Course Syllabus

Course Information OPRE 6372.PJM Project Initiation Fall 2011

Professor Contact Information Dr. Sue Freedman suefreedman@utdallas.edu Mr. Lothar Katz katz@utdallas.edu Dr. Thomas Sheives tom.s@utdallas.edu Mr. James Szot jimszot@utdallas.edu (Instructor of Record) Mr. Gerald Turner turner.g.a@att.net Office hours by appointment please email to schedule

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions OPRE 6271 Project Overview and Strategic and Process Management

Course Description Projects are undertaken to help organizations convert strategy into products, services, and end results. Unfortunately, many projects are not totally successful because of the lack of clearly defined and well understood requirements. This course begins with a discussion of project manager credentialing and professional ethics, explores project management in a global environment, bridges from strategy to project definition with discussions of project selection and project management tools, and focuses on determining and managing project requirements. Important note: Modules from OB 6301, Introduction to Organizational Behavior, are intermixed with modules from this course. Concepts from these OB6301 modules are to be applied along with concepts from this course and the prerequisite course, OPRE6271, in your preparation of the Project Initiation Assignment.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes Students will demonstrate the knowledge to Take responsibility for ethical and professional conduct Apply project selection methods to evaluate the feasibility of projects Assess project contribution to business strategy, purpose and plans Determine and document project goals and performance requirements by working closely with project stakeholders Define and document product or service deliverables Select appropriate project management practices, tools and methodologies

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Required Textbooks and Materials Textbooks (purchased by student or viewed online): Larson, E. and Gray, C. (2011). Project Management: The Managerial Process (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN: 978-0-07-742692-7 (International Edition ISBN: 978-0071289290) Heldman, K. (2009). PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide (5th ed.). Indianapolis: Wiley (Sybex). ISBN: 978-0-470-45558-6 [Available as eBook from UTD Library] Mantel, S. J. et al. (2011). Project Management in Practice, 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN13: 9780470533017 Morris, P. and Jamieson, A. (2004). Translating Corporate Strategy into Project Strategy: Realizing Corporate Strategy Through Project Management. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. ISBN: 1-930699-37-9 [Available on PMI eReads and Reference] Project Management Institute. (2008). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Fourth Edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. ISBN: 978-1-933890-51-7 [download from PMI Standards] Wiegers, K. E. (2003). Software requirements, 2nd ed. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. ISBN: 0-7356-1879-8 [Available as eBook from UTD Library]

Articles and Cases (provided in class or download from Blackboard) Katz, L. Case Study: Chattanooga Challenge. Richardson, TX: The University of Texas at Dallas Other books you might be interested in Chatfield, C. and Johnson, T. (2010). Microsoft Project 2010 Step by Step. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. ISBN: Hooks, I. F., & Farry, K. A. (2001). Customer-centered products: Creating successful products through smart requirements management. New York: AMACOM. [Available as eBook from UTD Library and PMI eReads and Reference] referenced during lecture Howard, D. and Chefetz, G. (2010). Ultimate Study Guide: Foundations Microsoft Project 2010. New York: Chefetz. ISBN: 978-1-934240-13-7. Wiegers, K. E. (2006). More about software requirements: Thorny issues and practical advice. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. ISBN: 0-7356-2267-1 [Available as eBook from UTD Library] referenced during lecture

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Assignments & Academic Calendar Title/Date

Project Initiation Assignment

Overview
This assignment asks you to explore the strategic fit, technical requirements, and socio-cultural aspects of a potential project in your organization.

