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Important notice regarding PACE Project Management and IT: VR/AR Programs

Due to the recent change in Canadian government policy, Algoma University has decided to prioritize our core programming when it comes to Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Core programming includes bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Senate-approved post-graduate certificate programming.

As a result, student intake for Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) project management and IT: VR and AR programs has been paused, effective immediately. This applies to all students who have applied to the September 2024 intake or who deferred from the May 2024 intake to the September 2024 intake.

In an effort to accommodate students impacted by this change, Algoma University has been proactive in reviewing student applications, and international admissions staff will work with each applicant to match them to another of Algoma University’s excellent academic programs.

All impacted applicants have received a letter. If you have any questions or have not received a letter, please email intl-admissions@algomau.ca. 

Graduate Certificate in Project Management Construction

Project management is one of the most sought-after skill sets in today’s fast paced business environment, as organizations continually look to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

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Certificate Fees

This program provides project management training for construction projects.

To appreciate the construction process, the function of key players and the interaction between stakeholders, including the various contractors, learners will need to explore the construction project management life cycle from conception to closing. Learners will learn to manage construction contracts, through project planning, execution, monitoring and controlling the triple constraints of scope, time, and costs. They will research and utilize project management planning methods and tools to evaluate construction processes. Learners will be exposed to building sustainable projects through case studies.

The program will cover areas such as the role of the construction manager, principles of securing the project, estimating, planning, scheduling, quality control, legal aspects, communication, documentation, and promotion of sustainable principles.

The courses in this program will be delivered using integrated materials developed for the construction industry by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

Career Outcomes

Typical Roles/Jobs for Project Managers in the Construction Sector

Project managers in the construction sector play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating various aspects of construction projects. The career outcomes for project manager learners in the construction sector can be diverse and rewarding. Here are some potential career outcomes:

Construction Project Manager

  • Directly overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects.
  • Responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope.

Construction Project Coordinator

  • Assisting project managers in organizing and coordinating project activities.
  • Managing project documentation, communication, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Construction Superintendent

  • Supervising construction sites and ensuring that work is carried out according to plans and specifications.
  • Collaborating with various stakeholders, including contractors and subcontractors.

Estimator

  • Analyzing project specifications and blueprints to estimate the cost of materials, labor, and equipment required for construction projects.
  • Providing accurate cost assessments to support project bids and proposals.

Facilities Manager

  • Managing the maintenance and operation of buildings and facilities post-construction.
  • Ensuring that facilities meet safety and regulatory standards.

Risk Manager

  • Assessing and mitigating risks associated with construction projects.
  • Developing risk management plans to ensure project success and minimize potential issues.

Business Development Manager

  • Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities for construction projects.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Entrepreneur/Contractor

  • Starting and managing a construction business, taking on projects as a contractor.
  • Overseeing all aspects of the business, including project management, finances, and client relations.

The construction sector offers a dynamic and challenging environment, and project manager learners can find opportunities in various roles depending on their skills, interests, and career goals. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends and technologies can contribute to long-term success in this field.

Types of Employers in the Construction Sector that hire Project Managers

In the construction sector, project management employers are diverse and can include a range of organizations involved in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. Here are descriptions of typical project management employers in the construction sector:

Construction Companies/Contractors

  • Large and small construction firms are major employers of project managers. These companies undertake a variety of construction projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.

Engineering and Architectural Firms

  • Companies specializing in engineering or architecture often engage project managers to oversee the execution of construction projects. These firms may be involved in the design phase as well.

Real Estate Development Companies

  • Real estate developers initiate and oversee construction projects, and they hire project managers to ensure that developments are completed on time and within budget. This may include residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.

Government Agencies

  • Government entities at the local, provincial, or federal level may employ project managers for public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, schools, and government buildings. These professionals ensure compliance with regulations and efficient use of public funds.

Infrastructure and Utility Companies

  • Organizations involved in the development and maintenance of infrastructure, such as utilities, transportation, and energy companies, hire project managers to oversee construction projects related to their facilities.

Consulting Firms

  • Construction consulting firms offer specialized project management services to other organizations. They may provide expertise in areas such as risk management, cost estimation, and project planning.

Facilities Management Companies

  • Companies specializing in facilities management hire project managers to oversee the construction and renovation of buildings. Once construction is complete, these professionals may also manage ongoing maintenance and operations.

Property Management Companies

  • Property management firms may engage project managers for renovation and improvement projects in existing properties, ensuring that they remain competitive and up to code.

Nonprofit Organizations

  • Some nonprofit organizations focus on community development or humanitarian projects, requiring project managers to oversee construction initiatives such as affordable housing or infrastructure development.

Technology and Construction Software Companies

  • Companies that develop and provide construction project management software often hire professionals with construction project management experience. They may work on software development, training, or customer support.

Educational Institutions

  • Universities and colleges may employ project managers for construction projects on their campuses, overseeing the planning and execution of new buildings or renovations.

Project managers in the construction sector may find opportunities with a variety of employers, each offering unique challenges and projects. The choice of employer often depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the specific sector within the construction industry that interests the project manager.

