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INF338
Leadership & Communication Skills
for Project Management
This course enables students to develop the necessary skills to elicit maximum
performance from every member of a team. Students will uncover the styles of
leadership that are most appropriate for achieving project success and discover
which forms of leadership and communication styles are best suited to their
personalities. They will also learn techniques for resolving conflict and
managing personnel issues and gain hands-on experience in analyzing stages of
team development and maximizing project team effectiveness. This course can
be used as a substitute for BUS 303. Prerequisites: MGT 330 and writing
competency.
INF338: Leadership & Communication Skills for Project Management
Online
Table of Contents
COURSE AT A GLANCE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
COURSE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4
COURSE DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
COURSE PREREQUISITES......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
LEARNING OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
LEARNING RESOURCES .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Required Text .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Required Articles ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Required Websites ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Recommended Articles ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
COMPONENTS OF COURSE EVALUATION ................................................................................................................................... 8
DISCUSSIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
QUIZZES ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Written Assignments .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
FINAL PAPER .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
COURSE GRADING ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Grading Percent Breakdown ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
WEEK ONE ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Required Readings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Recommended Readings.................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Quiz ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
WEEK TWO .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
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Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Required Readings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Multimedia ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Quiz ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
WEEK THREE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Required Readings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Quiz ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
WEEK FOUR ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Required Readings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Quiz ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
WEEK FIVE .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Required Readings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
COURSE MAP ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
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INF338: Leadership & Communication Skills for Project Management
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Course at a Glance
Course Description
This course enables students to develop the necessary skills to elicit maximum performance from every member of a
team. Students will uncover the styles of leadership that are most appropriate for achieving project success and discover
which forms of leadership and communication styles are best suited to their personalities. They will also learn techniques
for resolving conflict and managing personnel issues and gain hands-on experience in analyzing stages of team
development and maximizing project team effectiveness. This course can be used as a substitute for BUS 303.
Prerequisites: MGT 330 and writing competency.
Course Design
The design of the course is based on a holistic approach. The weekly course outcomes will feed into the overall course
learning outcomes each week culminating in completion of the 5 course learning outcomes. The chapter progression will
begin with the concepts of Teamwork and Problem solving and continue with various applications of team development in
the project management world. The role of the project manager and his/her skill sets will also be addressed.
Although this course has been designed for the individual student, it does not mean that students cannot collaborate and
work on assignments as teams or groups. Indeed, collaborative efforts should raise the level of learning synergy as one
student‘s instructional efforts reinforce that individuals learning experience. However, the final measure of learning will
be conducted on an individual basis and by the performance of that individual in addressing classroom activity, course
assignments (tests and Objective Assessments as may be given), and a final paper.
The learning experience will consist of the following related efforts: reading of the text, in class instruction and
discussion, assigned objective assessments, concept paper, and a final project applying a project management to a
common work problem or situation.
Reading the text will be the primary source of formal knowledge for each student. A student will be expected to read each
chapter as sequenced through the course. In doing so that student will be measured on how well the subject matter is
understood, how adept that student is at recognizing situations in which the subject matter is at hand, translating the
recognition into a useful application of the knowledge, and use the knowledge application to solve a problem or find a
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solution. The student will also be expected to support the chosen application of a course related principle by referencing
text and classroom materials in preparing responses in each of the Discussion Forums and in the Final Paper.
Homework assignments will be the routine measuring of a student‘s ability to apply specific learned knowledge to a
formal and structure situation with the end result being an answer that is resolvable through application of course
principles. Each assignment will have the objective of testing the student on the appropriate knowledge presented in the
respective chapters. It is expected that this routine will install a sense of discipline in each student that will guide the
problem solving process.
The course material is presented in a style that recognizes and complements the maturity and experience of the students.
Because each student has a different style of learning, a variety of teaching methods are used. These methods include
discussions, activities, and exercises. Classes are highly interactive and examine concrete situations that enable
application of learning. Students have a chance to incorporate the knowledge of peers into the learning process as well as
demonstrate self-motivation and initiative. Students are expected to take responsibility for the learning process.
