Course coordinator
Dr Richard O'Quinn
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Deals with a range of theoretical and practical issues to lead the performance management of people, including topics like understanding performance, ensuring an integrated approach to performance, designing a process for a performance management system, conducting performance feedback and coaching, dealing with diminished performance, and understanding the relationship between reward and performance.
Performance matters for the strategic success of the organisation. Systematic and evidence-based methods that monitor, maintain, and improve the performance of individuals and teams are thus critical to overall performance of the organisation. Thus, performance management is more than a bureaucratic, once-a-year imperative. Performance management systems should be connected to an organisation's strategic goals and from employee developmental needs. When implemented thoughtfully, performance management is an ongoing process that reviews past performance, current activity, and plans for the future. Ideally, performance management is realised in conversation and in relationship with leadership in the workplace. This continuous process is performance leadership, signalling that this process is intrinsic to the strategic work in the practice of leadership.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Before attempting this course, students are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by the School of Business, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS3607
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Richard O'Quinn
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to assist human resources professionals and operational managers in understanding and evaluating performance leadership processes. Students will experience performance management practices as well as engage in conversations to manage performance. In addition, students should be able to engage in critical evaluation of performance management systems from multiple perspectives.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate and design performance management systems that align fundamental management theory, organisational goals, and ethical principles.
LO2.
Evaluate the impact of performance management on employee motivation, engagement, and organisational performance.
LO3.
Develop strategies for optimising performance management in organisations, integrating technology, data analytics, and best practices.
LO4.
Demonstrate effective collaboration with peers through constructive feedback and coaching to enhance performance.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-class Quiz
|
50% 30% Individual 20% Team |
Week 3 - Week 13 |
| Presentation |
Evaluate and Design a Performance Management System
|
50% 40% Team 10% Individual |
10/11/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
In-class Quiz
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 50% 30% Individual 20% Team
- Due date
Week 3 - Week 13
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Team Formation: At the start of the semester, you will be randomly assigned to a team. Teams are formed by the instructor and you will not have the option to choose your peers. The composition of teams will remain constant throughout the semester, promoting stable group dynamics and consistent collaboration.
Quiz Structure and Schedule: Each week, you will take a quiz based on the course content. The quizzes will be conducted in two modes: individually and then as a team.
- Weeks 1-2: Quizzes will be formative (ungraded) and serve as practice to familiarize you with the quiz format and course content.
- Weeks 3-13: Quizzes will be summative (graded) and will significantly influence your final grade.
- During class each week you will complete an individual quiz. Later in that same class you will complete a team quiz on the same material. The team and individual quizzes will contain identical questions.
Scoring and Grades:
- Individual Quizzes: Your performance in these quizzes will account for 30% of your semester grade.
- Team Quizzes: These will contribute 20% to your semester grade. The combined score from individual and team quizzes makes up 50% of your final grade.
- It is expected that team quiz scores will generally be higher than individual scores, reflecting effective communication and collaboration within teams.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Success in team quizzes requires not only a thorough understanding of the course content but also effective communication skills. You will need to discuss quiz answers with your team members, apply course concepts in real-time, and convince your peers of the correct answers, mirroring real-world professional scenarios.
Conflict Resolution: In the event of disagreements during team quizzes, groups will need to employ negotiation strategies discussed in the course. Leveraging HR concepts to manage group dynamics effectively is an integral part of the learning process and will enhance your practical understanding of the course material.
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Individual and group quizzes will be submitted via BlackBoard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
Evaluate and Design a Performance Management System
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 50% 40% Team 10% Individual
- Due date
10/11/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Task Description:
For this assessment, you will present an evaluation and design of a Performance Management System. This is a group project where you'll create and submit a pre-recorded video presentation, not to exceed 15 minutes in duration. In this presentation, your group will use concepts from the entire course to evaluate and design a performance management system within an organization that aligns fundamental management theory, organizational goals, and ethical principles. You must also evaluate the impact of this performance management system on employee motivation, engagement, and organizational performance. Your designed system should optimize performance management while integrating technology, data analytics, and best practices. You are also encouraged to include any other relevant topics you deem essential to make a persuasive case.
This task emphasizes collaborative effort and it is crucial that all team members contribute meaningfully to the presentation. Your teamwork on this assessment will contribute 40% to your semester grade, and individual contributions will be separately measured using peer evaluation, accounting for 10% of your semester grade. This presentation is not just about presenting facts; it's about working as a team to effectively communicate a comprehensive and convincing argument.
Additional Clarifications:
1. Scope and Objective:
- The evaluation and design of the Performance Management System is not limited to a specific type of organization; it can be corporate, non-profit, government, etc.
- Through analysis of the performance management system, teams should identify which concepts from the course to emphasize, based on the time available for the presentation.
2. Presentation Details:
*** All team members are required to present in the video. Voice-over only is not permitted.
- Student teams can determine the best format for their pre-recorded video presentations (e.g., PowerPoint slides, live demonstration, animated video).
- The presentation should be entirely focused on a real-life example or case study. It should not be designed on a fictional account of an organization or a completely fictional/made-up performance management system.
-Teams must seek permission from the instructor for their choice of organization to evaluate in this assessment.
3. Group Collaboration:
- The peer evaluation process will be established by students during the course using course concepts.
- Expectations for the "meaningful contribution" of each team member will be determined by students during the semester using course concepts.
4. Evaluation Criteria:
- A separate grading rubric will be used to assess the quality of the presentation. Students should refer to this rubric when producing their presentation.
- Video presentations should be submitted via Blackboard.
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The project must be submitted electronically via a Turn-It-In link in the Assessment section of BlackBoard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Introduction & Overview: Welcome to the role! Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Performance Management in Context Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Performance Management Process Ekka Show Day - Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Performance Management and Strategic Planning Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Defining Performance and Choosing a Measurement Approach Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Measuring Results and Behaviors Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Performance Analytics Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Rolling Out the Performance Management System Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Performance Management and Employee Development Learning outcomes: L02 |
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Performance Management Leadership Attendance Mandatory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Performance Management, Rewards, and the Law Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Team Performance Management Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Implementing a Performance Management System Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.
Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.