Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
Kennesaw State University
Southern Polytechnic College of
Engineering and Engineering Technology
Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
The Systems Engineering program is a multidisciplinary program that blends engineering, systems
thinking, and management topics. The increasing complexity of systems, the growth of global
competitiveness, the enhanced focus on cost and profitability, and ever more challenging customer
expectations have led a number of premiere organizations in the defense and commercial sectors to
assume the role of system integrators. These organizations are increasingly adopting an evolving
business model that emphasizes the selling of functionality, solutions, or capabilities, instead of focusing
on providing systems, system elements, and products.
The program offers a Master of Science degree with a major in Systems Engineering and a Graduate
Certificate in Systems Engineering. The curriculum emphasizes the development of large-scale, complex,
and multifunctional systems in a number of domains. Core courses in the SyE Program have a strong
case study and project orientation to facilitate understanding of the concepts discussed.
All graduate Systems Engineering courses are offered online via several technologies that allow a high
degree of interaction with the faculty and fit into today’s professional’s busy schedule.
Admission Criteria
Applicants to a Graduate Certificate Program must submit the following:





An application for graduate admission to SPSU.
Official transcript to be sent from each college or university attended,
Certificate of Immunization. Download this form and sign the waiver at the bottom,
At least three (3) recommendation forms completed by former or current supervisors,
professors, or professional colleagues, and
A current resume.
Graduate applicants shall have the following qualifications.
An undergraduate degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, physical science, or
other technically oriented major from an accredited college or university. Interested students from
other disciplines may be admitted to the program, but may be required to complete additional courses.
A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on the 4.0 scale). Applicants with a GPA of 2.75
or better may be considered with strong work experience and letters of reference.
For international students, a 550 on the TOEFL Written Exam or a 78 on the Internet version is required.
Admission Status
Graduate Certificate students are limited to certificate courses or preparatory courses approved by the
Program Coordinator. Certificate students may apply for Full Graduate status. After being accepted into
the Masters Degree Program, all hours earned as a Certificate student can apply toward the Masters
Degree.
Requirements



SYE 6005 - Introduction to Systems Engineering 3 Credits
SYE 6020 - System Architecture 3 Credits
SYE 6025 - Economic Decision Analysis 3 Credits
One of the following courses:


MGNT 6050 - Project Management 3 Credits
SYE 6010 - Project Management Processes 3 Credits
Total For Certificate: 12 Credits
SYE 6005 - Introduction to Systems Engineering 3 Credits (Required Course, no prerequisite, 3-0-3)
The goal is to introduce the student to the essential principles, processes, and practices associated with the
application of Systems Engineering. The applicability and use of Process Standards will be examined.
Emphasis will focus on defining the problem to be solved, establishing the initial system architecture,
understanding the role of system life-cycles, requirements development, and verification and validation of
the realized system.
SYE 6005: Introduction to Systems Engineering
Fall 2014
Instructor:
Woodrow Winchester, III,
Assistant: TBD
PhD (Woodrow)
Q-130 (Office)
678.915.3061 (Office phone)
wwinches@spsu.edu (E-mail):
E-Mail is the preferred
contact (Do not e-mail through
D2L)
Office Hours: MW 10:00AM to
Noon and by appointment
Class: Thursdays 6:00PM to 7:15PM, Wimba Classroom
Class Site: A D2L site will be maintained for your use. You will find copies of the syllabus,
discussion documents, and assignments posted here. You are responsible for obtaining a copy of
the discussion documents prior to the class period (i.e. Wimba session) in which they are needed.
DO NOT assume that the discussion documents posted constitute all of the material covered in
class. We will cover some content not posted and we will not cover all of the content made
available to you.
Course Description: The goal is to introduce the student to the essential principles, processes,
and practices associated with the application of Systems Engineering. The applicability and use
of Process Standards will be examined. Emphasis will focus on defining the problem to be
solved, modeling and analyzing the problem, understanding the role of system life cycles, and
verification and validation of the realized system.
