Course Syllabus

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V450 Project Management & Implementation

Fall 2026 ● Section 14342

Course Details

Teacher            Scott Burgins                    Hours                Tu/Thu 12:45PM-2:00PM

E-Mail                rburgnis@iu.edu             Office hours    By appointment or drop in at SPEA 353

Web site           Canvas                              Phone              812- 855-5991

 Teaching Assistant: Anna Anderson / email: annaande@iu.edu

SCHEDULE: Here is a shortcut to what's due and when:   Syllabus V450 - Burgins F25 SCHEDULE-2.pdf

What’s the Goal of this Class?

To teach you the invaluable, sought-after skill of project management, which will serve you well no matter what job sector you end up in after school.

To get you ready for success in public, private or non-profit organizations, we’ll cover basic to advanced project management concepts and skills including scope of work, time, cost, human resources and communication management. This team-based course will include an academic foundation with an emphasis on the use of real-world skills.

What are the Learning Outcomes?

Learning outcomes describe what you will learn and how that knowledge will be assessed. By the end of the semester students will be able to:

  • Identify elements of the project management life cycle from problem identification to implementation of recommendations.
  • Demonstrate core project competencies such as designing a scope of work, time management, budgets, human resources and communication.
  • Build and guide a team through the planning process.
  • Understand the roles and motivations - along with management strategies - for key stakeholders including clients, consultants, experts and the public.
  • Communicate effectively in writing and in person to team members, clients, key stakeholders and at public meetings.
  • Understand the importance of working in a global environment, including assembling teams with different cultural backgrounds, skills, life experiences and perspectives.
  • How to evaluate and assess ethical behavior in a professional setting.

What are the Course Expectations?

The course emphasizes the development of professionalism and teamwork. In other words, roll up your sleeves and prepare for active learning.

The written and oral assignments emphasize professional audiences and tasks as well as intellectual inquiry. Your team will build a project in a simulated environment that will spill over into the real world, as we meet with professional planners, clients and consultants. There will be an emphasis on understanding competing viewpoints using workshops and role-playing.

At the end of this course, your professional toolbox will be clanking with new gear, and not just blunt instruments like making deadlines, there will be surgical tools for specialty work such as fine-tuning motivation and expectations.

Be advised, your engaged and active participation is expected, just like it will be in your professional jobs.

What are the Required Readings?

This course uses a structured learning approach, which aims for more pre-class preparation by students and less straight-out lecturing by me. Most classroom time will be spent analyzing problems, working on solutions, developing skills, etc.

For this to work, you’ve got to do your part: come to class having carefully read the materials and completing the daily check-ins. This course is built around:

What Software or Apps are Required?

Microsoft Teams. This program is good for keeping track of what’s happening, working with shared documents and staying focused. Microsoft Teams is included in IU’s Microsoft Office 365 license, meaning your team can use all its features at no cost. Learn more at  https://www.linkedin.com/learning/microsoft-teams-essential-training-5/communicate-effectively-with-microsoft-teams.

What’s the Instructor’s Background?

I’ve managed more than 170 economic and community development projects across Indiana, working in most of the state’s 92 counties. My projects include comprehensive land use plans, downtown revitalizations, evaluation of not-for-profit programs, community needs assessments, strategic planning and countywide visioning. This includes serving on The City of Bloomington Plan Commission for a very long 17 years.

My clients include local government, community foundations, United Ways, social service agencies, manufacturers and other businesses, city, county and state governments, housing organizations and chambers of commerce.

Office Hours: Can We Talk?

I’m counting on it! I hope that every one of you takes a little time to meet with me during the semester. I usually have some time before and after class or we can schedule a longer session. You’re also welcome to take your chances and drop in my O’Neill office, Room 375C. If the door is open, I’m available. 

How Can I Get a Good Grade in this Class?

If you strive to get an A, you should know that you plan to challenge yourself to achieve excellence and therefore will put in the work accordingly. For example, an “A” student will:

  • complete weekly assignments in a timely and thoughtful manner with clear, grammatically correct writing.
  • complete all the required readings and refer to the readings in class discussion and assignments to demonstrate knowledge acquisition.
  • Be a leader on their teamwork.
  • always have a thoughtful question to add to class activities and with guest speakers.

Grade Breakdown

  • Participation                    15%
  • Daily Check-Ins               20%
  • Exam I                                 15%
  • Exam II                                15%
  • Exam III                               15%    
  • Team Scenarios               20%

                                                100%

Participation: Just like it sounds. We are going to be in a small and fast-moving boat together, and everyone has to row.

