Core Curriculum

Project Management and Systems Engineering

Audience

This course is designed for NASA project practitioners and systems engineers prior to or in the first year of entry into project, systems engineering or supervisory positions.

Goal

This two week course is intended to enhance proficiency in applying PM and SE processes and practices over the project life cycle. The first two weeks focuses on defining and implementing system projects while the third week (described in a separate description below) provides valuable insight for managing and leading project and technical teams.

Learning Methods

Learning will be accomplished using lectures, individual and group activities, and case studies. Learning activities include pre- and post-class assignments and reports

Specific Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Perform tasks that demonstrate an understanding of the project lifecycle using PM and SE best practices and processes.
• Develop a project schedule and use the WBS to develop a network diagram.
• Identify contract types and understand contract management and procurement processes from start to finish.

When asked what participants learned that would be most beneficial to their work, they said…

"I think this course will be highly beneficial to me. It combines many subjects that I probably would not take as individual classes. Speakers are knowledgeable and engage the audience appropriately."
— MSFC, 2007

• Apply the NASA paradigm to rank and prioritize risks.
• Describe EVM guidelines and perform technical and programmatic activities to control costs, schedule and technical content.

Prerequisites

Foundations of Aerospace at NASA components of the core curriculum (APPEL-FOU) or equivalent knowledge

Notes

This course is registered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for 79 Professional Development Units (PDUs). PMI Course ID: PMSEA01