Tag Archives: julia

Spring 2016 Electives

Two 3 credit electives are available in the spring 2016 semester – DNSC 6234 Procurement & Contracting and DNSC 6290 Communication Strategies in Project Management.  One 1.5 credit elective – DNSC 6290 Sustainable Supply Chains – is also available. These electives may be applied to the Decision Sciences (DNSC) elective or general elective requirements for the program.

DNSC 6234 Procurement & Contracting (3 credit hours) taught by Peter Easley, JD

The purchase of services and materials by organizations is the subject of this course.  The course reflects current changes whereby the federal buying process is emulating many of the best practices found in private sector purchasing.  The study encompasses policy and public interest factors that complicate government buying and places those factors in perspective with private sector buying which often captures significant efficiencies and economic advantages associated with well managed corporate acquisition programs.  The study spans requirements determination, procurement planning, solicitation, pricing, contract design, award procedures and administrative issues that affect procurement.

Prerequisites: None

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DNSC 6290 Communication Strategies in Project Management (3 credit hours) taught by Dr. Julia Keleher (winner of 2014 MSPM Outstanding Faculty Award)

This course focuses on the leadership and management practices related to communications that facilitate successful project implementation. Readings focus on 1) best practices in communication, 2) change management strategies, and 3) performance management strategies. The course culminates with a team project to develop a Communications Management Plan for a predefined project. Students are asked to integrate course topics related to change management and performance management into their Communications Management Plan.

The class format includes teacher-led delivery, student-led presentations and discussion. Online sessions using Blackboard Collaborate and prerecorded videos characterized as informed and lively discussions in which all students participate and present their ideas and perspectives. Assignments and learning activities require a synthesis of course concepts and their application to real-world situations or case students. As a result, there is a significant requirement for student reflection, participation and engagement.

Prerequisites: None

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DNSC 6290 Sustainable Supply Chains (1.5 credit hours, 1st half of semester) taught by Dr. Marie Matta

This course will introduce the concepts and techniques related to analyzing strategic issues in supply chain management. Diverse topics, such as supply chain design, network planning, supply contracts, risk pooling, supply chain coordination and integration, and strategic alliances, comprise this course. Using cases, students will explore supply chain decision making at the strategic level in diverse industries such as apparel, electronics, automobile, grocery, and retail. Issues and trends related to supply chain system activities such as communication, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and facility location decisions will be discussed at a strategic level. By the end of the course, students will understand that when a company’s supply chain is integrated with a firm’s overall business strategy it serves as a powerful competitive weapon.

SPECIAL NOTE: Attendance of Blackboard Collaborate sessions mandatory for distance students.

Prerequisites: None

Fall 2015 DNSC 6290 Project Mgt & Org Context Cancelled

Both the on campus and distance sections of DNSC 6290 Project Management & Organizational Context, section 10 and DE, with Prof Keleher were cancelled for the fall 2015 term. Contact the MSPM office at 202-994-6145 or mspminfo@gwu.edu with any questions.

Fall 2015 Electives

The MSPM program will offer two electives in the fall 2015 semester – a 1.5 credit elective and a 3 credit elective. These electives are project management-specific, available on campus or via distance/online, and may be applied to the Decision Sciences (DNSC) elective requirement for the program.  An executive summary of each elective is provided below.

DNSC 6290 Project Quality Management (3 credit hours) taught by Dr. Andrew Griffith

Classic project management theory includes the concept of the triple constraint – time, cost, and quality. However, quality can be a rather vague term that is hard to quantify, measure, or improve. Project quality can be divided into three separate concerns: (1) the features incorporated in the project deliverables, (2) the fitness of the deliverables for the intended application, and (3) the effectiveness or efficiency of the project development and execution. This course is focused on the quality management of projects. It explores current theories and practices regarding quality management as applied to manufacturing and the service industry, the application to project systems, and the application to individual projects. In addition, we will explore the application of project management techniques in implementing a quality improvement initiative within an organization.

Prerequisites: None

Contact professor for sample syllabi and additional information: griffith@gwu.edu

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DNSC 6290 International Project Management (1.5 credit hours) taught by Dr. Sam Ghosh (offered online only, not on campus)

August 31-October 24, 2015

The course is designed to augment the basics of project management theory with theory, practices and methodologies pertinent to the global project environment.  The course begins with a practical look at investigating the cultural environment in order to understand the context of managing global projects.

