18 July 2008

Course Syllabus

Course Information
OPRE 6374
Project Planning and Execution
Online Summer 2008

Professor Contact Information

Mr. James Szot jimszot@utdallas.edu (Instructor of Record)
Dr. Marie Chevrier chevrier@utdallas.edu
Mr. James Joiner jamesj@utdallas.edu
Dr. Duncan MacFarlane dlm@utdallas.edu

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

OPRE 6373 Project Planning

Course Description
Planning techniques continued from OPRE6373 and introduction of execution phase
requirements. Included are negotiation skills development, scheduling, resource planning,
budgeting and cost management.

Important note: Learning from preceding courses and the OB6301 module included in sequence
with this course should be applied with learning from this course in the completion of your
assignments.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare project schedules, resource requirements, and
budgets giving consideration to execution monitoring and control requirements; and conduct
negotiations while being attentive to the organizational environment.

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: Sybex (Wiley). ISBN 978-0-470-15250-8
Lewicki, Roy; Barry, Bruce and Saunders, David (2006) Negotiation: readings, cases
and exercises, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN 0072973102
Project Management Institute (2004) A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge, Third Edition, Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. ISBN
1-930699-45-X [download from PMI Standards]

Course Syllabus Page 1

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Assignments & Academic Calendar

Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments

Project Management This module continues the
Professional III process of preparing for the
Project Management Institute’s
(no recorded lectures Project Management
or web conferences) Professional certification exam.
Jim Joiner Students who have already
Jim Szot earned the PMP® credential
continue preparing a research
July 21 – August 31 paper on a project management
topic of their choice.
Non-PMPs Non-PMPs
Explore PMI’s approach to
Read: Heldman, Introduction, Chapters 6 and
• Resource Planning 7, pp. 230-324.
• Creating the Project Schedule and Budget
Write: A 5-10 page summary of the key points
you found in the reading and how they apply to
PMPs
your practice of project management. Post on
Conduct a literature search for journal articles and
books on your topic of interest. Recent peer-
Blackboard by August 31, 2008 11:59PM (10
points)
reviewed journal articles are preferred as they tend
to report on more recent research than books.
PMPs
Course textbooks should not be used as a primary
Submit your draft outline on Blackboard by
source.
August 31, 2008 11:59PM. (10 points)

From Conflict to • Resolving the problem: Revisit the Alpha Required Reading
Cooperation Project 2 activity • Sections 5 and 6 in Lewicki, Saunders and
• Dealing with difficult people in negotiations Barry, Negotiation: readings, cases and
Marie Chevrier • Strategies for turning confrontation to exercises.
cooperation
• If you purchased Negotiation by the same
Module 30 • Handling emotions – yours and others
authors instead, please read Chapters 10,
• Practice activities: The Consultant and The 13, 16, and 17.
July 21 – 27 Outburst
• If by chance you purchased Essentials of
Negotiation, please read chapters 6, 7, 8
and 9. Each of these treats similar but not
identical material in a worthwhile fashion.

Partnership Assignments
(see module instruction sheet for details)
• Revisit Alpha Project
• Consultant Activity (3pts)
• Outburst Activity (2pts)

Web-conference: July 27, 5:00 pm CDT

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Title/Date Overview
Motivation, Rewards, The module reviews research
and Job Design and practice on the use of
rewards and recognition in the
Sue Freedman workplace. It also explores
project roles and responsibilities
Module 31 and the relationship of those to
(OB 6301 module 6) effective rewards and recognition
in project management.
July 28 - Aug 3
Objectives
As a result of this module students will:
1. Apply the theories of Expectancy, Equity, Goal
Setting and behavior modification to specific
situations and choices regarding the
management of employees
2. Recognize and apply tactics related to
organizational currencies, networks,
sponsorship, team performance in the
development of high performing project teams.
Assignments
Reading Assignments
1. Champoux Chapters 8 : Motivation:
Cognitive &Behavioral Theories and
Technigue & 9: Intrinsic Rewards and Job
Design
2. Gray and Larson Chapter 10: Being an
effective Project Manager and Chapter 11:
Managing Project Teams
3. Karen Leary, HBR 9-487-020

