1. Project Management Skills for Math and Science Professionals Lorena Mathien Coordinator, PACM Program Buffalo State College October 14, 2011

2. Agenda Introduction –What employers want Traditional Education Versus Industry Alternatives –What’s the answer? Project Management –Systems theory vs. contingency view –Project management skills –Example Conclusion Q&A

3. What Employers Want “University and industry environments contain incentives for very different products and behaviors, yet these two environments are highly dependent upon each other.” ~Borbye (2008)

4. Traditional Education vs. Industry Operational goal of education Assess the strengths and weaknesses of an individual Performance of individual in the workplace How team performs

5. What’s the Answer? Corporate and personal goals must be in alignment Leadership and teamwork Communication skills Marketing (market your ideas and results) – language Discipline Flexibility – cope with change Creativity and innovation Ambiguity management – risk taking IP Specialty technology knowledge QualityEthics Globalization – cross-cultural interaction Expectation management – expect the unexpected Career management

6. Project Management Need to expose math and science students to basic principles of time and project management Goal setting Deadlines Steps, Coordination Work schedule Team members roles Problem identification Problem solving

7. The Concorde Project: Systems Theory vs. Contingency View Project = System that can be modeled System = Explanatory device mapped to real world Project Management = A science Math and Sciences Project = Label word for complex linked entity System = Abstract concept Project Management = An art Business and Industry

8. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals An examination of current practices in project management as applied to math and science projects. Hands-on experience with the skills, tools, and techniques required in different phases of a project’s life cycle, including project selection, project planning, project staffing and organization, task scheduling, project scope management, budgeting and progress reporting, risk management, quality management, project communications, and use of appropriate project management software tools. Techniques for communicating and motivating teams throughout the project life cycle. Emphasis on team building and practicing project management techniques through the use of science-based cases.

9. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals PACM Faculty and Staff Business Partners Applied Math Dept Buffalo State Faculty and Staff

10. PSM 601 Project Management for Math and Science Professionals Online and instructor-ledTools and techniquesQuizzesIndividual business casesTeam projectPresentationsGuest speakers

11. Conclusion “Students who master essential professional skills are likely to adapt quicker to change than other students.” ~ Borbye (2010)

12. Questions?