(FALL 2009)

This is a an elective course in the Project Management Certificate Program.
A program is defined as a collection of related projects managed in a coordinated way so as to obtain benefits not available from managing individually. This seemingly simple definition covers a vast amount of territory - from new jetliners, to ships, to high-rise construction, to large public works projects. All of these, and many other examples, are programs. Each has multiple projects contained within it, and they all must work together for the end result to be attained. Programs are not just complex projects; they are groups of complex projects all of which have to finish within a pre-determined order and to integrate with each other. This course is recommended for those who are already managing significant programs, project managers with at least five years experience who are preparing to manage a program, financial managers who are involved with program finances.

Frank Parth, M.B.A., is the owner of Project Auditors, a California-based consulting firm specializing in independent auditing of large-scale technology projects and in PMO development. His largest clients are currently Toyota USA, and Southern California Edison. Previously he was the chief technology officer and vice president of Product Development for an e-commerce company which was acquired in early 2001. Prior to that he headed up the Requirements Engineering department of TRW Information Systems during a complete upgrade of their technology infrastructure and spent time at Deloitte & Touche as a senior manager. His early career was in satellite systems development for Martin Marietta Aerospace. Parth is a published author and an international speaker.