Individual Assignment
Complete online assessment (link posted in
Assignments on Blackboard) Submit on
BLACKBOARD by midnight Aug. 7. graded
assignment #4: 10 points)

Team Assignment
Complete Karen Leary Case Questions by
(bullet format)
1. Describe the agenda, style and
effectiveness of:
− Karen Leary as general manager of the
Elmville Branch
− Ted Chung’s in his position.
2. Explain why Karen Leary and Ted Chung
are having a problem. Explain the situation
and its challenges in terms of the theories of
expectancy, equity, goal setting and
behavior modification.
3. What decisions should Karen Leary make
about Ted Chung’s office request? Why?
Again, justify your recommendations based
on the theories listed above.
4. What additional actions would you
recommend in this situation? Submit on
BlackBoard by midnight Aug 2 (graded
assignment #5: 10 points)

Web-conference: Aug 3, 5:00 pm CDT

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Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments
Integrative • Defining power in negotiations Required Reading
Negotiation (topic • Different types of power • Section 7 in Lewicki, Saunders and Barry,
listed on schedule) • Negotiations with Asymmetrical power Negotiation Readings, Cases and Exercises.
• Increasing your power in negotiations If you bought Negotiation by Lewicki,
Handling Difficult • Negotiation activity: The Connecticut Valley Saunders and Minton, read chapters 18, 19,
Situations School and 20.
Marie Chevrier Partnership Assignments
• Intra-group meeting: Prepare a ranking of
Module 32 capital projects. Discuss group’s final
strategy
August 4 – 10
• Final group meeting: Meet in class
webconference moderated by Chairperson
to try to arrive at an agreement. Post
agreement on Discussion Board. (5pts)
• Individually, submit an evaluation of peers in
your intra-group.

Web-conference: August 10, 5:00 pm CDT

Time Management Time management establishes
and controls the project schedule
Jim Szot by considering the activities
required to produce the project’s
Module 33 deliverables, their
interdependencies, their
August 11 – 17 durations, and resource
availability for performing the
work.
During this session you will
continue to develop your team
project plans by developing a
project milestone plan, refining
the project activity list, estimating
durations, developing a network
diagram, establishing a baseline
schedule, and establishing a
schedule management plan.
Course Syllabus
As a result of this module you will be able to:
• Define and sequence project activities.
• Analyze and refine project time estimates.
• Develop a project network diagram and
determine the critical path.
• Develop a project schedule.
• Identify and implement project schedule
controls.
Page 4
Required Reading
• Gray and Larson
o Chapters 5,” Estimating Project Times
and Costs,” pp. 117-136 (3ed, pp. 125-
144)
o Chapter 6, “Developing a Project Plan,”
pp. 145-171, 185-193 (3ed, pp. 153-
179, 194-202)
o Appendix 7.1, “PERT and PERT
Simulation,” pp. 226-230 (3ed pp. 235-
238)
• PMI, PMBOK Guide: Chapter 6, Project
Time Management, pp. 123-156
Optional Reading
• Nicholas
o Sections 6.6 and 6.7, “Scheduling” and
“Planning and Scheduling Charts,” pp.
177-184
o Chapter 7, “Network Scheduling and
PDM,” pp. 193-223.
o Chapter 8, “PERT, CPM, Resource
Allocation, and GERT,” pp. 229-259
• Uyttewaal
o Chapter 4, “Entering Estimates,” pp.
173-209
o Chapter 5, “Entering Dependencies,”
pp. 215-264
18 July 2008
Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments

Individual assignments
• Prepare a report as requested in Part A of
the International Capital Case [Gray and
Larson, p. 230 (3ed p. 239)]. Submit via
Blackboard Assignments by noon, Sunday,
24 August 2008. Be sure to answer all the
questions. (5 pts.)
• Complete Part 2 of the Conveyor Belt
Project in accordance with the module
instruction sheet. Submit your solution via
Blackboard Assignments by noon, Sunday,
24 August 2008. (3 pts.)