Required Readings:
1. Thinking in Systems: A Primer, Donella Meadows (Required Text)
2. ISO/IEC 15288: 2008 (To Be Provided)
3. Systems Engineering Primer (To Be Provided)
4. Other readings will be provided
Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the system design process: requirements development, system specifications,
system testing, system integration, and retirement.
2. Understand the system life cycle and life cycle costs analysis.
3. Understand the role of models in the system design process.
4. Understand how measures of effectiveness can be used in evaluating alternative system
designs with respect to system requirements and specifications.
5. Understand how optimization of system parameters can be used to find the best system
design.
6. Understand the basics of management of systems engineering efforts including working
in teams and project planning.
Course Topics: The lectures will cover all aspects/phases of complex systems realization (e.g.
perspective, product, and process) and will include but not be limited to topics including:
1. The Profession and Discipline of Systems Engineering
2. Systems Thinking
3. Systems Design and Architecting
4. System Life Cycle Processes
5. Systems Engineering Life Cycle Models and Processes: Types
6. Systems Engineering Life Cycle Models and Processes: Selection and Implementation
7. Systems Engineering Management: Project Management Processes
8. Systems Engineering Management: Strategic Management Processes
Grading: Your grade will be determined as follows:
Item
Case Study Analyses (4@15%)
Midterm
Final
Percentage
60%
20%
20%
Professional Behavior and Academic Integrity: All students are expected to abide by the
professional and ethical standards established by SPSU. The instructor reserves the right to remove
any student from the course if their behavior is of a disruptive and disrespectful nature or if there
is evidence of academic dishonesty.
Make-up Exams: In general there will be no make-up exams given. Please let me know in
advance of any exams that will be missed for an institute-approved reason.
Re-grades: Requests for re-grades must be made in writing (be specific) between 24 hours and 1
week after an assignment or exam is returned.
Attendance: Attendance in the weekly Wimba Classroom lecture and discussion is
OPTIONAL. Speakers and a microphone will be required for the Wimba Classroom chats.
Generally students who participate and keep current with the course progress perform better on
the exams. The lectures will be archived for reference.
Assignments and Discussions: Occasionally, in addition to the case study analyses, problems,
questions, and/or group exercises will be assigned to reinforce material.
Exams: There will be two exams in the semester. The format for the exams will be discussed
before the first exam.
Disability Statement: Students with disabilities who believe that they may need
accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the counselor working with disabilities at
678-915-7244 as soon as possible to better insure that such accommodations are implemented in
a timely fashion.
Tentative Course Schedule: To be provided
Additional Information:
1. Attendance in the weekly Wimba Classroom lecture and discussion is OPTIONAL.
2. During the Wimba sessions, active participation is encouraged and mutual respect is
required.
3. This is more of a conceptual class; introducing the core concepts of systems engineering.
The delivery of this class is designed to allow students to apply the concepts they are
learning.
4. This class will require each student to use, develop, and perfect their problem solving, critical
thinking, and creative skills. Moreover, students of systems engineering need to realize that
there is no one correct solution for a number of the problems we will encounter;
however, there exists better solutions than others.
5. Course examinations will focus on the application of the concepts and techniques discussed
in the lecture. Additionally, exam questions may be based on in-class discussions.
6. I will not struggle to read illegible handwriting in grading exams, quizzes or any other
assignment. You must write so that I can read what you have written, otherwise it will not be
graded and considered incorrect.
7. All written assignments will be graded on the quality of the work. It is expected that each of
you will provide me with well-written and defended solutions to the problems for this class.
It is also expected that your performance will increase with structured feedback. Your first
case study analyses will require review by the SPSU Writing Center.
8. If you have a dispute about a grade for any assignment or examination, provide me with a
written explanation of what you are disputing and why no later than 1 week after the work
was returned to you. Realize that I reserve the right to re-grade the entire work when
reviewing the dispute. I do make mistakes, so please don’t hesitate to bring them to my
attention.
9. Additional requirements for the case study analyses will be provided under separate cover.
10. I will strive to make this a challenging and exciting class. I welcome your suggestions for
improving the course at any time.
