SCM 7A01

Project Management

And Product Governance

Course Overview

SCM 7A01 equips students with the strategic, analytical, and technical skills required to lead complex, cross-functional projects in global supply chain environments as well as new product design and launch. The course emphasizes the integration of project management with business finance, governance, and customer-centric value creation. Students will explore how project leadership drives innovation, cost optimization, and sustainable outcomes across diverse industries and geographies.

Course Purpose

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to project management with a focus on real-world application, global problem-solving, and experiential exposure. Students will learn to manage the full project lifecycle — from opportunity identification and business case development to execution, monitoring, and closure — while navigating uncertainty, risk, business finance implications, and stakeholder complexity.

The course prepares students to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage large-scale initiatives, and contribute to strategic decision-making in supply chain and operations contexts. It also serves as a foundation for PMP certification and further study in advanced project management, program management, and product design.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the strategic role of project management in global supply chains and business ecosystems.
  • Apply project planning and execution tools to manage scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
  • Develop project charters, statements of work, and work breakdown structures aligned with governance and financial objectives.
  • Design and manage projects focused on New Product Introduction (NPI), including cross-functional coordination, time-to-market optimization, and customer-centric innovation.
  • Use critical path and network analysis to optimize project timelines and resource allocation.
  • Assess and mitigate project risks using quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Apply earned value management (EVM) to monitor performance and forecast outcomes.
  • Lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations in diverse, global contexts.
  • Integrate sustainability, social issues, and governance considerations into project planning and execution.
  • Leverage digital tools (e.g., MS Project) to enhance project visibility, collaboration, and control.

Topics Covered

  • Project Strategy, Governance, and Organizational Alignment
  • Global Project Selection and Portfolio Management
  • Scope, Schedule, and Cost Management
  • New Product Design and Launch Projects
  • Risk Management and Contingency Planning
  • Leadership, Team Dynamics, and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Earned Value Management and Performance Forecasting
  • Resource Optimization and Cost Control
  • Digital Tools for Project Planning (MS Project)
  • Change Management and Agile Principles
  • Social and Governance Issues in Project Execution
  • Global Case Studies and Cross-Border Project Challenges

Experiential Learning & Course Pedagogy

Students engage in a dynamic blend of hands-on learning experiences designed to simulate the complexity of real-world project environments. The course features both team-based and individual simulations that immerse students in the challenges of managing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives.

A centerpiece of the course is a large-scale, team-based project management simulation that mirrors the coordination, resource allocation, and decision-making required in global supply chain projects. In addition, students complete an individual simulation focused on New Product Development (NPD) Planning and Launch, allowing them to apply project management principles to innovation-driven, time-sensitive product introduction scenarios.

These simulations are complemented by guest lectures from industry professionals, global case studies, and collaborative exercises that emphasize stakeholder engagement, governance, and strategic alignment. Students also gain proficiency in digital project management tools, including Microsoft Project, to enhance planning accuracy and execution visibility.

Course Format & Assessment

The course combines in-person instruction with digital collaboration tools. Assessment is based on:

  • A capstone project simulation that integrates all course concepts.
  • Team-based assignments focused on global project scenarios.
  • Individual quizzes testing technical and strategic knowledge.
  • Two comprehensive exams evaluating analytical and leadership competencies.
  • Active participation in class discussions, simulations, and peer feedback.