DelftX: Project Management: Mastering Complexity

DelftX: Project Management: Mastering Complexity

by Delft University of Technology

Engineering Project Management: Mastering Complexity

An advanced-level course by DelftX

Course Description

"Engineering Project Management: Mastering Complexity" is an advanced-level course offered by DelftX, designed to equip project managers with the skills to navigate and master the complexities inherent in engineering and infrastructure projects. This course addresses the critical issue of project failure due to underestimated complexity, which affects approximately 40% of projects worldwide. Instead of attempting to eliminate complexity, the course focuses on developing strategies to embrace and manage it effectively.

What You Will Learn

  • Identify complexity and its elements in projects
  • Perform a comprehensive project complexity assessment
  • Develop a complexity footprint for projects
  • Adapt management processes to fit project complexities
  • Master project complexity through effective strategies
  • Recognize necessary competencies for developing project plans
  • Adapt management styles to improve project performance and decision-making

Prerequisites

This course builds upon the basic project management knowledge acquired from the MOOC "Project Management of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success" or equivalent knowledge in the subject. It is recommended that students have a foundational understanding of project management principles before enrolling in this advanced course.

Course Content

  • Understanding project complexity and its components
  • Models of complexity and their subjective nature
  • The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework
  • Creating and interpreting complexity footprints
  • Early identification and assessment of project complexity
  • Various management approaches for complex projects
  • Adapting management styles to specific project complexities
  • Maximizing project value through complexity management
  • Front-end development and teamwork as catalysts for success

Who This Course Is For

  • Project managers seeking to enhance their skills in managing complex engineering projects
  • Professionals in the engineering and infrastructure sectors
  • Individuals who have completed basic project management courses and want to advance their knowledge
  • Those interested in improving project success rates and performance

Real-World Applications

  • Improve project success rates by better understanding and managing complexity
  • Enhance decision-making capabilities in complex project environments
  • Develop more effective project plans that account for various complexity factors
  • Adapt management approaches to suit specific project needs
  • Improve stakeholder management and communication in complex projects
  • Optimize resource allocation and project performance
  • Increase the overall value and potential of engineering and infrastructure projects

Syllabus

Module 1: Understanding project complexity

  • Introduction to project complexity
  • Components and models of complexity
  • Subjective nature of complexity

Module 2: Project complexity assessment

  • Creating a complexity footprint
  • Using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework
  • Early identification and assessment of project complexity

Module 3: Managing project complexity

  • Different management approaches for complex projects
  • Comparing approaches with real-world project management

Module 4: Mastering complexity

  • Adjusting management approaches to specific complexities
  • Maximizing project value through complexity management

Module 5: Wrap-up and peer review

  • Course reflection
  • Peer review of work
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