81799 - Project Management and Soft Skills M

Learning outcomes

The student will learn how to acquire the necessary skills to be a successful engineer. In particular, non-technical (also known as soft) skills are discussed; among them, emphasis will be given to inductive/deductive/analytical/design reasoning, to communication skills and employability. Moreover the student will learn how to use the basic tools of project management, including GANTT and PERT diagrams, workpackage breakdown, project cost estimation, and relevant aspects.

Course contents

The syllabus is reported below. More information on the course approach can be found on www.robertoverdone.org.

I.Introduction (approx 3 hours).

II. A Pragmatic Approach to Project Management (approx 9 hours).

- Projects, Roles, WBS

- Gantt and PERT Diagrams

- Cost Assessment

- Submitting a Project Proposal

III. Soft Skills and Aptitudes (approx 12 hours).

- Introduction to Cognitive Processes

- Soft Skills at Time of Industry 4.0

- Success and Talent

- Aptitudes

- Team Work

- Leadership

- Learning Styles

IV. Communication Skills (approx 9 hours).

- Fundamentals of Human Communication

- Persuasion

- Inter-Personal Communication

- Presentation Skills

V. Ingredients to Success (approx 2 hours).

 

Additionally, the course will include a Madness session where all students will introduce themselves in one minute, a CV contest, and, possibly, one or two seminars from professionals.

Readings/Bibliography

Handouts provided by the instructor.

Books available on demand.

Teaching methods

The time spent during classes (30 hours) will be based on:

Chalk and Talk (about 30%).

Active Learning: students will be grouped in teams and will work on assignments under the supervision of the instructor (about 30%).

Interactive Sessions: brainstormings, discussions, etc (about 30%).

A number of seminars given by professionals (about 10%).

Many classes will start with a chalk-and-talk session, followed by active learning and an interactive session.

Assessment methods

The student will undergo a written questionnaire plus an oral exam.

The written questionnaire will be proposed during the course. It will include close-answer questions on the theoretical aspects related to soft skills. Students will be incentivised to pass it before end of the course. Otherwise, they will be given the chance to pass it on the day of the oral exam.

Prior to the date of the exam the student will deliver via email to the instructor:

1) a one page report on a topic agreed with the instructor, following the template provided by the instructor (see www.robertoverdone.org under "Courses")

2) a three page research project proposal, following the template provided by the instructor (see www.robertoverdone.org under "Courses")

3) A SWOT analysis related to a project agreed with the instructor.

4) A powerpoint presentation on a topic agreed with the instructor, following the template provided by the instructor (see www.robertoverdone.org under "Courses").

5) His/Her CV with a cover letter, simulating the application for a job position as project manager.

During the exam, all above items will be discussed orally.

Teaching tools

Slidesets.

Online forms and tests.

An interactive online game made available by Atti2de srl, to measure own aptitudes.

Links to further information

http://www.robertoverdone.org

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Verdone