Objectives
Students will demonstrate their ability to: Assess project contribution to business strategy, purpose and plans Determine and document project goals and requirements Consider the socio-cultural impact of the project on stakeholders Non-PMPs Explore PMIs approach to Modeling the process of project management Creating the project charter and preliminary scope statement Applying professional responsibility PMPs Identify a topic of interest and describe the research approach you intend to follow

Assignments
Complete the assignment in accordance with the instructions found on Blackboard Assignments. Submit your completed document on Blackboard by 11:59PM, Wednesday, December 14, 2011. (40 points) Non-PMPs Read: Heldman, Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, and 12, pp. xxiii 90, 497-524. Online Quiz: Complete the online quiz (Blackboard Assignments) by 11:59PM, Saturday, November 5, 2011 (15 points) PMPs Submit your topic proposal and research approach on Blackboard by 11:59PM, Saturday, November 5, 2011. If revisions are required, obtain approval by November 12, 2011. (15 points)

Project Management Professional I Jim Szot Independent Study

This module begins the process of preparing for the Project Management Institutes Project Management Professional certification exam. Students who have already earned the PMP credential will begin to prepare a research paper on a project management topic of their choice.

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Title/Date
Project Manager Credentialing and Professional Ethics Jim Szot Friday, Oct. 14 AM

Overview
This module discusses project manager credentialing trends, requirements, and professional ethics.

Objectives
Students will be able to describe the benefits and requirements for obtaining project management and related specialty credentials. Students will be aware of the need to: Ensure individual integrity and professionalism by adhering to legal requirements and ethical standards Enhance individual competence with continuous learning Recommend approaches that strive for fair resolution to satisfy competing needs and objectives Respect personal, ethnic and cultural differences

Assignments
Required Reading: Gray and Larson, Chapter 1, Modern Project Management Mantel et al, Chapters 2, The Manager, the Organization, and the Team Review the credentialing standards found on: http://www.aacei.org/ http://www.apm.org.uk/ http://www.ipma.ch http://www.pmi.org http://www.prince2.com Team Assignment For the credentialing organization assigned to your team, prepare a presentation summarizing: o Credentials available o Purpose of credential o Requirements for earning o Benefits of earning o Ethical/professional conduct standards Post on Blackboard by 11:59PM, Thursday, October 13, 2011 (7.5 points) Required Reading: Gray and Larson, Chapter 15, International Projects Assignments (5 pts) As a team, prepare answers to the Case Study: Chattanooga Challenge found on Blackboard and bring to class. Come prepared to discuss and share your own international project work experiences

Project Management in a Global Environment Lothar Katz Friday, Oct. 14 PM

We explore how differences in cultural values and beliefs affect project management practices in areas such as project initiation, stakeholder management, progress monitoring, conflict prevention and resolution, and ongoing communication.

Students will be able to: Identify what cultural knowledge is critical for success in cross-cultural projects Describe effective task balancing in global projects Describe techniques for preventing cultural friction

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Title/Date
Introduction to Organizational Behavior: History, Culture, Ethics

Overview

Objectives

Assignments

See OB6301 Syllabus Dr. Sue Freedman Saturday, Oct. 15 AM

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Title/Date
Project Selection Criteria Dr. Gerald Turner Saturday, Oct. 15 PM

Overview
In this module, we review the thinking and applicable processes for initiating and selecting projects. We thoroughly review the following questions: Why launch projects? Exactly what is a project and how does this fit into the strategic planning and management process? Who cares? Who are the key stakeholders and beneficiaries of this process? What business value does the company derive from successfully conceived, planned, selected, executed and managed projects? How do we ensure the likelihood of success on key corporate & business projects

Objectives
Students will: Explore the world of corporate & business projects and initiatives Understand how projects are conceived and why through qualitative and quantitative selection techniques Determine which techniques apply to certain business environments, situations and scenarios and which do not... and why? Review the rationale for financial and/or economic justification for projects and programs for the corporation, business or strategic business unit i.e., the business case Introduce project charter concepts and foundations

Assignments
Required Reading: Gray and Larson, Chapter 2, Organizational Strategy and Project Selection Mantel et al, Chapters 1, The World of Project Management Morris and Jamieson, Chapter 2, Case Study - How a Global Aerospace Company Moves Strategy into Projects Please Review PMBOK Chapter 3, Project Management Processes for a Project, pp. 37-70 Heldman, Chapter 2, Using Project Selection Methods, pp. 58-65 Prepare Gray and Larson, Film Prioritization business case analysis, pp. 56-60. Develop and submit your case analysis and recommendations at the beginning of the class retaining a copy for your reference during in-class discussion. Also, be prepared to discuss all challenges, issues, risks, constraints and safetymechanisms associated with the project selection process applied to Global Aerospace. Particular emphasis will be given to facilitated class discussion and a group exercise on the assigned case. (7.5 points)

