48260 Engineering Project Management
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (((48122 Engineering Practice Review 1 OR 48120 Review of Engineering Practice 1 OR 41038 Professional Practice Review 1)) OR ((96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded courses owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours courses owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree courses with FEIT as secondary owner OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours courses with FEIT as secondary owner))) AND 48240 Design and Innovation Fundamentals
Anti-requisite(s): 16910 Project Management 1 AND 49002 Managing Projects
Description
Engineers are often asked to realise goals in short time frames which usually have complex components and interdependencies. The success of such a goal is often measured by achieving it on time, what it cost to produce and whether its specifications are met. These goals can also be prerequisites to other larger corporate goals which may also have complex and integral interdependencies together with strict time frames and costs. For engineers to be successful in delivering their parts of projects, an appropriate solution is required (i.e., agreed quality) as well as delivery (i.e., on time) to an agreed price (ie. to budget).
This subject helps students to achieve this. The subject adopts a holistic view of project management, considering issues throughout a project life cycle. It considers the project responsibilities of engineering managers and organisations, from the definition phase of a project to its conclusion. The perspective of stakeholders, particularly the project manager, are considered. The emphasis is interdisciplinary and relevant to all fields of engineering practice.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Collaborate in engineering project teams to deliver stakeholder needs, a communication plan and project milestone deliverables. (E.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply project management concepts such as scope, assumptions, risk, milestones, cost, resources, and work breakdown structures to manage and review a small engineering project. (D.1) |
| 3. | Reflect on project management experience to conduct a post-project evaluation. (F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
- 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
- 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in this subject is facilitated through a combination of workshops (denoted as lectures in the timetable) which cover active learning (instruction), tutorials (practice), student projects (practice), and student presentations (practice).
The subject aims to develop students' understanding of project management and to provide them with the skills to assemble a project team, plan, implement then close a project - on time, to budget.
A combination of lectures and tutorials are used to examine each stage of the project management process. Workshops are generally aimed at providing an overview of the subject material and allow for formative feedback, they are run in a modified lecture format. Some theory (from the readings) will be further reinforced, and relevant industry examples given where appropriate. Tutorials are designed to provide a forum for group interactions to further explore and apply the material covered during lectures.
The weekly lecture material presented is sourced from designated chapters in the required text. The program for the lectures is listed in this Subject Outline. Students are expected to have read the appropriate chapters of the required text prior to the lecture so that a workshop atmosphere can be maintained in these lectures to enhance student understanding of this material.
The subject also involves a significant group project based on research and interaction with industry for students to show their skills in engineering practice. This project provides students with an opportunity to apply and practice their knowledge. In this assessment task students prepare an authentic industry project plan, with the necessary supporting components, e.g., Scope, WBS, Risk Plan and Communications Plan, etc. Students need to fully engage with this project at a professional level which should then be demonstrated through their submitted authentic Project Plan report and presentation. Students will need to research appropriate industry products available to meet the project’s requirements and to liaise with industry for a most suitable solution to take forward. Some time is given in class for students to collaborate on this project.
This assessment task also allows students to use their technical skills when developing their project plan from their chosen area of engineering study, i.e., civil, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical and ITC engineering.
The ability to work in a project team is an important attribute for any engineer – particularly when it comes to developing a project plan. Students will be required to work in teams during their tutorials to produce their final report, which is due in Week 10.
Please note that non-attendance at any tutorial session is likely to hamper your progress in the subject, especially when your group members attend and collaborate on the project deliverables.
Students are expected to attend weekly lecture and tutorials. The tutorials will give students an opportunity to apply the lecture material, help build a working relationship among team members for collaborative learning, and help you prepare the group project. Please note that students are not permitted to change their registered tutorial session or project group once assigned.
This subject includes 3 hours of class per week including 1-hr lecture and 2-hr tutorial session. It is considered that to gain a pass on an undergraduate subject in the Faculty of Engineering and IT at UTS, an average student will be required to spend 150 hours per session of study in that subject. It is anticipated you will spend at least a total of 10 hours per week on this subject.
Content (topics)
The specific material to be covered includes:
- Modern Project Management practices
- Project Delivery; Definition, Timing, Costing, Planning
- Managing risk and scheduling resources
- Project teams
- Progress and performance
- Project measurement, evaluation, and closure
Assessment
Assessment task 1: A Group Charter
| Intent: | To organise and define work as a team. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark |
Assessment task 2: A Project Learning Narrative
| Intent: | To develop basic understanding of projects and contributing factors to project success and failures. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2000 words excluding the reference list and appendix. |
Assessment task 3: Group Project Management Plan
| Intent: | To organise and work as a team to define, produce and present outcomes, and to monitor the Project Management process. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 5000 words excluding the reference list and appendices. |
Assessment task 4: Post Project Evaluation
| Intent: | To understand and reflect on learnings (the benefits and difficulties) associated with working on a project. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): F.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more. Students are required to participate in the team forming activities (self-allocate to a team and collaborate in group charter development) during week 2-5 tutorials. The group charter (assessment 1) is due by Friday of Week 5. Students who are not in a submitted group charter will be refused permission to attempt Assessment Tasks 3 and 4, and a fail will be recorded for the subject. Please refer to UTS Student Rule 3.8.
Required texts
Larson E.W., Gray C.F., 2021, Project Management - The Managerial Process (8th Edition), McGraw - Hill Education, Australia ISBN 9781260238860.
This book is available for purchase as an e-book through the publisher.
Copies are in UTS:Library and FEIT Building 11 Learning Precinct.
Recommended texts
PMI, 2021, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition and The Standard for Project Management: UTS Library Link
Other resources
Canvas provides online support for the learning of this subject.
Students are also expected to regularly read the class announcements sent via Canvas and MS Teams throughout the semester.