Course Prerequisites
MGT 330 and writing competency
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Examine the role and attributes of the project manager as a leader and team builder.
2.
Illustrate how project managers can effectively carry out their planning and control responsibilities.
3. Apply resources to effectively lead a team and communicate effectively to team members and other
stakeholders.
4. Analyze communication situations by applying models and theories of organizational communication to
maximize project management team performance.
5. Develop solutions to project situations using appropriate problem solving methods, conflict management
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methods, and project management techniques in support of project completion success.
Learning Resources
Required Text
Smith, K.A., & Imbrie, P.K. (2007). Teamwork and project management. (3rd ed.) Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 9780-07-310367-9.
Required Articles
The following journal articles support the textbook readings, discussions, and assignments for the week:
Antonioni, D. (2009, Jan/Feb). Crafting the Art of Stakeholder Management. Industrial Management, 51(1), 18-24.
Retrieved from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library.
Reinhold, Barbara (2009). Are You Cut Out for Teamwork?. Retrieved March 20, 2009, from Monster Web site:
http://content.monster.ie/tools/quizzes/teamplayer/
Stewart, L. (2012, March 30). Building virtual teams: Strategies for high performance. Forbes. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2012/03/30/building-virtual-teams-strategies-for-high-performance/
Thompson, L.A. (2009, March). Leadership Model for Professionals. Strategic Finance, 90(9), 25. Retrieved from the
ProQuest Database in the Online Library.
Required Websites
The following Websites support the textbook readings, discussions, and assignments for the week:
Stages of Team Development
www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm
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Video: On the Road to Leadership
http://www.intelecomonline.net/VideoPlayer.aspx?Code=E22DB555B562B4638A54BC9BF1472602682D9984C6C77D
BEF3870D6A4DC4CEEB20EF6C0707FAF599006120747AE8593FDF4302163315893E
Recommended Articles
The following journal articles support the textbook readings, discussions, and assignments for the week:
Lipnack, J., & Stamps, J. (1999). Virtual Teams: The New Way to Work. Strategy & Leadership, 27(1), 14-19. Retrieved
from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library.
Anonymous. (2008). Best Practices for Working in a Virtual Team Environment. Library Technology Reports, 44(1), 2831. Retrieved from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library.
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Components of Course Evaluation
Multiple measures of evaluation are used in the course, allowing students opportunities to demonstrate their learning in
more than one way, and giving consideration to individual learning styles. Course components that will be evaluated
include:
Discussions
Each week students will participate in online discussions with classmates, which are related to the week’s readings. These
discussions replace the interactive dialogue that occurs in the traditional classroom setting. Each week, students’ initial
discussion posts are due by 11:59 p.m. (of the time zone in which each student resides) on Day 3 (Thursday). Students
will have until 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 (the following Monday) to make the required minimum number of response posts to
classmates. Discussions represent 39% of the overall course grade.
Quizzes
In Weeks One through Four, students will demonstrate and reinforce their understanding of the week’s content by taking
open-book quizzes. Students have up to 12 hours to complete a quiz once they begin. The quiz must be completed in one
sitting, by Day 6 of the week in which it is due. The questions are multiple choice and true/false. Each quiz is worth four
percent. Quizzes represent 16% of the overall course grade.
Assignments
Written Assignments
There is a written assignment due in Weeks One through Four of this course. These assignments must reflect college-level
writing and critical thinking. Assignments represent 25% of the overall course grade.
Final Paper
The final assignment for this course is a Final Paper. The purpose of the Final Paper is for you to culminate the learning
achieved in the course. The Final Paper represents 20% of the overall course grade.
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Focus of the Final Paper
This paper will demonstrate your understanding of the key concepts at the core of good project management practices
covered throughout this course. Your paper should be based on a project (either theoretical or an actual project) and how
issues of management, leadership, and team collaboration were applied to the success (or failure) of the project.
