31 January 2009

Course Syllabus

Course Information
OPRE 6372
Project Initiation
Online Spring 2009

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Sue Freedman suefreedman@utdallas.edu (Instructor of Record)
Dr. Armin Brinkman Armin.Brinkmann@fh-landshut.de
Mr. James Joiner jamesj@utdallas.edu
Mr. Lothar Katz katz@utdallas.edu
Mr. James Szot jimszot@utdallas.edu
Dr. Gerald Turner turner.g.a@worldnet.att.net

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

OPRE 6271 Project Overview and Strategic and Process Management

Course Description
This course covers project selection, interpersonal and organizational issues related to the
initiation of projects, and systems management. Specific topics include project selection models,
systems management and modeling, and global project cultural considerations.

Important note: Appropriate modules from OB 6301, Introduction to Organizational Behavior,

are intermixed with modules from this course. Learning from these OB6301 modules is to be
applied along with learning from this course in your preparation of Major Assignment 2.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to
 analyze a project-related business process from structural and socio-cultural perspectives
 identify improvement strategies
 take a strategic approach to project selection
 consider cultural differences when initiating projects

Required Textbooks and Materials

Textbooks (purchased by student):
Gray, Clifford and Larson, Erik (2008) Project Management: The Managerial Process,
Fourth Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN 0-07-334817-1
Heldman, Kim (2007) PMP® Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide,
Fourth Edition, Indianapolis: Wiley (Sybex), ISBN 978-0-470-15250-8

Course Syllabus Page 1

31 January 2009

Morris, Peter and Jamieson, Ashley (2004) Translating Corporate Strategy into Project
Strategy: Realizing Corporate Strategy Through Project Management, Newtown Square,
PA: Project Management Institute. ISBN 1-930699-37-9 [Available on PMI eReads and
Reference]
Project Management Institute (2008) A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge, Fourth Edition, Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. ISBN
978-1-933890-51-7 [download from PMI Standards]
Readings (Provided on Blackboard)
Katz, Case Study: Chattanooga Challenge, Richardson, TX: The University of Texas at
Dallas

Media
System Management CDs (instructor provided)
 Systems Management documents and high level Petri Net simulators HPSim and
VisualObjectNet
 Colored Petri Net Simulator PACE
 Process Flow Diagram simulator ARENA

Course Syllabus Page 2

 31 January 2009

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments

Project Management This module begins the process Non-PMPs Non-PMPs
Professional I of preparing for the Project Explore PMI’s approach to
Management Institute’s Project Read: Heldman, Introduction, Chapters 1, 2,
 Modeling the process of project management and 12, pp. xxiii – 90, 497-524.
(no recorded lectures Management Professional  Creating the project charter and preliminary
or web conferences) certification exam. Write: A 5-10 page summary of the key points
scope statement
you found in the reading and how they apply to
 Applying professional responsibility your practice of project management. Post on
Jim Joiner Students who have already
Jim Szot earned the PMP® credential will BlackBoard by May 3, 2009 11:59PM (15
PMPs points)
prepare a research paper on a
Identify a topic of interest and describe the
Feb. 23 – May 3 project management topic of
research approach you intend to follow PMPs
their choice.
Submit your topic proposal and research
approach on BlackBoard by March 1, 2009
11:59PM. If revisions are required, Obtain
approval by May 3. (15 points)
Introduction to
Organizational
Behavior: History,
Culture, Ethics See OB6301 Syllabus

Dr. Sue Freedman Web conference: March 1, 2009, 5 PM CT

Feb. 23 – Mar. 1

Teams, Influence, and

Socialization
See OB6301 Syllabus
Dr. Sue Freedman
Web conference: March 8, 2009, 5 PM CT
March 2 - 8

