MANGT 540
Sample Syllabus
Sample Lesson

[printer-friendly version]
Course Syllabus
Course Syllabus
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

MANGT 540 Project Strategy (3): A problem-based course that focuses on linking projects to overall corporate strategy.

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

Overview

  • The course web site will be available on Angel.
  • The web site will be used as a distribution mechanism for many items that students will need to refer to throughout the semester.
  • This will include handouts, grading sheets, and additional instructions or announcements throughout the semester.
  • You should plan to log in to the web site at least every Monday for pertinent announcements.
return to top of page

Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will:

  • To be able to formulate and implement effective analyses of project strategies within organizations.
  • To understand project strategy in the context of both business and corporate level strategy.
return to top of page

Materials

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

  • BAE Automated Systems (a) Denver International Case Study Course Reading Booklet
  • BAE Automated Systems (B) Implementing Case Study Course Reading Bookletl1

E-Reserves

This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in your course navigation, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and search for your instructor's last name.

  • Antecedents and consequences of project team cross-functional cooperation Pinto, Mary Beth, Pinto, Jeffrey K, Prescott, John E. Management Science. Linthicum: Oct 1993.Vol.39,Iss.10 pg.1281,17pgs
  • Management of Networks of Projects Gareis, Roland. American Association of Cost Engineers. Transactions of the American Association of Cost Engineers. Morgantown: 1992.Vol.2 pg. J.1.1, 6 pgs
  • Project Success: Lessons from the Andria Case Antonella Caru, Bernard Cova, Stefano Pace. European Management Journal. London: Oct 2004.Vol.22, Iss. 5; pg. 532
  • The Eye Diagram: A New Perspective on the Project Life Cycle Bin Jiang, Daniel R Heiser. Journal of Education for Business. Washington: Sep/Oct 2004.Vol.80, Iss. 1; pg. 10, 7
  • The fall of the firefly: An assessment of a failed project strategy Bud Baker. Project Management Journal. Sylva: Sep 2002.Vol.33, Iss. 3; pg. 53, 5
  • Vasa syndrome: Insights from a 17th-century new-product disaster Eric H Kessler, Paul E Bierly III, Shanthi Gopalakrishnan. The Academy of Management Executive. Briarcliff Manor: Aug 2001.Vol.15, Iss. 3; pg. 80

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.

return to top of page

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

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!

return to top of page

Course Requirements and Grading

Working Set Identification

  • Identify the Working Set.

The Working Set includes completed projects to which you have information access.
One (1) project should be identified as your focus project.
You should include four (4) other projects in the same area (functional area, manufacturing facility, business unit, product area, sales region, etc.)

  • A brief description of your Working Set is due on the date noted in the syllabus.

Continuing Project
The purpose of the Continuing Project is to apply principles from each module to your Working Set.

    A specific assignment will be given for each of ten topics. Assignment instructions and grading criteria will be posted on Angel consistent with the suggested timetable for the course.

    The first three (3) topics will be submitted as the Mid-Term Assignment and the final seven (7) topics will be submitted as the Final Project.

Grade Components

    First Deliverable
    50
    Second Deliverable
    30
    Final Project Deliverable
    45
    Mid-Term Practice Examination
    0
    Group Case Presentation
    50
    Discussant Role
    25
    Final Examination
    50
    Participation including discussion board assignments
    25
    Total
    275

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

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.

return to top of page
return to top of page

Course Schedule


Course length: 15 weeks
Lesson 1: Projects in Corporate Planning
Readings:

Read Topic 1 in the Module Workbook files.
Assignments:
  • Read the Word Document,Working Set Identification Form, that describes the Continuing Project found under the Course Lessons tab in the Lesson 1 Activities folder.
  • Please complete the Working Set Project Submission Form, a Word Document, found under the Course Lesson Tab in the Lesson 1 Activities Folder. Submit the completed form to the Ex 1-1:Working Set Identification Drop Box, found under the Coursse Lesson Tab in the Lesson 1 Activities Folder.

Lesson 2: Vasa Case
Readings:

Read the Vasa Case found in Lesson 2 of the Course Content.
Assignments:

Participate in the Vasa I and Vasa II Discussion Forums.

