SCM 7A01

Project Management

Course Purpose

Covering the planning and execution of large-scale programs and projects with a focus on analytics, coordination, and technology.

This course provides a general introduction to project management for graduate students. It covers projects from identification of mission, need or commercial opportunity through project economic justification; pre-project definition, planning, and programming; evaluation of technical and business risks, integrated cost estimation and scheduling; cost, time, and performance risk assessment; work breakdown structures; project networks; managing to the budget; setting contingency allowances and management reserves; contracting and subcontracting; make-or-buy decisions; integrated project teams; managing multidisciplinary projects; progress and productivity measurement; change management; risk management, forecasting time and cost.

This course allows students to have hands-on experience using tools and techniques such as MS Project software to accomplish project management objectives. Upon completion of the course, many students pursue their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Expected Learning Objectives

The course is primarily intended to:

  • Prepare graduates to work effectively in project organizations
  • Encourage students to pursue careers in project management
  • Provide the foundation for further study in project management

Students completing this course are expected to:

  • Understand the nature of projects and the goals of project management
  • Function effectively in project organizations
  • Prepare statements of work and work breakdown structures
  • Schedule projects using networks and critical path methods
  • Assess project uncertainties and actively manage risks
  • Prepare effective project management plans
  • Measure and evaluate project progress using Earned Value methods
  • Understand the management of project scope, quality, cost, and schedule
  • Selection of Topics Covered:
    • Overview of Project Management
    • Project Strategy, Structure, and Culture
    • Project Selection and Portfolio Management
    • Leadership and the Project Manager
    • Scope Management
    • Project Team Building, Conflict, and Negotiation
    • Managing Scope, Resources, and Schedule
    • Microsoft Project Basics
    • Risk Management
    • Cost Estimation and Budgeting
    • Project Management Control Systems
    • Project Scheduling
    • Networks, Duration, and Critical Path
    • Lagging, Crashing, and Activity Networks
    • Resource Management

Course Pedagogy and Immersive/Experiential Activities

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to industry professionals for learning about complex projects within many global companies which hire our students. The course also utilized a large-scale Project Management Simulation

Students are provided access to course notes, textbook resources, the PMBOK Guide, lectures, cases, and tutorials.

Grades are typically determined by an in-class project simulation, team assignments, individual quizzes, and two exams.