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Syllabus

MANGT 520: Planning and Resource Management (3): A problem-based, interdisciplinary course that addresses the course is the basis for implementing projects, through providing key information on the up-front planning necessary to successfully run projects. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MANGT 510 major techniques for planning the project management process, including the need to secure appropriate levels of resources and resource management. This

Note: Students who have completed a master's degree (M.S., M.A., or M.B.A.) are not permitted to transfer credits from that degree into another master's degree at Penn State.

Overview | Objectives | Materials | Technical Specifications | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies

Overview

This course will introduce you to the major techniques for planning the project development process. During your study, it is expected that you will draw on your own work experiences to further enhance your understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, many of the course assignments may be completed by using real situations and instances from your experience. We ask only that you maintain the integrity of private information in these assignments by changing any names such that individuals are not able to be identified.

  • The course has an established start and end date and you will interact with other students throughout the course.
  • You will need regular online access in order to interact with other students on the discussion forum.

MANGT 520 consists of 12 content lessons and a textbook. There are also readings on Penn State's Electronic Reserve system which you are expected to have read and understood by the time you take the exam at the closing session. You may access electronic reserves by clicking on the Resources tab and choosing Library Reserves.

You may study this material at your own pace, meaning that you will be able to read and work through this information at a rate that works best for your learning style. However, there is a suggested pace found in the course schedule, below.

What will be expected of you?
As a student in this course, you are expected to read the textbook, and complete any self-assessments, homework assignments, and midterm assignment. You may work through this course at your own pace, but at each stage, you should:

  • Conscientiously read and reflect on the material
  • Ask questions (via the Web, e-mail, phone, or in person) of your instructor and fellow delegates on issues you don't understand
  • Complete your midterm assignment
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Objectives

This course will introduce you to the major techniques for planning the project development process. By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • emphasize how planning of time and resource use is the center of the project management process,
  • specify and apply appropriate techniques to plan, monitor, and control work packages, projects, and programs,
  • know how much guidance is needed in deciding how much to plan and control a project, and
  • comprehend the consequences for managers of projects.
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Materials

The following materials are required and must be purchased from MBS Direct:

  • Pinto, J. (2013). Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage and MS Project. (3rd ed.). Pearson-Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-0-13-266415-8.

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

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Technical Specifications

For this course we recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:

Technical Requirements
Operating System Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
*Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version
Processor 2 GHz or higher
Memory 1 GB of RAM
Hard Drive Space 20 GB free disk space
Browser We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion, and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows
from Penn State websites.

Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching,
older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses.
Plug-ins Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software Microsoft Office (2007 or later)
Internet Connection Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer Access to graphics-capable printer
DVD-ROM Required
Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers Required
Monitor Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution

 

Outreach Help Desk

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!


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Course Requirements and Grading

The following are the major assignments for this course:

  • Midterm Assignment: 10%
    The midterm assignment is described in detail under the Midterm Assignment folder under the Lessons tab .
  • Final Exam: 30%
  • Homework Assignments: 40%
    Homework assignments are listed below for each unit. Upon completion and submission of these homework assignments, you should proceed to the course discussion forums and participate in the online discussion for that unit. For example, once you've submitted your homework for Lesson 1, you should engage in the online discussion for Lesson 1 while you concurrently work on the homework for Lesson 2. The discussion questions for each unit will be posted by the instructor immediately following the homework deadline.
  • Participation: 20%
    Students are expected to participate in online activities and discussions. Because of the importance of discussion to meeting the objectives of the course, students also will be evaluated on the frequency and quality of their participation. This evaluation will be based on the level of preparation for class discussion and student analysis and integration of the assigned materials. Students are expected to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.
     
    A maximum of 40 points can be earned for participation for each interactive session on the discussion forum during the semester. These sessions will be initiated and facilitated by your instructor. In addition to the major assignments, you will be asked to complete other activities throughout the course. These homework assignments are posted every two weeks to the course Discussion Forum. For an initial list of assignments prior to the midterm session, see the course schedule. Please see the following chart with GUIDELINES for your performance on the online participation assignments:

 

Poor (20/40)

Overall, posts show:

  • No or little integration of theoretical concepts and frameworks from course content (text materials, assigned readings, and/or lessons).