The purpose of this assignment is to apply the central concepts of the course to a project management experience. To do
this, define the project particulars for illustrative purposes, explain how the project team was selected, explain how team
problems were resolved, discuss how you utilized PM software to manage team activities, and analyze how the project
was closed and the impact of the closure on the team. You must use course-related principles and at least five scholarly
sources from the Ashford University Library to support the paper’s thesis.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length (not including the title and reference pages) and formatted
according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
a. Title of paper
b. Student’s name
c. Course name and number
d. Instructor’s name
e. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
6. Must use at least five scholarly sources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford Online Library.
7. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing
Center.
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Course Grading
Grading Percent Breakdown
Discussions
Quizzes
Assignments
Final Paper
Total:
39%
16%
25%
20%
100%
Week One
Course Content
To be completed during the first week of class
Overview
Assignment
Post Your Introduction
10
Due Date
Day 1
Format
Discussion
Grading
Percent
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Teamplayer
Team Development
Week One Quiz
Virtual Teams
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 6
Discussion
3
Discussion
3
Quiz
4
Day 7
Assignment
5
Learning Outcomes
This week students will:
1. Apply the characteristics of effective teams to team building and management strategies
2. Illustrate the applications of Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development model in project management
3. Analyze the components and enhancements in which virtual teams have impacted project management
Required Readings
1. Read the following chapters in your text, Teamwork and Project Management:
a. Chapter 2 Teamwork
b. Chapter 3 Teamwork Skills and Problem Solving
2. Stewart, L. (2012, March 30). Building virtual teams: Strategies for high performance. Forbes. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2012/03/30/building-virtual-teams-strategies-for-high-performance/
Recommended Readings
1. Lipnack, J., & Stamps, J. (1999). Virtual Teams: The New Way to Work. Strategy & Leadership, 27(1), 14-19.
Retrieve from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library. This journal article supports the written assignment
for this week.
2. Anonymous. (2008). Best Practices for Working in a Virtual Team Environment. Library Technology
Reports, 44(1), 28-31. Retrieve from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library. This journal article supports
this written assignment for the week.
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Discussions
Participate in the following discussions:
1. 1st Posting Due by Day 1. Post Your Introduction. Post your introduction on the discussion forum titled,
“Introductions” found in Week One. Respond to at least three of your classmates’ postings.
2. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Teamplayer. After reviewing the readings for this week and the article “Building
Virtual Teams: Strategies for High Performance,” answer the following in 200 words:
a. What are some of the characteristics of effective teams?
b. As a manager, how can you help promote these characteristics in your team?
Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.
3. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Team Development. Review the “Stages of Team Development” website at
www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm and use the model to examine a team
in which you are/were a member. How well does the model explain your experiences as a developing team? How
could you use this model to better “manage” a team in which you were charged as the leader”? What are the
implications for project management when a project needs to begin quickly and perform at a high level in a short
period of time? Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
Quiz
1. Due Day 6. Week One Quiz. Complete the quiz on the assigned readings for the week.
Assignment
1. Due by Day 7. Virtual Teams. In a two- to three-page paper (not including the title and reference pages):
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Discuss how virtual teams have changed project management.
Identify the tools needed to effectively manage a virtual team.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual teams.
Identify the skills you possess that would enhance a virtual team project.
INF338: Leadership & Communication Skills for Project Management
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Your paper should be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide, and should
cite at least two scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.
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Week Two
Course Content
To be completed during the second week of class
Overview
Assignment
Project vs. Operation
Leadership Activities
Week Two Quiz
Leadership Styles
Discussion
Grading
Percent
4
Discussion
4
Quiz
4
Assignment
5
Due Date
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 6
Day 7
Format
Learning Outcomes
This week students will:
1. Identify the unique characteristics of project management versus operations management
2. Develop strategies for maximizing team performance by applying leadership models
3. Analyze the real-life application of leadership styles and their impact on project and team outcomes
Required Readings
1. Read the following chapters in your text, Teamwork and Project Management:
a. Chapter 4 Project Management Principles and Practices
2. Thompson, L.A. (2009, March). Leadership Model for Professionals. Strategic Finance, 90(9), 25.
Retrieved from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library. This journal article supports the Leadership
Activities discussion and written assignment for this week.
