Course Syllabus
Course Description
Official course description
Advanced Project Planning for Leaders
This graduate-level course builds upon foundational project management concepts by emphasizing the leadership and strategic responsibilities of project managers. Aligned with current PMI standards, students will examine project governance, organizational strategy, stakeholder influence, change management, and executive communication while leading complex projects and diverse teams. Through critical analysis, applied leadership practices, and strategic decision-making, students will develop the competencies necessary to align projects with organizational objectives and lead successful organizational change.
Instructor description
Organizations across all sectors can benefit and increasingly rely on project management. Projects, especially those larger in scale, are clearly related to the strategic goals of the organization and, thus, serve an important purpose. Ensuring the proper implementation and quality of projects is therefore increasingly important. Project management skills are sought after in many organizations when hiring new employees. Students will understand the importance of project management across work settings and occupations as project management skills are critical for many careers and across professions. This course will introduce students to the effective development, planning, execution, and communications of projects drawing on examples (both short-term and long-term) from the for-profit, public, and nonprofit organizations of different sizes. The course offers an introduction to the basic concepts and methods for directing projects and provides students with tools that prepare them for success as entry project managers by focusing on both technical as well as behavioral components of project management.
Required Course Materials
Required Text and Materials
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Course Textbook
- Larson, Erik W. (2024). Project management: A Socio-Technical Approach. 9th Edition. McGraw Hill. ISBN# 978-1-265-16956-5
- The textbook is included and will not need to be purchased. Students are able to access their e-book and materials through McGraw-Hill Connect via our Canvas course.
- Phillips, J. (2023). PMP Project Management Professional (PMP) certification study guide (5th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN# 978-1-259-86195-6
- Larson, Erik W. (2024). Project management: A Socio-Technical Approach. 9th Edition. McGraw Hill. ISBN# 978-1-265-16956-5
Technical Requirements
You will need the following in order to participate in this course:
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Reliable Internet connection
- Webcam
- External microphone or headset with built-in microphone
- Some way to make and post a simple video (e.g., using a webcam, or a smartphone);
- Access to Canvas using a supported web browser.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Integrate advanced strategic project management principles to achieve organizational goals, visions, and support change initiatives through real and simulated project management activities.
- Develop and implement standards for high-performing, diverse project teams.
- Manage complex stakeholder relationships through a project management life cycle.
- Evaluate PM standards and best practices in strategic change and project management to ensure project adoption and success.
IU Indianapolis Policies and Codes
Students are expected to adhere to all campus-wide policies governing the conduct of courses at IU Indianapolis, including maintaining academic and professional honesty and integrity, being responsible for their behavior, respecting the rights and dignity of others both within and outside of the university community, and others. These policies can be found at http://studentcode.iu.edu/about/index.html.
Instructor's Classroom Policies
Behavior in the classroom
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Within this class, civility requires mutual respect for all class members, guests, and instructor(s) and their knowledge and expertise. All members of this class (instructor and students) are expected to promote respectful and courteous language, demeanor, and actions. Behavior that is offensive, disruptive, intimidating, dismissive, or condescending will not be tolerated.
Class Attendance & Participation
There are fifteen (15) zoom online classes within the semester, and each student is expected to attend each online class. Points will be awarded to students who have their cameras on and/or are actively participating in the course. Participation examples include being active in the chat with questions/comments, asking questions or commenting in the class, and communicating in any breakout sessions. While having your camera on is not mandatory to receive points, it is appreciated.
I recognize we have significant others, children, fur-babies and life that may come into the screen from time to time and I welcome it! Don't be afraid to introduce us to your family that comes into view on camera.
Due dates and late work
Students are expected to attend class, submit work on time, fully participate in class activities, and keep the instructor and group members informed of progress. Submitting your assignments on time is important to your success in this course. All assignments will be due Sundays by 11:59 p.m. ET of the assigned weeks. Assignments submitted late without PRIOR approval by the instructor and documentable justification (medical, military, or variables outside your control) will result in a grade of 0.
Each student is allowed three (3) assignments (not including group assignments, midterm or final) that may be offered an extension on its due date. Students must send the request to the Professor prior to the due date to request the extension.
Communication
I will use Canvas Announcements, Messages and assignment feedback to communicate with you. I expect and welcome frequent conversation with you throughout the semester. Please use Canvas messages. If Canvas is down, use my IU email address. I will respond to your messages within 24-48 hours (longer during weekends). Please use effective subject line descriptions to help guide my response.
As part of this class, you will find Discussions for course-related topics or issues. Post comments during the scheduled time frame. In addition to posting your own ideas about the topic, you must also comment on a minimum number of classmates’ post, when required. Refer to the rubric attached to the Discussions assignment for grading.
Technology Use
As this is an online course, I expect laptops and cell phones to be used to attend the course. If you have a phone call you need to take and step away from your computer during class time, I ask that you put the “stepped away” message on for yourself in the zoom class.
Assessment and Grading
Grading Scale
Summary of course grading
Course Components
All assignments will be due Sundays by 11:59 p.m. ET of the assigned weeks unless otherwise noted.
McGraw Hill limits how assignments are able to be assigned, as such, some assignments are due on Mondays at 12:00 midnight instead of 11:59pm on Sunday (aka one minute later).
Attendance/Participation
Attend weekly class sessions with cameras on, unless you need to pause your video temporarily, or unless you coordinate with me in advance and/or contribute to the class discussion in a meaningful way.
