# Details
**Source**: https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=ENGGEN%20732
**Parent**: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-engineering-project-management.html
## Content
## Course Tabs
- [Overview](#R20619717911282906)
- [Teaching and Learning](#R614701232662077506)
- [Assessment and Learning Outcomes](#R937322478114942134)
- [Student Feedback, Support and Charter](#R614701343287077507)
## Overview
## Course Prescription
The business case as the tool of choice for many businesses for turning strategy into projects and the subsequent investment appraisals. Topics include systems thinking, the theory of constraints, value, cost/benefit analysis, quadruple bottom line, sensitivity analysis, risk analysis, investment appraisal, performance measurement and benefit realisation.
## Course Overview
The aim of the course is to provide participants with the necessary academic and practical skills to undertake a well-reasoned Business Case study where there may be several feasible alternatives. \
This course provides the critical knowledge necessary for the understanding of systems thinking and the use of evaluation techniques for engineering projects. It is appropriate for all engineering professionals unless they have a detailed understanding of the accounting and economic evaluation methods and the use of the Business Case method used for engineering projects within NZ. \
Participants should be numerate and have a good working knowledge of the functions available within spreadsheets. The should also be able to clearly express themselves both orally and in report writing.\
## Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, you can expect 36 hours of lectures, 30 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 84 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.
## Locations and Semesters Offered
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| Location | Semester |
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| City | Semester One |
## Teaching and Learning
## Online
Attendance is expected at scheduled online activities including tutorials to complete components of the course.\
The course will include live online events including group discussions/tutorials and these will be recorded.\
Attendance on campus is not required for the tests. There is no exam.\
Where possible, study material will be available at course commencement.\
This course runs to the University semester timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.
## Learning Resources
Taught courses use a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas to provide students with learning materials including reading lists and lecture recordings (where available). Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
## Additional Information on Learning Resources
Reference notes and PowerPoints used on the course will be handed out or available online through the Canvas Couse Website.\
Rubrics used for assessments will be provided when Assignments are handed out.\
## Copyright
The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.
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You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third-party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.
## Health and Safety
Students must ensure they are familiar with their Health and Safety responsibilities, as described in the university's Health and Safety policy. All students have the right not to proceed with any activity if they feel it poses a danger to their health, safety and wellbeing or that of others.
It is a condition of enrolment for students that they cooperate with the University with respect to health, safety and wellbeing. All students have the right not to proceed with any activity if they feel, on reasonable and objective grounds, it poses a danger to their health, safety and wellbeing or that of others and raise their concerns immediately with their academic leader or health, safety and wellbeing staff.
Students will:\
Take reasonable care of themselves and others, cooperate with the University on health, safety and wellbeing matters, and ensure that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect others. \
• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety and wellbeing.
• Report any accidents (including ill-health), incidents (including near misses), nonconformities and damage to buildings or equipment as soon as possible to their academic leader, administration staff or health, safety and wellbeing staff. Incidents and concerns can also be\
reported via the Student Contact Centre.
• Notify their academic leader (lecturer/tutor/supervisor) and/or contact appropriate support services to ensure suitable controls to protect them are put in place (e.g. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) if they have a condition affecting health which may be caused\
by or made worse by study activities.\
This information will be treated with appropriate confidentiality. If unsure who to notify, visit AskAuckland on www.askauckland.ac.nz.\
• Undertake any health, safety and wellbeing training and induction required by University.\
• Follow the requirements of risk assessments and any arrangements set out locally.\
• Not disturb an accident scene until clearance is authorised except in certain situations, including when persons or property are at risk.\
• Ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment is worn/used, as required.\
## Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.
## Other Information
It is expected that you will attend all lectures, group meetings, the In-class Test, and the Group Presentation.\
## Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.
Similarly, research students must meet the University’s expectations of good research practice. This requires:
- Honesty - in all aspects of research work
- Accountability - in the conduct of research
- Professional courtesy and fairness – in working with others
- Good stewardship – on behalf of others
- Transparency – of research process and presentation of results
- Clarity - communication to be understandable, explainable and accessible
For more information on the University’s expectations of academic integrity, please see the [Academic Conduct](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/policy-hub/education-student-experience/academic-conduct.html) section of the University policy hub.
## Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about taught courses is made available to enrolled students in Canvas.
Students may be asked to submit assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.
