University of Technology Sydney

21936 Event Management

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 27765 Event Project Management

Description

This subject introduces students to the strategic event management process and its use in a variety of event settings. This process involves a series of sequential steps, specifically: initiation, planning, implementation, control, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Next to developing event management competence, the subject also develops effective communication and collaboration skills. Students undertaking this subject should emerge with the ability to understand and apply the range of skills and knowledge necessary to undertake key tasks associated with event planning and delivery.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Explain the strategic framework in which events operate
2. Evaluate the significance of contextual factors impacting the planning and delivery of events
3. Critically discuss the ethical and social responsibilities of event managers in relation to the various stakeholders with whom they interact
4. Develop and present a strategic and realistic event management plan

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject develops the graduate attributes of communication and collaboration as well as professional and technical competence in the Master of Event Management. Teaching and learning activities will introduce students to concepts, processes and tools that foster professional and technical competence. The subject assessments are then based on applying the learnings to real-world contexts where students are demonstrating their professional and technical competence by developing suitable strategies to contemporary event challenges and developing an event management plan. Moreover, students will develop communication and collaboration skills in jointly planning an event and communicating the plan in report form.

This subject also contributes to the development of the following program learning objective(s) for the Master of Event Management courses:

  • Communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively with a diverse range of event stakeholders (2.1)
  • Integrate advanced knowledge of complex event management concepts and technical skills to lead professional practices within a dynamic and complex event environment (4.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject combines both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning activities. Key concepts are taught using a combination of lecture style synchronous and asynchronous presentations as well as individual and group exercises, scenario-based problem solving, and case studies. Some lectures may be conducted by industry guest speakers.

Interactive and collaborative learning activities in class are supported by asynchronous learning activities provided online, which include directed readings, videos, self-assessment quizzes, peer-review tasks and exchange forums. Students are expected to read/watch, reflect on and critique the weekly materials, and complete other weekly activities set as preparatory work for in-class activities that will build on these sources. Follow-up optional learning activities that extend the learning in class will also be provided.

Students will get feedback from their tutor during class, as well as peer and tutor feedback to their work online.

Content (topics)

  • Overview of the strategic event management framework
  • Contextual factors influencing the event project management process
  • Ethical and socially responsible event industry business practices
  • Event Initiation
  • Strategic event planning and feasibility
  • Event delivery tools
  • Financial management and budget strategy
  • Event monitoring, control and evaluation
  • Event risk and crisis management
  • Technology and software for events

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Critical Review (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 3

Weight: 30%
Length:

The paper should be 1,200 words (+/- 10%) excluding the reference list.

Criteria:

The task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Extent, depth and relevance of research undertaken
  • Critical evaluation of the contextual factors as threats and/or opportunities for the event
  • Relevance and applicability of the recommendations
  • Critical discussion of ethical issues related to stakeholders
  • Professional written presentation

Assessment task 2: Event Plan (Group, group assessed)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 3 and 4

Weight: 30%
Length:

Length: 3,500 words max. (excluding bibliography and tables)

Assessment task 3: Exam (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

Weight: 40%

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks

Required texts

Allen, J., Harris, R., Jago, L., Tatrai, A., Jonson, P. & D'Arcy, E. (2021) Festival & Special Event Management Essentials edition, John Wiley, Milton, QLD.

Readings from the required text will be supplemented with academic papers that will be made available through Canvas.