The Stresses and Politics of Project Management: A Systems Analysis and Design Simulation

Authors

Mark A. Serva, Baylor University

Abstract

This paper describes a systems analysis and design project that simulates the difficulties of project management within an information systems environment. This website construction project is typically implemented within the business core’s management information systems class, although it could also be used within the IS major’s information systems analysis and design course. The project requires the teams to play roles both as developers and as managers and uses an innovative circular class structure to simulate three levels of management. In addition to the project implementation, an unusual project grading schema is described, which alleviates many perceived grading inequalities that plague group projects. Students’ class comments are also examined to determine the final effectiveness of the project in communicating the difficulties of management politics and stress.

Recommended Citation

Serva, Mark A. (1999) "The Stresses and Politics of Project Management: A Systems Analysis and Design Simulation," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 10 : Iss. 1 , 23-27.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol10/iss1/5