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 seventy credit points (70CP) 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 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 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 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 moreStudents must choose one (1) of the following research options (40CP).
Students must complete the following forty credit points (40CP) of subjects.
Students must choose seventy credit points (70CP) of subjects from the following electives.
This subject is anchored in a set of values that explore the notion that crime is everywhere and knows no borders. This subject examines how and what type of criminal acts are occurring and also where this is happening. With the advent of Globalisation, the threat of transnational crime has never been more pressing. The subject will also look at the law enforcement and investigative challenges of the new age international crime types and the attempts to meet these through cooperative cross-national responses. The subject also looks at the cross-national and international efforts of police, courts, international agencies and correctional authorities to deal with these emerging issues. Further, the subject examines the challenges presented by transnational crime within an international relations context and explores the efforts of diplomacy, at regional and global levels, in dealing with it.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the study of security and strategy in the contemporary world. You will gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and policy applications of the fast-evolving field of security studies, including strategic planning. The subject covers a broad range of approaches and issues, from traditional military security issues and associated strategies to non-traditional ones such as pandemics and climate change.
Read moreIn this advanced subject, you'll explore the interplay of history, theory, and practical implementation within public policy. By analysing global and local complexities, you'll gain insights into contemporary politics and refine skills in policy assessment. A key focus is on examining pivotal actors and institutions in policy development. You'll explore core facets of public policy, from theoretical foundations and definitions to dynamic execution, comprehensive evaluation, and the role of media and ethics. In addition, this subject examines Australia's diplomacy, national security, human rights, and environmental policies. Through this in-depth exploration of public policy, you will comprehend the multifaceted influences shaping modern policy landscapes.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to core concepts of global governance, including areas of evolution and innovation necessitated by Twenty-First Century challenges. You will examine global governance from diverse perspectives, the dominant though still formative framework of the prevailing era of globalisation. Foundational views of world governance include those of the United Nations system, the idea of governance through a hegemon (now contested for the USA), and the concert of powers as an expression of a multipolar distribution of power. Recent multilateral approaches factor in corporate, non-government and civil society sectors of activity. You will learn to assess distinctive conceptual models, including integrative regionalism (exemplified by the EU), actor-networks (as indicated by global city interactions), areas of governance innovation (orbital space, AI and digital norms), and alternative forms of civilisational and popular representation. Having examined these concepts, you will develop an ability to consider their application to selected global issues. Innovating Global Governance will give you an opportunity to develop a concept of world governance that draws from existing models or incorporates new features.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the study and practice of contemporary diplomacy. You will explore and research diplomacy's evolving agenda while promoting an understanding of diplomacy's intercultural dynamics and an interrogation of diplomacy's prospects and limitations in the real world. A range of professionally oriented activities, scenarios and facilitated discussions will give you an opportunity to apply your research knowledge to the practical realities of diplomacy in the 21st Century.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the ‘extreme’ and radically changing twenty-first century existing security structures, defence systems and security. You will learn about the rise and continued evolution of terrorism as a form of politically motivated violence. Terrorism, a sub-field of the International Relations discipline, is analysed through an inter-disciplinary lens. This theoretical perspective introduces you to the relationship between terrorism and war, religion, human security, the state and security. You will also explore the strategies deployed by States and Institutions to combat this lethal form of political activism.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the field of human security, global political economy and global development. You will examine global political economy theory by studying the elemental three: mercantilism, liberalism and Marxism. Human Security and Global Development also explores the more contemporary work of global political economy scholars who have both reinvigorated and challenged the elemental three theories with new ideas and critiques. The second part of the subject applies the field of global political economy to the pressing question of global development. How can the bulk of humanity be lifted beyond mere existence? Which structures of the global political economy are critical to global development and which of these are supporting or undermining these efforts? In this subject, you will gain advanced theoretical, historical and practical understanding of global development and the ability to employ the principles of global political economy in the pursuit of global development.
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.
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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.