Course Syllabus

V537
Designing and Managing Complex Problems

Download a printable version of this syllabus in Module 0.

This page only provides highlights from the course syllabus. Please download the course syllabus for full information!

Course Information

Instructor Information

Instructor: Laura Littlepage
Email: llittlep@iu.edu
Office Hours: You can contact me either by phone or e-mail. I will check my e-mail at least once a day (from 8:00 am-5:00 pm) during the week.
Class Meeting: None

Course Description

Designing and Managing Complex Problems covers foundational to advanced concepts and specific skills development in critical project management areas, including supervising project scope, time, cost, human resources and communication. This team-based course will focus on case studies and include an academic foundation with an emphasis on the use of real-world skills.

Semester: Fall 2026 (1st 8 Weeks)
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1.5

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, will be able to demonstrate:

A deeper understanding of the project management life cycle from problem identification to implementation of recommendations.
Dexterity with core project competencies such as designing a scope of work, time management, budgets, human resources and communication.
How to build and guide a team through the planning process.
Insight into the roles and motivations - along with management strategies - for key stakeholders including clients, consultants, experts and the public.
Techniques to communicate effectively in writing and in person to team members, clients, key stakeholders and at public meetings.
How to evaluate and assess ethical behavior in a professional setting.
An awareness of importance of fostering diversity in the workplace, including assembling teams with different cultural backgrounds, skills, life experiences and perspectives.

Required Textbook

The required books for the course are:

Nicholls, Jeremy. (2021). The Everyday Project Manager: A Primer for Learning the Principles of Successful Project Management. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group ISBN 978-0-367-55133 available as an e-book at the IU library.
Additional course readings are available in Canvas.

Technical Requirements

You will need the following in order to participate in this course:

Hardware:

Laptop or desktop computer
Latest web browser versions (Mozilla Firefox is recommended for Canvas)
Reliable internet access (preferably DSL or faster)
Microphone
Webcam

Software (latest version):

Adobe Reader
Microsoft Office

Download these programs directly at IUware Online. Log in with your IU username and passphrase. Not all software is available online. If you need a program on a DVD, you can purchase discs through all campus bookstores.

Technical Support

You may also receive support from:

University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
IU Knowledge Base (IUKB) (guides)
IUware (download free software)

Course Activities and Assignments

Weekly Discussion Exercises

32.5 percent of your grade will include discussions. Each week there will be either an individual discussion forum. Your postings should be substantial, concise, provocative, interpretative, timely, logical, and grammatical. You will also reply to postings. It is NOT acceptable to post “I agree with Joe.” Even if that is the case, why do you agree with Joe, what parts of his argument do you find convincing, etc.

Written Assignments

55 percent of your grade will include written assignments. These assignments will become part of your final project. The goal of these papers is twofold: for you, they give you opportunities to practice application of your project management skills by responding to a real or hypothetical management situation with suggestions. For me, they demonstrate your grasp of the reading material and your ability to make use of the course material in applied settings.

Download the course syllabus for formatting details.

Final Project

10 percent of your grade will be determined by your final project. You will submit sections of the paper throughout the course and receive substantive feedback on each portion of the project paper that you submit. In other words, you can improve your grade by paying
attention to the feedback and revising your work accordingly.

Peer Evaluation

2.5 percent of your grade will include peer evaluations. You will evaluate each person in your group as well as give feedback on your performance in the class.

Grading Scheme

Grade	% Range
A+	100 %
A	95 %
A-	92 %
B+	88 %
B	84 %
B-	80 %
C+	77 %
C	73 %
C-	70 %
D+	67 %
D	63 %
F	<60 %

Instructor Policies

Communication: This is an online course, with the content in MODULES in Canvas. I will be available by phone to all students, but most of our interaction will be via the internet. Be sure you have set up Canvas to automatically notify your regular email of any Canvas mail messages. Our internet exchanges will also be asynchronous (that is, not at concurrent times). Although this course is offered in a distance learning format, it does not alter our basic responsibilities to one another. It is your responsibility to do the following:

Attendance: Students are expected to monitor Canvas daily for announcements and contact the instructor when questions arise.

