Project Management Skills for Math and Science Professionals

1. Project Management Skills for Math and Science Professionals Lorena Mathien Coordinator, PACM Program Buffalo State College October 14, 2011

2. Agenda • Introduction • What employers want • Traditional Education Versus Industry • Alternatives • What’s the answer? • Project Management • Systems theory vs. contingency view • Project management skills • Example • Conclusion • Q&A

3. What Employers Want “University and industry environments contain incentives for very different products and behaviors, yet these two environments are highly dependent upon each other.” ~Borbye (2008)

4. Traditional Education vs. Industry

5. What’s the Answer?

6. Project Management

7. The Concorde Project: Systems Theory vs. Contingency View

8. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals An examination of current practices in project management as applied to math and science projects. Hands-on experience with the skills, tools, and techniques required in different phases of a project’s life cycle, including project selection, project planning, project staffing and organization, task scheduling, project scope management, budgeting and progress reporting, risk management, quality management, project communications, and use of appropriate project management software tools. Techniques for communicating and motivating teams throughout the project life cycle. Emphasis on team building and practicing project management techniques through the use of science-based cases.

9. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals

10. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals

11. Conclusion “Students who master essential professional skills are likely to adapt quicker to change than other students.” ~ Borbye (2010)

12. Questions?