Instructor: Prof. Sid Das
Office: Room 155, Enterprise Hall
Phone: (703) 993-1790;
E-mail: sdas@gmu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday/Friday: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.; or by appointment
Prerequisite: Completion of MBA Core or Permission of Instructor
Textbooks: 1. Project Management The Managerial Process, Clifford F. Gray, and Erik W. Larson, 2nd Edition, Irwin/McGraw-Hill, Boston, 2003.
Computer Software: Microsoft Project for Windows
Web Site: http://mason.gmu.edu/~sdas/pmc_main.htm
Course Description:
Managers are increasingly being involved in and assuming responsibility for the management of projects. These projects may involve the development of information systems, new products or processes, single or multi-purpose systems, infrastructure or other development projects for the public or private sector, and a host of other applications.
Project management is widely used in business to accomplish unique outcomes with limited resources under critical time constraints. Many managerial problems are associated with planning, directing, and controlling resources to meet the technical, cost, and time constraints of projects. This course focuses on various areas of project management such as project organizations, teams, scheduling, cost control, earned value analysis, risk management, and managing project quality. It also discusses topics specific to information systems projects. Students will also learn to use a project management software - Microsoft Project for Windows - in solving related problems.
On completing this course, the student should have a thorough understanding of the complex, dynamic, and multi-dimensional issues in project management.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
- be able to identify the terminology, concepts, and principles of project management
- gain competency in using project management techniques and software
- exercise managerial skills (e.g. team building, conflict management) in group projects
- gain competency in managing projects
Approach to Learning:
Class lectures, classroom discussion, homework assignments (some using Microsoft Project), and a project with a presentation are the learning activities in this course. The overriding goal for each activity is for students to apply what has been learned in class.
MBA 712: Project Management (Tentative Schedule/Syllabus)
Class date |
|
Subject |
March 16 (Tues) |
Topic |
Introduction
to project management
Integrating strategy with projects Project Organizations, Structure, and Culture Project Planning |
|
Reading | Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 |
March 19 (Fri) |
Topic | Project Planning - Network Analysis/Scheduling |
|
Reading | Chapters 6 |
|
Homework | Conveyor Belt Project Part 1 & 2; Due March 23. |
March 23 (Tues) |
Topic | Project Cost Estimation |
|
Reading | Chapter 5 |
March 26 (Fri) |
Topic |
Resource
Scheduling Reducing Project Duration |
|
Reading | Chapters 8, 9 |
|
Homework | Conveyor Belt Project Part 3; Due March 30. |
March 30 Tues) |
Topic |
Project
Monitoring & Control Earned Value Analysis |
|
Reading | Chapter 13 |
|
Homework | Conveyor Belt Project Part 4 & 5; Due April 6. |
April 2 (Fri) |
Topic | Project Risk Management |
|
Reading | Chapter 7 |
April 6 (Tues) |
Topic | Project Quality Management |
|
Reading | Class Notes |
April 9 (Fri) |
Topic |
Leadership Teams & Partnering in Project Management |
|
Reading | Chapters 10, 11, 12 |
Homework |
To be assigned; Due April 13. | |
April 13 (Tues) |
Topic |
Project
Audit
and Closure International Projects |
|
Topic | Project Presentations |
|
Due | Group Project Paper |
1. Problem statement. Write a clear problem statement, using a process improvement tool if applicable, (e.g. cause and effect diagram). Interviews with project managers and others involved in the project management process in your company will be helpful. This problem statement should include a description of the existing project management process.
2. Analysis. Analyze the problem using the knowledge you gained in this course.
3.& style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Book Antiqua">. Identify alternative solutions to the problem. Your text will help here. Also consider using best practices, benchmarking of other companies, a review of the literature, or other sources.
4. Recommendations. Finally, provide recommendations on how to improve the project management function, based on what you have learned in this course. This section is very important.
Suggested sources:
- Text books: Gray and Larson
- We New">o Text web site: http://www.mhhe.com/business/opsci/graylarsonprojmgt/
o GMU library site: http://magik.gmu.edu/ for a library catalog
o GMU library electronic databases and journals: - See especially the Lexis-Nexis and ABI-Inform sites.
o Project Management Web Sites:
http://www.pmi.org/, http://www.fek.umu.se/irnop/
The project will conclude with a presentation on the last day of class followed by classroom discussion.
The report will be evaluated based on the groups creativity of analysis, demonstrated understanding of the issues, practicality of the recommendations, and overall usage of the related project management concepts.
Deliverables:
Methods of Student Evaluation:
Home Assignments (4) Individual work 40 points
Final Project 55 points
Scholastic Honesty and the Honor Code:
Working with other students is expected and will enhance your understanding of the material. However, there are both individual and team activities in this course, and you are expected to work individually unless an activity is specifically called out as a team activity. The home assignments are to be your own, individual original work. You are also expected to understand and follow the Honor Code, as presented on pages 28-31 of the 2003-04 GMU Catalog.
Student Responsibilities:
Prepare for class by completing readings and assignments before hand
Attend and actively participate throughout class