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William Van Atten

This course teaches the learner how to apply Systems Engineering to the overall management of a complex program. This includes tailoring the systems engineering process to the specific needs of a particular program. The risk management process is described, including how to identify risks and develop a mitigation strategy. The key management tools are described along with how the scope of a program is defined and managed according to the terms of the contract.

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This course teaches the learner how to apply Systems Engineering to the overall management of a complex program. This includes tailoring the systems engineering process to the specific needs of a particular program. The risk management process is described, including how to identify risks and develop a mitigation strategy. The key management tools are described along with how the scope of a program is defined and managed according to the terms of the contract.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Planning the Work
We will begin Course 3 be examining the documentation that is sued to define the scope of a project and then manage to that scope. Unmanaged scope growth is detrimental to the performance of a program and is equally frustrating for both the customer and the supplier. Getting things carefully documented at the outset is key to the early identification of changes in scope. Lets look at the tools of the trade for keeping ourselves on task and focused on meeting the end user's needs.
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Managing Cost and Contracting Fundamentals
In this module, we will learn about how to manage cost on a program. We will look at some considerations for creating a forecast and how to measure performance against the forecast. In the second half of the module, we will go over some contracting fundamentals. I don't want to make anyone into a Contracts Manager, but rather convey some top-level considerations on how various contract types impact behavior on the engineering team.
Risk, Risk Management, and Change Control Management
In this module, we will learn the process for managing risks and opportunities. Systems Engineers bring a lot to the table for this important task because they have been trained to look at things in terms of system-level impacts and with a lifecycle view. Our goal will be to learn how to develop actionable intelligence that will help your program mitigate the impact of realized risks or prevent their occurrence altogether. In the second half of the Module, we will learn about change management - both from a contractual standpoint as well as managing engineering changes, which are two distinct processes.
Dealing with Failures
This module could be considered kind of depressing because it is about dealing with failures. However, a little bit of preparation can go a long way to helping the team recover from a disappointing outcome with dignity and professionalism. We will examine the process for establishing and conducting failure reviews. Thankfully, most failures are not terribly catastrophic, but even the more inconsequential failures can benefit from a rigorous investigative process. One of the most important, and often illusive aspects of dealing with a failure is identifying the root cause. We will spend some time learning about a handful of pragmatic tools to assist with this.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by experts like William Van Atten, who are known for their work in systems engineering
Explores the lifecycle of a complex program to develop actionable intelligence
Develops risk management and change control strategies to mitigate risk
Ideal for engineers and technical professions who desire entry into management
Suitable for learners with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience
Examines contracting fundamentals to promote effective management

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Systems Engineering and Program Management with these activities:
Organize and review course materials
Establish a structured approach to managing course materials, ensuring efficient access and retrieval of information throughout your learning journey.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
  • Organize materials into logical categories, such as lecture notes, readings, and assignments
  • Review materials regularly to reinforce understanding and identify areas for further study
Brush up on probability and statistics
Strengthen your foundation in probability and statistics to enhance your understanding of risk analysis and decision-making in Systems Engineering.
Browse courses on Probability
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  • Review basic concepts of probability, such as events, outcomes, and distributions
  • Practice solving probability problems
  • Explore statistical techniques relevant to Systems Engineering, such as hypothesis testing and regression analysis
Discuss contracting fundamentals with peers
Engage with your peers to gain diverse perspectives on contracting fundamentals and best practices.
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  • Join an online forum or study group dedicated to project management
  • Participate in discussions on contracting topics
  • Share your insights and learn from the experiences of others
Five other activities
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Practice identifying and analyzing risks
Engage in structured exercises to sharpen your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
Browse courses on Risk Management
Show steps
  • Use online resources or textbooks to find sample risk scenarios
  • Identify the key risks, their potential impacts, and likelihoods
  • Develop mitigation strategies for each identified risk
Follow tutorials on change management best practices
Explore online tutorials and resources to gain practical knowledge on effective change management processes.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on change management best practices
  • Review the tutorials and identify key concepts and techniques
  • Apply these concepts to a small-scale project or scenario
Develop a project plan for a small-scale Systems Engineering project
Apply your understanding of Systems Engineering to a practical project, developing a comprehensive plan that outlines goals, scope, and deliverables.
Browse courses on Project Planning
Show steps
  • Define the project's objectives, scope, and constraints
  • Identify stakeholders and their involvement
  • Develop a work breakdown structure (WBS)
  • Estimate resources, timelines, and budget
  • Create a risk management plan
Contribute to an open-source project related to Systems Engineering
Engage with real-world projects to apply your knowledge, contribute to the community, and enhance your understanding.
Browse courses on Systems Engineering
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project in the field of Systems Engineering
  • Read the project's documentation and codebase
  • Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixing or feature development
  • Contact the project maintainers and propose your contribution
  • Submit a pull request with your changes and provide documentation
Produce a technical report on Systems Engineering best practices
Demonstrate your understanding by creating a comprehensive report that synthesizes best practices and innovative approaches in Systems Engineering.
Browse courses on Systems Engineering
Show steps
  • Research various Systems Engineering methodologies and best practices
  • Analyze case studies and identify successful applications
  • Write a technical report that presents your findings, recommendations, and insights

