Project Management Skills for Math and Science

Professionals

Lorena Mathien

Coordinator, PACM Program

Buffalo State College

October 14, 2011

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

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)

Traditional Education vs. Industry

Operational goal of education• Assess the

strengths and weaknesses of an individual

Performance of individual in the workplace• How team

performs

What’s the Answer?

Corporate and personal goals

must be in alignment

Leadership and teamwork

Communication skills

Marketing (market your

ideas and results) – language

Discipline Flexibility – cope with change

Creativity and innovation

Ambiguity management –

risk taking

IPSpecialty

technology knowledge

Quality Ethics

Globalization – cross-cultural

interaction

Expectation management –

expect the unexpected

Career management

Project Management

Need to expose math and science students to basic principles of time and

project management• Goal setting• Deadlines• Steps, Coordination• Work schedule• Team members roles• Problem identification• Problem solving

The Concorde Project: Systems Theory vs. Contingency View

Project = System that can be modeled

System = Explanatory device mapped to real world

Project Management = A science

Math and Sciences Project =

Label word for complex linked entity

System = Abstract concept

Project Management = An art

Business and

Industry

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.

 

PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals

PACM Faculty and

Staff

Business Partners

Applied Math Dept

Buffalo State

Faculty and Staff

PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals

Online and instructor-led

Tools and techniques

Quizzes

Individual business cases

Team project

Presentations

Guest speakers

Conclusion

“Students who master essential professional skills are likely to adapt quicker to change

than other students.”

~ Borbye (2010)

Questions?