Supply Chain Management

SCM 4311

Project Management

And Product Governance

Course Overview

SCM 4311 provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of project management, grounded in the PMBOK framework and enriched with real-world applications from the Bauer College of Business alumni network. This course emphasizes the strategic and operational dimensions of managing complex, large-scale, and cross-functional projects across diverse industries and applications including Energy Exploration, Capital Projects, New Product Development and Launch, Infrastructure, Technology, and Equipment. Students will gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques essential for managing scope, time, cost, quality, and risk — while also exploring the governance structures that ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Course Purpose

This course prepares students to lead and contribute to high-impact projects, with discussions of New Product Design and Launch (NPDL) — a critical capability in today’s agile and innovation-driven supply chains. Students will explore how governance, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive project strategies contribute to successful project outcomes. The course is designed to build workforce readiness, cross-functional collaboration, and technology enablement.

Expected Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of SCM 4311, students will be able to:

• Understand the lifecycle of projects and the strategic role of project management in supply chains.
• Apply project governance principles to ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and manage project plans using tools such as Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Critical Path Method (CPM), and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Evaluate and mitigate project risks using structured frameworks.
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Design and execute New Product Development and Launch projects, integrating market, technical, and operational considerations.
• Use project management software (e.g., MS Project) to simulate and manage real-world scenarios.

Selection of Topics Covered

• Organizational Design and Governance in Projects
• Project Selection and Portfolio Management
• Work Breakdown Structures and Network Analysis
• Cost Estimation, Budgeting, and Schedule Control
• Risk Management and Contingency Planning
• Concurrent Engineering and Agile Project Methods
• New Product Design and Launch (NPDL)
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Project Performance Measurement (EVM)
• Technology Tools for Project Management (MS Project)

Course Pedagogy and Experiential Activities

SCM 4311 emphasizes experiential learning through simulations, case studies, and team-based projects. A key immersive component is a project requiring students to analyze a real-world case involving an oil refinery expansion for a new product, evaluating its viability under changing market conditions.

Guest speakers from the Bauer alumni network and industry partners provide insights into project leadership, governance, and innovation in sectors such as energy, technology, and consumer goods.

Course Format and Assessment

SCM 4311 emphasizes a balanced approach to learning that integrates foundational knowledge with real-world application. Students engage with course materials through lectures, curated readings, and interactive discussions, while also participating in immersive, hands-on experiences that mirror the complexities of modern project environments.

Assessment is designed to reflect both individual mastery and collaborative problem-solving. Students are evaluated through:

• Applied project simulations that challenge them to manage scope, resources, and schedules in dynamic scenarios such as new product development and launch.
• Team-based case analyses that develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills in the context of real-world supply chain challenges.
• Active participation in experiential learning activities and peer collaboration, fostering the soft skills and adaptability valued by industry leaders.