Organizational Leadership – Project Management (BA)

Explores project scheduling and time management within the broader context of the planning effort. Students learn how important the determination of the timing and sequence of project activities is to the planning process--and ultimate project success. Primarily focuses on understanding bar charts, basic networks, the critical path network, precedence networks, resource allocation, schedule updating, schedule compression, scheduling and schedule risk management.

Concepts and complex processes of effective project cost management. Primarily focuses on project needs assessment, cost estimation, project cost control, project budgeting, cash flow management, financial management, value management, configuration management and supply chain management. Students also learn to appreciate the importance of integrating cost and value management processes.

Major elements of project resource management as well as the broader context of this critical planning function. Students learn that sound resource management is an important part of developing a sustainable competitive advantage in the emerging global marketplace. Primarily focuses on operations and productivity, resources in project management, product design, process strategy, layout strategy, human resources and job design, supply chain, inventory management and scheduling.

Concepts and processes of procurement management. Primarily focuses on sourcing management, supplier selection, contracts and legal requirements, risk management, negotiation, project management, quality, supplier management and financial decisions. Effective procurement requires the use of good business practices capable of maximizing value to the organization through the acquisition of goods and services. Students learn that procurement professionals control the entire sourcing and acquisition process.

Philosophy, principles, practices and techniques for managing risk in projects. Covers risk identification, qualitative risk management, risk treatment, monitoring and review, project processes, risk allocation, environmental risk and quantification of project risk. Students learn that risk management assists project managers in setting priorities, allocating resources and implementing actions and processes that reduce the risk of the project not achieving its objectives.

Process and theory of total quality management with primary emphasis on the total quality approach, ethics and corporate responsibility, strategic alliances, quality culture, employee empowerment, leadership and change, team building, effective communication, and tools and techniques. Students understand how continual improvement of people, processes, products/services, and environments can enhance the process and outcomes of project management. Students have the opportunity to develop practical total quality management skills as they apply theory and practice to real-world cases.

Explores how an organization's leaders are responsible for conceiving, designing, implementing and managing the overall objectives, culture, environment and processes as part of the project management process. Within this context, primarily focuses on understanding project management, aligning project management within an organization, project management oversight, projects as capital investments, globalization and resource optimization.

Examines various theoretical project management approaches as well as gives hands-on experience of project management tools and steps.