The Project Management Context

Overview

In this unit, we start by looking at the project management environment. There is a large amount of reading assigned, but I want you to be firmly grounded in the background of project management, organizations, and life cycles. At the conclusion of this unit, I'll ask you to evaluate your own particular work environment and share your findings with the class.

Reading Assignment

PMBOK, Chapters 1-3

Heerkens, pages 1-47

Unit 1 Lecture

1.1 The Difference between Projects and Operations
1.2 Life Cycles
1.3 The Structure of Business Organizations
1.4 The Role of the Project Manager

Message Board Assignment

What kind of project environment do you work in? Project? Matrix? Functional?

Does it work well for projects in your environment? Why or why not?

You will find this assignment repeated on the Message Board. Click on my topic message, and then post a reply. Sign your message with your full name. If you have any trouble using the Message Board, click on the Help button in the top menu bar of this course screen and go to the section on Message Boards.