Daily Check-ins: We’ll have reading assigned on most nights, and a brief assignment each morning that covers those readings.

Exams: There will be three, non-cumulative exams.

Scenario Responses: This is where you test your new skills and tools. Your group will be given a detailed scenario and then 4 problems to solve.

IU’s grading policies:  https://policies.iu.edu/policies/aca-66-grades-and-grading/index.html.

Requesting a Lil' Bump: I will respond with a somewhat courteous “no,” to any requests to move someone to a higher grade at the end of the semester because you are “really, really close” to that higher mark. Changes like this compromise the integrity of everyone’s grade, and force the instructor to draw inconsistent, unfair and sometimes arbitrary lines about what is “good enough.” The requirements for each grade are spelled out clearly for assignments, and you can also ask for more explanation before the due date.

 What are the Key Course Policies (Big Deals)?

Attendance Policy (in excruciating detail)

  1. There are no ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused’ absences, there are only absences.
  2. Missing more than 5 classes for any reason will result in failing the course.
  3. You have available three PTO (paid time off) days to use, with limited conditions*.
  4. After using your 3 PTOs, you final Participation score will be reduced by one letter grade on your fourth absence, and another letter grade after your fifth absence.
  5. After missing more than 5 classes, you will fail the entire course.

*Here are the limited conditions for PTOs: To qualify for one, you must notify me and the TA BEFORE the class that you won’t be attending (no excuses or doctor’s note needed). You will then be granted a PTO, meaning you’ll get full participation points for the day. However, you will still use up 1 out of the 3 unpenalized absences.

If you don’t email before class, you will use 1 out of the 3 your unpenalized absences and your participation score for that day will be 0.

“What happens if I use my PTOs, but then I get really sick and can’t come to class?” In all cases, PTOs or not, students who miss more than 5 classes cannot pass the course.

Late Assignments: Assignments turned in after the deadline will be reduced by 10% each day it is late. 

Technology Use: To minimize distractions, please turn off your cell phones during class. I am not opposed to students bring laptops or other electronic devices to class.  However, please be aware that submittal of handwritten notes is a course requirement. 

Can I Use AI?

In this course, AI is not a co-author. It is a tool whose work must be supervised, challenged  and verified. Your most important professional skill will be supervising AI rather than consuming AI.

Guiding Principle

This capstone is designed to help students develop professional judgment, not simply generate content. Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool, but it is not a substitute for critical thinking, research, analysis or professional responsibility. The client is receiving your work, not the work of an AI system.

Throughout this course, AI should be treated as a junior analyst or thought partner - not as the author of your deliverables.

Human First, AI Second

Students are expected to:

  1. Define the problem.
  2. Conduct research.
  3. Develop findings.
  4. Form preliminary conclusions.
  5. Create a strong first draft.

Only after these steps should AI be used to strengthen, challenge, refine or improve the work.

However, that use must be discussed with the professor beforehand and made not of afterward.

Appropriate Uses of AI

After completing your research and first draft, you might want to use AI to:

  • Brainstorming additional research questions.
  • Identifying potential blind spots.
  • Generating alternative approaches.
  • Stress-testing recommendations.
  • Improving organization and readability.
  • Editing for clarity and conciseness.
  • Identifying additional stakeholder concerns.
  • Helping prepare presentations.

Inappropriate Uses of AI

Examples include:

  • Submitting AI output as though it represents original team judgment.
  • Generating entire reports from scratch.
  • Writing recommendations before research is conducted.
  • Producing first drafts in place of team analysis.
  • Fabricating citations or sources.
  • Using AI-generated content without verification.

If AI generates inaccurate, misleading or fabricated information, responsibility remains with the student team. Before using AI, ask: "Could I explain and defend this recommendation to the client without AI?" If the answer is no, more work is needed before AI enters the process.

The purpose of this course is not to learn how to produce AI-generated reports. The purpose is to learn how professionals use judgment while working with powerful tools.

O'Neill School Student Honor Code

Introduction

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously.  We expect O’Neill students will, at all times, maintain academic integrity and civil and professional standards of conduct.

Scope

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code applies to all courses and programs offered by O’Neill, and to all students who participate in O’Neill classes and programs, regardless of whether students are admitted to O’Neill. Students studying at O’Neill are expected to continue their commitment to ethical behavior in all their endeavors, including, but not limited to, coursework inside and outside of O’Neill, internships, community service, and overseas study.

