Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Project management in high-tech electrical & information technology engineering laboratories, where dealing with risk & fast changing technologies are special factors. Good working knowledge of project management for the early career engineer. Development of interpersonal skills for team management.
In today’s world, project management qualifications are highly regarded in all aspects and areas of commerce and industry. The ability to lead teams, plan and execute projects based on stringent deadlines and budgets is considered to be highly sought by prospective employers.
The lecture series explores in a contentious manner the discipline of project management and presents traditional and non-traditional views of aspects of the discipline.
The traditional approach to project management can be characterised by the project management body of knowledge guide (PMBOK Guide) which emphasises the five project process groups; Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Closing, and the nine "knowledge areas" of project management; Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communication, Risk and Procurement. The non-traditional approach questions the applicability of the traditional project management approach in modern projects that require constant changes in business goals and processes. It also argues that project management prospers today because society has embraced particular habits and internalised certain values.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback:
- The teaching team has been augmented with personnel having direct project management experience in the industry.
- Conventional lecture time was shortened and case-based learning time has been increased in favour of active mode interactions.
- Guest lectures from industry experts with a history of successful project management have been incorporated into the lecture series.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGG7800 or MECH3600
Restrictions
Third or Fourth year students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Wayes Tushar
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Guest Lecturers from the industry may be invited to give lectures in ENGG4800.ﾠDetails will be provided via the Blackboard announcement.
Aims and outcomes
To provide the student with a holistic, integrative view of project management. The holistic view focuses on how projects contribute to the overall strategic goals of the organisation. Meanwhile, the integrative view focuses on various project processes such as, how projects are selected, the technical and managerial processes to bring projects to completion.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use the concepts, techniques, and decision tools available to project managers, including MS Project.
LO2.
Develop plans and schedules, and control projects by using appropriate tools including work breakdown structure, activity-on-Node, and project cost-duration graph.
LO3.
Analyse the potential conflicts and problems that can occur on projects and manage project risks appropriately.
LO4.
Work collaboratively, taking on different roles and responsibilities within a team to deliver project results.
LO5.
Communicate effectively, both in oral and written formats, clearly expressing ideas.
LO6.
Give constructive feedback to team members, and be able to receive and act on constructive feedback.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
White Paper
|
15% |
25/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Examination - MS Project
|
25% |
30/04/2025
(During the practical class) |
| Presentation |
Project Presentation
|
25% |
12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
Students will be allocated a presentation timeslot in one of the scheduled classes/tutorials during week 11. Further information will be made available on the blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Final Project Proposal
|
35% |
28/05/2025 3:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
White Paper
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
25/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Each team will submit one white paper. The guidelines for preparing the white paper and the marking rubric will be available on the course website (Blackboard). The teaching team will give feedback to each team on their white paper. More details will be made available via Backboard.
This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of generative AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and constitutes student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The total team mark and peer assessment factor will be used to determine the individual mark of each member of the team. To learn about group peer assessment, please click Group Peer Assessment.
Submission guidelines
Assignments are to be submitted online through Blackboard. The detailed instructions will be made available on the Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions for group work assessments may be available and will require a single request submitted per 3.4.2(1) with agreement from at least 50% of the group members and recognition of potential impacts on the other group members. Student Access Plans for an individual student do not guarantee an extension for the assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical Examination - MS Project
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/04/2025
(During the practical class)
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
A 50-minute practical examination will be carried out. Each student will be given an individual problem to solve in the examination. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of MS Project and project management concepts by creating and analysing a project network. The examination will be conducted during the regular class time in the lab. Students must bring their laptops to the examination.
The exam will be invigilated by a lab instructor. Students will be given problem sheets during the exam. Students will solve the problems on their laptops and return answers via Blackboard for grading. Further instructions will be made available during the laboratory class and through the Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Students need to submit both the simulation file and the doc file explaining the results through the Blackboard assignment submission portal. It is the student's responsibility to get the confirmation of report submission before closing the computer. Students also need to save the file on their laptops and send a copy of the files to the instructor via email.
Further details about the examination will be given on the Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If you are unable to attend the Practical Examination, please submit an Extension of Assessment Due Date request through my.UQ to apply for a rescheduled assessment date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
This course uses practical examinations during the scheduled class time. It is not possible to submit the task later than your scheduled session. Assessment items received after the deadline will be subject to a late penalty of 100%.
Project Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
Students will be allocated a presentation timeslot in one of the scheduled classes/tutorials during week 11. Further information will be made available on the blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students need to present their work with their team. Each student will present the part of the work he/she is responsible for and will be assessed individually. The presentation should give an overall overview of the proposal they worked on together.
Guidelines and marking rubrics for the presentation will be available on Blackboard.
