595.676.82 - Finance, Contracts, and Compliance for Technical Professionals

Expanded Course Description

Prerequisites

595.660 Planning & Managing Projects

Course Structure

The course content is divided into modules. Course Modules can be accessed by clicking Course Content on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. Students are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted on the Course Outline Students should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Project Planning and Control
• Critical Path Methodology -- CPM Networks and the project Schedule
• Earned Value Management and Project Variance Analysis
• Pricing/Estimating and Management Software Development
• Introduction & Overview of Financial Management
• Overview of Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• Reaction Paper and Financial Presentation
• Introduction to Contract Management
• The Contracting Lifecycle
• Intellectual Property, International Trade, and Export Control
• Ethics, Corporate Responsibility, and Diversity and Inclusion
• Management of Your Time and Stress

Course Goals

To provide technical managers with an introduction and understanding of the concepts, tools, activities, and variables involved in finance, contracts, and compliance to effectively conduct technical and business management activities.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Define fundamental concepts and practices associated with project planning and control.
• Apply project planning and control concepts and practices to characterize and address practical project and technical management activities and issues.
• Select the appropriate set of project planning and control tools for application on a specific technical project
• Identify and interpret general project planning and control terminology, including scheduling, earned value, and cost estimating and determine their implications to a technical project or management task.
• Apply financial concepts to the review, analysis, and interpretation of the financial information received from a variety of sources.
• Understand how financial terms like working capital, net present value, and internal rate of return techniques apply to the technical manager.
• Describe the fundamental contractual and legal process for projects, organizations, and companies.
• Describe fundamental legal principles and apply them in a business setting
• Identify potential legal issues in order to mitigate risk in business decisions
• Evaluate common contractual clauses and the implications of such clauses for effective negotiations.
• Apply best practices in protecting intellectual property assets and confidential business information and exercise an organization’s intellectual property rights.
• Apply best practices to conduct business in compliance with consumer protection, internet, and data privacy laws.
• Identify major government regulations that apply domestically and in connection with international trade
• Apply negotiation skills to reach realistic compromises
• Understand ethical considerations for a technical organization and how to address them.

Textbooks

Larson, E., Project Management: The Managerial Process (8th edition)

Textbook information for this course is available online through the appropriate bookstore website: For online courses, search the MBS website at http://ep.jhu.edu/bookstore.

Required Software

Required software is MS Project (version 2010 preferred, but nearly all recent versions will work for assignments). Options for obtaining…We will send an announcement with instructions or get in touch with Sally Kamen JHU administration at sally.kamen@jhuapl.edu.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that the class will take approximately 4-7 hours per week: listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (about 1–2 hours per week); reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 1–2 hours per week) as well as some outside reading; online discussion forum (about 1 hour per week); preparing assignments (about 1-2 hours per week for first half of semester); group project work (about 1-2s for second half of semester).

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements:

Preparation and Participation (Class Discussions)

Each student is responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. The majority of readings are from the course text; however, additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings.

Post your response to the module's Discussion question(s) not later than the time and day indicated by the course calendar for the respective module week. Posting a response to the discussion question(s) is part one of your grade for class discussions (i.e., Timeliness).

Part two of your grade for class discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least one classmate (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions. Preparation and participation is evaluated by the following grading elements:

• Timeliness (50%)
• Critical Thinking (50%)

We have found that participation in the discussions is generally binary (either full credit for doing what is required or no credit/half credit for not participating). However, more detailed preparation and participation is graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].
• 89–80 = B—Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].
• 79–70 = C—Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].
• <70 = D/F—Did not participate.

Homework / Assignments

Each student is required to complete all assignments to earn a course grade. Assignments will be evaluated and graded on a scale of 0 to 100. The highest grades will be awarded to those assignments that go beyond the established objectives of the assignment and clearly identify additional effort, additional research, or self- assessment.

Qualitative homework assignments will be evaluated using the following grading elements:

• Each part of question is answered;
• Writing quality and technical accuracy;
• Rationale for answer is provided;
• Examples are included to illustrate rationale (If a student does not have direct experience related to a particular question, then the student is to provide analogies versus examples.);
• Outside references are included.

Qualitative assignments will be graded as follows:

• 90–100(A)—All parts of question are addressed; Writing Quality/ Rationale/ Examples/ Outside References [rich in content; full of thought, insight, and analysis].
• 80–89(B)—All parts of the question are addressed; Writing Quality/ Rationale/ Examples/ Outside References [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].
• 70–79(C)—Majority of parts of the question are addressed; Writing Quality/ Rationale/ Examples/ Outside References [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].
• <70(F)—Some parts of the question are addressed; Writing Quality/ Rationale/ Examples/ Outside References [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight displayed].

We have provided you a list of classes and instructors/guest lecturers to help keep you oriented as the course moves along. Logistics, however, may demand that we make some changes as we go. If there are questions or problems, call either of the instructors and we will try to help you.

All assignments are due not later than the time and day indicated by the course calendar. Late submissions will result in a one letter grade reduction for each week or part of week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructor). Please advise us ahead of time if you know you will be unable to submit assignments on time due to special circumstances. Special circumstances (e.g., business travel) can be accommodated if the student informs us in advance.

Final Exam

The final exam includes both discussion questions and problems. Students will have one (1) week to complete the exam. The exam will be due not later than the time and day indicated by the course calendar. Students are expected to complete the exam individually but may use the course text or other accumulated material (notes, slides) for reference. Where needed, students must show their work for all problems.

Student Presentation

Each student will select a financial topic from a list provided by the instructors and prepare a 10-minute financial presentation to introduce business and/or corporate finance topics to your classmates. The presentation will be recorded and distributed to all students in the course for their respective feedback. Grades will be based on critical thinking, discussion of the topic and how it relates to the student’s current role in their organization, and reference to topics presented in the course.

Reaction Paper

Each student will select a financial book of interest from a list provided by the instructors (or one of your own) and prepare a ~ 5 page reaction paper about how the topic relates to your work or your interest in starting your own business. Grades will be based on critical thinking, discussion of the topic and how it relates to the student’s technical leadership interests, and relevance to technical leadership roles in either their current company or potential start-up.

Grading Policy

All assignments/activities/exams must be completed to receive a grade. Each are due according to the dates and times listed in the course Calendar. Late assignments will result in a reduced grade unless advanced approval is received from the instructor.

It is assumed that graduate students are adept at writing English and no points will normally be subtracted for English errors; in cases of exceptionally poor English points will be deducted. All external sources of information used to support must be appropriately referenced.

Tests are comprised of either short answer questions or problems that yield a numerical solution. Answers are well defined and generally without subjective interpretation. Grading guidance for class participation is outlined above. In all cases the grading scale is as follows.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

100-98 = A+

97-94 = A

93-90 = A−

89-87 = B+

86-83 = B

82-80 = B−

79-77= C+

76-73 = C

72-70 = C−

69-67 = D+

66-63 = D

<63 = F

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.