Course Syllabus Page 3

 31 January 2009
Title/Date Overview
Project Selection In this module, we will review the
“thinking” and applicable
Dr. Gerald Turner processes for initiating and
selecting projects. We will
March 9 - 15 thoroughly review the following
questions:
 Why launch projects?
 Exactly what is a project and
how does this fit into the
strategic planning and
management process?
 Who cares? Who are the key
stakeholders and beneficiaries
of this process?
 What “business value” does
the company derive from
successfully conceived,
planned, selected, executed
and managed projects?
 How do we ensure the
likelihood of success on key
corporate & business projects?
Organizational Culture
and Design
Dr. Sue Freedman
March 16 - 22
Systems Management Systems Management is
designed to get the complexity of
Dr. Armin Brinkman big systems or processes under
control. For this, a clearly
March 23 – May 3 structured description of the
examined system has to be
found. Based on that, everyone
involved in this system or
process should be able to get all
Course Syllabus
Objectives
 Explore the world of corporate & business
projects and initiatives
 Understand how projects are “conceived” and
why through qualitative and quantative
selection techniques
 Determine which techniques apply to certain
business environments, situations and
scenarios and which do not... and why?
 Review the rationale for financial and/or
economic justifying projects and programs for
the corporation, business or strategic business
unit – i.e., the “business case”
See OB6301 Syllabus
Web conference: March 22, 2009, 5 PM CT
 Accepting that it is a must for successful
project management to bring structure to
complex systems and how to do it.
 Modeling the structure of systems or
processes by using Agent Nets
 Modeling the behavior by using State
Transition Diagrams
 Modeling processes by using Petri Nets and
Process Flow Diagrams
Page 4
Assignments
Required Reading:
 Gray and Larson, Chapter 2, “Organizational
Strategy and Project Selection,” pp. 21-45
 Morris and Jamieson, Chapter 2; Case
Study - “How a Global Aerospace Company
Moves Strategy in Projects”
Please Review …
 PMBOK Chapter 3, “Project Management
Processes for a Project,” p. 37 – 70.
 PMBOK sections 4.1.2.1, “Project Selection
Methods”
 Heldman, Chapter 2, pp. 61-69, “Using
Project Selection Methods”
Prepare…
1. Gray and Larson, “Film Prioritization”
case analysis, pp. 49-53, for team web
conference discussion only (i.e., not
for submission) (7.5pts)
Web conference: March 15, 2009, 5 PM CT
Refer to the Individual Module Instruction
Sheets for More Details on Assignments
March 23-29
Solve both parts of exercises #1 (New Sports
Equipment). This has to be done in your teams.
Be prepared to present your solutions in the
teleconference.
31 January 2009

Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments

the information he or she needs.
This is essential for successful
project management.
To achieve that, a model of the
system has to be designed. This
model is a description of the
system that can be understood
by all people involved in the
project. It is the basis for the
specialists who have to
transform this model into a real
system, but it is also the
foundation for the generalists for
the requirements definition,
planning and decision making.
A model should be as clear and
unambiguous as possible but on
the other hand - in order to be
understandable by everyone - it
must not contain any technical
realization aspects. For this,
graphical methods are used
which describe the structure and
the behavior of the system or
process in an abstract but also
meaningful way and enclose
some kind of formalism.
 Learning the principles of computer supported
process simulation
 Verifying and optimizing processes by
simulation and analyzing the simulation results
efficiently
Topics to be covered
 Basic concepts of structuring
 Some structuring methodes in a problem
solving process
 Analysis and synthesis of economical and
technical systems
 The static structure of economical and
technical systems
 The behavior of economical and technical
systems
 Modeling of business and technical processes
 Simulation of business and technical
processes
 Analysis and interpretation of the simulation
results
March 29-April 5
Solve exercises #3 (Cigarette Machine) – No
submission required.
Web conference: April 5, 2009, 2 PM CT
April 6-12
Solve exercise #7 – No submission required.
Optionally solve exercises #4, #5, and #6.
Read Introduction to Petri Nets PDF file and
work through the exercise – No submission
required.
April 13-19
Simulate the process in the HPSim file
SM_Solution_9_OrderProcessing.hps
Complete exercise #10 (Traffic lights) - No
submission required.
Web conference: April 19, 2009, 2 PM CT
April 20-26
Solve exercise #12.1 – 12.4 (Jet Engine
Mounting).
Optionally solve exercises #13 and #15.

Although the presented methods Compare your solutions with the provided files.
may be used to describe any
kind of systems, these modules April 27 - May 3
will concentrate on business and Simulate and analyze the process in the Arena
technical systems and file Velo_Ltd.doe.
processes.
Work through exercise #12.5 (Jet Engine
As these modules will mainly Mounting) – read remarks in the provided file.
have influence on the ‘way of
thinking’, the focus will be on Compare your solution with the provided files.