The exact duration of the presentation will be announced via Blackboard when the number of students in the class becomes known. This will be a face-to-face presentation, which the teaching team will assess. Each student must show her/his photo ID before the start of the presentation. More details about the presentation will be made available on the Blackboard.
Hurdle requirements
Presentation is a hurdle. Students must present their project (oral presentation) to pass the course. Students who fail to present their work or get less than 40% mark in the oral presentation will have their overall mark capped at 49% and receive a grade no higher than 3. Students who get less than 20% for the presentation will have their grade capped at no higher than 2.Submission guidelines
Each team needs to submit their slide through a blackboard link just after the presentation (on the presentation day).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final Project Proposal
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
28/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Complete and submit the final proposal using the guidelines available on the course website (Blackboard). Each team will submit one proposal. More details will be made available via Backboard.
This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of generative AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and constitutes student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The total team mark and peer assessment factor will be used to determine the individual marks of each member of the team. To learn about group peer assessment, please click Group Peer Assessment.
Hurdle requirements
The final project proposal is a hurdle. Students must get at least 40% marks in the final project proposal. Otherwise, the student will receive a grade no higher than 3. Students who get less than 30% for the final project proposal will have their grade capped at no higher than 2.Submission guidelines
Assignments are to be submitted online through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions for group work assessments may be available and will require a single request submitted per 3.4.2(1) with agreement from at least 50% of the group members and recognition of potential impacts on the other group members. Student Access Plans for an individual student do not guarantee an extension for the assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 1 will be awarded for an overall mark below 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 2 will be awarded for an overall mark below 47% but greater than or equal to 20%, or where one of the grade caps applies. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A Grade of 3 will be awarded for an overall mark below 50% but greater than or equal to 47%, or where one of the grade caps applies. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 4 will be awarded for an overall mark below 65% but greater than or equal to 50%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 5 will be awarded for an overall mark below 75% but greater than or equal to 65%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 6 will be awarded for an overall mark below 85% but greater than or equal to 75%, or an overall mark of 85% or above but a mark below 65% on one or more assessment items. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A Grade of 7 will be awarded for an overall mark of 85% or above with at least 65% being earned on all assessment items. |
Additional course grading information
Details about the marking criteria of each assessment will be made available on the Blackboard.
Formulation of Final Grade
Presentation is a hurdle. Students must present their project (oral presentation) to pass the course. Students who get less than 40% in the oral presentation will have their overall mark capped at 49% and will receive a grade no higher than 3.
Students who fail to present their work or get less than 20% for the presentation will have their grade capped at no higher than 2.
The final project report is a hurdle. Students must get at least 40% in the final project proposal. Otherwise, the student will receive a grade no higher than 3.
Students who get less than 30% for the final project proposal will have their grade capped at no higher than 2.
Marks will be rounded to the nearest integer before grades are calculated.
The course coordinator reserves the right to adjust raw marks up but not down. In group-based assessments, the teaching team reserves the right to moderate group marks for each group member in the event of varied contributions to the team effort reflected via Buddycheck peer assessment. The teaching team will consider students' attendance in the lecture and tutorial sessions as well as their interactions within their team and with the teaching team while evaluating (and moderating, if necessary) the Buddycheck assessment score.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
In ENGG4800, certain learning objectives, such as LO4 and LO6, are inherently linked to teamwork and cannot be assessed individually. Consequently, replicating team-based assessments in a supplementary context is not feasible. For students approved for supplementary assessment, the format may include a presentation, oral examination, or practical examination designed to evaluate the specific learning objectives in which the student did not achieve a passing grade.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help. Speak to course staff and/or the course coordinator.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
SOFTWARE: The "official" software for the class, including in any laboratory assessments, will be Microsoft Project for Windows. Students will use their laptops to access the software during the practical class. Students must bring their laptops to the practical class. Please see https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/information-technology/bring-your-own-device-byod for details about bringing your device. Further information on how to access MS Project on UQ Digital Workspace (for both mac and windows) will be made available on the Blackboard.
We will be using a Blackboard course site to distribute course materials. You can also see your course grades there. Announcements will also be through the Blackboard. If a student wishes to communicate with the teaching team via email, the UQ official email system should be used. Emails sent from a non-UQ system will be ignored. This is an attempt to authenticate the sources of emails and the identity of senders.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Weekly Lecture Lectures will cover contents from the textbook chapters that will be needed for the assessment preparation. Guest Lecturers from industry will be invited to give lectures in the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Weekly Tutorials Tutorial sessions will be used to review selected end-of-chapter questions, and project-group discussions before project deliverables. Students need to attend the tutorials to interact with their team members and the teaching team to prepare the white paper and final proposal. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Computer Laboratory (Microsoft Project) Microsoft Project hands-on applications in Project Management work. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: