SAMPLE. PJM310: Introduction to Project Management. Course Description and Outcomes. Credit Hours: 3

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1 PJM310: Introduction to Project Management Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research. Course Description and Outcomes Course Description: This course provides students with an overview of the project management process. The course examines the policies, processes, metrics, tools and procedures associated with project management. Students will learn project management techniques, significant aspects of how projects are selected, different ways that projects can be managed and organized, and how to plan and control a project. Examining how to deal with conflict and negotiation in a project through the course assignments will help students develop skills in the project management process. Finally, students will learn how to terminate a project. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate project management software and complete a case study applying key concepts of the course. Course Overview: This course provides an understanding and application of project management principles in national and international projects, identifies the roles and responsibilities of the project manager and project team, explains the components of project scheduling, controlling, resource management, tracking and closure. Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply project concepts, frameworks, factors, and life cycle management in a project setting. 2. Examine, apply, and evaluate various methods used for project selection. 3. Explain the importance of each component that comprises a project and the project management process. 4. Comprehend and apply methods of monitoring and controlling to a specific project. 5. Comprehend and apply techniques used to audit, control, and terminate projects. 6. Evaluate and assess project software to manage projects. 7. Define and utilize the basic elements of project reporting. 8. Analyze the implications of diversity/culture and managing projects in an international setting.

2 Participation & Attendance Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. Course Materials Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal. Course Schedule Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points. Opening Exercises: Take the opening exercise before reading each week s content to see which areas you will need to focus on. You may take these exercises as many times as you need. The opening exercises will not affect your final grade. Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire. Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT. Week # Readings Assignments Chapter 1 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Chapter 3 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Chapter 2 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Ofori, D. F. (2013). Project management practices and critical success factors: A developing country perspective. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(21), Chapters 4 and 6 (Sections 6.1 and 6.2 only) in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Critical Thinking (60 points) Critical Thinking (60 points)

3 Chapters 4 and 5 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Chapter 6 (Section 6.3 through end of the reading entitled, Planning for Crises in Project Management) in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Chapters 9.1 and 11 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Chapters 7 and 8 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Chapters 6 and 7 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Chapters 11 and 12 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Chapter 13 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Chapter 12 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Review Chapters 1 to 13 in Project Management: A Managerial Approach Review Chapters 1 to 13 in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Assignment Details This course includes the following assignments/projects: Module 1 Critical Thinking: Project Life Cycle (60 points) Critical Thinking (60 points) Critical Thinking (60 points) Critical Thinking (60 points) Critical Thinking (70 points) Portfolio (350 points) Describe a typical project life cycle in terms of concepts found in Chapter 2 of the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Institute, 2013) and include a description and example of each step in the cycle. Critical Thinking: Importance of the Three Prime Objectives (60 points)

4 Module 2 Discuss the importance of the three prime objectives (triple constraints) of project management. Provide examples of why the prime objectives must be met, and include at least two examples of times in which one of the three objectives was not met. Review the details of the Portfolio Project described in Module 8. Your final project is due at the end of Week 8. Select a project as the basis for your final portfolio project. The project may be one that applies to your work or your personal life. The project must require multiple resources, be large enough in scope to apply project management principles, but limited enough in scope to be completed in 8 weeks. Examples of projects that may work well include- the remodeling of a kitchen or planning a graduation ceremony for an on-line university. Although you will not be graded until Week 8, you should your professor with your planned project by the end of Module 1 to ensure reasonable opportunity to meet the expectations of the assignment by Week 8. Review the details of the Portfolio Project described in Module 8. Your final project is due at the end of Week 8. Due to globalization, projects are becoming international in nature, and in many cases, the project manager is from a different part of the world from the owner/contracting firm, and from the location of the project itself. Managing a project with diversity in team membership, and cultural differences in the country where the project is being conducted, requires special leadership skills in addition to project management skills that are needed to successfully reach the demands of the triple constraint. While some project management skills and techniques are similar across situations, international projects have unique considerations. Although no assignment is due until Week 8, consider beginning your work on the following: focus on those unique characteristics of international projects and consider the following- explain the challenges and opportunities in developing a project statement of work with a diverse team, what unique challenges in managing time might be experienced given that some cultures are different than the U.S. regarding time commitments, how might the project manager overcome technical and cultural issues. Critical Thinking: Selection of Projects (60 points) Compare and contrast methods for selecting projects. Describe problems that may arise during the project if the manager does not understand the selection of the project and the impact it could have on the project. Critical Thinking: International versus National Projects (60 points) Explain how project selection and project success factors may be different (than what) for international projects as compared to national projects. Describe challenges that projects in developing country have in terms of selection criteria that may not apply to projects in the United States.

