Project Management in Biotechnology

4 Credits.

Today, many organizations use a disciplined “project management” approach to manage activities that have a limited life span as opposed to routine, ongoing operations. The modules in this class will provide guidance for project management success by considering each phase in the life of a typical project, from concept to closeout. We will discuss the nature of project management, the structure of projects, working with teams of technical experts, and all the other activities that make project management different from any other discipline. The course will introduce these concepts in readings, lectures and videos. It will rely heavily on group discussions to challenge you to critically think about these concepts in practice. We will discuss essential tools for effective decision making, developing a project plan, risk management, team leadership and motivation, monitoring and controlling during the project, scope change control, and traditional and modern approaches to project closeout. The concepts presented will be consistent with the Project Management Institute’s “Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge,” a widely used framework and guide to project management recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).