Notes: This syllabus/schedule may be changed to suit the needs of the class. Remember your
professor wants you to succeed. Let us make it a great semester!
SYE 6020 – System Architecture (Required Course, Course Prerequisites: SYE 6005 and SYE 6010 or
MGNT 6050, 3-0-3)
The goal is to introduce the student to the essential principles, processes, and practices associated with the
application of Systems Engineering. The applicability and use of Process Standards will be examined.
Emphasis will focus on defining the problem to be solved, establishing the initial system architecture,
understanding the role of system life-cycles, requirements development, and verification and validation of
the realized system.
Syllabus
SYE-6020 Systems Architecture
Spring 2015
Subject to Change
Professor: Dr. David Gross
Email Address: david.c.gross@lmco.com | dgross2@spsu.edu
Office Hours: By arrangement
Office: None
Phone: 404-790-6670
Contact Information for the Course
If the student needs to contact the instructor then please send the instructor email at
david.c.gross@lmco.com You may also use the other e-mail address and phone number noted
above.
Response Time
All student emails requiring a response will be answered within two business days from the
time the student first transmits the email. Weekends, holidays, or school breaks are not
business days. If you are unable to find the time to work on an assignment until just before the
assignment is due then the instructor is not responsible for monitoring his or her email account
and answering your last minute questions just before the assignment submission deadline.
Course Prerequisites: SYE 6005 and (SYE 6010 or MGNT 6050)
Textbook
Dickerson, C.E, and D.N. Mavris, Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering, 3rd Ed.
CRC Press. 2009.
Course Description
Examination of concepts and techniques for architecting systems, the establishment of a
bounded and integrated structure that provides a framework for system creation, work
breakdown structures, cost analysis, and subcontractor control and interface will be reviewed.
A structured approach to system architecture that proceeds from a topmost "system" to an
aggregation and integration of systems created in lower level development layers, both internal
and external to the developer as described in the standard IEEE 1220 will be explored.
This course provides the student insight into the nature of the architecting process for building
complex systems that are ill structured initially and that evolve over time in an uncertain
environment. The course is useful for systems engineering students, experienced system
designers, R&D managers and those who wish to acquire the body of knowledge that systems
engineers use to generate and understand architectures of complex systems.
The course is primarily non-quantitative in nature. It requires substantial reading, some
memory work and literature research. We will use case studies of complex large-scale
infrastructure systems such as the internet and defense/space systems as well as commercial
product systems to illustrate basic principles of systems architecting.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the nature of the system architecting process and apply organizing
principles for creating basic architectures of complex systems.
2. Understand the nature and implications of complexity for architecting complex systems
3. Identify, understand and use architecting principles for the design of contemporary
complex engineering systems such as consumer product, defense, energy or
communication infrastructure systems.
4. Identify and explain heuristics and their contextual application for problem solving,
managing uncertainty and risk avoidance in complex engineering systems.
5. Understand and interpret architectural standards such as IEEE 1220 and IEEE 1471-2000.
Course Schedule
Meets Wednesdays, 7:30 to 8:45 pm, online (see course web site below). Between sessions,
students view a study the appropriate textbook chapters, and complete assignments.
If the instructor does not join the class within 15 minutes of the scheduled start, class is
canceled for reasons out of the instructor’s control. The instructor will record makeup sessions
and adjust deadlines to compensate. Students should watch the course announcements on the
course web site for this and other important instructions.
Course Web Site
This course has a Desire2Learn web site for use by registered students. All class handouts,
slides, grades, announcements, and links will be available there, so please get in the habit of
checking it often. To log in, go to: http://www.spsu.edu/d2l/. Your User ID is the same as your
email prefix, and initial Password is your email password. There are help links on the website.
All course lectures will be held via the Blackboard Collaborate Live Classroom accessible thru
the course’s Desire2Learn site. You will need an earphone headset equipped with a
microphone. These headsets are very inexpensive and can be purchased at Staples, Wal-Mart
etc. You will also need reliable high speed internet access to participate.