5 Module 3 Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 2 and no assignment is due to be turned in for the Portfolio Project, begin building on your approved project from Module 1, and begin work on the following: Background and statement of need: Briefly describe the organization and the expected benefits for completing the project successfully. At a minimum, your project should include the information on who the stakeholders are, and the person who controls the budget and resources, project goals in terms of triple constraints, the start and end dates for your project, the budget, performance criteria, and project scope statement to clarify what is and what is not in the project. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 2 and no assignment is due to be turned for the Portfolio Project, consider working on the following: what leaderships skills may be required more in an international setting than what is expected in the U.S., and what specifics steps are required to ensure the right project manager with the right skills set is chosen. Although no assignment is due until Week 8, consider beginning your work on the following: focus on those unique characteristics of international projects and consider the following- explain the challenges and opportunities in developing a project statement of work with a diverse team, what unique challenges in managing time might be experienced given that some cultures are different than the U.S. regarding time commitments, how might the project manager overcome technical and cultural issues. Critical Thinking: Changes to Projects (60 points) Identify and discuss three basic causes for requested changes to projects. How do you respond to change requests as a project manager? How do changes affect the budget, schedules, and costs? Critical Thinking: Developing a WBS (60 points) Describe the process for developing a WBS, and similar to Figure 6-6 in your Project Management: A Managerial Approach textbook for inclusion as an appendix to your paper, develop a 6 step WBS and schedule for a project at your workplace, or for a project with which you ve been involved. Include steps through 1-6 with at least sub-steps a-d on each step. Include responsibility, time, predecessor tasks, and resources. Your text should explain your WBS appendix in addition to the process used for developing the WBS.

6 Module 4 Module 5 Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded and no Portfolio Project assignment is due to be turned in, consider working on WBS, team-building strategies, negotiation, and conflict management techniques when issues arise. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 3 and no Portfolio Project assignment is due to be turned in, continue your work from Module 2 on the portfolio project. Critical Thinking: Six Processes for Risk Management (60 points) Discuss, analyze, and indicate the importance of each of the six processes for risk management identified in the PMBOK Guidelines. Please provide examples for each of the six processes. Critical Thinking: Minimizing Human Factor Risks (60 points) In Chapter 6 of Project Management: A Managerial Approach, the authors stated, the human factor is still probably the major element in risk management. Discuss and analyze why this is the case and how you might ensure human factor risks are minimized on your projects. Explain how you might change your approach for international projects when different cultural norms are involved. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 4 and no assignment is due to be turned in, continue your work from previous modules on the portfolio project. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 4 and no assignment is due to be turned in, continue your work from previous modules on the portfolio project. Critical Thinking: Budgeting Processes (60 points) Describe the differences between the top-down and bottom-up budgeting processes. Compare and contrast the two processes and explain when one process might be preferred over the other. Critical Thinking: AON Network (60 points)

7 Module 6 Develop an AON network, similar to one in Figure 8.16 in Meredith, Mantel, and Shafer, for a project at your current work location or for a previous job. Include at least 10 activities not all of which are linear in precedent, and show the earliest and latest start and finish times. Note and describe the critical path and how it is determined for your case. Explain how the earliest and latest start and finish times impact the critical path. Include your AON network as an appendix after the References page. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. No Portfolio Project assignment is due for grade at this time, but building on your work on the portfolio to this point, consider the follow: Identify the resources required to accomplish each task. Develop a RACI. Arrange the tasks into a schedule that takes into consideration the required dependencies between tasks. If you have computerized project management software and feel comfortable using it, you may. It is not required, and you may complete all steps manually. Develop either a PERT or Gantt chart and identify the critical path through the network. Include your PERT or Gantt chart as an Appendix, but describe the information contained in the document in the body of your paper. Compare the network results to the project s triple constraint. Note any concerns about time, budget, and scope. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no Portfolio Project grade is awarded in Module 5, consider working on the following: Explain the issues in international project management relative to the following: project life cycle (PMBOK Ch. 2), project management processes (PMBOK Ch. 3), project integration management (PMBOK Ch. 4), project scope management (PMBOK Ch. 5), project time management (PMBOK Ch. 6), and project risk management (PMBOK Ch. 11). Critical Thinking: Cybernetic Control, Go/No Go Control, and Postcontrol (70 points) Compare and contrast cybernetic control, go/no go control, and postcontrol and the information requirements of each. Critical Thinking: Purpose of Control (70 points) Explain and provide examples of the two fundamental purposes of control. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no Portfolio Project assignment is due in this module, consider working on the following: Assess project control techniques for your selected project. Describe the purpose of control, the types of control processes, and what will be in place for your project.