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## Assessment and Learning Outcomes
## Course Learning Outcomes
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| CLO # | Outcome | Programme Capability Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Identify, apply and evaluate the principles and techniques of Systems Thinking to generate value-adding solutions for a Project Business Case aligned with business strategic objectives. | MEPM - Master of Engineering Project Management - Programme Capabilities Analyse and evaluate the impact of professional engineering work to solve complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WA7) Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation, considering multiple perspectives and knowledge systems to develop solutions to complex engineering problems (WA1) Use knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering principles, and research literature to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems and reach substantiated conclusions (WA2) Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon, as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WA3) Communicate effectively, respectfully and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences using a range of technologies and formats (WA10) |
| 2 | Identify and evaluate project costs and benefits; translate the benefits into measurable objectives; track their realisation; and conduct post-implementation reviews. | MEPM - Master of Engineering Project Management - Programme Capabilities Analyse and evaluate the impact of professional engineering work to solve complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WA7) Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation, considering multiple perspectives and knowledge systems to develop solutions to complex engineering problems (WA1) Use knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering principles, and research literature to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems and reach substantiated conclusions (WA2) Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon, as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WA3) Communicate effectively, respectfully and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences using a range of technologies and formats (WA10) |
| 3 | Produce analytical models for the development of a compelling business case; using sensitivity analysis, tests of significance, systems dynamics, and risk analysis. | MEPM - Master of Engineering Project Management - Programme Capabilities Analyse and evaluate the impact of professional engineering work to solve complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WA7) Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation, considering multiple perspectives and knowledge systems to develop solutions to complex engineering problems (WA1) Use knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering principles, and research literature to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems and reach substantiated conclusions (WA2) Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon, as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WA3) Communicate effectively, respectfully and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences using a range of technologies and formats (WA10) |
| 4 | Write and present an effective Project Business Case; prioritise and evaluate business cases; make effective decisions as an individual and as a group. | MEPM - Master of Engineering Project Management - Programme Capabilities Analyse and evaluate the impact of professional engineering work to solve complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WA7) Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation, considering multiple perspectives and knowledge systems to develop solutions to complex engineering problems (WA1) Use knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering principles, and research literature to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems and reach substantiated conclusions (WA2) Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon, as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WA3) Communicate effectively, respectfully and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences using a range of technologies and formats (WA10) |
| 5 | Incorporate Māori values and thinking into Project Business Case and identify opportunities to link business cases to the modern Māori economy, such as quadruple bottom line and projects for long term sustainability. | MEPM - Master of Engineering Project Management - Programme Capabilities Analyse and evaluate the impact of professional engineering work to solve complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WA7) Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation, considering multiple perspectives and knowledge systems to develop solutions to complex engineering problems (WA1) Use knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering principles, and research literature to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems and reach substantiated conclusions (WA2) Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon, as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WA3) Communicate effectively, respectfully and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences using a range of technologies and formats (WA10) |
## Assessments
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| Assessment Type | Assessment Percentage | Assessment Classification |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Assignment | 40 | Individual Coursework |
| Presentation | 10 | Individual Coursework |
| Group Project | 30 | Group Coursework |
| Tests and Quizzes | 20 | Individual Coursework |
## Additional Information on Assessment
A passing mark is 50% or higher, according to University policy.
## Assessment to CLO Mapping
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| Assessment Type | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Assignment | | | | | |
| Presentation | | | | | |
| Group Project | | | | | |
| Tests and Quizzes | | | | | |
## Student Feedback, Support and Charter
## Student Feedback
Feedback on taught courses is gathered from students at the end of each semester through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions. Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students. In addition, class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
## Additional Information on Student Feedback
Student feedback is strongly encouraged as it improves the quality of delivery and the content of the course.\
## Class representatives
Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.
## Tuākana
Tuākana is a multi-faceted programme for Māori and Pacific students providing topic specific tutorials, one-on-one sessions, test and exam preparation and more. Explore your options at [Tuakana Learning Communities](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/academic-support/tuakana-learning-communities.html).
## Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the [Student Disability Services’ website](http://disability.auckland.ac.nz/).
## Wellbeing
We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - please see the [Support Services](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/personal-support.html) page for information on support services in the University and the wider community.
## Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed work is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due. If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s [aegrotat or compassionate consideration page](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html). This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
## Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit [Student Charter](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
## Student Academic Complaints and Disputes
Students with concerns about teaching including how a course is delivered, the resources provided, or supervision arrangements, have the right to express their concerns and seek resolution. The university encourages informal resolution where possible, as this is quicker and less stressful. For information on the informal and formal complaints processes, please refer to the Student Academic Complaints Statute in the [Student Policies and Guidelines](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines.html) section of the Policy Hub.
Course - V6
ENGGEN 732 - Systems Thinking and Project Business Case - V2.5 - Effective From: Summer Semester 2025 (Published: 2025-12-07)