UXH420 Risk Management in the Energy and Resources Sectors


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:UXH420
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:(UXB120 and UXH321) or UDB316
Coordinator:Robin Drogemuller | robin.drogemuller@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This fourth year unit in the Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering course builds on the basic knowledge, skills and understanding already gained in UXB120 and UXH321. The unit is set within the real world scenario of the Heavy Engineering/ Capital intensive/Resources sectors, and relates to facilities management and procurement within the Engineering and Construction Management cost controls (capital expenditure/project controls) and procurement areas. It links to work previously undertaken in 'Introduction to Heavy Engineering Sector Technology', 'Cost Planning & Controls' and 'Contract Administration' and provides opportunities to undertake further research within the final year capstone projects. The learning in this unit is provided by study and practice using real world case-studies and tools and techniques, that simulate the challenges, problems, issues and solutions that students will face in the QS & CE practice in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Research and critically appraise the implications of productivity logistics, safety and risk management and facilities management within Capital intensive Heavy Engineering environments.
  2. Evaluate and appraise Innovatively, principles and concepts of design thinking and project planning coupled with associated commercial techniques within the context of Capital intensive Heavy Engineering sector settings.
  3. Work as part of a small team using project planning software to evaluate and create programming solutions within Heavy Engineering Environments.
  4. Analyse and Adapt innovative solutions to the social, economic, technological and environmental challenges within the Heavy Engineering sectors, adopting professional leadership and ethical behaviours.

Content

In this unit you will explore key concepts relating to: integrated project planning/delivery including application of industry standard scheduling tools and techniques; conducting qualitative risk analyses in Heavy Industries; investigating the psychological variables which bias project planning; developing probabilistic cost estimates; formulating cost/investment analysis models. You will also learn to apply standard industry software to project scheduling and qualitative/quantitative risk analysis problems.

Learning Approaches

This unit adopts a blended learning approach which includes a mixture of prerecorded lectures and weekly tutorials which are designed to help you understand and apply lecture materials. You are expected to undertake private study outside of class including preparation for in-class activities.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

1. Rubrics provided to show the expected standard for each criteria in an assessment item.
2. Comments returned to you via Canvas
3. Tutorial / consultation sessions may be available for group and individual feedback prior to assessment due dates and on completion of assessments.
4. Generic comments provided via QUT Canvas and in class.

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Presentation

Prepare a critical assessment of the risk management practices applied in a selected case study including major lessons learned which can be drawn both from an industry and an individual perspective.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

Assessment: Portfolio

Prepare a risk management portfolio.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid to late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

Assessment: Report

Report/Project (applied):
Prepare a detailed cost model; undertake a comprehensive investment analysis of a Heavy Industy case study; develop a quantitative risk model which integrates schedule, cost and other risks; and make appropriate recommendations to improve project cost/schedule efficiency.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

There is no set text. Items selected by the unit coordinator will be made available online to you for your use throughout the unit. Relevant readings and other resources will be uploaded onto the unit Canvas website either under the QUT reading or learning resources.

You are also required to use the following:
  • The unit website on QUT's Canvas
  • QUT Library Databases:
  • QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online.

Risk Assessment Statement

All commencing students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction

There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.

When working in laboratories and workshops, you will undertake specific hazard and risk related inductions from your tutors and/or technical staff, which may include personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; participation is compulsory