Course Syllabus Page 5

 31 January 2009
Title/Date Overview
many examples and exercises
including some process
simulations.
Project Management We will explore how differences
in a Global in cultural values and beliefs
Environment affect project management
practices in areas such as
Lothar Katz project initiation, stakeholder
management, progress
May 4 - 10 monitoring, conflict prevention
and resolution, and ongoing
communication.
Course Syllabus
Objectives
 Identify what cultural knowledge is critical for
success in cross-cultural projects
 Gain understanding of effective task balancing
in global projects
 Discuss and gain understanding of how to
prevent cultural friction
Page 6
Assignments
Web conference: May 3, 2009, 2 PM CT
Solve and post exercise #14 BikeDealer on
Blackboard, by 11:59 PM, May 10, 2009 (20
pts)
Required Reading:
Gray and Larson, Chapter 15, International
Projects
Assignments
 Prepare answers to the “Case Study:
Chattanooga Challenge” found on
Blackboard (Team Assignment)
 Come prepared to discuss and share your
own international project work experiences
 7.5 pts.
Web conference: May 10, 2009, 5 PM CT
31 January 2009

Grading Policy
Graded assignments should be posted to BlackBoard by midnight of the day listed. If you do not find a link,
e-mail Dave Wurmstein [wurm@utdallas.edu] and Carolyn Cooper-Murriel [carolync@utdallas.edu]
Assignments that should be submitted to Blackboard have bolded dates.

Assignments Module Percentage Type Due Date

Company Intro to OB: History, OB 6301
Individual Feb. 28
description paper Culture & Ethics (M1)
The Strategy that Intro to OB: History, OB 6301
Team Feb. 28
Wouldn’t Travel Culture & Ethics (M1)
Moss and McAdams Intro to OB: History, OB 6301
Team March 1
and the Orion Case Culture & Ethics (M1)
Team Influence &
Teams, Influence and OB 6301
Socialization Individual March 7
Socialization (M2)
Worksheet
Twelve Angry Men Teams, Influence and OB 6301
Team March 7
analysis Socialization (M2)
Film Prioritization
case preparation Project Selection
7.5% Individual March 15
and web conference Criteria
participation
Collaborative
Organizational Culture OB 6301
Organization Individual March 21
and Design (M3)
Assessment
Kerzner Office
Equipment and Organizational Culture OB 6301
Team March 22
Franklin Equipment and Design (M3)
Cases
Project Management
Course 15% Individual May 3
Professional report
Bike Dealer exercise Systems Management 20% Team May 10
Case preparation
Executing Projects in a
and web conference 7.5% Team May 10
Global Environment
participation
Major Assignment
Course 50% Individual June 1
#2

Technical Support

For assistance with BlackBoard, Connect, and other Project Management Program technology
issues, e-mail Dave Wurmstein [wurm@utdallas.edu] and Carolyn Cooper-Murriel
[carolync@utdallas.edu].

If you experience any problems with your UTD account you may send an email to
assist@utdallas.edu or call the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911. Do not contact the
UTD Computer Helpdesk for questions about or problems with Blackboard or Connect.
They cannot help you – these products are supported by the Project Management Program.

Course Syllabus Page 7

31 January 2009

University Policies

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations
for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and
each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern
student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is contained
in the UTD printed publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each
academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and
Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, and in Title V,
Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.
Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391) and online at
http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship.
He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules,
university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the
standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or
criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because
the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the
student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual
honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic Dishonesty, any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to
discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another
person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a
student or the attempt to commit such acts.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other
source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see
general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the
web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software.
Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright
owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as
criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that
usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required to
follow the institution’s copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information
about the fair use exemption, see http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm

Course Syllabus Page 8

31 January 2009

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between
faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues
concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university
encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email
address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a
UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the
identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD
furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with
university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses.
These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures
must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any
class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork
to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the
class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities,
of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments
of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to
resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the
grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members retain
primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at
that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the
respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the
respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not
resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of
Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic
appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade
must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the
required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the
specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

Course Syllabus Page 9

31 January 2009

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities
equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the
Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)
disabilityservice@utdallas.edu

If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with the
Coordinator of Disability Services. The Coordinator is available to discuss ways to ensure your
full participation in the course. If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations
are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Services to notify them of
your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Disability Services can then plan how best to
coordinate your accommodations.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members
to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special
accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for
the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are
exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding
the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to
take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period
equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the
instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A
student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a
failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of
observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has
been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the
student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or
his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative
intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief
executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 10