QSO 420 Integrated Cost and Schedule Control Comprehensive Course Description
QSO 420 Integrated Cost and Schedule Control is an advanced course in the Project Management concentration. It focuses on the integrated management of project cost and schedule performance using modern project control techniques. Students learn how to establish performance measurement baselines, monitor and control project performance, analyze variances, and apply Earned Value Management (EVM) to make data-driven decisions that keep projects on time and within budget.Credits: 3 credits
Format: 11-week online course
Prerequisites: QSO 340 Project Management or equivalentCourse Description
This course provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in integrating cost and schedule control throughout the project lifecycle. Students examine the principles of Earned Value Management (EVM), performance measurement baselines, variance analysis, forecasting, and corrective actions. Emphasis is placed on real-world application through case studies, simulations, and projects that replicate complex project environments. The course prepares students to effectively manage project performance, mitigate risks related to cost and schedule overruns, and support organizational strategic objectives through disciplined project control practices.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Develop and maintain an integrated project performance measurement baseline.
Apply Earned Value Management techniques to monitor and control project performance.
Analyze cost and schedule variances and forecast project outcomes.
Recommend corrective actions based on integrated cost-schedule data.
Evaluate the impact of scope, risk, and resource changes on project cost and schedule.
Communicate project performance effectively to stakeholders using EVM metrics.
Weekly Topics, Discussions, and AssignmentsWeek 1: Foundations of Integrated Cost and Schedule Control Topics: Project triple constraint, role of cost and schedule control, introduction to performance measurement baselines.
Discussion: Explain the importance of integrating cost and schedule control in project management. Provide a real-world example of what happens when they are not integrated.
Assignment: Short reflection paper (1–2 pages): “Challenges of Cost and Schedule Integration in Modern Projects.”
Week 2: Project Planning and Baseline Development Topics: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), cost estimating, schedule development, and creating the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).
Discussion: Discuss the role of the WBS in developing an effective cost and schedule baseline.
Assignment: Develop a simple WBS and initial baseline for a sample project.
Week 3: Earned Value Management Fundamentals Topics: Key EVM metrics (PV, EV, AC, SV, CV, SPI, CPI), performance indices, and variance analysis.
Discussion: Compare Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), and Actual Cost (AC). Why is EV considered the most important metric?
Assignment: EVM calculations worksheet with interpretation of results.
Week 4: Advanced EVM Analysis and Forecasting Topics: Estimate at Completion (EAC), Estimate to Complete (ETC), Variance at Completion (VAC), and forecasting techniques.
Discussion: Which EAC forecasting formula is most appropriate in different project situations? Explain with examples.
Assignment: Case study – Calculate and interpret EVM metrics for a mid-project scenario.
Week 5: Cost and Schedule Risk Management Topics: Integrating risk management with cost and schedule control, contingency reserves, and risk response strategies.
Discussion: How does poor risk management lead to cost and schedule overruns? Share a strategy to mitigate this.
Assignment: Risk register and contingency planning for a given project scenario.
Week 6: Performance Reporting and Change Control Topics: Integrated change control, performance reporting, dashboards, and stakeholder communication.
Discussion: How should project managers communicate negative cost or schedule variances to stakeholders?
Assignment: Create a project performance report using EVM data.
Week 7: Tools and Software for Integrated Control Topics: Microsoft Project, Primavera, and other EVM-enabled tools; data integrity and system integration.
Discussion: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of common project management software for cost and schedule control.
Assignment: Software evaluation and recommendation report.
Week 8: Contract Management and Cost Control Topics: Contract types, cost reimbursement vs. fixed price, and controlling contractor performance.
Discussion: Which contract type provides the best cost and schedule control? Justify your answer.
Assignment: Contract strategy analysis for a complex project.
Week 9: Quality, Resource, and Scope Integration Topics: How quality, resources, and scope changes affect cost and schedule performance.
Discussion: Explain the cascading effects of scope creep on cost and schedule baselines.
Assignment: Integrated change impact analysis case study.
Week 10: Emerging Trends and Best Practices Topics: Agile project control, predictive analytics, and future trends in integrated cost/schedule management.
Discussion: How is Earned Value Management evolving in Agile environments?
Assignment: Trend analysis and recommendation paper.
Week 11: Course Synthesis and Final Project Topics: Comprehensive review and application of all concepts.
Discussion: Final reflection: How will you apply integrated cost and schedule control in your professional career?
Assignment: Final Project – Comprehensive Integrated Cost and Schedule Control Plan (8–10 pages) for a realistic project scenario, including EVM analysis, forecasting, risk management, and performance reporting.
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