Prerequisites: None

Contact professor for sample syllabi and additional information: sghosh12@gwu.edu

MSPM: In the Know, March 19, 2014

MSPM: In the Know

1:
2:
3:		 Fall 2014 Registration Opens Tomorrow, 20 Mar
Fall 2014 Electives and Last Chance for a Spring 2014 Elective
Events Roundup

Dear MSPM Students,

The top 3 items you need to know this week:

Fall 2014 Registration Opens Tomorrow, 20 Mar

Registration for the fall 2014 semester opens tomorrow at 7am EDT via the GWeb Info Systems site. If you have confirmed your course registrations for the fall 2014 semester with me, register accordingly. If you need to confirm your course registrations or update your plan in DegreeMAP, schedule an advisement session with me via www.meetme.so/gwmspm. Register early to ensure a seat before we begin processing names on our wait list.

If you plan to register for DNSC 6269 PM Application (capstone) in the fall semester, you must register via a Registration Transaction Form (RTF), not via GWeb. Submit a completed RTF to my attention via email or fax for review and processing. Details for the form, such as the course CRN and section, may be found on the Schedule of Classes.

Fall 2014 Electives and Last Chance for a Spring 2014 Elective

The MSPM program will offer two 1.5 credit electives in the fall 2014 semester – DNSC 6290 International Project Management (Dr. Sam Ghosh) and DNSC 6290 Project Management & Organizational Context (Dr. Julia Keleher). Dr. Ghosh’s course will be offered during the first half of the semester, August 25-October 18, 2014. Dr. Keleher’s course will be offered during the second half of the semester, October 20-December 6, 2014. These electives are project management-specific, available both on campus and via distance, and may be applied to the Decision Sciences (DNSC) elective requirement for the program. An executive summary of each elective is available at www.gwprojectmanagement.org.

GWSB is also offering a unique on-campus course during the week of May 12-15, 2014. Earn 1.5 credits of general electives this spring through the MBAD 6290.12 Business & Society course by Rafael Lucea, Professor of International Business & International Affairs. The course offers an overview of the broad arena in which business operates with particular attention to its political, social and economic environments. The course is in DC and includes visits to the Fed, US Capitol, IMF, and USAID. To register, submit an RTF to my attention immediately via email or fax (CRN 97110). Only 6 seats remain!

Events Roundup

Tuesday, 25 Mar, 11am-12pm EDT – Understanding the Scaled Agile Framework webinar from ITMPI.

Wednesday, 26 Mar, 11:30am-1pm EDT – Practical Answers to Business Questions About Post-Award Bid Protests featuring Don Carney in Duques 453 in DC. Event is organized by PMIWDC and is free of charge.

Saturday, 29 Mar, 8pm-12am EDT – Fourth Annual Business Gives Back Gala at Long View Gallery in DC.

Wednesday, 2 Apr, 6-7pm EDT – Career Development Speaker Series: A Day as a Solutions Architect featuring Suneel Grover from SAS at Duques 353 in DC. This event is sponsored by the GW Business Analytics Association and counts toward the seminar requirement for the Certificate in Business Analytics.

Fall 2014 Electives

The MSPM program will offer two 1.5 credit electives in the fall 2014 semester – DNSC 6290 International Project Management and DNSC 6290 Project Management & Organizational Context.  These electives are project management-specific, available both on campus and via distance, and may be applied to the Decision Sciences (DNSC) elective requirement for the program.  An executive summary of each elective is provided below.

DNSC 6290 International Project Management (1.5 credit hours) taught by Dr. Sam Ghosh

August 25-October 18, 2014

The course is designed to augment the basics of project management theory with theory, practices and methodologies pertinent to the global project environment.  The course begins with a practical look at investigating the cultural environment in order to understand the context of managing global projects.

Prerequisites

None

Course Objectives

1)      To understand the difference between project management and international project management

2)      To understand different cultures and how it impacts management for projects in a domestic and global environment

3)      To understand different modules involved in international project management

Assignments
Assignments will include an individual homework assignment, an individual short paper, and a team research paper. Professor will confirm final assignments/deliverables on the first day of class.
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DNSC 6290 Project Management & Organizational Context (1.5 credit hours) taught by Dr. Julia Keleher
October 20-December 6, 2014

This course explores how the organizational context in which project management takes place interacts with project management practices.  Readings focus on three areas: 1) the characteristics that define and differentiate organizational contexts and organizational culture, 2) the role and function of a Project Management Office and 3) the interaction of organizational context and culture on project management processes. Assignments and learning activities involve applying course concepts to real-world situations and case studies. Students will analyze the influence of organizational context on project management decisions taking place during initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing processes.

Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives

  1. Understand the key terms and concepts used to define, classify and describe organizations, organizational context and organizational culture
  2. Identify the implications of organizational context and culture for project management and learning
  3. Recognize the benefits and challenges associated with centralized project management practices and Project Management Offices (PMO) across organizational contexts
  4. Apply course concepts to  your professional experiences and real world cases
  5. Identify the skills and competencies a Project Manager needs to be successful in different organizational contexts.

