally and internationally; and,
5. communicate effectively in oral and written forms about business project management using appropriate concepts, logic and rhetorical conventions

Research-Led Teaching

This course will facilitate the synthesis of theory and practice on a broad range of project management tools and techniques. In particular, students will review readings and evaluate selected case studies to develop a catalogue of tools and techniques that can be applied to inform and enhance a career in managing projects. Students are expected to work in teams to compile deliverables as well as participate in class discussions and activities. Additionally, students are required to research specific topics to gain a deeper understanding of the selection of tools and techniques, and their introduction into service.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs

Examination Material or equipment

Not applicable, but note this course has two closed-book in-class quizzes.

Required Resources

Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project management: The managerial process. 7th Edition (Available from ANU Library: HD69.P75 L37 2018 ).

A copy of the textbook will be held in the reserve & short loan collection.

Print text available from bookshops or the ANU library - Online is text available via ProQuest.

Recommended Resources

The following resources are available online, via loan from the ANU library, online or will be provided on Wattle:

• PMI (2013) Project Management Body of Knowledge
• Meredith, J. R & Mantel, S. J., (2008) Project Management: A Managerial Approach 7th Edition, Wiley
• Zwikael, O., Smyrk, J. (2013). A general framework for gauging the performance of initiatives to enhance organizational value. British Journal of Management, 23, S6-S22.

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

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

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Introduction to Project Management and the Project Lifecycle
2	Week 2: Project Planning and Scope Definition
3	Week 3: Project Time Management Tools and Techniques
4	Week 4: Project Cost Management Tools and Techniques
5	Week 5: Quiz 1	Assessment #1: In-Class Quiz
6	Week 6: Project Quality and Risk Management Tools and Techniques
7	Week 7: Project Human Resources Management, Organisation and Culture
8	Week 8: Project Governance, Stakeholder Management and Procurement Tools and Techniques
9	Week 9: In-class group presentations	Assessment #2: Oral Presentation - Project Plan
10	Week 10: In-class Quiz 2
11	Week 11: Project Performance, Reporting, and Change Management	Assessment #3: In-Class Quiz
12	Week 12: Course Review	Assessment #4: Project Planning Evaluation
13	NO TEACHING / End of Semester Examination Period	Assessment #5: Project Review Learning Journal

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assessment #1: In-Class Quiz 1 (Individual - 15%)	15 %	24/03/2026	31/03/2026	1,2,3,4
Assessment #2: Oral Presentation - Project Plan (Group - 25%)	25 %	04/05/2026	18/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Assessment #3: In-Class Quiz 2 (Individual - 15%)	15 %	19/05/2026	03/06/2026	1,2,3,4
Assessment #4: Project Planning Evaluation Report (Group - 10%)	10 %	26/05/2026	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Assessment #5: Project Review Learning Journal (Individual - 35%)	35 %	04/06/2026	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 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

Participation is expected in all course activities and assessments. Seminars will be Echo recorded and consultations will be available via face-to-face and Zoom.

Attendance at seminars, lectures, and tutorials, 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 address the learning materials instead.

Pre-readings and class materials will be available on Canvas one week prior to each seminar.

Examination(s)

There are no examinations, but note that this course has two closed-book in-class quizzes.

Assessment Task 1

Assessment #1: In-Class Quiz 1 (Individual - 15%)

The in-class quiz assesses the content covered in Weeks 1 to 4 of the course. Students will have 60 minutes to complete the quiz.

Purpose

To demonstrate understanding of key project monitoring and control concepts, principles, and techniques introduced in Weeks 1 to 4.

Marking Criteria

Detailed marking criteria will be made available on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Value

15%

Assessment Type

Individual assessment. This is a closed-book quiz.

Time Limit

60 minutes

Due Date

Week 5 (in class), 24 March 2026

Return of Assessment

31 March 2026

Important Note

Further information will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment Task 2

Assessment #2: Oral Presentation - Project Plan (Group - 25%)

This assessment requires groups to deliver an oral presentation that outlines a comprehensive project plan. The presentation should clearly explain how the project was planned to use an Agile project management approach and demonstrate how relevant project management tools and techniques were applied to support effective planning.

Group Work

Groups are expected to self-manage and work collaboratively, with equitable contributions from all members. The ANU reserves the right to award different marks to individual group members for Assessments 2 and 4 where contributions are not equal. Individual contribution will be determined by group members and documented using a group contribution form, which must be submitted with Assessments 2 and 4. Detailed instructions regarding the oral presentation will be provided during lectures and on Canvas. 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 or tutors early so that mediation or alternative arrangements can be implemented if necessary.