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Multimedia
1. View this video on preparing for leadership, which supports this week’s assignments.
Discussions
Participate in the following discussions:
1. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Project vs. Operation. How does a project differ from everyday, routine operations?
What are some of the key characteristics of a project? Assuming differences exist, what are the implications for
the project manager? Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
2. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Leadership Activities. Read the article “Leadership Model for Professionals.” After
reading article, list the top two leadership activities that you feel are most important in obtaining the maximum
performance from your team and explain why these two activities are the most important ones. Respond to at least
two other students in a substantive way.
Quiz
1. Due Day 6. Week Two Quiz. Complete the quiz on the assigned readings for the week.
Assignment
1. Due by Day 7. Leadership Styles. In a two- to three-page paper (not including the title and reference pages):
Discuss the different styles of leadership you have experienced while working in project management or
on projects.
Identify and describe a leadership style that you find most effective.
Explain how the use of this leadership style enhanced the project and your experience as a team member.
Your paper should be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide, and should
cite at least two scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.
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Week Three
Course Content
To be completed during the third week of class
Overview
Assignment
Stakeholder Management
Critical Success Factors
Week Three Quiz
Project Design
Discussion
Grading
Percent
4
Discussion
4
Quiz
4
Assignment
10
Due Date
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 6
Day 7
Format
Learning Outcomes
This week students will:
1. Examine the importance of management and the involvement of stakeholder’s in an organization
2. Analyze the impact of critical success factors on project management outcomes
3. Develop a detailed project plan that maximizes team performance and communication
Required Readings
1. Read the following chapters in your text, Teamwork and Project Management:
a. Chapter 5 The Project Manager’s Role
b. Chapter 6 Project Scheduling
2. Antonioni, D. (2009, Jan/Feb). Crafting the art of stakeholder management. Industrial Management, 51(1), 18-24.
Retrieved from the ProQuest Database in the Online Library. This journal article supports the Stakeholder
Management discussion for this week.
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Discussions
Participate in the following discussions:
1. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Stakeholder Management. After reading the article “Crafting the Art of Stakeholder
Management“, explain the key points of stakeholder involvement, and explain how you would apply this new
knowledge in your work. Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
2. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Critical Success Factors. Study the “Critical Success Factors and Their Importance
for System Implementation” figure on page 81 of the text. Consider how you managed a project (personal or
professional) in the past and the relationship of the “Critical Success Factors” to the outcome of that project. What
factor or factors contributed most to your success? Which factor or factors limited the success of the project?
Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
Quiz
1. Due Day 6. Week Three Quiz. Complete the quiz on the assigned readings for the week.
Assignment
1. Due by Day 7. Project Design. Using the information that you gained from the readings thus far, write a threeto four-page paper (not including the title and reference pages) that describes a project that you might undertake
(this can be a fictitious one or one that you have actually worked on). Describe the major steps and the milestones
of your project along with a timeline for each step. Be sure to explain how to address team conflicts and how to
help ensure team cohesion and collaboration. You are required to use at least two scholarly sources in addition to
the text in the construction of your paper.