In addition,  posts fit into one or more of the following categories:

  • Merely opinion statements - “shooting from the hip.”
  • Repeat a point made by another person.
  • Do not enhance or promote the discussion.
  • No evidence that student has "gone digging" to find secondary sources that support ideas.
  • Very short – ranging from a few words to one/two sentences that do not include “the WHY.”

Acceptable (30/40)

Posts include following:

  • Integration of theoretical concepts and frameworks from course content (text materials, assigned readings, and/or lessons).

Posts also include:

  • Evidence that student has "gone digging" to find secondary sources that support ideas.
  • Comments that enhance or promote the discussion.
  • Comments that specifically address issues raised in other posts.
  • Comments that offer work or life experiences that support ideas.

Exemplary (40/40)

Overall,  posts include:

  • Integration of theoretical concepts and frameworks from course content (text materials, assigned readings, and/or lessons).

Posts also include:

  • Evidence that student has "gone digging" to find secondary sources that support ideas.
  • Comments that enhance or promote the discussion.
  • Comments that specifically address issues raised in other posts.
  • Comments that offer work or life experiences that support ideas.

NOTE: I am looking more for the value-added nature of your posts not at the need to add sheer quantity to the board. After the due date, I will post my take or comments on the announcement page for each online participation set.
 

NOTE: All homework assignments are due by midnight, Eastern Time (EDT or EST) on the last day of the time frame specified. Once your homework has been submitted, proceed to the course discussion to participate in the online discussion for that unit.

Midterm Assignment

Course Title: Planning and Resource Management

Professor: Dr. Ray Venkataraman

Course: MANGT 520
 

Task
Analyze the following case. Limit your answer to a total of about three pages double spaced.
Case study scenario: Boeing’s Virtual Fence (Pinto Text). Pages 163-164).
Form of submission: Report answering the set task.

Notes to Students

Midterm Assignment shall be submitted in the midterm assignment drop box.

Students must state on the front of their submission the module number and name, and the professor's name.
The professor will acknowledge receipt of submissions with a standard response, grade and return the assignments to the delegates. The postmark of the midterm assignment shall be taken as proof of meeting the submission deadline.
Delegates are advised to keep a full copy of their submissions in case of postal problems or loss of material.

Grading PolicyPlease refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

Deferred Grades

If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
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Course Schedule

Course Schedule

 


Lesson 1: The Nature of Project Management

Time frame:

Week 1

Readings:
  • Lesson 1, The Nature of Project Management
  • Pinto Chapter 1. Why Project Management

Assignments:
  • Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 27 of the Pinto text (I, U) *
2. Analyze "Mega Tech, Inc." case on page 27 of the Pinto text and answer the questions (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 2: Alligning Project Plans with Corporate Strategy

Time frame:

Week 2

Readings:
  • Lesson 2, Aligning Project Plans with Corporate Strategy
  • Pinto, Chapter 2. The Organization Context: Strategy, Structure, and Culture

 

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 63 of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Analyze the "Rolls Royce Corporation" case on page 63 of the Pinto Text (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 3: Overview of Project Planning and Control

Time frame:

Week 3

Readings:

Lesson 3, Overview of Project Planning and Control

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.
In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. In developing plans for a new project, what issues need to be addressed? (T, G)
2. Is it advisable to undertake a project without a master plan? What are the possible consequences? (T, G)

 


Lesson 4: Project Planning and Control Techniques

Time frame:

Week 4

Readings:

Lesson 4, Project Planning and Control Techniques

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.
In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. As a planning and control tool, is a Gantt chart an appropriate technique for small projects? Why? (T, G)
2. What is the difference between an activity and event? What will happen if the differences between the terms are not clearly understood by project participants? (T, G)

 


Lesson 5: Project Scope and Work Breakdown Structure

Time frame:

Week 5

Readings:
  • Lesson 5, Project Scope and Work Breakdown Structure
  • Pinto, Chapter 5. Scope Management

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 162 of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Analyze the “Project Management at Dotcom.com” case on Page 166 of the Pinto text. (T, G)
3. Using MS PROJECT software, complete the exercise on Remodeling an Appliance on page 171 of the Pinto text. (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 6: Network Analysis