Decision-making in Organizations Dr. Sue Freedman Friday, Nov. 11 AM See OB6301 Syllabus

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Title/Date
Teams, Influence, and Socialization Dr. Sue Freedman Friday, Nov. 11 PM Requirements Overview Elicitation Tom Sheives Saturday, Nov. 12 AM

Overview

Objectives

Assignments

See OB6301 Syllabus

This module introduces the overall requirements development and management process and focuses in detail on the importance of eliciting good requirements.

Students will be able to: Identify and define important elements of a repeatable, systematic process used to develop and manage different types of requirements Identify the types of requirements, and apply the characteristics of good requirements Define the boundaries between project scope and product scope Utilize IEEE and SEI standards Define the spiral method of requirements development Identify and analyze stakeholders, their roles and needs Utilize requirement eliciting techniques Develop and understand real business and user needs Describe the difference between features, functions, and benefits Describe the importance of correctly and completely identifying the problem to be solved

Reading Assignment Wiegers, 2003, Chapters 1-5

In-class assignments Business analyst interview questions

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Title/Date
Requirements Analysis and Negotiation Tom Sheives Saturday, Nov. 12 PM

Overview
This module provides techniques for analyzing requirements to improve the overall success of the project.

Objectives
Students will be able to: Apply a method for analyzing requirements to improve the overall probability of success of the project Identify and analyze priorities and risks for each requirement Resolve conflicting requirements Allocate system requirements to components Involve stakeholders in tradeoffs

Assignments
Reading Assignments Wiegers, 2003, Chapters 6-8

In-class assignments Comprehensive Quiz in-class (10 points)

Organizational Culture and Design Dr. Sue Freedman Thursday, Dec. 8 AM Personality, Perception, and Communication Dr. Sue Freedman Thursday, Dec. 8 PM Motivation, Rewards, and Job Design Dr. Sue Freedman Friday, Dec 9 AM See OB6301 Syllabus See OB6301 Syllabus See OB6301 Syllabus

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Title/Date
Project Planning Tools Jim Szot Friday, Dec. 9 PM

Overview
In this module we discuss project planning tools and the use of Microsoft Project on up-coming individual and team assignments.

Objectives
Subjects will be able to: Describe some of the commonly used project management tools and their advantages and limitations Use the basic features of Microsoft Project to develop a project plan

Assignments
Individual Assignment Make a list of the tools that you have seen used in the practice of project management. Identify the benefits and limitations of each. Post Blackboard before 11:59 PM, Wednesday, December 7, 2011 and bring to class for discussion. (5 pts) Download and install a copy of MS Project on your computer Review the appropriate tutorials on Erik Larsons web site: MS Project 2007: (http://faculty.bus.oregonstate.edu/Larso n/New%20Faculty%20Page/project07/in dex.htm) MS Project 2010: http://faculty.bus.oregonstate.edu/Larso n/New%20Faculty%20Page/project10/in dex.htm

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Title/Date
Requirements Specification and Validation Tom Sheives Saturday, Dec. 10 AM

Overview
This module discusses techniques for developing good written specific requirements and systematic methods for validating requirements.

Objectives
Students will be able to: Determine how to specify and document requirements Apply templates in the documentation of requirements Address common problems in specifying requirements Use tools for specifying requirements and specification guidelines Identify and apply traceability techniques Identify and apply the validation process and baseline requirements Validate the goodness of requirements Determine the testability of requirements writing test cases acceptance criteria Understand the role of prototyping and/or model validation Trace requirements to the source Establish guidelines for baselines Students will be able to: Use components of requirements management Identify and apply the important elements of a change control process Identify and apply good impact analysis techniques on change requests Determine the importance of version control regarding requirements Identify concepts in this course to apply to your own project environment Understand how to assess current processes and environment Determine the usefulness of tools in their environment and identify the kinds of tools which may be applicable

Assignments
Reading Assignments Wiegers, 2003, Chapters 9-10

In-class Assignments

Requirements Management and Steps to Requirements Improvement Tom Sheives Saturday, Dec. 10 PM

This module discusses the importance of change control, version control, and the steps to take to implement a good process in an organization.