Submitting Assignments: All assignments will be submitted on Canvas by due date as listed for each assignment. Be prepared to contribute each week to the online discussions.

Late Assignments: Inform me of any problem or situation that may be interfering with your learning or performance in the course in a timely manner.

Late Withdrawal. After the auto-W deadline, withdrawal will be significantly limited, and you will need permission to withdraw and must meet requirements established by O’Neill. Download the full version of the syllabus for details about an Incomplete Grade.

How Will I Know How I’m Doing in This Course? Grades will be posted in Canvas shortly after submission. Since Canvas keeps track of all of your grades, you should always be able to calculate your current grade in the course. If you need assistance, please contact me.

O'Neill & IU Policies & Expectations

O'Neill School Expectations of Civility and Professional Conduct

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously because O’Neill is the training ground for future leaders in government, civic organizations, health organizations, and other institutions charged with providing resources for the public, and for members of society who are vulnerable and who are lacking in power and status. Precisely because O’Neill graduates tend to rise to positions of power and responsibility, it is critical that the lessons of honesty and integrity are learned early.

O’Neill requires that all members of its community – students, faculty, and staff – treat others with an attitude of mutual respect both in the classroom and during all academic and nonacademic activities outside the classroom. A student is expected to show respect through behavior that promotes conditions in which all students can learn without interruption or distraction. These behaviors foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom:

Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be prepared for class.
Students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. Eating, sleeping, reading the newspaper, doing work for another class, wandering in and out of the classroom, and packing up or leaving class early are not civil or professional behaviors.
Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom.
Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings.
Students must address faculty members, other students, and others appropriately and with respect, whether in person, in writing, or in electronic communications.
Students must show tolerance and respect for diverse nationalities, religions, races, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.
Students must not destroy or deface classroom property nor leave litter in the classroom.

Note: These expectations are excerpted from the O'Neill School Honor Code (Links to an external site.) .

Academic Integrity

Online Course Materials

The faculty member teaching this course holds the exclusive right to distribute, modify, post, and reproduce course materials, including all written materials, study guides, lectures, assignments, exercises, and exams. While you are permitted to take notes on the online materials and lectures posted for this course for your personal use, you are not permitted to re-post in another forum, distribute, or reproduce content from this course without the express written permission of the faculty member. Any violation of this course rule will be reported to the appropriate university offices and officials, including to the Dean of Students as academic misconduct.

Online Course Materials

result.

Additional Information

TimelyCare

Indiana students have free, 24/7 access to virtual mental health care services with TimelyCare. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services.
Disability Services for Students (DSS)
- Securing accommodations for a student with disabilities is a responsibility shared by the student, the instructor and the DSS Office. For information about support services or accommodations available to students with disabilities, and for the procedures to be followed by students and instructors visit the office of Disability Services webpage. (Links to an external site.)
Religious Observation
- In accordance with the Office of the Dean of Faculties, any student who wishes to receive an excused absence from class must submit a Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances (Links to an external site.) for each day to be absent. This form must be presented to the course instructor by the end of the second week of this semester. A separate form must be submitted for each day. The instructor will fill in the bottom section of the form and then return the original to the student. Information about the policy on religious observation can be found on the website for the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs. (Links to an external site.)
Sexual Harassment
- As your instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. Title IX and our own Sexual Misconduct policy prohibit sexual misconduct. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help.
  If you are seeking help and would like to talk to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with:
  - The Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SACS) at 812-855-8900
  - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 812-855-5711
  - Confidential Victim Advocates (CVA) at 812-856-2469
  - IU Health Center at 812-855-4011

For more information about available resources visit the Stop Sexual Violence webpage (Links to an external site.) . It is also important to know that federal regulations and University policy require me to promptly convey any information about potential sexual misconduct known to me to our campus’ Deputy Title IX Coordinator or IU’s Title IX Coordinator. In that event, they will work with a small number of others on campus to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available to the student who may have been harmed. Protecting a student’s privacy is of utmost concern, and all involved will only share information with those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist. I encourage you to visit the Stop Sexual Violence webpage (Links to an external site.) to learn more.