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code incorporates IU’s Code of Student Right, Responsibilities, & Conduct and extends to matters of civility and professional conduct, including, expectations about class attendance, punctuality, participation in class, and decorum in class and at other school functions.

Academic Conduct Requirements 

All students enrolled in O’Neill courses are subject to the academic misconduct provisions found in the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct. 

Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution.

The IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct lists and defines many types of academic misconduct, including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty.  

Academic misconduct includes the use of any technology or assistance, including AI, that is not permitted by the instructor.

Civility and Professional Conduct Requirements

O’Neill requires that all students treat others with mutual respect and behave professionally in the classroom and during all academic and non-academic activities.

These civility and professional conduct requirements foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom:

  • Students must act in accordance with the O’Neill School mission and values.
  • Students must regularly attend and be fully prepared for class, including completing readings.
  • Students must not behave in a way that interrupts or distracts from teaching or learning. For example, students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. They must not sleep, do work for another class, or wander in and out of the classroom, pack up, or leave class early (unless an emergency exists).
  • Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom, including a requirement that no electronics are allowed or that students are not permitted to use devices for non-class related purposes.
  • Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings for course assignments.
  • Students must attend scheduled meetings with faculty or staff, events for which they have RSVPed, interviews with prospective employers, and student organization 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 others.
  • Students must practice respect and responsible stewardship of the physical resources of the school, refraining from destroying or defacing school property, integrating practices of sustainability, and contributing to a clean and orderly physical environment in all buildings, classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.
  • Students must comply with the personal misconduct responsibilities within the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct.
  • Reporting
  • Students must abide by the O’Neill Student Honor Code themselves and hold their peers to the same standards. Students should report suspected instances of academic, civility, or professional misconduct to the instructor of the course. Students should report suspected instances of personal misconduct to the IU Office of Student Conduct.

Reporting 

Students must abide by the O’Neill Student Honor Code themselves and hold their peers to the same standards. Students should report suspected instances of academic, civility, or professional misconduct to the instructor of the course. Students should report suspected instances of personal misconduct to the IU Office of Student Conduct.

What if I Need Help?

Some of you, for whatever reasons, may find yourselves facing more than you can easily handle during the semester. It may be something wonderful, or it may be something terrible, but it will make it difficult or impossible for you to focus, work, think, or otherwise deal normally with the semester.

 

Whatever may have happened, please remember that the Health Services folks have people whose primary job is helping students survive such problems, and your professors are aware that these things can happen. It’s easier to help if we know something is going on. Please try to be in touch as soon as you can - it makes it easier for all of us in the long run, even if it is difficult in the short run to bring yourself to talk about it. You don’t owe us the details – just a message that life has become difficult or complex and some idea of what kind of timeframe you think might be involved will help us to help you best.

 

It’s easier to help if we know something is going on. Please try to be in touch as soon as you can - it makes it easier for all of us in the long run, even if it is difficult in the short run to bring yourself to talk about it. You don’t owe us the details – just a message that life has become difficult or complex and some idea of what kind of timeframe you think might be involved will help us to help you best.

Counseling and Psychological Services

For information about services offered to students by CAPS:  http://healthcenter.indiana.edu/counseling/index.shtml

 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. https://www.iu.edu/mental-health/find-resources/timely-care.html#0

Religious Accommodation Requests

The "Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances" form must be submitted by the student to the professor no later than two weeks prior to the anticipated absence.  A separate form must be submitted for each absence and for each course. Faculty do not have to consider accommodations for the purpose of allowing students to travel away from Bloomington for religious observance.  Information about the policy is found here: https://vpfaa.indiana.edu/resources/religious-observances-information.html.

 Accessible Educational Services (formerly Disability Services for Students) 

Securing accommodations for a student with disabilities is a responsibility shared by the student, the instructor, and the AES Office. For information about support services or accommodations available to students with disabilities, and for the procedures to be followed by students and instructors: https://studentlife.indiana.edu/student-support/iub-aes/index.html

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:

  1. The Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SACS) at 812-855-8900
  2. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 812-855-5711
  3. Confidential Victim Advocates (CVA) at 812-856-2469
  4. IU Health Center at 812-855-4011

For more information about available resources:  http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/help/index.html. 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 http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/help/index.html to learn more.

IU Culture Centers: https://studentlife.indiana.edu/communities/culture-centers/index.html

Additional information and resources, including mental health and financial aid, can be found in the O'Neill Student Portal

Technical Support: For additional help with technical issues, consult:

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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