*Course Description* 

This course introduces the foundational concepts, tools, and methodologies of project management. Students will learn to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects effectively. Topics include Agile, Scrum, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and project lifecycle frameworks. Practical applications include case studies, simulations, and a capstone project using tools like MS Project or Jira. 

*Learning Objectives* 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables using SMART criteria. 

2. Develop work breakdown structures (WBS) and Gantt charts. 

3. Apply Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies to real-world projects. 

4. Manage project risks, budgets, and resources effectively. 

5. Lead teams using communication and stakeholder management strategies. 

6. Use project management software (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana). 

7. Analyse ethical dilemmas and global project challenges. 

8. Prepare for industry certifications (e.g., CAPM, PMP). 

*Course Structure (14 Weeks)* 

| *Week* | *Topic*                                                | *Key Activities*                                   | 

|----------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| 

| 1        | Introduction to Project Management              | PM lifecycle, role of a PM, PMI standards           | 

| 2        | Project Initiation & Scope Management           | Stakeholder analysis, project charter development   | 

| 3        | Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)                  | Creating WBS, Gantt charts in MS Project            | 

| 4        | Time & Cost Estimation                           | PERT/CPM, budgeting, resource allocation            | 

| 5        | Risk Management                                  | Risk identification, qualitative/quantitative analysis | 

| 6        | Agile & Scrum Methodologies                      | Sprint planning, user stories, Scrum roles          | 

| 7        | *Midterm Exam*                                 |                                                     | 

| 8        | Project Execution & Quality Management          | Quality assurance, Six Sigma basics                 | 

| 9        | Team Leadership & Communication                 | Conflict resolution, virtual team management        | 

| 10       | Monitoring & Controlling Projects               | Earned Value Management (EVM), KPIs                 | 

| 11       | Project Closure & Lessons Learned               | Post-mortem analysis, documentation                 | 

| 12       | Ethics in Project Management                    | Case studies on PMI Code of Ethics                  | 

| 13       | Global & Remote Project Challenges              | Cultural considerations, tools for remote teams     | 

| 14       | Emerging Trends & Final Presentations           | AI in PM, sustainability, capstone project demo     | 

*Assessment Methods* 

- *Midterm Exam (20%)*: Covers Weeks 1–6 (PM frameworks, WBS, Agile). 

- *Quizzes (15%)*: Weekly online quizzes on readings and tools. 

- *Case Studies (20%)*: Group analysis (e.g., NASA’s Mars Rover project). 

- *Capstone Project (25%)*: Plan and simulate a project (phased submissions + final presentation). 

- *Final Exam (20%)*: Comprehensive (Weeks 8–14). 

*Required Textbooks* 

1. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (PMI) 

2. Agile Practice Guide (PMI) 

3. Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time (Sutherland) 

*Additional Resources: * 

- MS Project/Jira tutorials, PMI membership (for certification prep). 

- Harvard Business Review case studies (e.g., Boeing 787 Dreamliner). 

*Capstone Project* 

- *Objective*: Design and manage a simulated project (e.g., app development, event planning). 

- *Deliverables*: 

  - Project charter, WBS, risk register, and Gantt chart. 

  - Final report (10 pages) + 15-minute presentation.