Career center

Learners who complete Systems Engineering and Program Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Engineer
Engineers design, build, and test the systems that power the modern world - from cars and planes to computers and smartphones. Systems Engineers focus on the big picture, ensuring that all the parts of a system work together seamlessly. This course teaches Systems Engineering fundamentals, helping one to land a job as a Systems Engineer. By learning how to apply Systems Engineering to complex programs, one gains skills that are in high demand in various industries.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of complex projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop budgets, and timelines, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This course, which teaches Systems Engineering and Program Management, provides one with the skills needed to succeed as a Program Manager. By learning how to manage the scope, cost, and risk of a program, one can gain a competitive edge in this field.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact an organization's operations or reputation. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement risk management strategies, and provide guidance on how to manage risk effectively. This course can help one to become a Risk Manager by teaching risk management fundamentals and how to apply them to complex programs.
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop budgets, and timelines, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful for aspiring Project Managers as it teaches Systems Engineering and Program Management, which are valuable skills for managing complex projects.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts study how systems work and design new systems or improve existing ones. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how systems work and how to improve them.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts study how businesses operate and design new processes or improve existing ones. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for Business Analysts as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how businesses operate and how to improve them.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the user. This course may be useful for Software Engineers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to design and develop software systems.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They work with stakeholders to gather data, develop data analysis plans, and present findings in a clear and concise way. This course may be useful for Data Analysts as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement operational plans, and ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful for Operations Managers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to manage operations effectively.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts study the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on how to improve it. They work with stakeholders to gather data, analyze financial statements, and develop financial models. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to analyze financial data and make sound financial decisions.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers oversee the planning and execution of marketing campaigns. They work with stakeholders to develop marketing strategies, create marketing materials, and track the results of marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to develop and execute marketing campaigns effectively.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers oversee the sales team and work to achieve sales goals. They work with stakeholders to develop sales strategies, create sales materials, and track the results of sales campaigns. This course may be useful for Sales Managers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to develop and execute sales strategies effectively.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department and work to manage the employees of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop human resources policies, create human resources programs, and track the results of human resources initiatives. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to manage human resources effectively.
IT Manager
IT Managers oversee the information technology department and work to manage the technology of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop IT strategies, create IT policies, and track the results of IT initiatives. This course may be useful for IT Managers as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to manage technology effectively.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistants provide administrative support to executives and managers. They work with stakeholders to schedule appointments, manage correspondence, and prepare reports. This course may be useful for Administrative Assistants as it provides an overview of Systems Engineering and Program Management, which can be helpful for understanding how to manage administrative tasks effectively.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Systems Engineering and Program Management.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering, including topics such as systems thinking, requirements engineering, system design, and system integration. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of systems engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of project management.
Provides a practical guide to project management, covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of project management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of project management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of risk management, including topics such as risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of risk management.
Provides a practical guide to change management, covering topics such as change planning, implementation, and evaluation. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of change management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of failure analysis, including topics such as failure investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of failure analysis.
Provides a user-friendly introduction to systems engineering, covering topics such as systems thinking, requirements engineering, system design, and system integration. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field of systems engineering.

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