Faculty create project management textbook

University of North Georgia (UNG) associate professor Dr. Juanita Woods and her team have developed an open-source textbook on project management titled "Delivering Value with Project Management" that is available to students and other readers at no cost. The project is funded by an Affordable Learning Georgia Round 21 Textbook Transformation Grant.

The textbook prepares the students for the Certified Associate of Project Management and the Project Management Professional certifications provided by the Project Management Institute, with which the textbook material aligns. The project management class offered at UNG and this textbook will partially satisfy the baseline requirements to take the certification.

Woods applied for the grant wanting to create a textbook to help students save money while providing customizable teaching materials with hands-on activities. Her co-writer Scott Marshall, associate chief information officer, joined the project with the aim of teaching students that "the knowledge will help them make an impact at any role they go after graduation."

UNG senior Louisa Schlesiger, who is pursuing a degree in management, served as the project assistant. Schlesiger was eager to join the project because of the savings and value the textbook will bring fellow students.

"Even saving $100 can make a difference, especially if a student has to rely on financial aid to cover educational expenses," Schlesiger said. "It is much easier for students to understand examples when they are relevant, like student organizations or classroom situations."

Woods and Marshall asked their students for feedback and suggestions on the literature and examples they use to make project management more relevant.

The textbook is now available through UNG Press.