Grading Policy
Your final grade in this course will be determined using the following weights for each
component of this course:
Component
Points Weight Nature
Homework
100
33%
Open Book, Collaborative
Semester Project 100
33%
Open Book, Individual
Final Exam
100
33%
Open Book, Individual
Totals
300
100%
The semester project is to develop a case study of system architecture.
Each assignment will be made via online folders with a downloadable instruction file to be
completed and returned at the specified due date as noted on each assignment.
Late assignments will be accepted up to one week late with a letter grade deduction. Any later
submissions will receive a grade of zero.
Students are encouraged to share ideas, discuss, or help each other on the homework
assignments and projects via the discussion board. Any other type of collaboration (such as
sharing written work, data or computer files) is not permitted.
Extra credit work may be offered during the semester. Only students attending class will be
offered the opportunity for the extra points.
All work submitted should be in files name: course-assignment-yourname.filetype
Where:
 “course” is SYE-6020
 “assignment” is the name of the assignment, e.g., HW-1, Midterm
 “yourname” is your name
 “filetype” is the usual extension for the file (e.g., “doc” for MS Word).
Work not using this naming convention will be penalized.
All assignments submitted by the student for grading will be returned to the student with a
grade and with comments within one week after the student submits the assignment, not
counting weekends, holidays, or scheduled breaks.
Make-Up Work
The instructor has the sole discretion of whether to permit make-up of missed assignments.
Students are required to notify the instructor as soon as possible via in-course e-mail of
situations requiring missed work. Ideally, such notification will be in advance. Any make-up
work approved may receive a reduced grade.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is strongly recommended. This class will include take home assignments and inclass work. Your attendance in class will NOT directly impact your course grade, unless you are
absent for a test, quiz, lab assignment, or other graded work. It should be noted that students
who do attend class on a regular basis normally perform better on tests, quizzes, and other
graded assignments. However, simply being present in class does not guarantee that the
student will achieve a high grade in the course.
Students who miss class for any reason are not exempt from the material covered during the
class period(s) the student misses. The instructor is NOT responsible for assisting the student
catch up on class material when the student is absent from class.
Calculators/Software
You will need access to a computer with Microsoft Office and the ability to install software.
Academic Honesty
From the SPSU Catalog: “A faculty member reserves the right to remove any student from his or
her course if the student’s behavior is of a disruptive nature or if there is evidence of academic
dishonesty.” Plagiarism Detection: Students agree that by taking this course all required papers
may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of
plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com
reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the
Turnitin.com service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com
site. Any type of Academic Dishonesty by a student may result in the student being expelled
from the course and the student receiving a grade of “F” in the course. This grade of “F” will
appear on the student’s official SPSU transcript. If the student has a repeated history of
Academic Dishonesty at SPSU then the student may also be expelled from the University.
Professional Behavior
All students are expected to abide by the professional ethical behavior standards published in
the SPSU catalog.
Disability Statement
"A student at Southern Polytechnic State University who has a disabling condition and needs
academic accommodations has a responsibility to voluntarily identify him/herself as having a
disability by scheduling an appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator as soon as
possible." (SPSU Catalog). Contact the Coordinator as follows: Kalisha Thomas, 678-915-7244,
Building J, Room 253, kthomas2@spsu.edu.
Contact Information for Technical or Academic Issues
If you have a technical problem with this software, please visit the GeorgiaVIEW Online Support
Center for assistance. http://help8.view.usg.edu/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8075
If you have an academic issue then please ask your instructor for assistance.
SYE 6025 –Engineering Economic Analysis (Required Course, no prerequisite, 3-0-3)
Examination of the principles and methods used in evaluating costs associated with development and
realization of engineering programs. This includes engineering cost estimating for determining
engineering development and total life-cycle costs, application of cost-benefit analyses and costeffectiveness analyses in the comparison of alternative design approaches, and an examination of various
engineering costing concepts such as "design-to-cost", "should cost", and "cost as an independent
variable".