Team Assignment:
Prepare a project schedule and summary
presentation in accordance with the module
instruction sheet. One Presentation covering
modules 33-35 is to be posted by noon,
Sunday, October 5, 2008. (schedule 5 pts)

Webconference: August 17, 5:00 pm CDT

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Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments
Resource This session focuses on As a result of this module you will be able to: Required Reading
Management determining the type and amount • Describe the role of the human resource • Gray and Larson: Chapter 8, “Scheduling
of resources required to perform management processes and their criticality for Resources,” pp. 233-278 (3ed pp. 241-279)
Jim Szot the project tasks and ensuring achieving project success. • PMI, PMBOK Guide:
they are available and effectively • Estimate project resource requirements and o Section 6.3, “Activity Resource
Module 34 used throughout the project life determine their influence on schedule Estimating,” pp. 135-138
cycle. development. o Chapter 9, “Project Human Resource
August 18 – 24 • Develop a resource management plan that Management,” pp. 199-219
Teams will assign resources to includes provisions for committing resources
their project activities and and project control. Optional Reading
progressively elaborate their • Nicholas: Section 6.4, “Project Organization
project plan. Structure and Responsibilities,” pp. 173-176
• Uyttewaal
o Chapter 7, “Entering Resources,” pp.
311-360
o Chapter 8, “Entering Assignments,” pp.
367-413
o Chapter 9. “Optimizing the Schedule,”
pp. 419-526

Team Assignment:
Continuation of team project. Prepare a resource
plan in accordance with instructions and
incorporate into the presentation started with
M33. One Presentation covering modules 33-35
and the final MS Project file is to be submitted to
the UTD BlackBoard by noon, Sunday, October
5, 2008. (resource plan 4 pts)

Webconference: August 24, 5:00 pm CDT

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 18 July 2008
Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments
Cost Management Cost estimating often occurs in As a result of this module you will be able to: Required Reading
conjunction with initial estimating • Analyze and refine project cost estimates • Gray and Larson
Jim Szot of resource requirements. • Develop a comprehensive project plan o Chapters 5 (already read for the Time
These estimates are including project controls Management module)
Module 35 progressively elaborated into o Chapter 9, “Reducing Project Duration,”
budgets, funding is secured, and pp. 281-299 (3ed pp. 281-298)
August 25 – 31 costs are managed during • PMI, PMBOK Guide: Chapter 7, “Project
project execution. Cost Management,” pp. 157-171

Teams will prepare detail cost Optional Reading

estimates and a time-phased • Nicholas: Chapter 9, “Cost Estimating and
budget for their project. Budgeting,” pp. 268-301
• Uyttewaal: Chapter 10, “Reporting,” pp. 541-
607

Individual assignments
• Prepare a report to accompany the
presentation described in Part B of the
International Capital Case [Gray and Larson,
page 305 (3ed p. 304)]. Submit to
BlackBoard by Noon, Sunday, September
7, 2008 (5 pts.)
• Complete Parts 3 and 4 of the Conveyor
Belt Project in accordance with the module
instructions. Submit your solution via
Blackboard Assignments by Noon, Sunday,
September 7, 2008 (3 pts.)

Team Assignment:
Prepare a project budget and cost reports in
accordance with the module instructions. Amend
your PowerPoint presentation from modules 33
and 34 to include a cost summary. The
presentation and all supporting files and reports
are to be submitted to BlackBoard Assignments
by Noon, Sunday, October 5, 2008 (budget
and cost reports 5 pts)

No web conference this week – Have a safe and

enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
Webconference: October 5, 5:00 pm CDT

Individually, submit a peer evaluation on the

team assignment by 8 am, Wednesday,
October 8, 2008.

