Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
Students must complete the following one hundred and eighty credit points (180CP) of subjects.
The ability to find, read, interpret and learn from data has become critical in determining the future of all human endeavours. This subject introduces you to the principles and applications of research methodology, equipping you with lifelong skills to design, execute and present research of integrity in your current studies and future professions. You will explore research purposes, methods and tools for data selection, interpretation and analysis, and learn how to present findings and visualise data in ways that address the needs of diverse educational and industry contexts.
Read moreProject participants need to understand the legal context within which they make decisions and perform actions, as frequently disputes can arise that require resolution and/or expert opinion. Project quality and environmental management provide a convenient instance where disputes and the need for expert testimony can arise, and are examined here in the context of project closure, including lessons learnt, standards, continuous improvement and client satisfaction. A general appreciation of international legal principles informed by case law forms an important backdrop to the subject. Practitioners must understand the limitations of their involvement in legal proceedings and be familiar with the conduct of procedures that commonly occur, including alternative dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation. A moot court environment is used to demonstrate the experience of appearing in a formal hearing, and students are asked to also prepare or critique an expert report related to an example of ‘defective’ work or service that is the subject of a contractual dispute.
Read moreMaking effective decisions in the context of uncertainty is vital to all aspects of a project's life cycle. This subject explores the link between project scope and risk management with particular emphasis on the implementation (executing) phase of delivery. A comprehensive study of the identification, measurement, pricing and management of risks encountered in delivering large and complex projects is fundamental to the level of project performance. Key topics include: mitigation and contingency planning; dealing with uncertainty; disaster planning and recovery; risk identification, management and communication; change management (including scope change and creep); emergent risks; use and development of risk registers; use of risk software; and organisational risk management systems (including human safety). A novel simulation game is employed to test students ability to exercise good judgement in realistic life and death scenarios. The importance of proper scope definition, change and validation to maximise stakeholder satisfaction are reinforced via case studies.
Read morePlanning practice requires an understanding of the diverse roles, skills, knowledge and ethics of being a professional planner. Planning practice involves working both in private consultancy as well as the public sector. Planners need to have diverse skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, policy research and spatial analysis. Planning practice requires a sound knowledge of planning theories and perspectives on areas such as gender, cultural diversity and conflict management. Planners also need to have a strong understanding of professional ethics. This subject aims to provide an overview of the planning profession, highlighting the links between professional practice, planning theory and ethics.
Read moreUrban spatial analytics is the application of quantitative, computational, design and visual methods to analyse and model the spatial and morphological structure of cities and regions. The products of urban spatial analytics are used to inform professional work in urban planning and design, architecture, property development and investment, portfolio management and decision-making in both the public and private sectors. Students will learn how to mine Big Data from a range of sources using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), mobile applications, web mapping and 3D technologies to analyse, visualise, and communicate patterns of complex urban spatial information.
Read moreManaging complex projects involves an understanding of the processes, techniques and tools used in project management. This subject provides an overview of the discipline by exploring these systematically using the internationally recognised Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a foundation. Project integration, scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, resource, communications, procurement, stakeholder and, looking forward, environmental management reflect the generic knowledge areas that combine to support successful project implementation and social responsibility. A hands-on (learning by doing) approach is adopted within a flipped classroom delivery strategy to link theory with practice and deal with project change in real-time. A key outcome for students is being able to evaluate how project managers can determine whether they have been successful (in terms of planned versus actual performance) by ensuring that the project is delivered within budget, on time, as specified, and with no surprises. Students demonstrate competency in project integration management, in particular, by preparing a detailed project plan for an authentic case study with the help of a personal 'coach' to provide individual direction and advice throughout the process.
Read moreA robust understanding of finance and procurement is vital to successful project delivery. This subject examines financing and procurement management of projects, with particular emphasis on the initiation phase, using a range of international case studies drawn from both public and private sectors. The financing component includes the design, structuring, costing, sourcing and management of project finance, credit risk analysis, the cost of capital, principles of financial accounting, capital structure, markets and securitisation. The procurement component includes different types of contractual arrangements, responsibilities and appropriate organisational structures, solicitation planning, governance, the process of feasibility analysis, bid design and selection criteria, setting of a project budget and cost baseline, and implications for contract administration and contract close-out. Together, finance and procurement management ensure the ‘right project’ is selected and that client/sponsor satisfaction and value for money are ultimately delivered.
Read more‘City regions’ have become the dominant form of urban development worldwide, as polycentric cities replace outdated 20th century notions of a high-rise CBD surrounded by sprawling suburbs. This subject is an advanced Urban Design and Planning studio, supported by seminars presented by staff, students, visiting lecturers and distinguished practitioners. The studio uses urban South East Queensland as the focus of a practical examination and intervention into metropolitan regional planning, in the light of global growth in coastal city regions and comparative planning frameworks that optimise long-term urban design outcomes. The subject gains an interdisciplinary perspective through a partial overlap with the equivalent Architecture studio.
Read moreCommunity planning and design require a sound understanding of the needs of diverse communities and local place characteristics. Active engagement, community building and placemaking are integral parts of community planning. This subject is intended to provide the students with the theories, tools and practices of community planning for building inclusive and sustainable communities. It will also prepare the students to develop a community planning proposal with a focus on sustainability.