SYE 6025 Engineering Economic Analysis
Spring 2014
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Class:
Class Materials:
Office Hours:
Office:
Dr. Adeel Khalid
akhalid2@spsu.edu
(678) 915-7241
Tuesdays 6:00pm to 7:15pm
D2L https://spsu2.view.usg.edu
Tue, Thr 2:30PM – 4:30PM and by appointment
Q - 323
Textbook:
Engineering Economy, 15th Edition, by William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling,
Pearson Publication
Course Objective:
The course objective is to understand the principles of engineering economics and cost analysis
and to develop an awareness of contemporary economic analysis methodologies relevant to
systems engineering.
Opportunities to Excel:



Mid term and final exams to demonstrate proficiency with basic time value of money
calculations. The exams are open-book take-home exams. They are hard and it will take
considerable time to complete.
A case study to demonstrate your ability to apply engineering economics principles. The
case study is a replacement analysis for your personal vehicle or a similar topic.
Weekly homework. Homework will involve problem solving. Doing homework regularly
will ensure that students understand the material. It will also help in the exams.
Grading:
Letter grades will be assigned based on a course average that is computed using the following
weights:
Percentage
Exam 1
30%
Case Study
20%
Exam 2
30%
Homework
20%
The cutoff values for each grade will be made when case study, research paper and exam scores
are recorded and the overall averages are calculated. Typically, an overall score of 90 or more in
the course will earn an A (4.0/4.0), 80 or more a B (3.0/4.0), 70 or more a C (2.0/4.0), and 60 or
more a D (1.0/4.0).
This is my general guideline for the grade expectations typically held for graduate classes:
A
Outstanding or professional quality work and excellent mastery of topics (e.g.
think independently about problems, apply skills to new problems)
B
Good quality work (few format errors, clear organization) and thorough mastery
of topics (e.g. recognize problem types; apply methods to problems without
errors)
C
Poor quality work and/or does not demonstrate graduate level understanding of
the material
Below C
Significant course work missing or inadequate so as not to demonstrate a
satisfactory mastery of topics
Professional Behavior: All students are expected to abide by the professional ethical behavior
standards as contained under the Student Life Regulations of the Graduate Catalog of SPSU. This
includes all individual work being completed individually by the student registered for the course
and all sources acknowledged within all written work and communications.
Academic dishonesty:
SPSU has an Honor Code and a new procedure relating to when academic misconduct is alleged.
All students should be aware of them. Information about the Honor Code and the misconduct
procedure may be found at http://spsu.edu/honorcode/.
Some guidelines are listed below. Additional guidelines for individual assignments may be
explained with the assignment. If you have any questions, please ask me!


Students may not work together on the exam.
Any resources used to complete the case study and research project (including significant
help from fellow students) must be properly cited.
Incidents of academic dishonesty will be investigated by the instructor. The instructor will decide
on appropriate actions depending on the severity of the infraction that can include the following: a
grade of “0” for the assignment, failure in the course, or recommendation for dismissal from the
program. All incidents will be documented in your departmental record.
Make-up Exams: In general there will be no make-up exam given. Please let me know in advance
of any exams that will be missed for an institute approved reason.
Re-grades: Requests for re-grades must be made in writing (be specific) between 24 hours and 1
week after an assignment or exam is returned.
Disability Statement
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to contact the counselor working with disabilities at 678-915-7244 as soon as possible
to better insure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
SyE 6025 Tentative Course Schedule:
The following course schedule is tentative. Students are expected to do the reading assignment for
each class period before coming to class on that day. Late assignments will incur a 10% penalty
per day.
CLASS AGENDA
Date
SYE 6025
Topic
1/7 Module 1: Introduction
Assignment
Chapters 1, 2 (Skim)
Time Value of Money (TVM)
1/14 Module 2:Time Value of Money (TVM)
1/21
Net Present Value (NPV) Analysis
Module 3: Equivalence, MARR, and
Measures of Merit
1/28 Module 4: The Cost of Capital
2/4 Module 5: Comparison of Alternatives
2/11 Out of Class Exam--NO Live Classroom
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 13
Ch. 6
Exam due NLT midnight Eastern
Time , Sunday 2/16
Research Time (No Class Meeting)--Begin
preparation for Case Study.