8 Module 7 Module 8 Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no Portfolio Project grade is awarded in Module, continue your work from previous modules on the portfolio project. Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no assignment is due this week, consider working on the following: Assess project control techniques for your selected project. Describe the purpose of control, the types of control processes, and what will be in place for your project. Explain project termination, and how the final success will be determined in measurable terms, the communication plan to see project closure, and how project history will be kept for knowledge sharing on future projects Review the Portfolio Project in Module 8. Although no grade is awarded in Module 7 and no assignment is due to be turned in, continue your work from previous modules on the portfolio project. Portfolio Project Milestone Option #1: Applying the Principles Project Management to Everyday Life (350 points) Note - You should seek approval in Module 1 for your selected project. Select a project as the basis for your final portfolio project. The project may be one that applies to your work or your personal life. The project must require multiple resources, be large enough in scope to apply project management principles, but limited enough in scope to be completed in 8 weeks. Examples of projects that may work well are remodeling a kitchen, or planning a graduation ceremony for an online university. In paper format, develop the following information: 1- Background and statement of need: Briefly describe the organization and the expected benefits for completing the project successful. At a minimum, your project should include the information on who the stakeholders are, and the person who controls the budget and resources, project goals in terms of triple constraints, the start and end dates for your project, the budget, performance criteria, and project scope statement to clarify what is and what is not in the project. 2- Identify the specific tasks required to complete each item listed on the SOW/scope statement. Develop a WBS, team-building strategies, negotiation, and conflict management techniques when issues arise. 3- Develop a RACI. Identify the resources required to accomplish each task. Arrange the tasks into a schedule that takes into consideration the required dependencies between tasks. If you have computerized project management software and feel comfortable using it, you may. It is not required, and you may complete all steps manually. Develop either a PERT or Gantt chart and identify the critical path through the network. Include your PERT or Gantt chart as an Appendix, but describe the information contained in the document in the body of your paper. Compare the network results to the project s triple constraint. Note any concerns about time, budget, and scope.

9 4- Assess project control techniques for your selected project. Describe the purpose of control, the types of control processes, and what will be in place for your project. 5- Explain project termination, and how the final success will be determined in measurable terms, the communication plan to see project closure, and how project history will be kept for knowledge sharing on future projects. Your paper should be 8-10 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least five scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks. The CSU-Global Library is a good Portfolio Project Milestone Option #2: International Project Management (350 points) Due to globalization, projects are becoming international in nature, and in many cases, the project manager is from a different part of the world from the owner/contracting firm, and from the location of the project itself. Managing a project with diversity in team membership, and cultural differences in the country where the project is being conducted, requires special leadership skills in addition to project management skills that are needed to successfully reach the demands of the triple constraint. While some project management skills and techniques are similar across situations, international projects have unique considerations. Focus on those unique characteristics of international projects and consider the following: 1- Explain the challenges and opportunities in developing a project statement of work with a diverse team, what unique challenges in managing time might be experienced given that some cultures are different than the U.S. regarding time commitments, how might the project manager overcome technical and cultural issues. 2- What leaderships skills may be required more in an international setting than what is expected in the U.S., and what specifics steps are required to ensure the right project manager with the right skills set is chosen. 3- Explain the issues in international project management relative to the following: project life cycle (PMBOK Ch. 2), project management processes (PMBOK Ch. 3), project integration management (PMBOK Ch. 4), project scope management (PMBOK Ch. 5), project time management (PMBOK Ch. 6), and project risk management (PMBOK Ch. 11). Your paper should be 8-10 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least five scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks. The CSU-Global Library is a good Course Policies Course Grading 20% Discussion Participation 0% Opening Exercises 8% Mastery Exercises 37% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Final Portfolio Paper Grading Scale and Policies A A B B B C C D

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