Alan has over 30 years as a project manager in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, pharmaceutical, and finance. His hands-on experience as a software developer, software systems engineer, and software tester makes him uniquely qualified for his role as an Instructor/Advisor. He has over 10 years as a project management adjunct faculty member and teaches project management at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He is a project management consultant in addition to his Instructor/Advisor role at Rutgers University
Alan holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in addition to a Master Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. He is also a sought-after speaker and widely published author in leading academic and industry journals.
If you were giving a TED Talk, what would the title of it be? Why?
The “3 Laws of Project Management” because it is the talk I am most known for.
What are the key concepts you cover in your course and why is each important in today’s business environment?
Project management as adding value to the business. This is important because some executives still don’t believe in project management. Project Managers have to show that they add value: projects done better, faster, cheaper, and smoother.
How does your course help participants to address these challenges?
It demonstrates how the PMBOK processes are useful in the real world.
What are 5 topics that you think are important/interesting for future participants in your program read about.
It’s important for Project Managers to be fluent and current on the following topics:
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Schedule Management
- Cost Management
- Resource Management – particularly Human Resource management
What is your Instructor/Advisor philosophy?
Use real world experience to make project management interesting and relevant.
What do you think is the most important thing you do as an Instructor/Advisor at Rutgers University?
I focus on reinforcing the course material with real world experience. Project management is a participatory experience so participants can expect a hands-on and interactive learning experience.