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 18 July 2008
Title/Date Overview Objectives Assignments
Project Costing and Techniques of project costing will Students will understand the following topics:
Allocation be introduced. Particular • Value chain Web-conference: Sunday, September 7, 2008,
emphasis will be placed on cost • Activities 5:00 pm CDT
Duncan MacFarlane drivers and other cost • Cost drivers
accounting techniques. A case • Activity based costing
Modules 36 study from telecommunications • Cost variances
will be presented.
September 1 – 7

Negotiation: Ethics Practical application of The Buenos Aires-Colonia Bridge exercise is a nine Required Reading
and Leverage negotiation theory through a party negotiation for a contract to finance, build, • Colonia/Buenos Aires Bridge Negotiation
Negotiation: simulation of concession and operate a bridge linking Buenos Aries, case and confidential role instructions in the
Individuals and contract negotiations for a large Argentina and Colonia, Uruguay. It is based on a back section (posted on Blackboard-
Groups infrastructure project real situation, but the roles, interests, issues, and password protected)
(titles in schedule) process have been modified for educational
purposes. In the simulation, the governments of Prepare…
Negotiation Skills to Argentina and Uruguay are, in cooperation with the • Intra group negotiation (Sep 8 – Sep 12):
Manage Conflict Interhemispheric Development Bank, negotiating Contact the other person(s) assigned to your
with two competing consortia of private sector role. Discuss strategy and practice using
Marie Chevrier companies – Alpha and Omega – over the contract the spreadsheet.
for the bridge. This is a complex and challenging • Process negotiation (Sep 13 – Sep 14): Set
Modules 37 and 38 exercise that will revisit the finance concepts up a meeting with all parties to negotiate
discussed in modules 7 and 8 (Value With what the process will be for the substance
September 8 – 21 Investments). negotiation. One person to prepare a written
statement of the agreed upon process for
the remaining negotiations and post to the
Discussion Board by Saturday, Sep 16th,
midnight
• Substance negotiation (Sep 15 – Sep 20):
Parties will complete negotiations over the
substantive issues. A representative from
the Government/IDB group should email the
final agreement (use Appendix D) to Dr.
Chevrier.
(25pts)

Web-conference: Sep 21, 5:00 pm CDT

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18 July 2008

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], Carolyn Cooper-Murriel [carolync@utdallas.edu] and Jim
Szot [jimszot@utdallas.edu]. Course grade is subject to adjustment based on web conference participation.

Assignments Module Percentage Type Due Date

Online exam Course 25% Individual October 12
Project Management
Course 10% Individual August 31
Professional report
From Conflict to
Alpha Project 0% Team July 28
Cooperation (#30)
From Conflict to
Consultant Activity 3% Team August 4
Cooperation (#30)
From Conflict to
Outburst Activity 2% Team August 4
Cooperation (#30)
Motivation, Rewards, OB6301
Karen Leary Case Team August 2
and Job Design (#31) 10%
Motivation, Rewards, OB6301
Online Assessment Individual August 7
and Job Design (#31) 10%
Connecticut Valley Integrative Negotiation
5% Team August 10
School Negotiation (#32)
International Capital Project Time
5% Individual August 24
– Part A Management (#33)
Conveyor Belt Project Time
3% Individual August 24
Project – Part 2 Management (#33)
International Capital Project Cost
5% Individual Sept. 7
– Part B Management (#35)
Conveyor Belt Project Cost
3% Individual Sept. 7
Project Parts 3 and 4 Management (#35)
Buenos Aires –
Colonia Bridge Negotiation… (#37-38) 25% Team Sept. 21
Negotiation
Project Time, Resource,
PM Improvement
and Cost Management 14% Team Oct. 5
Project Plan
(#33-35)
PM Improvement Project Time, Resource,
Project Team and Cost Management 0% Individual Oct. 8
Peer Evaluation (#33-35)

Technical Support

For assistance with BlackBoard, Elluminate, 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 Elluminate.
They cannot help you – these products are supported by the Project Management Program.

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18 July 2008

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 10

18 July 2008

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 11

18 July 2008

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 12