EAS 501.008 - Project Management
The demand for research and practice at the intersection of project management and sustainability has grown rapidly in recent years. Projects are initiatives that are temporary, unique, and focused on achieving specific outcomes. Creating, implementing, and completing projects is crucial for meeting sustainability objectives. No wonder project management is one of the most sought-after skills in the job market. This class covers the fundamentals of project management, helping students develop project management and teamwork skills, focusing on applications in sustainability. Students will gain an understanding of the history of project management and the role of projects in addressing sustainability issues, and critically, how to lead as a project manager. This class will focus on the project life cycle, including initiation, planning, execution, problem solving, monitoring and evaluation, and closure. Course material includes inquiry and training in several knowledge areas related to project management, including scope, quality control, risk assessment, time management and scheduling, budgeting, communications, and leadership. We will also examine the ethics and critiques of project management, with application to sustainability, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary topics. By covering standards and certifications of project management in sustainability, this course will prepare students to take leadership as change agents.