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 moreUnderstanding Buildings provides an overview of the building construction process. Focused on detached housing development, this subject introduces the stakeholders and the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting the development of a building. It investigates the parts of a building and their functions in detail, as well as the construction sequence and methods adopted. Construction terminology is examined and spatial awareness and drawing interpretation are practised.
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 moreThe subject will introduce students to the theory and practice of property valuation as a professional process in accordance with current International Valuation standards. The subject is designed to assist students to develop an understanding of the property market, the role of the profession and the methods of valuation used to determine the value of a range of legal interests in property. At this introductory stage, these interests will relate to open market freehold interests. The subject will draw upon the current property market and the assessment will require students to collect and analyse market data from a range of defined sources. Students will also be given the opportunity to acquire the necessary analytical tools to work through property market specific supply and demand issues, identify future market trends and objectively evaluate current issues affecting property being valued. The summative (graded) assessment will be achieved by the completion, at an introductory professional standard, of two comprehensive valuation reports based on field inspections.
Read moreThis subject encompasses three principal themes: the context of professional practice in commercial property valuation; property market analysis through the use of contemporary data sources and their appropriate manipulation; and exposure to a range of commercial valuation applications, methods and property interests.
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 moreThis subject provides students with an understanding of the property development process and the importance of the property development industry in a modern economy. Additionally, the subject introduces the processes involved in property development in market economies in the context of government regulation and approval requirements, as well as providing an introduction to the financial analysis and the determination of the viability of potential projects. The emphasis is on the private sector and the roles of the various stakeholders.
Read moreThis subject builds upon the principles of knowledge established in the subject SSUD71-124 Property Development. The primary purpose of Feasibility Analysis is to allow students to gain the skills to be able to prepare advanced feasibility studies on mixed-use property development projects using a variety of case studies and industry-accepted feasibility programs. The content considers more complex projects and models the time, cost and value variables and includes a detailed analysis of project risk. The subject will involve a number of site inspections, case studies and guest lecturers/development practitioners to provide insights into real-life projects and examines how successful developers manage a diverse range of project parameters.
Read moreThis subject equips students with a detailed understanding of corporate finance including capital raisings, private equity, and restructuring. Tax issues are also covered including technical application and effects on risk management. The subject also describes the origins and history of REITs and examines real property as an asset class over the economic and investment cycles. The application of portfolio theory is also covered and focuses on the role of real property assets in both listed and unlisted forms in creating a diversified portfolio. Specific industry topics are analysed including capital structure, REIT fund evaluation and performance measurement and property debt securitisation.
Read moreCorporate real estate is generally recognised as being the second biggest cost to organisations after staff. The effective management of such assets calls for a fundamental understanding of the operation of the property market and the operational needs of the business occupier. This subject adopts a strategic approach to the management of the corporate property asset and focuses on how such assets can be utilised to add value to the primary business activity of an organisation. To achieve this, the subject aims to provide a generic framework to assist with the analysis of a corporate real estate portfolio as practical aid for stakeholders in the management of this major asset. The program is structured around three themes: the analysis of the real estate asset and its value maximisation; the different roles property plays within an organisation, society and the economy and the importance of taking a strategic approach to the management of the real estate asset.
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 will extend the knowledge acquired in previous valuation and investment subjects by examining the methodologies used for the valuation of complex and diverse property interests. Various applications and methods of valuation will be analysed. For statutory valuation purposes the mass appraisal method, GIS applications and the compulsory acquisition process will be evaluated. Examples of specialist valuation topics that may be covered include the valuation of management rights, hotels, marinas, businesses, retirement sector assets, plant and machinery and rural properties. Specialist valuation topics vary depending on access to guest speakers. The rules of conduct of the relevant professional bodies will also be analysed with particular emphasis on the role of a valuer as an expert witness and risk management.
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.