2/18 Module 6: Inflation
Ch. 8 and Read the article on CPI
Market Basket
2/25 Module 7: Replacement Analysis
Ch. 9 and review Case Study
Requirements
3/4 Spring Break – No Class
3/11 Module 8: Cost Estimation
Ch. 3
Review Calculus and Probability
& Statistics Presentations.
3/18 Module 9: Depreciation and Income Taxes
3/25 Module 10: Breakeven and Sensitivity
Ch. 7
Ch. 11
Analysis
4/1 Research Time
4/8 Module 11: Risk and Uncertainty Analysis
Ch. 12
Case Study due BEFORE 11pm
Eastern Time, Wednesday 4/16.
4/15 Module 12: Benefit-Cost Ratio Method
4/22 Module 13: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Mon
Exam 2
4/28
Ch. 10
Ch. 14
Exam due NLT midnight Eastern
Time , Monday 4/28
All portions of the above are subject to change at the discretion of the professor. Updates will be posted in
GAView Vista. Revised 2/9/16
SYE 6010 – Project Management Processes (Managing the Technical Effort Associated with System
Creation) (Required Course, no prerequisite, 3-0-3)
Integrated framework for project organization, planning and control focusing on project management
processes for large, complex programs to ensure cost-effective and quality outcomes for investments.
SYE 6010 Project Management Processes (Managing the Technical Effort
Associated with System Creation)
Spring 2015
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Class:
Israel Rose
irose@spsu.edu
(678) 983-0626 (c)
Wednesday 7:30 - 8:45 PM
https://spsu.view.usg.edu/d2l/home/878837 (official classroom)
Class Materials: GeorgiaView D2L
https://spsu.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/878837/Home (official course site)
Office Hours:
By appointment only
Required Textbook:
Kerzner, Harold, Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, 10th
Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. (2009). ISBN 978-0-470-27870-3
Course Description:
The goal is to provide the student with a systematic approach to the essential principles, processes, and
practices associated with Project Management functions, including planning, scheduling, and controlling.
Since the project management approach requires departure from the traditional business organizational
form, the applicability and use of Project Management will be examined as a viable, albeit temporary,
organizational structure. Emphasis will focus on the use of an alternative management structure and
special management techniques geared toward obtaining better control and use of existing resources.
Course Objective:
The specific learning objectives are below.
1. Understand the project initiation process: selection of the best project, recognizing the benefits,
sanctioning the project, and assigning the project manager.
2. Understand the project planning process: defining the work requirements, defining the quality
and quantity of work, defining the resource needs, scheduling activities, and evaluation of risk.
3. Understand the project execution process: negotiating for team members, directing and
managing, and working to improve the team.
4. Understand the monitoring and control process: tracking progress, comparing actual versus
predicted outcomes, analyzing variances and impacts, and making adjustments.
5. Understand the project closure process: verifying work accomplishment, closing the contract,
closing out charge numbers, closing out the paperwork.
Reading: Students are expected to read the text and to remain current with the classroom
presentations.
Attendance: Attendance in the weekly lecture and discussion is strongly encouraged. Speakers and a
microphone will be required for the Horizon Live chats. Generally students who participate and keep
current with the course progress perform better on the exams. The lectures will be archived for
reference.
Homework Assignments: Homework for select weeks will be assigned to reinforce learning. Your
response to the homework assignments will be worth 10% of your final grade. Post your response to the
homework topics/problems in the “Dropbox” for corresponding assignment by replying to that week’s
discussion topics/problems. When assigned, the homework assignment will be due by 7:30 pm on the
day of the class.
Exams: There will be a midterm exam and a comprehensive final exam. The format for the exams will
be discussed before the first exam.
Grading: Letter grades will be assigned based on a course average that is computed using the following
weights:
Homework (3)
Quizzes (4)
Midterm Exam (1)
Final Exam (1)
Participation
Percentage
10%
40%
20%
30%
Encouraged
The cutoff values for each grade will be made when all assignments and exam scores are recorded and
the overall averages are calculated. Typically, an average of 90 or more for the course will earn an A
(4.0/4.0), 80 or more a B (3.0/4.0), 70 or more a C (2.0/4.0), and 60 or more a D (1.0/4.0).
