Yom Institute of Economic Development

Masters Degree Program in Project Planning and Management

Course Outline

I. STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE

Course title Essentials of Project Management

Course Number PPM 531
Credit Hours 3
Course Status Core
Academic Year & Semester 2016/17 AY

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

To succeed in business, managers must develop the resources and capabilities needed to
increase competitive advantage. Specialized courses in project management are essential to
equip managers with the knowledge and skills needed to undertake projects. This course
introduces you with the theoretical concepts and frameworks useful for scanning the
environment within which projects operate and the guiding principles for the formulation,
implementation, control and evaluation of projects. This course will also expose you to the
knowledge areas and processes as well as practice of how managers guide the creation of
goals, setting of priorities, coordination of activities, and adjustment of interventions to a
changing environment.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of the Course is to provide students with the breadth and depth in central
areas of the subject matter of project planning and management. Specifically, the course is
designed to:
 familiarize students with the knowledge areas as per the guide to Project
management Body of Knowledge 5th edition,

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  acquaint students with the broader context of project management so that they can
be able to comprehend the environment within which projects operate,
 describe the most required project management process groups,
 familiarize students with the processes required in managing the various
knowledge areas in project planning and management,
 enable students to make a realistic operational activity plan based on sound
understanding of implementation processes, available resources and external
conditions, and
 communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders.

IV. COURSE CONTENTS

Unit 1: The History of Project management

Unit 2: Project Management Framework: Introduction
Unit 3: Project Management Framework-Project Life Cycle
Unit 4: Project Integration Management
Unit 5: Project Scope management
Unit 6: Project Time Management
Unit 7: Project Cost Management
Unit 8: Project Quality Management
Unit 9: Project Human Resources Management
Unit 10: Project Communications Management
Unit 11: Project Risk Management
Unit 12: Project Procurement Management
Unit 13: Project Stakeholder Management

V. MODE OF DELIVERY

In this course, as is the case in other courses as well, we shall follow student-centered and
collaborative learning approach. Thus, students are encouraged to actively participate in class
discussions and teaching-learning processes. In fact, a blend of several approaches will be

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employed, including, but not limited to, lecture, syndicate exercises, reflection exercises, and
classroom review exercises.

VI. MODE OF ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE

1. Quizzes and classroom reflection exercises (20%)

2. Syndicate exercises and group projects (30%)
3. Final Exam (50%)

VII. CLASS ATTENDANCE

Class attendance is mandatory. In situations where class attendance is not possible due to
factors beyond one’s control, students should get permission from the instructor before
being absent. A student is not allowed to take the final examination if s/he doesn’t attend
75% of the classes during the semester.

VIII. COURSE GRADING

Once overall students’ performance is assessed, a letter grade will be granted to students
based on the Institute’s academic achievement grading policy.

IX. SUGGESTED READINGS

1. PMI (2013). A Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge, 5th edition, USA
2. Heldman, Kim (2011). Project Management Jumpstart, 3rd edition, Sybex, USA
3. Wysocki and McGary (2003). Effective Project Management (3 rd ed.): Traditional,
Adaptive, Extreme. Wiley Publishing Inc., USA