UXH420 Risk Management in the Energy and Resources Sectors

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

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

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

Overview

The assessment in this unit is designed to progressively develop and evaluate students’ understanding and application of risk management principles within capital-intensive energy and resources sector contexts.

Assessment Task 1 requires students to critically analyse risk management practices through a case study presentation, focusing on conceptual understanding, professional judgement, and ethical considerations. Assessment Task 2 consolidates learning through the development of an individual risk management portfolio, enabling students to apply planning, analysis, and reflective evaluation techniques. Assessment Task 3 is a substantial applied project in which students work collaboratively to develop an integrated cost, schedule, and quantitative risk model for a heavy industry case study, demonstrating technical competence, teamwork, and professional communication.

Collectively, the assessment tasks align with and assess the unit learning outcomes through a combination of individual and group work, applied analysis, and industry-relevant problem-solving activities.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Presentation

Prepare and deliver an individual oral presentation based on a selected risk management “case study disaster” from the energy and resources sectors. Acting in the role of a risk manager, you will conduct a post-risk event analysis to identify key risks, underlying causes, and consequences across technical, environmental, commercial, operational, and political (TECOP) categories.

The presentation will synthesise research evidence, risk management principles, and professional judgement to communicate major lessons learned and make recommendations to senior decision-makers on risk management policies and processes. Presentation slides are used as supporting material and must conform to specified templates and limits.

Generative AI tools may be used to support background research, idea development, and refinement of presentation content. Students must ensure that all analysis, interpretation, and conclusions are their own work and that any use of generative AI tools is appropriately acknowledged. Generative AI must not be used to generate complete presentation scripts or to replace critical engagement with the case study.

Assessment: Copilot and Risk

Develop an individual portfolio documenting the use of Microsoft Copilot to identify and analyse risk factors associated with the same case study disaster examined in Assessment 1. You will use Copilot to generate potential risks across the TECOP framework, critically review and annotate the output, and compare these risks with those independently identified in the earlier assessment.

The portfolio will include annotated AI-generated content, a comparative risk table, and a short reflective commentary evaluating the usefulness and limitations of generative AI for professional risk identification and decision-making.

Use of Microsoft Copilot is required for this assessment to support the identification of potential project risks. Students must critically review, annotate, and evaluate all AI-generated content and remain responsible for the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of the risks presented. Generative AI outputs must not be treated as authoritative or exhaustive, and professional judgement is expected in evaluating the limitations of AI-assisted risk identification.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Request for Tender Response

Prepare an individual professional response to a Request for Tender for a heavy engineering case study project. The task requires development of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), a structured risk assessment, and a comprehensive risk management plan that addresses technical, safety, operational, commercial, and environmental risks.

The assessment draws on concepts and methods introduced progressively throughout the unit, including project structuring, risk identification frameworks, and applied risk analysis techniques. You will integrate these elements into a single tender-style submission that demonstrates applied professional competence in risk management for capital-intensive projects.

Generative AI tools may be used to support research, data interpretation, and drafting processes within the group project. Students must ensure that all modelling, analysis, and recommendations reflect the group’s own understanding and decision-making. Use of generative AI must be appropriately acknowledged, and AI tools must not be used to generate complete reports or technical models without student oversight and validation.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

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

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