Computer Science (COMP) 605
Project Management for Information Systems

Overview | Course Objectives | Learning Outcomes | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials - Textbook | Course Workload | Special Course Features | Special Note | Course Fees | Course Availability

Overview

Computer Science 605 provides practitioners who have current information technology skills with an understanding of the theory and practice of project management through an integrated view of the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in the management of information technology projects. Much of the knowledge needed to manage projects is unique to the discipline of project management. Project managers must also have knowledge and experience in general management, and must understand the applicability of the project in order to work effectively with specific industry groups and technologies.

COMP605 focuses on information technology projects. While information technology project managers are generally selected on the basis of their information technology expertise, they must generally spend more time becoming better project managers, and less time being information technology experts.

Course Objectives

Learners are exposed to:

• The Body of Knowledge of Project Management as agreed by established practitioners.
• The general issues and skills involved in information technology projects.
• Cases of successful or failed information technology projects.
• Practice of team work in preparation of information technology projects.

Learning Outcomes

Many of the audience of COMP605 are students well-versed in various information technologies. This course models after Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to discuss project management issues and skills from an integrated organization or management point of view. After completing Comp605, students will be able to:

• Take a new perspective on managing Information Technology projects in addition to their technical view.
• Integrate and apply management and technology skills to lead or participate in successful Information Technology projects.
• Prepare to pursue industry recognized qualification in project management.
• Master a software tool to assist in project management with MS-Project as example.

Outline

• Module 0: Course Overview
• Module 1: Project Management Framework
• Unit 1.1 - Introduction to Project Management
• Unit 1.2 - Project Management Context
• Unit 1.3 - Project Management Processes
• Module 2: Project Management Knowledge Areas
• Unit 2.1 - Project Integration Management
• Unit 2.2 - Project Scope Management
• Unit 2.3 - Project Time Management
• Unit 2.4 - Project Cost Management
• Unit 2.5 - Project Quality Management
• Unit 2.6 - Project Human Resource Management
• Unit 2.7 - Project Communications Management
• Unit 2.8 - Project Risk Management
• Unit 2.9 - Project Procurement Management

Evaluation

Students must achieve a grade of at least 60% on the final examination and an average grade of at least 60% on Assignments 1-4.

To receive credit toward the Master of Science in IS, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least B- (70%) in Foundation/Core Courses.

The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assignment 1		10%
Assignment 2		10%
Assignment 3		10%
Assignment 4		30%
Computer Conference		10%
Final Examination (Take-Home)		30%
Total		100%

Course Materials - Textbook

1. Schwalbe, K. (2007). Information Technology Project Management (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Thomson Course Techmology.
2. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (3rd ed., v1.3) [CD-ROM]. (2004). Newton Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc.

1. the Computer Science 605 Study Guide;
2. detailed descriptions of the requirements for the individual assignments;
3. a course evaluation form;
4. links to a variety of resources of the World Wide Web.

Course Workload

The course workload is based on a weekly schedule that includes

• 4 hours readings time per week
• 4 hours synthesis/exercises time per week
• 2 hours lab time per week.

Special Course Features

COMP605 will be offered in paced electronic mode in fall or winter. Electronic paced study is facilitated through a variety of computer-mediated communication options, and can be completed at the student's workplace or home.

Special Note

Students registered in this course will NOT be allowed to take an extension due to the nature of the course activities.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.


Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
(780) 675-6111, (800) 788-9041
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