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Week Four
Course Content
To be completed during the fourth week of class
Overview
Assignment
Long Projects
Peer Assessments
Week Four Quiz
Meeting Plan
Discussion
Grading
Percent
4
Discussion
4
Quiz
4
Assignment
5
Due Date
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 6
Day 7
Format
Learning Outcomes
This week students will:
1. Assess methods for improving team performance
2. Examine the use of peer assessments and their impact on team performance
3. Develop a meeting plan that incorporates strategies and processes to increase effectiveness
Required Readings
1. Read the following chapter in your text, Teamwork and Project Management:
a. Chapter 7 Project Monitoring and Evaluation
Discussions
Participate in the following discussions:
1. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Long Projects. What are some things that you can do to improve the functioning of
teams during the course of a long project? List some ideas here and show how they facilitate team cohesion and
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team development. Would these enhancements be different for virtual teams? Respond to at least two other
students in a substantive way.
2. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Peer Assessments. After reading “Peer Assessment” on page 111 of the text, explain
how peer assessments can strengthen a team. How can it improve team relations and reduce team conflicts?
When would peer assessments not be appropriate? Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
Quiz
1. Due Day 6. Week Four Quiz. Complete the quiz on the assigned readings for the week.
Assignment
1. Due by Day 7. Meeting Plan. Review the “Meeting” section in your text Teamwork and Project Management
(p. 103-105). In a two- to three-page paper (not including the title and reference pages), describe the topic of your
final project including the types of team members needed to complete the project (i.e., project leader,
administrative support, content experts, etc.), and create a meeting plan for the initial team meeting.
Your paper should be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide, and should
cite at least one scholarly source in addition to the textbook.
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Week Five
Course Content
To be completed during the fifth week of class
Overview
Assignment
Project Communications
Software
Final Paper
Discussion
Grading
Percent
4
Discussion
4
Assignment
20
Due Date
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 3
st
(1 post)
Day 7
Format
Learning Outcomes
This week students will:
1. Identify the communication issues that can be anticipated during a project and the best practices for project
management.
2. Examine the communication tools available to project managers and their responsibility in weighing their
effectiveness for project management.
Required Readings
1. Read the following chapters in your text, Teamwork and Project Management:
a. Chapter 8 Project Management Documentation and Communications
b. Chapter 9 Project Management Software
Discussions
Participate in the following discussions:
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1. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Project Communications. What are your recommendations for communications
during a project? What are some of the key issues that you are likely to encounter and how will you address them?
Respond to at least two other students in a substantive way.
2. 1st Posting Due by Day 3. Software. Is Project Management software a form of communications? What types of
information can be determined by team members by viewing most software programs? What types of information
will have to be augmented by the Project Manager to make sure that everyone has current information? How can
you use a “Gantt” chart to communicate effectively and what re the limitations of using such tools? Respond to at
least two other students in a substantive way.
Assignment
1. Due by Day 7. Final Paper. The complete instructions for the Final Paper can be found in Week Five of your
online course or in the “Components of Course Evaluation” section of this guide.
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Course Map
The course map illustrates the careful design of the course through which each learning objective is supported by one or
more specific learning activities in order to create integrity and pedagogical depth in the learning experience.
Learning Outcome
Week
1. Examine the role and attributes of the project
manager as a leader and team builder.
1
1
1
2
2
3
5
Teamplayer
Team Development
Virtual Teams
Leadership Activities
Leadership Styles
Critical Success Factors
Final Paper
2. Illustrate how project managers can
effectively carry out their planning and control
responsibilities.
3
3
5
Critical Success Factors
Project Design
Final Paper
3. Apply resources to effectively lead a team
and communicate effectively to team
members and other stakeholders.
1
1
1
3
4
4
5
5
5
Teamplayer
Team Development
Virtual Teams
Stakeholder Management
Long Projects
Meeting Plan
Project Communications
Software
Final Paper
4. Analyze communication situations by
applying models and theories of
organizational communication to maximize
project management team performance.
4
4
4
5
5
5
Long Projects
Peer Assessment
Meeting Plan
Project Communications
Software
Final Paper
5. Develop solutions to project situations using
appropriate problem solving methods, conflict
management methods, and project
management techniques in support of project
completion success.
2
2
3
4
5
Project vs. Operation
Leadership Styles
Project Design
Peer Assessment
Final Paper
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Assignment