497 - Strategy & Project Management Fundamentals (for MSES Practicum)
Core/Elective: Core
Credits: 0.5
Quarter Taught: Winter
Synopsis: This class is a preparatory course to support experiential learning. The course is centered building a toolkit to allow MSES student teams to be successful on a 10-week, team-based consulting project for a corporate, non-profit or government partner of Northwestern University. Student teams will be advised by the instructor but will work directly with the client organization. This course includes both lecture and workshop content to help with all aspects of project planning for the MSES practicum. Primary topics covered will include strategy and innovation theory, application of strategy frameworks to a project, scope management, project planning and team collaboration.
Course Objectives:
- Prepare students for ISEN 498 “on the job” training on how to successfully manage and deliver a project
- Learn tools to assist in project scoping and structuring of a project
- Build a foundation for strong project management skills
- Learn tactics to help students to work successfully in teams
- Dive into the economic, technical and policy aspects of a problem / opportunity