Systems Engineering and Technical Project Management

The goal of this unique course is to learn how technical projects are managed using both project management and systems engineering tools and techniques – two disciplines that complement each other well. This course explores the differences between a project manager’s outcomes and responsibilities (timeline, cost, and scope) and those of the system engineer (technical integration, verification, and validation) – and how both roles are critical for the success of technical projects. Each phase of the standard “waterfall” project management lifecycle is addressed: Initiation (business case and feasibility), Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Control, and Closure. The “V” process of systems engineering – decomposition and construction – in product development and integration is explored using case-based examples. Other effective methodologies, tools, and processes often used in engineering and technology project management such as Agile, Iterative, Spiral, and Hybrid (using Scrum and Kanban) are reviewed. Students learn from a variety of technical project management and systems engineering case studies.