Chapter Readings
Each week, students will complete the assigned SmartBook Chapter via McGraw-Hill Connect. The chapter reading includes interactive questions through the reading to reinforce learning and improve the retention of the materials. The chapters are concept mastery based; if a question is answered correctly and demonstrates understanding, there will be reduced repetition on that particular concept. If questions are answered incorrectly, the Chapter will present direct the student to relevant content in the Chapter.
Discussions
As part of this class, you will find Discussions for course-related topics or issues. Please post comments during the scheduled time frame. In addition to posting your own ideas about the topic, you must also comment on a classmates’ post, when required. Refer to the rubric attached to the Discussions assignment for grading.
Quizzes/Exams
A short, untimed quiz will be given on each chapter of our textbook via Connect that is designed to grasp the core ideas of the Chapter you completed and will be auto-graded.
Group Project Assignments
Throughout the semester, students will participate in three (3) collaborative group project assignments designed to develop and apply principles of leadership, team dynamics, communication, and organizational effectiveness. Each assignment will have specific objectives, deliverables, and grading criteria outlined in the corresponding rubric.
The group project experience is intended to provide opportunities to practice and demonstrate leadership within a team-based environment. Successful completion of these assignments requires students to apply leadership theories and teamwork concepts in authentic collaborative settings while critically reflecting on their effectiveness as leaders and team members.
Examples of expected leadership behaviors include:
- Facilitating productive team meetings and discussions.
- Establishing clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures.
- Delegating responsibilities based on team members' strengths and capabilities.
- Encouraging inclusive participation and ensuring all voices are heard.
- Providing constructive feedback and coaching to team members.
- Managing conflict professionally and helping teams navigate disagreements.
- Supporting effective communication and information sharing.
- Motivating team members and fostering a positive, collaborative climate.
- Assisting teams in problem-solving and decision-making processes.
- Demonstrating adaptability, professionalism, and ethical leadership throughout the project.
Evaluation will be based on:
- The quality and effectiveness of their group project deliverables.
- Their demonstrated leadership, communication, and ability to foster productive team dynamics.
- Their application of leadership concepts and best practices throughout the project process.
- Evidence of professional collaboration, accountability, and engagement within the team.
- Reflection on leadership challenges, team effectiveness, and personal leadership growth.
Midterm Activity
In place of a typical midterm exam, a Midterm Activity will be given via Connect. This activity is a scenario-based simulation designed to apply real-world situations and encourage critical thinking. The Midterm Activity is not timed, allowing students the flexibility to thoughtfully analyze the scenarios and develop well-supported responses. Individual instructions, grading criteria, and expectations are outlined within the rubric or assignment guidelines.
Final Project
A final project presentation will be presented at the end of the course as a culmination of the assignments completed with your group throughout the semester. The presentation should synthesize the major components, findings, and development of your group’s work across all three assignments into a cohesive final project. Individual instructions for grading, presentation requirements, and expectations are outlined within the rubric.
Course Schedule
Fall 2026 L 571, Section 31147 classes are held on Thursdays, every week via Zoom from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ET. Canvas will provide more specific details on weekly assignments, readings, due dates, etc.
Additional Information
Copyright
Materials in this course, including lectures, notes, handouts, exams, and similar materials created by the instructor, are protected by U.S. copyright law. Materials are used in an educational context for personal use and should not be reproduced, distributed, or sold in print or digitally outside the course without permission. Students who are involved in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may be in violation of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct.
Accessible Educational Services (AES)
AES is the IU Indianapolis office dedicated to working with students with documented disabilities to ensure that these students receive the appropriate accommodations, so they have an equal opportunity to be successful at higher education. The AES Office is located in Joseph T. Taylor Hall, Room 100, and can be contacted by phone at (317) 274-3241 or email at aes@iu.edu. For more information, visit the Accessible Educational Services: Care & Support: Division of Student Affairs: Indiana University Indianapolis.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs like ChatGPT or Grammarly only when use is expressly allowed by the instructor. Class assignments are designed to help you develop your research, analytics, and writing skills. Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs are powerful and useful tools for performing work and generating text. Products created using such tools, however, do not represent your original work. Further, using AI may undermine the learning objectives associated with the assignment and the course. Generative AI products may be used to complete any assignment or assessment for this class only if the use of such software is specifically and expressly permitted by the instructor in the associated assignment description. Unless expressly permitted, use of AI to complete any portion of an assignment or assessment will be considered a violation of academic integrity policies.
Intellectual Diversity
This course includes assigned readings and other materials that address broadly accepted concepts, theories, principles, and methods central to the topics examined in this course. These materials provide a foundation of knowledge that is necessary to both understanding and further study of the course topics. With this foundational knowledge, students will be better prepared to evaluate new, complex, and emerging questions in the field. As knowledge evolves, new ideas come forward for consideration. A student who identifies materials that they believe are relevant and will enhance understanding of course topics is invited to email the work to the instructor for consideration of inclusion in the course discussion.
IU Indianapolis Subject Librarian & Research Assistance
Sara Lowe, O’Neill subject librarian, is available for one-on-one meetings (via Zoom or in-person) if you need help with any part of the research process. You can contact her at mlowe@iu.edu or 317-274-0349 or book an appointment directly https://iu.libcal.com/appointments?u=31068. If you need help immediately, and can’t wait for an appointment, you can contact the library directly at https://library.indianapolis.iu.edu/research-help.
Course Syllabus
Course Summary:
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