MIT Sloan School of Management

Managing Complex Technical Projects

MIT Sloan School of Management

Digital Business & IT

About Programme

Why attend Managing Complex Technical Projects?

Managing complex technical projects is a massive effort well beyond the scope of a simple project plan. Complex systems are comprised of hundreds or thousands of interconnected components, each potentially developed by a different group of people distributed over multiple organizations. Cost and schedule overruns are common. How can technical program leaders better manage such a complex process?

This project management training program enables participants to reduce the complexity involved in large projects by restructuring development and management procedures in ways that produces small-team results. MIT’s innovative solution, based on the design structure matrix (DSM), is devised to streamline complex projects by developing detailed models to understand the intricate interactions and iterative nature of design. The course also discusses modern agile development methods and their application in complex technical projects.

Programme Content

Live Online

Day 1: Design Structure Matrix and Process DSM Models

10 AM - 3 PM

Complex projects, DSM types

Process modeling with DSM

Sequencing exercise

Examples from various industries

Process DSM building exercise

Application discussion

Day 2: System Architecture and Organization DSM Models

10 AM - 3 PM

Organization DSM and examples

System architecture DSM and examples

DSM building and clustering exercise

Combining system and organization models

System readiness DSM exercise

Application discussion

Day 3: Agile Development Methods

10 AM - 2 PM

Background and manifesto

Team-based agile (Scrum)

Scaled agile methods

Agile coaching exercise

Course wrap-up and discussion

Programme Audience

Managing Complex Technical Projects is designed for senior managers involved in complex product development, highly-interdependent system and service development and delivery, and project management as well as those responsible for speeding up the process of improving design procedures and designing and developing better products and services.

The primary focus is on technical, engineering-driven products, services, and processes, although discussion around others is welcomed as applicable.

Participants include:

Vice presidents of engineering, manufacturing, and technology
Directors of project, program or service management
Product, service and business development
Engineering and R&D program managers
Chief project engineers
Product design and process development engineers
Technology strategists
Project leaders

Programme Benefits

Live Online

This course is delivered in our Live Online format which enables real-time interaction with faculty and global peers

Methods

Two days of the course focus on the design structure matrix (DSM) method, while the third day teaches modern agile development methods

Techniques

Through lectures, exercises, interactive discussions, and teamwork, you will learn two sets of techniques which you can use to better handle the complexity of large product and service development efforts

Certificate

Earn a certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management

Testimonials

"It was another great opportunity to learn from Prof Steven Eppinger after the in-person engagement at MIT last month. He met my expectations in delivery and depth of content. I have been trained and equipped with tools to manage projects in the most conventional pattern. I strongly recommend this course to both technical and non-technical professionals. Again, there is value for money."

Okechukwu J

"Straightforward, practical content with useful real-world examples. Helped me structure my project planning and risk management more effectively, and I recommend it for guiding technical projects."

Khalid A

"The course, Managing Complex Technical Project, offered me a deep dive into the core principles of systems thinking, stakeholder management, risk analysis, and integration across multi-disciplinary teamsskills that are crucial for navigating todays increasingly complex development and technical landscapes. One of the standout aspects of the course was the emphasis on real-world application. Through case studies, simulations, and peer collaboration, I was able to contextualize the theories within practical project management scenarios. The MIT lecturer brought unmatched expertise, breaking down complex systems into understandable, actionable strategies."

Issah B

"The course was all around great and I gained many valuable skills and insights into managing complex technical projects. I very much enjoyed the real world examples and experience Professor Steven Eppinger shared with the class. This course goes deeply into DSM and Agile and it was great learning from classmates who shared their experiences with managing complex projects. This course will teach you real world skills with applying DSM in a short amount of time which you can apply in your organization. You are also learning from the best with what MIT has to offer. In my opinion, any review below three star does not reflect the quality of this course. I would definitely recommend this course and other MIT Executive Education courses."

James V

"I learned a whole lot coming in dry and not knowing anything about any of this."

Dwayne K

"As an AI and NLP engineer with project management experience, I found Managing Complex Technical Projects to be an invaluable resource. The introduction and application of the DSM (Design Structure Matrix) method were particularly impactful, offering a structured way to tackle the intricacies of technological projects. Prof. Steven Eppinger's clear explanations and insightful examples brought the concepts to life, making it easier to see how these methods could be directly applied to my own work. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of project management in technology-driven fields."

Enkela B

"I learned a lot in a short period of time that is immediately applicable to my career. Scaled Agile, in particular, is a topic I found worthwhile."

John S

"An clear vision from contrasted experience of an alternative managing tool"

CLAUDIO R

"This project management course is anything but. You will not learn project management here. Do not take this course until they fix this. I am working with Peter, the associate dean, to square this issue away."

Matt R

"Professor Eppinger did a very nice job of breaking down both DSM and Agile and providing many different examples of how these two techniques can be applied to a wide variety of different technical projects. Well done."

Benjamin B

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Speak with an Advisor

  1. Pedagogy (case method, experiential learning, coaching, simulations)
  2. Programme Objective
  3. Contact Person Details

Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

MIT Sloan School of Management

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https://mitsloan.mit.edu
Cambridge, USA

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Managing Complex Technical Projects | MIT Sloan