ABB254 Stakeholder Engagement


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:ABB254
Credit points:12
Equivalent:UXB231
Coordinator:Angela Guerrero Gonzalez | angela.guerrero@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

In this unit you will learn about the theory, principles and methods for effective stakeholder engagement in planning processes, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. You will be introduced to when and how to use different engagement methods appropriate to different planning contexts, facilitate and participate in engagement activities, and critically assess the quality and effectiveness of engagement in real-world cases.

Through a combination of studio-based simulations, collaborative planning tasks, and analytical assessment, you will develop practical and professional skills essential for contemporary planning practice. Students must attend campus to participate in the simulations.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Develop an understanding of the core principles of planning processes and their relationships to stakeholder engagement
  2. Analyse the different attributes of diverse stakeholders, their perspectives, values and interests in planning processes
  3. Design and evaluate stakeholder engagement strategies for effective and inclusive plan making in planning processes
  4. Prepare and present information using a variety of communication methods to engage a range of stakeholders in a plan making processes
  5. Collaborate in teams to build and maintain positive working relationships

Content

The unit introduces key concepts and skills required to plan, undertake, and evaluate stakeholder engagement in planning contexts. Topics include stakeholder identification and analysis, engagement techniques, engagement levels, and the ethical and normative foundations of stakeholder engagement. You will also develop skills in facilitation and critical reflection through simulated engagement activities.

Learning Approaches

This unit employs experience, collaborative, studio, and problem based learning to provide opportunities for you to apply stakeholder engagement theory and practice, and to develop skills in facilitation, strategic planning, collaboration, and critical evaluation.

Your participation in the unit will include:
Independent review of weekly online materials to introduce new concepts and expand your knowledge.
Attendance at in person lectures to introduce new concepts.
Weekly studio based tutorials that allow for the application of lecture content and to review and discuss your independent learning.
Collaboration with teams in stakeholder involvement planning exercises during tutorials and using collaborative online tools.
The evaluation and critique of real world engagement exercises.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

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

Self-Feedback:
Reflection on independent learning, project work and stakeholder engagement events.

Peer feedback:
Peer feedback in workshop debriefing sessions
Feedback through group work

Teacher feedback:
Opportunities for both individual and group feedback throughout the semester as well as a part of assessment process.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment in this unit has been designed to give you the opportunity to show your learning against the unit learning outcomes

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Stakeholder Engagement Simulation

In this assignment you will participate in a series of in-class stakeholder engagement simulations (during tutorials). Working in groups, you will design and facilitate a 60-minute engagement activity based on a planning scenario, while peers adopt stakeholder roles. Each student will also participate in and observe other simulations across the semester.

The task is designed to develop practical facilitation skills, deepen understanding of stakeholder dynamics, and critically reflect on the relationship between engagement theory and practice. Students will be assessed on their group facilitation, active participation, and an individual reflective component that draws on direct observation and experience from the simulations.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

The reflection report component is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 35
Length: 4 hours & 1500 words
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Mid to late semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Stakeholder Engagement Plan

Stakeholder Engagement Plan. In this assignment you will develop a detailed stakeholder engagement plan. Working in groups, you will develop an engagement plan that identifies key stakeholders and their characteristics, and determines the appropriate levels of engagement and techniques to be used in the various stages of a typical planning project. The report will also provide evidence of team work management (e.g. communications, file sharing, activity planning, progress toward milestones, review)..

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See Canvas for specific guidelines.

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

Weight: 35
Length: 4000 words
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 12
scaffolding during tutorials
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Final exam

An examination that assesses your knowledge and application of lecture and tutorial content presented during the unit. 

Using the concepts and theories learned during the unit, you will evaluate a real stakeholder engagement exercise (its design and execution) against normative principles of stakeholder engagement, culminating in a recommendation to improve future stakeholder engagement.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Central exam duration: 2:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

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.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

No special requirements

Costs

No additional costs

Resources

Course materials are to be provided through Canvas

Risk Assessment Statement

All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.”

 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

  1. Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
    Relates to: Stakeholder Engagement Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Final exam
  2. Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
    Relates to: Stakeholder Engagement Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Final exam
  3. Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
    Relates to: Stakeholder Engagement Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement Plan
  4. Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
    Relates to: Stakeholder Engagement Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Final exam