Lesson 3: Establishing Objectives and Performance Measures
Readings:

Read Topic 2 in the Module Workbook Files.
Assignments:
  • Identify CSF, KPIs, SMARTc3 goals for Focus Project.
  • Obtain objectives from the Focus Project.
  • Evaluate the objectives in light of the criteria in the preceding section on goals and objectives.
  • Rewrite the objectives as necessary.
  • If you have questions on this assignment, please post a consolidated list of questions to the Lesson 3 Discussion
  • Forum for the entire class to comment as appropriate.

This exercise will be evaluated by the quality of comments and the responses.

Lesson 4: Project Execution Strategy
Readings:

Read Topic 3 in the Module Workbook Files.
Assignments:
  • Classify projects in Working Set. Pros & Cons of each type
  • Create Project Strategy Plan for Focus Project
  • Use at least one of the classification schemes from the workbook. This exercise should be done on the Working Set.
  • Develop the Project Strategy Plan for your Focus Project.
  • Participate in the Discussion Board on the relationship between P5F and the micro factors.

E-Live Session
Dr. Parente will answer questions on the assignment.
Time frame: Date and Time TBD


Lesson 5: Key Business Functions in Determining Strategy
Readings:

Read Topic 4 in the Module Workbook Files
Assignments: Develop a functional graphic with explanation for your Focus Project.

Lesson 6: Case Study
Readings:

Read Topic 5 in the Module Workbook Files.
Assignments:

1. Participate in the three discussion forums:

  • The Channel Tunnel Project
  • The Apollo Project
  • The Space Station

2. The Case Write up should be turned in with the Part 2 of the Continuing Project.

Lesson 7: External Project Evaluation
Assignments:

Date/Time TBD: E-Live: Instructions for Case Presentations

  • Prepare O's and T's for Focus Project
  • Prepare an EFE on the Focus Project. This assignment does not need to be submitted at this time. The EFE will be used in your final deliverable for the course.

Lesson 8: Assignments/Cases and Readings Group Presentations

Elive sessions for group presentations to be done Date/Time TBD
Assignments: Groups will be assigned and each will present a case or reading via discussion boards and/or Breeze/Elluminate Live. Peer evaluations will be done and the resulting score for each team member will be used to modify the final team grade.

Lesson 8 continued: Assignments/Cases and Readings Group Presentations

Groups will be assigned and each will present a case or reading via discussion boards and/or Breeze/Elluminate Live. Peer evaluations will be done and the resulting score for each team member will be used to modify the final team grade.
Assignments: Groups will be assigned and each will present a case or reading via discussion boards and/or Breeze/Elluminate Live. Peer evaluations will be done and the resulting score for each team member will be used to modify the final team grade.

Lesson 9: Internal Project Evaluation
Assignments:
  • Prepare Ss & Ws for Focus Projects Develop TOWS Matrix
  • Continuing Project (Part 2)

Functional Graphic of Working Set
1. Write up of “case” of your focus project. Describe how corporate strategy created the need for the project. Explain how project aims and objectives were established.
2. Strategy formulation identification

Lesson 10: BAE: Denver Baggage Handling
Readings:

1. Read BAE A and B
2. Participate in at least one of the Discussion Boards that will be posted on the Denver Case under the Lesson 10 Activities Folder

 

Lesson 11: Risk Management
Readings:

Read Topic 9 in the Module Workbook Files
Assignments:
  • Read through Topic 9.
  • Develop a risk management plan by
    • Completing a risk identification
    • Doing a risk analysis
    • Determining a risk response/allocation
  • Please see the posting on the Activities for this week.

Lesson 12: Risk Mitigation
Readings:

Read Topic 10 in the Module Workbook Files
Assignments:
  • Continuing Project (Part 3) Project
  • Risk Assessment Exercise
  • Risk Management Plan
  • EHS Assessment

    *Please see the posting on the Activities for this week.

Final Case for Exam Received
Students will receive the case they need to use when taking the final exam.
Assignments:
  • The 3rd Deliverable is Due (9, 10, 11) Date TBD

E-Live Session Review for Exam
Date/Time TBD Elive review for exam

Final Examination
Time frame: TBD
Assignments:
  • Format will be analysis of integrative case. Students will prepare the cases and then be asked to respond to questions regarding their analysis on a take-home exam to be administered during the regular exam period.


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.

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.

return to top of page

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 .

return to top of page

Policies

Accommodating Disabilities

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Additional Policies

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.

return to top of page

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.