Read moreUrban Design is the field that brings together the contributions of the built environment professions to shape the urban form and quality of life offered by our cities and towns. This subject introduces key urban design ideas, using existing urban areas as the vehicle for analysis and understanding. Students will get to know and develop knowledge and skills needed by built environment professionals for the creation of urban places that are environmentally, economically, socially and culturally rich and sustainable.
Read moreThe subject explores the role of economic development and city planning in the development of soft and hard infrastructure that leads to economic prosperity for urban centres. The subject develops a comprehensive understanding of land development markets within cities. It then focuses on levels of governance and private investment responsible for infrastructure development and evaluates key drivers including political, social and environmental challenges in the realisation of infrastructure implementation. This subject will enable you to critically assess the socio-political context and explain key urban theory such as urban consolidation, environmental conservation offsets and the imporatance of building future capacity within infrastructure. You will engage with real live projects, stakeholders and a range of practitioners while participating in interactive lectures and blended learning activities. You will also participate in online activities and reflective professional practice activities to build relevant experience in the design and land development industry.
Read moreThis subject provides an introduction to planning principles, processes and practices in Australia. It will review strategic and statutory planning processes with particular focus on key planning legislation, plan making and development assessment. The subject will examine planning at different scales from global to local area planning. The subject will provide an overview of strategic land use planning, including smart cities and sustainable development, as well as governance mechanisms for the integration of land use and infrastructure. Students will learn to navigate a planning scheme to assist them in their chosen profession/s. Through practical exercises, students will also develop skills in putting together planning applications as well as understanding development assessment processes.
Read moreProgram management is the coordinated management of multiple related projects designed to implement strategies and deliver specific benefits, while portfolio management is a process for selection and prioritisation of projects and programs within an organisation. In both cases, considerable strategic awareness and judgement is needed. This subject therefore focuses on the monitoring and control of project or program delivery in the context of communications and stakeholder management and their alignment to organisational goals. In addition, students are exposed to the principles and application of program and portfolio management including project administration, project dashboards, earned value management, and the role that a project or program office can play in assisting control processes. A necessarily practical approach is taken to explore this area. The roles and responsibilities of the various professional associations that guide the future development of the global discipline and bear on personal career development are also examined.
Read moreThis subject introduces Earth and Global Systems, climate mechanisms, ocean and atmospheric interactions and changes to those that will raise significant challenges for human survival. Major issues include drought, desertification, rising temperatures, natural disasters, pandemics, loss of habitats and agricultural land. Rising sea levels and severe weather events will impact human habitation, cause forced migration, change food production, habitat loss and loss of animals and fish stocks. These changes will challenge health and economic systems, geopolitical boundaries, global communities, international law, and our treatment of others and the natural world. Forced population movement and migrations as well as changes in disease patterns will compound these problems, particularly with a growing world population. The subject provides a broad background to climate change and its associated problems so that people can face their future with a greater understanding of how to tackle a changing world. Based on this understanding, students are then introduced to the relationship between climate science and environmental management actions to address the impacts of a changing climate. Students will evaluate and develop strategies, policy objectives and the implementation of action plans for adaptation, mitigation and resilience. International organisations and agreements addressing climate change will be examined. The roles of governments, business and communities will be assessed. Local, national and global action plans will be examined to provide a clear understanding of how this global issue is impacting on the future sustainability of the planet.
Read moreThis subject will be taught as a block of one week and will provide practical environmental field data collection, analysis experience, and contact with local Aboriginal custodians of the land in accordance with local protocols. The environmental issues of a selected region will be studied using environmental assessment methods appropriate to the region.
Read moreThe two most commonly identified critical success factors for projects are an appropriately involved and supportive sponsor and an experienced and people-savvy project manager who understands what it takes to create a performance-focused culture. This subject emphasises the people (soft) skills of project management and the qualities of effective project leadership and communication, including emotional intelligence. These comprise leadership maturity, advocacy, strategic awareness, executive presence and project planning skills. Specific topics explore the interaction between project time and human resource management, such as high-performance teams, resource planning and productivity, resource allocation and levelling using industry-leading software, ethical behaviour, positive project-corporate politics, stakeholder engagement, influence and persuasion, the art of negotiation and compromise, and conflict management. The application of 'Agile' project management is also introduced and compared to traditional project planning frameworks.
Read moreThis subject comprises the detailed investigation of a particular topic of interest related to the student's degree program, and culminates in the preparation of a 15,000-word dissertation plus a 5,000-word summary paper suitable for future conference publication. In both cases the work includes a rationale for the research, underpinning and fully referenced literature review, articulation of an appropriate method and ethical practice, collection of primary data, analysis, discussion and conclusions. Referencing is to be in the international APA style format. Each student is allocated a personal supervisor and mentor to provide guidance in this task, with regular meeting opportunities throughout the semester. Students are also invited to a mini-conference in the final week where they can present the key findings of their research in the form of ‘ten slides in ten minutes’. This subject is treated like a project, including demonstration of fundamental initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing project management processes.
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Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.