Course Description:
Project management has become recognized as the primary approach taken by most organizations to deal with growing complexity caused by increasingly competitive markets, continuing financial pressures to improve performance, and globalization. Project management provides a structure for dealing with the "faster, better, cheaper" pressures that most organizations are facing. This comprehensive course provides participants with an overview of the essential elements of project management and the project management life cycle (including selecting projects, project planning, managing and controlling projects). Participants gain an understanding of the techniques, practice and new directions for project management and gain practical experience with approaches to achieving successful project performance.

• Define the fundamental principles of project management.
• Explain how multiple projects can fit into an organization’s programs and strategic direction
• Apply the nine recognized project management areas of competency to projects of varying size and complexity.
• Develop an integrated project plan to include project goals and objectives, statement of work, work breakdown structure, project activity network diagram, project schedule and milestones, project budget, and cost-time performance tracking measures.
• Successfully manage projects of varying size and complexity.
• Describe the organizational and behavioral aspects of project management.
• Apply "soft skills" to effectively lead, manage, communicate, and resolve conflicts.

Required Text:
Students will be provided with the Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge 4th Edition (PMBOK 2008) on the first day of class.