Courses Project Management

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

PhD in Business Management, Project Management

School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration

The PhD in Business Management specialization in Project Management is designed for learners with a working knowledge of project management, for example those with a Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification or at least one master’s-level project management course. The specialization focuses on current and emerging methodologies and frameworks; contemporary leadership theories and practices; communications approaches; social networking theories; and complexity theories for improving project and program results. Learners investigate and acquire the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques necessary to effectively lead projects and programs in a variety of settings, and to conduct appropriate research to improve project management practices. Topics include advanced project and program management methodologies, risk management, portfolio optimization, and leadership. Successful completion of this specialization prepares learners to lead, consult, perform research, or teach in the field of project management from an informed, strategic perspective.

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Core courses:

BMGT8002
Research Processes, Theory and Practice in Global Business

Learners in this course explore business theories, research, and practice. In particular, learners study the challenges of conducting scholarly research and the practice of leading and managing a business enterprise. Learners explore the depth and breadth of business research, the research methodologies used to conduct it, and potential business research topic areas. Learners are also immersed in a culture of inquiry to focus on strengthening critical thinking and scholarly writing skills. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

6 quarter credits
BMGT8006
Business Principles and Practices

Learners in this course apply theories of organization to critically analyze the organization as an arrangement of systems to develop a holistic understanding of its interrelated, interdependent functions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT-V8925 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Ideation

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8019, BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8926 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or BMGT8040; BMGT-V8925. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8927 *
Doctoral Project Development – Framework Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or BMGT8043 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.  

3 quarter credits
BMGT8008
Ethics and Leadership in Global Environments

In this course, learners examine ethics theory and practice, ethical decision making, and the leader’s role in creating an ethical environment in global business. Learners also explore the ways cultural intelligence fosters multicultural and ethical thinking.  

4 quarter credits
BMGT8012
Marketing Principles and Practice

This course presents marketing principles and best practices. Learners analyze the factors influencing marketing strategy and explore ways to use marketing theory to identify market opportunities and segments. Learners then formulate appropriate marketing strategies to pursue those opportunities and markets from cultural, virtual, and global perspectives.

4 quarter credits
-or-
BMGT8016
Strategic Management and Practice

Learners in this course examine theories associated with effective strategy development, integration, and implementation across all functional areas of business operations. Learners study the skills required of strategic thinkers and leaders in today’s complex global business environment and practice applying them to solve contemporary business issues.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8019 *
Business Dissertation Specialization Literature

This course provides a guided review of the literature in the learner's specialization for the purpose of identifying a study topic. Learners research and evaluate associated major threads of research and theory in the literature. The course prepares learners for the development of an appropriate topic during Residency Track 1. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8028
Foundations of Research, Scholarly Literature, and Theory in Management

Learners in this course examine the structure and process of the scholarly literature in peer reviewed journals and explore the role of the scholar as social and behavioral scientist. Learners critically evaluate scholarly literature, including seminal work, relevant theory, and data-based research studies from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. Learners also explore the meaning of content and process gaps, problems, and research opportunities uncovered during the literature review. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8055 *
Business Special Topics: Literature Review

This course guides learners in the development of a comprehensive literature review. Learners build on their approved Dissertation Research Plan from residency tracks 2 or 3 as the foundation for drafting Chapter 2 of their dissertation. Learners document and synthesize key seminal theoretical works, conceptual studies, and methodologies underpinning the gap in the scholarly knowledge that their proposed study addresses. While developing Chapter 2 of their dissertation, learners review and apply PhD dissertation guidelines. Prerequisite(s): BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Survey of Research Methods

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

In addition, choose one of the following two categories:

For quantitative research:

BMGT8035 *
Tests, Measurements, and Business Research Design

This course is an introduction to tests and measurement instruments commonly used in business studies. Learners in this course examine instrument development, factor analysis, validity testing and review the ethical, professional, and legal aspects of the use of these instruments. Learners also develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating appropriate instruments and corresponding validity data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or RSCH7864; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8043 *
Quantitative Research Techniques 2

In this course, learners define a quantitative research question by demonstrating the understanding of the relationship between hypothesis and theory. Learners develop a research design using research questions and the appropriate sample, control variables, and statistical technique, and identify the logical connection between the hypothesis and theory. Other course topics include sample design, exploratory data analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, factorial ANOVA, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). This course requires the use of analytical software. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8035. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Quantitative Design and Analysis

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

For qualitative research:

BMGT8044 *
Qualitative Research Design and Data Analysis

This course extends the topics covered in BMGT8040 and is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Learners further analyze the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry, emphasizing effective execution of school-approved dissertation research methodologies. These methodologies include case study, phenomenology, Delphi, and generic qualitative research. Learners assess the design, sampling, and data collection strategies associated with each of the four methodologies. Learners also examine the data analysis processes associated with each methodology, as well as the role of the researcher in documenting personal reflections in the collection and analysis of data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8046 *
Qualitative Data Collection Strategies, Data Collection Guides, and Field Testing

This course is an in-depth review of qualitative data collection strategies, data collection guides, and data collection techniques commonly used in business research. Learners use their approved dissertation research plans to develop a data collection guide and conduct an expert review and mock data collection. Learners also assess the ethical issues involved in qualitative data collection associated with their study method and design and propose mitigation strategies for participant and data protection and to ensure credibility, dependability, transferability, and trustworthiness. Finally, learners develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating the data collection strategy, and field-tested data collection guide.Prerequisite(s): BMGT8044. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Qualitative Design and Analysis

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Specialization courses:

BMGT8430
Advanced Concepts of Project Management Methodologies

In this course, learners research literature to identify best practices and evaluate appropriate methodologies leading to successful outcomes for projects and programs ranging from simple to complex. The course emphasizes appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Initiating and Planning processes based on organizational environments, cultural diversity, and global influences. Learners also evaluate expected project outcomes to assure alignment with strategic goals and objectives. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8432
Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems

Learners in this course examine both seminal and current literature, such as complexity theory, to evaluate the successes and failures of projects and programs in complex and ambiguous environments. This course emphasizes Executing, Monitoring, and Controlling projects and programs based on multidisciplinary theories and applications as defined by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Learners develop their professional, consultative, and leadership skills for successful project and program outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8434
Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research

In this course, learners evaluate and synthesize the use of multidisciplinary theories based on the research and practice of project and program risk management. Learners explore emerging trends, concepts, and methods of project and program risk management systems and research. Topics include evaluating integrated approaches to identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and managing project risks, and identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in project risk management research. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8436
Dynamics of Program and Portfolio Management

Learners in this course examine emerging trends, concepts, and methods for evaluating and applying program integration and portfolio management techniques and methods used to optimize their overall value. Topics include ethical approaches to program and portfolio management in alignment with business strategic goals and objectives within a global context. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Upon completion of all required coursework:

GBUS9919 *
Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes. Learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits

Learners must register for GBUS9960 a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements.

GBUS9960 *
Dissertation Courseroom

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): BMGT9919 or OM9919 or GBUS9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits each

 

 

One Elective Course

 

 

At least 4 quarter credits

Choose any business management (BMGT) course(s).

 

 

Total

 

 

At least 90 quarter credits

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

PhD in Project Management | Online Degree Program | Course Information | Capella University
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Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.

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