BUS 3500 · Project Management: Budget and Resources

Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

The financial discipline of projects — bottom-up budgeting, earned value management, RACI, procurement, and honest financial reporting.

1. Module 1

   The Cost of a Project: Estimation and Budgeting

   Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

   The question

   Labour, materials, services, contingency, management reserve. The S-curve shows the typical spending profile. The cost baseline is what you committed to spend and when. What is the difference between contingency reserve and management reserve — and who controls each?

   Outcome

   The student can estimate project costs by category and build a project budget.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 Bottom-Up Budget Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   The RACI Matrix: Assigning Resources

   Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

   The question

   One Accountable per deliverable — not two, not three. A RACI with multiple Accountables has no Accountable person. What are the most common RACI errors — and how does a poorly designed RACI slow project decisions?

   Outcome

   The student can produce a RACI matrix, identify errors, and explain the Accountable/Responsible distinction.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 Build a RACI Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   Earned Value Management

   Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

   The question

   A project that has spent 50% of its budget but completed 30% of its work is in trouble. A project that has spent 50% and completed 60% is ahead. CPI = 0.72. What does that number tell you — and what is the projected final cost?

   Outcome

   The student can calculate SV, CV, SPI, CPI, and EAC and interpret each number.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 Earned Value Calculation Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
4. Module 4

   Procurement and Contracts

   Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

   The question

   Fixed price transfers cost overrun risk to the supplier. Time and materials retains it with the buyer. Cost-plus guarantees the supplier's margin regardless of efficiency. Which contract type is right for a software development project where the scope is not fully defined?

   Outcome

   The student can describe three contract types and recommend the appropriate one for a given scenario.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 4.1 Choose Your Contract Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
5. Module 5

   Budget Control and Financial Reporting

   Led by Margaret Irene Vance-Foster Simulacrum

   The question

   CPI = 0.72, SPI = 0.75. The project is six months in with a twelve-month schedule. Write the financial status report for the sponsor — honestly, with a credible Estimate at Completion and a recovery plan.

   Outcome

   The student can produce a financial status report and calculate a revised EAC.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 5.1 Final Essay: Reading the Numbers Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion