PrintGEOG 871 Syllabus (Spring 2024)
Welcome to Geospatial Technology Project Management
This syllabus is divided into several sections. It is essential that you read the entire document as well as the material covered in the Orientation; together these serve the role of our course "contract."
Instructor:
Spring-2 2024, Summer 2024, Fall-1 2024
Peter Croswell, PMP, GISP, CMS
Croswell-Schulte IT Consultants, Frankfort, KY 40601
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (502) 320-9055 (cell)
Email: plc18@psu.edu or pcroswell@croswell-schulte.com
Office Hours: Please refer to the Availability, below
Availability:
Students are welcome to contact me anytime although don't expect an immediate response after 8:00 PM Eastern Time (unless we have a pre-arranged meeting). I usually am able to respond within 24 hours but often sooner. I do my best to make myself available given your work and personal schedules and time zones. Email communication is great for many questions but I also encourage phone calls to my mobile number (502-320-9055). If you call and get my greeting, please leave a message and let me know when I can get back to you. When necessary, I can set up a Zoom session to go over course material or your assignment submittals.
Course Overview
Geospatial Technology Project Management (3) Principles of effective project management applied to the design and implementation of geospatial information systems.
In GEOG 871, we will take a critical look at geospatial project management. Project management is a broad discipline that encompasses both technical methods such as system design and analysis, and interpersonal factors that affect professional relationships. Project management is also a discipline that has matured outside of, but can be incorporated into geospatial technology.
By the end of this course, students will have devised a project plan from a scenario built upon a real-life project involving the City of Metropolis geodatabase design and development--with work performed in a cooperative effort of the City's project team and team of a hired contractor. You will prepare a project charter, a document that provides the City's foundation for the project, and project plan elements that define work to be carried out by the City and contractor: scope, schedule, budget, quality management, and risk management. Sounds daunting? Don't worry, we'll work through each of these components in an organized and logical manner over the next ten weeks.
Most weeks, you will complete some components that will be incorporated into your final project plan (assignment #8). Assignments have been designed for the following reasons: 1) to illustrate how projects fit into the larger mission of the organization, or 2) to understand a process that occurs after the project plan is finished and while the project is being implemented.
Completing the reading assignments is vital to success in this course. There are six quizzes during the course, each worth ten points. These quizzes tend to be quantitative and are applications of techniques covered in detail in the textbook
What will be expected of you?
You will also get to interact with your classmates in multiple ways. You will be required to participate in six discussion forums, each on a specific topic or question. The more you can relate what we are covering in the class to your work experience, the more interesting we've found this course for all involved. The course instructors do read these posts and appreciate the observations and insights you provide.
As you can imagine, you will have plenty to do from week to week. As a rough estimate, you should allow 12-15 hours per week. That's an average and it is likely that some weeks will require more time. There is a fair amount of reading and writing involved in this class, so if writing doesn't come easily to you, adjust the suggested hours accordingly. Remember, if you have questions, don't hesitate to contact your instructor. He may be able to clear up confusion on the readings or assignment instructions and give guidance to help streamline your work.
The fact that this course is "asynchronous" with no formal class sessions places more responsibility on you to absorb the material and apply it. When starting a new assignment, take some time to read the instructions and then READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. Note any questions and contact the instructor for help or clarification--about the assignments or any of the course material.
One of the greatest challenges of project management is thinking of all factors that can affect a project. We encourage everyone to use the class discussion boards, chat rooms, or email to exchange ideas and help make project plans as comprehensive as possible.
We will utilize Canvas, this Learning Management System, for course content and course interactions.
For a more detailed look at what will be covered in each lesson, as well as due dates for our assignments and activities, please refer to the semester-specific course schedule that is part of this syllabus (see "Course Schedule").
Course Objectives
Lesson 1: Introduction to Project Management
- Understand what a project is, and the difference between a project, a program, and a product.
- Grasp the relationship between a project's objectives and the mission and goals of the organization for which the project is being carried out.
- Describe project management and its key elements.
- Characterize the organizational and business context of a project (project team, stakeholders, business requirements).
- Recognize the factors that contribute to an effective project plan and management approach.
Lesson 2: Organizational System, Project Life Cycle, Processes, and Procurement
- Describe organizational systems, structures, boundaries, and the roles of users, sponsors, and stakeholders within and outside of the organization.
- Recognize the phases of a project life cycle, highlighting the unique context of GIS projects.
- Describe the five project management process groups and how each occurs within each project phase.
- Understand the role and approach for managing project-related procurements of products and services.
- Appreciate the role of procurements for products and services in the context of GIS projects.
Lesson 3: Strategic Planning, Scope, and Project Charter
- Understand how GIS projects and GIS use should address an organization's mission and business needs
- Describe how strategic planning should influence projects undertaken by an organization.
- Define the scope of a project and its relationship to deliverables.
- Understand how to identify project benefits and prepare a convincing business case justification.
- Describe the importance, use, and design of a project charter.
Lesson 4: The Human Factor and Communication
- Understand human resource issues associated with personnel assignment, loading and leveling;
- Create and use appropriate human resource tools, such as project organizational charts and resource/responsibility matrices;
- Understand how client and contractor team members work together to complete project deliverables
- Grasp the importance of individual motivation, skills, and personality types in assembling and managing project teams; and
- Describe communication planning, and the best use of communication skills, tools, and technology.
Lesson 5: Project Work Planning and Scheduling
- Develop skills to describe how a project scope is addressed through an organized set of tasks.
- Describe the importance, use, and design approaches of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Understand task relationships and factors that impact task and project timing.
- Describe the Gantt chart's use as a tool to help visualize planned project tasks or task schedule status.
- Acquire basic familiarity and skills with the use of project management software.
Lesson 6: Project Resource and Cost Estimation
- Describe the basic principles and concepts of cost management.
- Describe key inputs into cost estimates and budgets.
- Assign resources (team labor time and monetary costs) to project tasks.
- Understand earned value management (EVM) as a means to track and manage project resources.
Lesson 7: Project Quality Management
- Understand the meaning of quality in the context of GIS projects and deliverables
- Understand the differences between quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control, and describe where each fits into the project life cycle
- Appreciate the specific quality parameters associated with typical GIS projects and deliverables
- Describe the history, techniques, and tools of quality control and management and cite organizations that develop and promote quality standards
- Understand the key processes and steps involved in quality management in GIS projects
- Describe aspects of GIS projects that require special attention to quality
Lesson 8: Project Risk Management
- Understand the purpose and basic concepts of risk management and how it is a part of project planning and execution
- Learn how to identify and categorize project risks
- Prepare a risk management matrix including assignment of levels of risk impact and probability
- Understand risk response strategies from the PMI (avoidance, mitigation, transference, and acceptance)
- Carry out a risk analysis including a detailed risk analysis, identification of triggers, and specific risk response actions
- Get familiar with the concepts of "change management" (the "first cousin" of risk management)
Lesson 9: Integration
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to understand how all project components, covered in previous lessons, fit together and establish a well-coordinated and efficient environment for successful project execution.
Lesson 10: Project Plan
-
Prepare a project plan that addresses all PMI "knowledge areas."
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Discuss effective execution of a project plan.
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Describe how the system view of an organization and integrated change control processes are important to GIS project managers.
Required Course Materials
In order to take this course, you need to have the required course materials and an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password (used to access the online course resources). If you have any questions about obtaining or activating your Penn State Access Account, please contact the Outreach Helpdesk.
You need to purchase the following book:
- Croswell, P. (2022). The GIS Management Handbook, 3rd Edition, Kessey Dewitt in association with URISA, ISBN-13: 978-0982409305
The best source for The GIS Management Handbook, 3rd edition is through URISA at the URISA Books page. You can order it online at this site. Make sure to select the academic discount price of $80. A digital version of this book can be purchased at the Croswell-Schulte website. The academic price is $80.
While not required for this course, you might consider reading or purchasing the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (7th Edition) (ISBN-13: 978-1628256642), which is available to purchase from the Project Management Institute (PMI.org) an online version of the text is available at no cost as a Penn State Library E-Book. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. You may choose to use the E-Book as an alternative to purchasing a physical copy of the text. You can access the E-Book by selecting the Library Resources link on the course navigation, and then selecting the E-Reserves link. For questions or issues, you can contact the University Libraries Reserve Help (UL-RESERVESHELP@LISTS.PSU.EDU).
Within the course content, you will see links to some other materials that augment the content in specific lessons.
There are no requirements to use a particular software package in this course, but the use of word processing and spreadsheet tools, equivalent in functionality to Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel is essential. Also, the use of a project management software package, like Microsoft Project or Project Libre, is strongly recommended for some of the course assignments. Appendix A of Schwalbe's book offers a guide to using Microsoft Project and there are materials at a companion website.
Assistance
Penn State honors and values the socioeconomic diversity of our students. If you require assistance with the costs of textbooks for this course, please contact your academic advisor. For additional needs, related to socioeconomic status, please visit Project Cahir or visit the Office of Student and Advocacy at 220 Boucke Building or call (814) 863-2020.
Using the Library
Just like on-campus students, as a Penn State student, you have a wealth of library resources available to you!
As a user of Penn State Libraries, you can...
- search for journal articles (many are even immediately available in full-text),
- request articles that aren't available in full-text and have them delivered electronically,
- borrow books and other materials and have them delivered to your doorstep,
- access materials that your instructor has put on Electronic Reserve,
- talk to reference librarians in real time using chat, phone, and email,
- ...and much more!
To learn more about their services, see the Online Students Use of the Library link.
Assignments and Grading
There will be a total of 590 possible points in this class. The breakdown is:
| Assignments | Points Each | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 8 project assignments | Assignment #1 - 60 pts Assignment #2 - 50 pts Assignment #3 - 40 pts Assignment #4 - 70 pts Assignment #5 - 50 pts Assignment #6 (team) - 70 pts Assignment #7 (team) - 70 pts Assignment #8 - 60 pts |
470 points |
| 6 Discussions | @ 10 pts | 60 points |
| 6 Quizzes | @ 10 pts. each | 60 points |
| Total | 590 points |
Please note:
Assignments #6 and #7 will be team-based. Further details will be shared as the term progresses. Quizzes on concepts and tools associated with project management will be a part of some lessons and account for the remainder of your final grade.
Follow the instructions for assignment submittal that are described in each lesson. Please note that all due dates/times are for Eastern Time.
Make-up Exam Policy
This course does not include exams.
Curve
A curve is not employed for grading in this course.
Late Policy
Late policy may vary by instructor but is is good practice to adhere to the schedule for all course readings, Discussion Forum posts, Quizzes, and Assignments. Work for all Lessons build on that of previous Lessons so getting too far behind can cause problems in course completion in the 10-week allotted time. If you need additional time (past the posted deadlines in the course calendar) you should contact the instructor before the due date. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Normally, extensions of a day or two will be easily approved if the instructor is contacted prior to the due date. Major delays in the completion of work and submittal of assignments may result in the assessment of a penalty (point deduction).
Final Grades:
Letter grades will be based on the following percentages:
|
Grade
|
Percentage
|
|---|---|
| A | 90-100% |
|
A-
|
87.5-89.9%
|
|
B+
|
85-87.4%
|
|
B
|
80-84.9%
|
|
B-
|
77.5-79.9%
|
|
C+
|
75-77.4%
|
|
C
|
70-74.9%
|
|
D
|
60-69.9%
|
|
F
|
<60%
|
|
X
|
Unsatisfactory (student did not participate)
|
Percentages refer to the proportion of all possible points earned by the student.
GEOG 871 Course Lesson Sequence
GEOG 871 Printable Lesson Sequence
This course consists of 10 lessons, which we will work through together at a rate of one lesson per week.
Below, you will find a summary of the learning activities for this course. Specific details for each project can be found in each lesson. Key due dates will also be posted to the calendar.
| Week #: | 0 |
|---|---|
| LESSON Name: | Course Orientation |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Introduction to Project Management |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Organizational System, Project Life Cycle, Processes, and Procurement |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Strategic Planning, Scope, and Project Charter |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | The Human Factor and Communication |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Project Work Planning and Scheduling |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Project Resource and Cost Estimation |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 7 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Project Quality Management |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 8 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Project Risk Management |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 9 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Integration |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
| Week #: | 10 |
|---|---|
| Topics: | Project Plan |
| Readings and Assignments: |
|
Class Support Services
Penn State Online offers online tutoring to World Campus students in math, writing, and some business classes. Tutoring and guided study groups for residential students are available through Penn State Learning.
Course Policies
Technical Requirements
For this course, we recommend the minimum technical requirements outlined on the World Campus Technical Requirements page, including the requirements listed for same-time, synchronous communications. If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the IT Service Desk (for World Campus students) or Penn State's IT Help Portal (for students at all other campus locations).
Internet Connection
Access to a reliable Internet connection is required for this course. A problem with your Internet access may not be used as an excuse for late, missing, or incomplete coursework. If you experience problems with your Internet connection while working on this course, it is your responsibility to find an alternative Internet access point, such as a public library or Wi-Fi ® hotspot.
Mixed Content
This site is considered a secure web site, which means that your connection is encrypted. We do, however, link to content that isn't necessarily encrypted. This is called mixed content. By default, mixed content is blocked in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. This may result in a blank page or a message saying that only secure content is displayed. Follow the directions on our Technical Requirements page to view the mixed content.
Equations
This course must be viewed using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported. If you use any other browser, or if you are not using the latest version of your browser, some pages containing equations may not render properly. In addition, javascript must be enabled for equations to render properly. If you have any issues with equations not rendering properly, please update your browser to the latest version or try using a different browser. If you need additional technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the HelpDesk (for World Campus students) or the IT Service Desk (for students at all other campus locations).Penn State E-mail Accounts
All official communications from Penn State are sent to students' Penn State e-mail accounts. Be sure to check your Penn State account regularly, or forward your Penn State e-mail to your preferred e-mail account, so you don't miss any important information.
Academic Integrity
This course follows the procedures for academic integrity of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Penn State defines academic integrity as "the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner." Academic integrity includes "a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception." In particular, the University defines plagiarism as "the fabrication of information and citations; submitting others' work from professional journals, books, articles, and papers; submission of other students' papers, lab results or project reports and representing the work as one's own." Penalties for violations of academic integrity may include course failure. To learn more, see Penn State's Academic Integrity Training for Students.
Course Copyright
All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor’s express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD 40, the University Policy Recording of Classroom Activities and Note Taking Services addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University’s Code of Conduct, and/or liable under Federal and State laws.
For example, uploading completed labs, homework, or other assignments to any study site constitutes a violation of this policy.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Office for Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for Campus Disability Coordinators at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Office for Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled. You will participate in an intake interview and provide documentation. See documentation guidelines at Applying for Services from Student Disability Resources. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Change in Normal Campus Operations
In case of weather-related delays or other emergency campus disruptions or closures at the University, this online course will proceed as planned. Your instructor will inform you if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding content or activity due dates in the course due to these delays or closures. If you are affected by a weather-related emergency, please contact your instructor at the earliest possible time to make special arrangements.
Reporting Educational Equity Concerns
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated (Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance) and can be reported through Educational Equity via Report Bias.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Services include the following:
Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395
Counseling Services at Commonwealth Campuses
Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400
Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Connect Online with Caution
Penn State is committed to educational access for all. Our students come from all walks of life and have diverse life experiences. As with any other online community, the lack of physical interaction in an online classroom can create a false sense of anonymity and security. While one can make new friends online, digital relationships can also be misleading. Good judgment and decision-making are critical when choosing to disclose personal information to others whom you do not know.
Deferred Grades
If you are prevented from completing this course within the prescribed amount of time for reasons that are beyond your control, it is possible to have the grade deferred with the concurrence of the instructor, following Penn State Deferred Grade Policy 48-40. To seek a deferred grade, you must submit a written request (by e-mail or U.S. post) to the instructor describing the reason(s) for the request. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested before the beginning of the final examination period. It is up to the instructor to determine whether or not you will be permitted to receive a deferred grade. If permission is granted, you will work with the instructor to establish a communication plan and a clear schedule for completion within policy. If, for any reason, the coursework for the deferred grade is not complete by the assigned time, a grade of "F" will be automatically entered on your transcript.
Attendance
This course will be conducted entirely online. There will be no set class meeting times, but you will be required to complete weekly assignments with specific due dates. Many of the assignments are open for multiple days, so it is your responsibility to complete the work early if you plan to travel or participate in national holidays, religious observances or University approved activities.
If you need to request an exception due to a personal or medical emergency, contact the instructor directly as soon as you are able. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
Penn State is “committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others” as stated in Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment and to interact with civility.
For additional information, see:
- Penn State Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination Statement
- Policy AD 85 Sexual and/or Gender-Based Harassment and Misconduct, Title IX
- Penn State Values
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State
- Assessment of the Living, Learning, and Working Environment (ALLWE) in EMS| Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Mandated Reporting Statement
Penn State’s policies require me, as a faculty member, to share information about incidents of sex-based discrimination and harassment (discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation) with Penn State’s Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinators, regardless of whether the incidents are stated to me in person or shared by students as part of their coursework. For more information regarding the University's policies and procedures for responding to reports of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, please visit Penn State's Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response website.
Additionally, I am required to make a report on any reasonable suspicion of child abuse in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus can be changed at any time, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. All changes will be communicated to you via e-mail, course announcement and/or course discussion forum.