Time frame:

Week 6

Readings:
  • Lesson 6, Network Analysis
  • Pinto Text, Chapter 9, Project Scheduling: Networks, Duration Estimation, and Critical Path

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

Note: The mid-term assignment to be completed individually
In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 307 of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Work problems 5 & 6 on pages 308 of the Pinto Text (T,G)
3. Using MS PROJECT software, complete exercise 9.2 on Remodeling an Appliance on page 310 of the Pinto text. (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 7: Reducing Project Duration

Time frame:

Week 7

Readings:

• Lesson 7, Reducing Project Duration
• Pinto, Chapter 10: Project Scheduling: Lagging, Crashing, and Activity Networks

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 339 of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Work problems 3 & 4 on page 340 of the Pinto Text (T,G)
3. Analyze the “Project Scheduling at Blanque Cheque Construction” (A) & (B). cases on pages 340 and 341 (T, G)
4. Using MS PROJECT software, complete exercise 10.1 on Remodeling an Appliance on page 341-342 of the Pinto text. (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 8: Scheduling Resources

Time frame:

Week 8

Readings:

• Lesson 8, Scheduling Resources
• Pinto, Chapter 12. Resource Management

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 404 of the Pinto text (I, U)*
2. Solve problems 1 to 6 on page 404 - 405 of the Pinto text (T, G)
3. Analyze the case study 12.1 "The Problems of Multitasking" on pages 405-406 of the Pinto text (T, G)
4. Using MS PROJECT software, complete exercises 12.3 and 12.4 on page 406 of the Pinto text. (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 9: Project Evaluation and Control - I: Use of Charts and S-Curves

Time frame:

Week 9

Readings:
  • Pinto, Chapter 13. Project Evaluation and Control
  • Lesson 9, Project Evaluation and Control - I: Use of Charts and S-Curves
  • Midterm Exam

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.
In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Discuss the reasons for the typical S-curve of resource build up and decay on project activities (T, G)
2. It is believed a more intensive Monitoring and control system is needed in a project organization than in a functional organization. Is this true? If true, Why? (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 10: Project Evaluation and Control - II: Earned Value Analysis (EVA)

Time frame:

Week 10

Readings:

• Lesson 10, Project Evaluation and Control - II: Earned Value Analysis (EVA)
• Pinto, Chapter 13. Project Evaluation and Control

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page (435) of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Answer the following questions: (T, G)
3. Provide an analysis and an interpretation of the following situations:
a. A situation where there is a positive expenditure variance, a negative schedule variance and a negative cost variance
b. A situation where there is a positive expenditure variance, a negative schedule variance and a positive cost variance
4. What are the advantages of using Performance indices as opposed to variance analysis?
5. Discuss how you would obtain objective estimates for a project that is approximately 60% complete. To obtain these estimates, what information is needed, from whom and how would you use it?
6. Solve problems 7 and 8 on page 436 of the Pinto Text. (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 11: Project Planning and Risk Analysis

Time frame:

Week 11

Readings:

• Lesson 11, Project Planning and Risk Analysis
• Pinto, Chapter 7. Risk Management

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.

In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. Answer the discussion questions on page 233 of the Pinto Text (I, U)*
2. Analyze the “The Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge” case on page 236-238 and respond to the case questions (T, G)
*Note: These assignments are not graded. However, students are urged to complete these assignments in order to do well in the course.

 


Lesson 12: Information Systems for Project Planning and Control

Time frame:

Week 12

Readings:

Lesson 12, Information Systems for Project Planning and Control

Assignments:

Each activity is identified as individual (I), team (T), graded (G), or ungraded (U). Further instructions for each assignment can be found on the Activity page for each lesson.
In this lesson, you will complete the following assignments:
1. List the salient information requirements for projects (T, G)
2. What is the role of a project-based information system in the various phases of a project lifecycle? (T, G)

 


Final Exam

Assignments:

Final Examination to be administered online.





Course Access

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

Graduating Students

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.

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Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .

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Policies

Accommodating Disabilities

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Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.

 

 


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