A general guideline for the grade expectations typically held for graduate classes:
A
Outstanding or professional quality work and excellent mastery of topics (e.g. think
independently about problems, apply skills to new problems)
B
Good quality work (few format errors, clear organization) and thorough mastery of
topics (e.g. recognize problem types; apply methods to problems without errors)
C
Poor quality work and/or does not demonstrate graduate level understanding of the
material
Below C
Significant course work missing or inadequate so as not to demonstrate a satisfactory
mastery of topics
Academic Honesty:
All course participants (myself, teaching assistants, and students) are expected and required to abide
by the letter and the spirit of the SPSU Honor Code. If there is any way in which I can help you in
complying with the honor code, please do not hesitate to ask. I will do the same.
Additional guidelines for individual assignments will be explained with the assignment. If you have any
questions, please ask me! Penalties for academic dishonesty can include receiving a 0 on the
assignment or an F in the course. All incidents will be reported.
Make-up Exams: In general there will be no make-up exams given. Please let me know in advance of
any exams that will be missed for an institute approved reason.
Re-grades: Requests for re-grades must be made in writing (be specific) between 24 hours and 1 week
after an assignment or exam is returned.
ADA Compliance Statement: “If you have a documented disability as described by the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that may require you to need assistance
attaining accessibility to instructional content to meet course requirements, we recommend that you
contact the ATTIC at 678.915.7361 as soon as possible. It is then your responsibility to contact and meet
with your instructor. The ATTIC can assist you and the instructor in formulating a reasonable
accommodation plan and provide support in developing appropriate accommodations for your
disability. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations will be made, when
appropriate, to assist you to meet the requirements”.
Tentative Course Schedule:
The following course schedule is tentative. Students are expected to do the reading and occasional
assignments (discussion topics) for each class period before coming to class on that day.
Date
1/07
1/14
1/21
Topic
- Module 1
- Course Overview & Introduction
- Module 2
- Concepts and Definitions
- Module 3
- Organizational Structures; Organizing and
Staffing
- Module 4
- Management Functions
1/28
2/4
- Module 5
- Conflicts in Projects
- Module 6
- Ethics
Reading
Chap. 1
Note
Chap. 2
- Personal Bio
Chap. 3
Chap. 4
Quiz #1 Available
Modules 1, 2, and 3
Chaps. 5 , 6,
& Hodgetts
article
Chap. 7
Quiz#1 Due
Part of
Chap. 8
Midterm Available–
Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
&6
- Quiz 2 Available
Modules 4, 5, and 6
Quiz 2 Due
2/11
2/18
2/25
3/11
3/18
3/25
4/01
- Module 7
- Variables for Success
- Module 8
- Planning
- Module 9
- Analysis techniques – Simulation
- Module 10
- Pricing and Cost Estimation
- Module 11
- Risk Management
- Module 12
- Quality Management
Section 8.2
and Chap. 9
Chap. 11
Chaps. 12 &
13
Chaps. 14 &
15
Chap. 17
Quiz #3 Available
Modules 7, 8, & 9
Quiz #3 Due
Chap. 20
Homework 3 Due.
Quiz 4 Available
Modules 10, 11, 12
4/08
4/15
4/22
4/29
- Module 13
- Leadership
- Module 14
- Current Research
Review (Final Exam Available After Class)
Final Exam
5.9, Part of
Chap. 5
Quiz #4 Due
Due by 8:45 PM
MGNT 6050 – Project Management (Required/Optional Course, Prerequisites: MGNT 5000 and
MGNT 5014 or an undergraduate course in management principles and an undergraduate course in
statistics, 3-0-3)
A study of project planning, organizing, controls concepts and techniques. Coverage will include projects
and specifications. Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) the Critical Path Method (CPM), the Program
Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Gantt charting, and time/resource management.
Syllabus
MGNT 6050: Project Management
Course Description
A comprehensive study of project planning, organizing, and control concepts and techniques.
