Degree Specialization in Project Management

This course introduces the tasks and challenges fundamental to project management. Topics include how to manage teams, schedules, risks, and resources in order to produce a desired outcome. Case studies are incorporated into the course, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills associated with selecting, managing, organizing, planning, negotiating, budgeting, scheduling, controlling, and terminating a project.

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the procurement-and risk-management processes in projects. The course also helps students evaluate and synthesize concepts within the domains of contract management and risk management, and helps students identify and assess recommended practices in contract management and purchasing. Topics primarily include risk-management planning, risk identification, risk analysis, risk-response strategies, risk monitoring, and risk control. In addition, the course covers the project manager's responsibilities in identifying and obtaining resources from vendors, as well as the legal requirements and contracting processes involved. Prerequisite: PJM500

Selecting, evaluating, and communicating performance metrics plays a critical role in successful monitoring and control of projects. This course provides an in-depth discussion of project management metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and it explores related topics such as value-based project management metrics, dashboards, and measurement-driven project management. The course discusses the role of metrics in effective monitoring and control of projects, and provides an overview of the most important considerations in proper use and communication of project performance metrics. Prerequisite: PJM500

This course emphasizes the Project Management Office (PMO). Students will learn the elements of a PMO, which includes defining and maintaining standards, policies, processes, and methods for project management within the organization. Learners will also identify the responsibilities of the Project Management Professional (PMP) to include guidance, documentation, and metrics related to the practices involved in managing and implementing projects within the organization. A PMO may also get involved in project-related tasks and follow up on project activities through completion. The office may report on project activities, problems, and requirements to executive management as a strategic tool in keeping implementers and decision-makers moving toward consistent, business- or mission-focused goals and objectives. Organizations around the globe are defining, borrowing, and collecting best practices in the process of project management and are increasingly assigning the PMO to exert overall influence and evolution of thought to continual organizational improvement. Prerequisite: PJM535