Reading Assignments Wiegers, 2003, Chapters 17-20

In-class Assignments Comprehensive Quiz in-class (10 points)

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Grading Policy
Graded assignments should be posted to Blackboard by midnight of the day listed. Assignment links disappear after the due date. If you cannot complete an assignment by the due date, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor associated with that assignment and to inform the instructor of record of this communication before the assignment becomes overdue. Note that faculty members have no obligation to accept late assignments or to discuss the possibility of extensions or extra-credit work, but may do so if you have a compelling reason and discuss it with them before the assignment is due. Consult the OB 6301 syllabus to confirm OB 6301 assignments and due dates. Assignments Companydescription paper Professional CertificationResearch andPresentation Casepreparationand classdiscussion TheStrategythat WouldntTravel ProjectSelectionCase ProjectManagement ProfessionalQuiz/ ResearchApproval AmIADeliberate DecisionMaker? TeamandTeam ProcessWorksheet RequirementsQuiz1 (inclass) Collaborative Organization Assessment KarenLearyCase Module IntrotoOB:History, Culture&Ethics (Freedman) ProjectManager Credentialingand ProfessionalEthics(Szot) ExecutingProjectsina GlobalEnvironment(Katz) IntrotoOB:History, Culture&Ethics (Freedman) ProjectSelectionCriteria (Turner) Course (Szot) DecisionMakingin Organizations(Freedman) Teams,Influenceand Socialization(Freedman) RequirementsOverview ReqtsAnalysis(Sheives) OrganizationalCultureand Design (Freedman) Motivation,Rewards,and JobDesign (Freedman) Personality,Perception, andCommunication (Freedman) Personality,Perception, andCommunication (Freedman) ProjectPlanningTools (Szot) RequirementsOverview ReqtsAnalysis(Sheives) Percentage OB6301(M1) Type Individual DueDate Oct.9

7.5% 5% OB6301(M1) 7.5% 15% OB6301(M2) OB6301(M3) 10% OB6301(M4)

Individual Team Team Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual

Oct.13 Oct.14 Oct.15 Oct.15 Nov.5 Nov.11 Nov.11 Nov.12 Dec.4

OB6301(M6)

Team

Dec.4

SelfAssessments

OB6301(M5)

Individual

Dec.8

PPCWorksheetA&B PMTools RequirementsQuiz2

OB6301(M5) 5% 10%

Team Individual Individual

Dec.8 Dec.7 Dec.10

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Assignments ProjectInitiation Assignment OnlineAssessment

Module Course Motivation,Rewards,and JobDesign (Freedman)

Percentage 40% OB6301(M6)

Type Individual Individual

DueDate Dec.14 Dec.18

Technical Support
For assistance with Blackboard, Adobe Connect, and other Project Management Program technology issues, e-mail Wei Wang [weiwang@utdallas.edu] and Debbie Samac [debbie@utdallas.edu]. Note that Wei and Debbie cannot help you with your UTD account, including email access issues. If you experience any problems with your UTD account, send an email to assist@utdallas.edu or call the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911. Do not contact the UTD Computer Helpdesk for questions about or problems with Blackboard or Adobe Connect. They cannot help you these products are supported by the Project Management Program.

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University Policies Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD printed publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each academic year. The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the universitys Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391) and online at http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity
The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work. Scholastic Dishonesty, any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts. Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the universitys policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owners rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes fair use under the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required to follow the institutions copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information about the fair use exemption, see http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm

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Email Use
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a students U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the universitys Handbook of Operating Procedures. In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called the respondent). Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondents School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Deans decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semesters end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

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Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is: The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22 PO Box 830688 Richardson, Texas 75083-0688 (972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY) disabilityservice@utdallas.edu If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services. The Coordinator is available to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Services to notify them of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Disability Services can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations. It is the students responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated. The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment. If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

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