General Information
Effective decision-making in projectised environments requires a clear understanding of the relationship between time, resources, and cost. This subject examines how human, material, and equipment resources are planned, allocated, and managed, and how project costs are estimated, budgeted, monitored, and controlled throughout the project lifecycle. The subject emphasises the close integration between resource management and cost management, highlighting how resource planning and utilisation influence project cost performance. Key topics include labour and plant planning, leadership and team capability, resource calendars, resource levelling, cost estimation and budgeting, earned value management (EVM), and project cash flow analysis. Through practical exercises and case-based learning, students develop the skills required to manage project resources effectively and maintain financial performance across the project lifecycle.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: SDPM12-100 Subject title: Project Resource and Cost Management Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: September 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance each week is necessary to get the best from this subject. It may be difficult to recover if you miss a week. Attendance at each class may be monitored and non-attendance may impact the final marl in this subject. A shared case study is used between this subject and several other related subjects. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Harold Kerzner (2025). Project Management. 14th, John Wiley & Sons 724
iLearn@Bond & Email: Class recordings: The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision.
These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision.
See the Recording policy for further details.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | SDPM12-100 |
| Subject title: | Project Resource and Cost Management |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance each week is necessary to get the best from this subject. It may be difficult to recover if you miss a week. Attendance at each class may be monitored and non-attendance may impact the final marl in this subject. A shared case study is used between this subject and several other related subjects. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. |
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Analyse and interpret project performance data, including labour histograms, progress claims, and earned value metrics.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed AI category Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) Formal examination 50.00% Final Examination Period 4 Technical Document§ Project Baseline Development 25.00% Week 4 1, 2 Technical Document§ Project Performance Analysis and Improvement 25.00% Week 9 1, 3 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | Formal examination | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 4 | |
| Technical Document§ | Project Baseline Development | 25.00% | Week 4 | 1, 2 | |
| Technical Document§ | Project Performance Analysis and Improvement | 25.00% | Week 9 | 1, 3 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This subject is a core unit in the Bachelor of Project Management. It primarily addresses Program Learning Outcomes #14 and #13: demonstrate competence in resource and cost management tools and techniques for technical decision-making across all phases of the project life cycle.
Subject curriculum
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System Overview: Project Performance System
Resource and Cost Integration Over Time; Processes of Project Resource and Cost Management.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Resource Estimation and Allocation
Types and Distribution of Resources; Estimate Activity Resources.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Cost Estimation
Sources and Classification of Project Costs, Cost Estimation Methods.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Budgeting & Baseline and Resource & Cost Management Plans
Budgeting Approaches; Time-Phased Budgets; Resource & Cost Management Plans.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Analyse and interpret project performance data, including labour histograms, progress claims, and earned value metrics.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Resource Optimisation
Resource Calendars, Resource Levelling & Smoothing, Performance Trade-Offs.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Align key project management artefacts, including resource plans, cost estimates, and time-phased budgets, to optimise project trade-offs.
- Analyse and interpret project performance data, including labour histograms, progress claims, and earned value metrics.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Cash Flow and Financial Evaluation
Cash Flow & Project Value; Quantitative Techniques including Net Present Value (NPV)
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Analyse and interpret project performance data, including labour histograms, progress claims, and earned value metrics.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Performance Control and Earned Value Management (EVM)
Monitoring & Controlling Resource and Cost Performance; EVM.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Analyse and interpret project performance data, including labour histograms, progress claims, and earned value metrics.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Managing Resource and Cost: Initiation
The Importance of the Pre-Project (Front-End) Phase; Operational Readiness & Project Authorisation.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Managing Resource and Cost: Planning
Accurate Budgeting & Reliable Baseline Formation; Foundation of Financial Management in Projects.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Managing Resource and Cost: Execution
Leadership & Team Capability for Project Performance & Capability Development.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Managing Resource and Cost: Monitoring and Controlling
Detecting Problems & Restoring Project Performance.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.
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Managing Resource and Cost: Closure
Project Closure and Performance Reflection.
SLOs included
- Apply integrated resource and cost management principles to plan and control project performance in a case-based context.
- Evaluate resource and cost issues to support effective project decision-making.