Syllabus
Project Management for International Development
Course 531
Monday, March 31, 2008
Topic: Risk Management
Learning Objectives:
Define the Risk Management Process
Given a project, identify and analyze risk
Develop a Risk Response Strategy
Readings: After class read Chapter 5 in Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (FFMBA – PM)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Topics: Overview and Basic Concepts
Review Group Project Requirements (see below)
Learning Objectives:
Define a Project as distinct from ongoing work
Define Triple Constraints and how it impacts projects
Describe the project life cycle
Differentiate project management from program and portfolio management
Describe the CAPM, PMP and Prince2 certifications
Readings: Chapters 1,2 and 5 in FastForward MBA of Project Management (FFMBA-PM)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Topics: High Performance Teams and Group Project Selection
Learning Objectives:
Define what constitutes a Project Team
Understand and be able to apply the High Performance Team Framework (FFMBA-PM)
Understand and apply the Diverge and Converge model of Problem Analysis
Reading: Chapter 10 FFMBA –PM
Monday, April 21, 2008
Topics: Conceptual Design: Assessment and Analysis, LogFrames and Results Framework
Learning Objectives:
Employ three stakeholder analysis tools
Complete a problem analysis
Develop an Objectives Tree
Conduct an Alternative Selection Process
Explain why Logical Frameworks and Results Frameworks are useful in development projects
Develop LogFrame and Results Framework description statements that reflect causal logic
Develop indicators that correspond to the LogFrame and Results Framework description
statements
Reading Assignment: Delta River Case History and Chapters 2 and 3 FastForwardMBA - PM
Monday, April 28, 2008
Topics: Project Initiation, Planning and Scope Management
Learning Objectives:
Describe Initiation gates in an NGO context
Differentiate between proposal development and planning processes
Identify elements of a comprehensive project plan
Understand the purpose and value of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Develop a WBS
Reading: Chapters 3, 4 and 5 in FFMBA-PM
Monday, May 5, 2008
Topics: Project Time and Cost Estimating
Learning Objectives:
Employ the 5 steps of schedule planning
Identify and use the following scheduling tools
Network Diagrams
Critical Path Diagrams
Gantt Charts
Explain the connection between resource estimating, schedule estimating and cost estimating
Move from a Gantt Chart to a budget
Reading: FFMBA-PM Chapters 6 and 7
Monday, May 12, 2008
Topics: Monitoring and Evaluation and Closing Processes
Learning Objectives:
Describe elements of a Complete Project Assessment approach
Develop a Monitoring Plan
Describe the importance of Earned Value
Identify the importance of integrated Change Management
Reading: Chapters 11 - 14 in FFMBA-PM
Monday, May 19, 2008
Topic: Creating a Project System
Learning Objectives:
Identify the elements of a Project System
Create a Project System
Reading: Chapter 14 FFMBA-PM
Monday, May 26, 2008 No class (Memorial Day Weekend)
Monday June 2, 2008
Topic: Group Project Presentations
Course Grade Components:
50% - Class Preparation and Participation
50% - Group Project Documentation and Presentation
Group Project Presentation
Groups of four to six students will be formed to work together throughout the course to plan a
hypothetical project within the Puget Sound Area to solve a problem affecting the poor or the
environment. The Project Budget will be $250,000 and the duration of the project will be one year.
As we proceed through the Project Management course, groups will be expected to create the
documents below for their projects (and any additional documents desired) and prepare for a 20 minute
presentation of the Project on June 2nd. ( 10 minute group presentation, 5 minute instructor questions, 5
minute class questions).
Minimum Documentation Required:
Presentation:
Project Summary Chart
Stake Holder Analysis
LogFrame/Results Framework
Supporting Documentation
Statement of Work
List Of Stakeholders
Responsibility Matrix
Detailed Project Plan (including)
Work Breakdown Structure
Network Diagram
Schedule
Resource Plan (team)
Cash Flow schedule
Risk Log (top 7 risks)
Project Summary (1 page)
Instructor Contact Information:
Until we are on the University network Eric Berg and Eric Verzuh are available at the following emails
and phone numbers.
Eric Berg -
425-462-4973 pericberg@lingos.org
Eric Verzuh
206-417-2293 eric.verzuh@versatilecompany.com