Coverage will include project plans and specifications, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), the
Critical Path Method (CPM), the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), bar
(Gantt) charting, and time resource management. The student will also be exposed to
organizational structures, leadership and management theory and practice, and conflict resolution
skills as these apply tot he management of projects.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to: • Describe aspects of the project
management process
• Develop a work breakdown structure of a project
• Establish baseline plans for a project
• Use schedule and cost control techniques to manage a project • Evaluate progress on a project
• Distinguish characteristics of excellent project managers
Textbook
Project Management: A Managerial Approach, by Jack R. Meredith and Samuel J. Mantel, Jr.,
6th edition, 2006, John Wiley & Sons. In addition, other readings may be assigned during the
semester. You will also need to read the novel Critical Chain by Eliyahu M. Goldratt.
The textbook is available online at http://www.wiley.com/legacy/desktopeditions/busdecscience.html. It is available both electronically and in printed form and the electronic copy is
much less expensive.
Grading
Exams
Mid-Term Cases (Two)
Points
200
Final Exam
Other Chapter Cases (Ten)
Discussion
Homework Problems
Total
300
200
100
200
1,000
Letter grades are assigned as follows:
C Work does not meet the standards for a Masters-level course.
B Work is fully acceptable and completely meets all requirements for a Masters-level course.
A Work significantly exceeds all requirements for a Masters-level course and is clearly superior
to the work performed by other Masters students.
Exams
The midterm and a major part of the final exam are cases. These take-home exams will each consist
of two Harvard University cases. These must be purchased online and cost approximately $7.00
per case. The names of the cases and purchasing information will be made available to students at
the appropriate time.
In addition to the two cases, there will also be a final exam. This will consist of short answer and
essay questions. Students are expected to take the final exam on time and to turn in the cases on
time. Deadlines are enforced by WebCT and material will not be accepted late.
The mid-term and final exam cases must be turned in both to WebCT and to www.turnitin.com.
More information on www.turnitin.com is be provided in the Administration area of the course.
Plagiarism Prevention
This course use plagiarism prevention technology. Students will be submitting papers online
through a plagiarism prevention service. The papers may be retained by the service for the sole
purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions.
Chapter Cases
Students are to turn in cases analysis on the cases listed in the schedule. All of these are from the
textbook. Cases must be typed and will not be accepted late. Chapter cases must be turned in both
to WebCT and to www.turnitin.com. More information on www.turnitin.com is be provided in the
Administration area of the course.
Homework
A couple of the chapters have homework problems assigned. These will be turned in for a grade.
Homework does not have to be typed, you may work it by hand and scan your work for posting in
WebCT if you like. Homework will not be accepted late.
Academic Integrity
Chapter cases, mid-term cases, and final exam cases are checked for plagiarism by turnitin.com.
In addition, students of this course are required to log into the Business Administration Academic
Resources and complete the Academic Integrity module with a score of 70 percent or better. This
is a self-registered course. Complete instructions are provided in the Administration area of the
course. The presentation can be viewed as many times as needed and the quiz can be retaken as
many times as needed to obtain the necessary score of 70 percent or better.
Student Responsibilities
All individual work you hand in is expected to be your own work. Discussing the course material
and concepts with others outside of class can be very helpful and is encouraged; however, you are
not to work together to do your individual homework or other individual assignments. Students
who cheat will be dropped from the course and failed.
Schedule
See separate attachment.
Changes
The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary. Should changes be needed, he will
announce those changes in class.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to contact the counselor working with disabilities at (678) 915-7226 as soon as
possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Dr. Obeidat Biographical Statement
Dr. Muhammad A. Obeidat is a Professor of Operations and Technology Management. His
research and teaching interests are in the areas of operations management, management science,
information systems, statistics, management of technology, quality management and control, and
project management. His research has been published in several journals, including International
Journal of Industrial Ergonomics , and Journal of Business Administration. He has worked and
consulted with several automobile vendor companies on productivity and process design and
layout. Dr. Obeidat is a member of the Decision Sciences Institute, and Production & Operations
Management Society. He is currently serving as Associate Editor of the International Management
Review Journal.