Marking Criteria

Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Value

25%

Assessment Type

Group

Time Limit

Approximately 10–15 minutes per group presentation, after which point presentations will be stopped.

Due Date

• Presentation files to be emailed to the Course Convenor AND uploaded to Canvas by 23:59 on 4 May 2026 (Week 9)
• In-class presentations will be delivered on 5 May 2026 (Week 9)

Form of Submission

In-class oral group presentation

Return of Assessment

15 May 2026

Specific Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

It is expected that AI tools will be used in the completion of this assessment. Any AI or related tools are permitted.

General Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI is rapidly increasing across all sectors, particularly the use of large language models. In this course, students may choose whether or not to use AI tools. Where AI tools are used, students must do so in accordance with ANU Academic Integrity principles for the use of generative AI. This includes clearly identifying and referencing any tools used and explaining their use in an appendix. Guidance is provided on Canvas and through the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. As part of the management of potential breaches of academic integrity, students may be required to meet with the Course Convenor to discuss their submission and demonstrate understanding of the assessed concepts.

Link to other assessments:

This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 4 and 5.

Recording

Group presentations will be video-recorded, in order to enable later validation and verification of the assessment if required, in accordance with point 7 of the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy.

Important Note

Further information will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment Task 3

Assessment #3: In-Class Quiz 2 (Individual - 15%)

The in-class quiz covers topics discussed in Weeks 6, 7, 8, and 10 of the course. Students will have 60 minutes to complete the quiz.

Purpose

To demonstrate understanding of key project planning concepts, principles, tools, and techniques.

Marking Criteria

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

Value

15%

Assessment Type

Individual assessment. This is a closed-book quiz.

Time Limit

60 minutes

Due Date

Week 11 (in class), 19 May 2026

Return of Assessment

29 May 2026

Important Note

Further information will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment Task 4

Assessment #4: Project Planning Evaluation Report (Group - 10%)

Assessment Overview

This assessment requires teams to produce a project planning evaluation report following the project execution stage. The report should critically evaluate how the project planning decisions informed project execution and identify key lessons learned.

Group work

This assessment task requires group work; see further details for management of group work under Assessment Task 2.

Marking Criteria

Further guidelines and marking criteria will be posted on Canvas two weeks 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

26 May 2026

Form of Submission

Report, submitted via Canvas

Return of Assessment

23:59, 2 July 2026

Specific Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

It is expected that AI tools will be used in the completion of this assessment. Any AI or related tools are permitted.

General Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI is rapidly increasing across all sectors, particularly large language models. In this course, students may choose whether or not to use AI tools. Where AI tools are used, students must comply with ANU Academic Integrity principles for the use of generative AI. This includes clearly identifying and referencing any tools used and explaining their use in an appendix. Guidance is provided on Canvas and through the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. Students may be required to meet with the Course Convenor to discuss their submission and demonstrate understanding of the assessed concepts.

Link to other assessments:

This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 3 and 5.

Important Note

Further information will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment Task 5

Assessment #5: Project Review Learning Journal (Individual - 35%)

This assessment requires students to produce an individual project review learning journal. The journal should critically reflect on the project experience, with a focus on learning derived from planning, execution, monitoring, and control activities.

Marking Criteria

Further guidelines, including presentation requirements and marking criteria, will be posted on Canvas two weeks before Week 1 of the semester.

Value

35%

Assessment Type

Individual

Word Limit

2,500 words (including tables).

Penalties for exceeding the word limit will be applied as follows:

• 200–250 words over the limit: -5% of the grade awarded
• 251–350 words over the limit: -10% of the grade awarded
• More than 350 words over the limit: -20% of the grade awarded

Specific Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

It is expected that AI tools will be used in the completion of this assessment. Any AI or related tools are permitted.

General Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI is rapidly increasing across all sectors, particularly large language models. In this course, students may choose whether or not to use AI tools. Where AI tools are used, students must comply with ANU Academic Integrity principles for the use of generative AI. This includes clearly identifying and referencing any tools used and explaining their use in an appendix. Guidance is provided on Canvas and through the ANU Gen AI LibGuide. Students may be required to meet with the Course Convenor to discuss their submission and demonstrate understanding of the assessed concepts.

Link to other assessments:

This assessment is linked with Assessment Tasks 3 and 5.

Due Date

4 June 2026 (First Week of Examination Period)

Form of Submission

Submitted via the course Canvas site

Return of Assessment

2 July 2026

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. Refer to the details for each assessment item. Policy regarding late submission (where applicable) 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 approved 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

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.

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 assessment requirements, re-submissions 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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students