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Project Management

People

Gonçalves P.

Course director

Froese Buzogany R.

Assistant

Description

Course Objectives
This course introduces students to the basic principles, methods and tools for project management in a realistic context, allowing them to improve their ability to manage complex projects. The detailed course objectives include to:

  1. Understand the theory underlying the methods and tools of project management (WBS, CPM, LP, DSM, PERT, EVM, RM, SD
  2. Be able to apply Project Management methods and tools in real cases, and understand their limitations; and
  3. Learn from each other through class discussions and small group assignments.

Course Description
Why do so many projects fail? Why do so many others fail to produce lasting results? Why do so many projects suffer from cost and time overruns? How can firms identify and design high-leverage policies to improve project performance? In this course, we will cover three important aspects of project management

  • The theory, methods and quantitative tools used to effectively plan, organize, and control projects;
  • Efficient techniques for managing projects more effectively revealed through practice and research; and
  • Hands-on, practical project management knowledge from optimization and simulation exercises.

Learning Methods
Class sessions combine lectures, interactive exercises, group presentations and discussions. The diversity of approaches seek to enhance students’ technical, decision-making, problem-solving, and practical skills. To achieve these goals in an effective way, it is important to engage in and prepare for discussion; participate actively during class discussions; and review readings and assignments for their applicability of concepts covered in class

Attendance
We recommend class attendance to be at least 75% of in-presence classes.

Examination Information
Assignments: 50% (5 highest grades out of 6 assignments – 10% each)
Final exam: 50%

Required Materials
S de Weck, O., “Principles and Methods for System Design and Management” MIT Press, First Edition, 2010 (planned) – Chapters 8 through 13 (p. 101-212)

Education