Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Project Initiation Fundamentals

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Define what constitutes a project and how it aligns with organizational goals
• Develop a project charter including objectives, stakeholders, and success criteria
• Conduct feasibility analysis to evaluate project viability
• Apply project selection methods based on strategic alignment and resource availability

Module 2: Scope Definition and Requirements Gathering

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Identify key internal and external stakeholders
• Collect and document project requirements using structured techniques
• Define project boundaries to prevent scope creep
• Clarify deliverables through requirement specifications and documentation

Module 3: Work Breakdown Structure and Project Scheduling

Estimated time: 9 hours

• Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to decompose project tasks
• Develop project timelines using milestone planning
• Sequence activities and assign durations for realistic scheduling
• Use Gantt charts and network diagrams to visualize project flow

Module 4: Budgeting and Resource Allocation

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Estimate project costs using bottom-up and analogous methods
• Develop a project budget with contingency reserves
• Allocate human and material resources effectively
• Monitor budget adherence during early project phases

Module 5: Risk Identification and Early Control Measures

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Identify technical, financial, and operational project risks
• Assess risk probability and impact using qualitative methods
• Develop risk mitigation and contingency strategies
• Establish communication plans and monitoring frameworks

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Develop a comprehensive project charter
• Create a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and schedule
• Submit a risk management and communication plan

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic engineering or technical projects
• High school level math and organizational skills
• No prior project management experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables clearly
• Develop a complete project charter and planning documentation
• Create realistic project schedules and budgets using WBS
• Identify and mitigate potential project risks early
• Apply structured planning tools in real-world engineering contexts