Introduction to Project Management

Project management is a discipline that is in great and ever-increasing demand—across all industries and at business organizations of all sizes. It is so ubiquitous now that it has evolved from a specialized technical skill to a life skill. Despite its wide proliferation, there remain key concepts that apply to all projects, regardless of size or budget. In this lecture, Greta Blash will outline these key principles to help attendees understand what is involved in successfully managing a project, from initiating and planning, to monitoring and controlling the effort, and, ultimately, to the final completion of the project. This lecture will be a special presentation of CalSouthern’s Master Lecture Series brought to you in partnership with The Project Management Institute’s Orange County chapter.

David Oshlag, MBA'88, leads a discussion on how to increase productivity and efficiency, lower stress, and add dollars to the bottom line. Oshlag argues that the value of successfully leading projects and project teams should not be underestimated. It could be worth millions of dollars to your company. Topics to be covered include: -- Focused definitions of project management -- "Team" organizational structure -- The "Full Plate" challenge -- Leadership: Through different lenses You'll leave this session understanding what it takes to manage projects successfully, along with a detailed reference list to help you continue building your knowledge base.

OK, so you've heard of project management. But what's so great about it? Greg Balestrero (Strategic Advisor on Corporate Consciousness, Leadership & Sustainability, IIL) shares some of project management's key concepts, how it's used, and why it should matter to you.