Assignments

2 written assignments and 2 presentations. Professor will confirm final assignments/deliverables on the first day of class.

Spring 2014 Electives

The MSPM program will offer two 3 credit electives in the spring 2014 semester – DNSC 6234 Procurement & Contracting and DNSC 6290 Communication Strategies in Project Management.  We will also offer one 1.5 credit elective – DNSC 6290 Sustainable Supply Chains. These electives may be applied to the Decision Sciences (DNSC) elective requirement for the program.  An executive summary of each elective is provided below.

DNSC 6234 Procurement & Contracting (3 credit hours) taught by Peter Easley, JD

The purchase of services and materials by organizations is the subject of this course.  The course reflects current changes whereby the federal buying process is emulating many of the best practices found in private sector purchasing.  The study encompasses policy and public interest factors that complicate government buying and places those factors in perspective with private sector buying which often captures significant efficiencies and economic advantages associated with well managed corporate acquisition programs.  The study spans requirements determination, procurement planning, solicitation, pricing, contract design, award procedures and administrative issues that affect procurement.

Prerequisites

None

Course Objectives

  • To prepare students to perform and lead the work necessary to ensure proper examination of requirements planning of the most appropriate acquisition process, and formation of the needed contract relationship.
  • To develop analytical skills necessary to finding and qualifying sources ensuring adequate costing and pricing of purchases, and assessing the impact of proposed acquisition decisions.
  • To develop an appreciation of the policy factors and environment considerations that influence the acquisition process.
  • To practice decision making skills critical to good contract awards using case analysis, oral presentations and simulated negotiations.
  • To refine student research skills pertinent to contractual matters.
  • To enhance student skills in resolving selected case situations pertinent to public procurement
Assignments
Assignments will include written case analyses, a research paper, and an exam.
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DNSC 6290 Communication Strategies in Project Management (3 credit hours) taught by Dr. Julia Keleher
This course focuses the leadership and management practices that facilitate successful project implementation. The course examines project management in various organizational settings and addresses 1) communication 2) change management, and 3) performance management. The course readings focus on best practices in these areas. Case studies are used to provide a context for analyzing the role these practices play in successful project implementation.
Prerequisites NoneCourse Objectives

1.     Identify how different management and leadership strategies facilitate effective project implementation

2.     Understand and examine the role of communication in project success

3.     Understand and evaluate how change management processes influence project success

4.     Understand and explore different strategies for measuring, reporting and communicating project performance

5.     Identify ways to improve your practice/use of communication, change management and performance measurement

6.     Further develop academic skills necessary to conduct literature reviews, apply best practices to new situations and draft academic papers

Assignments

Assignments will include an individual development plan, a completed communication management plan, and a proposal for managing change and measuring/reporting performance for a proposal you select.  There are no exams.

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DNSC 6290 Sustainable Supply Chains (1.5 credit hours, 1st half of semester) taught by Dr. Marie Matta

This course will introduce the concepts and techniques related to analyzing strategic issues in supply chain management. Diverse topics, such as supply chain design, network planning, supply contracts, risk pooling, supply chain coordination and integration, and strategic alliances, comprise this course. Using cases, students will explore supply chain decision making at the strategic level in diverse industries such as apparel, electronics, automobile, grocery, and retail. Issues and trends related to supply chain system activities such as communication, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and facility location decisions will be discussed at a strategic level. By the end of the course, students will understand that when a company’s supply chain is integrated with a firm’s overall business strategy it serves as a powerful competitive weapon.
SPECIAL NOTE: Attendance of Blackboard Collaborate sessions are mandatory for distance students. Collaborate sessions are scheduled for Tuesday evenings, 9:30-10:30pm Eastern. On-campus lecture is on Thursdays, 10:30am-1pm.

Prerequisites

None

Course Objectives

  • A well-trained manager must be familiar and conversant with the many issues and concepts that arise within the functional area of supply chain management. This course has several objectives for the student. By the end of the term, the student will:
  • Understand the terminology associated with supply chain management.
  • Explore different ways in which supply chains may choose to compete in the marketplace
  • Articulate the tradeoffs that occur in supply chain decision-making
  • Analyze the long-term decisions necessary for a network of firms to handle the supply components of planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning products
  • Recognize the interrelated processes both within a firm and also across a channel of firms in strategically designing a supply chain
  • Evaluate supply chain problems across a broad range of companies
  • Identify and understand the principles, challenges, and issues associated with recent supply chain management approaches
  • Develop the ability to evaluate supply chain performance and to formulate supply chain strategy.

Assignments

Assignments may include individual and group assignments, plus an exam.