Brampton Campus - Creekbank Site

With our growing numbers in enrollment for all Project Management Certificates, we have secured additional space. This new site will provide learners with a modern facility dedicated to teaching, learning and training in project management.

This site is located at 5110 Creekbank Road, Mississauga, Ontario.

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Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate thorough familiarity with the lifecycle of construction projects and with the project management body of knowledge.
  • Use project management skills, tools, and methodologies to create high-value deliverables in construction projects.
  • Identify implications of Canadian national, provincial, and municipal codes, by-laws, acts and regulations on a construction project.
  • Develop organizational strategic and leadership skills confidently through innovations in construction planning, design, communication, execution, monitoring and controlling.
  • Interpret construction contract documents with an understanding of basic legal considerations related to Canadian construction industry.
  • Articulate the social and cultural responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen.

Program Structure and Course Descriptions

Term 1

Introduction to Project Management

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of project management as outlined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: PMBOK® Guide. In today’s business environment, the successful management of projects has become a core competency for organizational leaders. This course emphasizes the need for linking the strategic plans of organizations to project selection, organizational structures, and the sociocultural and technical dimensions of projects, as well as how a project manager’s focus needs to shift at various stages of a project life cycle. Learners are introduced to project management software, learn the vocabulary, definitions, principles, and concepts of project management. Strongly recommended for learners with little or no formal project management experience.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Define a project and project management;
  • Identify the key historic factors and crucial role formal project management plays in today’s world;
  • Describe a scheme for prioritizing projects that ensures top management involvement and minimizes conflicts;
  • Identify and use common project selection techniques to align projects to organizational goals and objective;
  • Identify types of project organizational structures in terms of function, features, benefits, and drawbacks;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the project management life cycle, process groups and project management knowledge areas;
  • Define project boundaries by identifying the project’s scope limits and exclusions; and
  • Initialize a project using Project Management software to define project activities, activity sequencing, and dependencies to develop a preliminary schedule, and illustrate a milestone.

Thinking and Working Across Cultures

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course offers learners the opportunity to deepen their learning about cross-cultural interactions and understanding in their lives, their studies, and their work. What does it mean to think and to work across cultures? Cross-cultural learning invites learners to examine their knowledge of their own and other cultures, developing greater awareness of values and norms in their own and other cultures; they will deepen understanding and appreciation of different cultures and cultural differences, with particular attention to Indigenous cultures in Canada.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Describe what culture is and how worldviews impact interactions with one another.
    • Define culture.
    • Explore worldviews.
    • Demonstrate cultural intelligence and appreciation for cultural differences.
    • What is cultural intelligence?
    • Why is it important to appreciate cultural differences?
  • Develop an awareness of cultural diversity of Indigenous People in Canada.
    • Discuss the cultures, societies, languages, and histories of Indigenous People in Canada.
    • Identify the Inuit People, First Nations People, and Métis People
    • Describe specific Indigenous cultural contexts and histories.
  • Increase the awareness and respect for different cultural knowledge paradigms, values, and cultural norms.
    • Examine why cultural diversity within the Indigenous population is frequently not recognized.
    • Analyze how multiculturalism impacted the First Nations and Inuit communities.
  • Explain how treaty relationships have impacted the interactions between the cultures in Canada.
    • Evaluate how Canada’s history of settlement and colonization resulted in a multicultural society.
    • What are the long-established cultural groups?
    • Were their collaborations in building the Canadian culture?
    • What are cultural clashes?
    • What contributions have been made by different cultures in the development of Canada?

Business Writing and Communications

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

Learners learn how to effectively communicate in a business setting characterized by rapidly changing technologies and an increasingly diverse workforce. The course emphasizes oral and written communication across several media and business applications. Learners develop skills in business writing and presentations while learning how to effectively communicate in business settings. This includes the following: delivering good and bad news; applying persuasive business writing and presentation techniques; preparing business reports and communicating for teamwork and meetings with cross-cultural considerations. In preparation for subsequent courses, learners will also receive an introduction to academic writing, distinguishing the difference between academic and business writing.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Write effective business documents for both: internal and external audience (business stakeholders);
  • Integrate new communication techniques and technologies into an existing media toolkit;
  • Recognize the differences in academic and professional/technical business writing;
  • Formulate documents consistent with the standards of formatting/structure for electronic and print versions - including informational essay, blogs, case study analysis, formal business report, memorandums, and meeting minutes;
  • Examine techniques for delivering good and bad news;
  • Develop persuasive communication through ethos, pathos, and logos technique;
  • Illustrate strategic negotiation, professional interviews, and industry research skills; and
  • Demonstrate business presentations skills for business settings.

Creativity and Innovation

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course examines concepts and techniques widely applicable to personal life and business: individual creativity and innovation in organizations. It offers alternatives to standard models of decision-making and formal critical thinking by describing imaginative ways of approaching problems. Learners learn techniques of problem identification, idea generation, idea selection, and idea implementation. The course teaches problem-solving practices and varied strategies that release individual creativity and encourage innovation within organizational structures. Emphasis is placed on how creative and innovative solutions can be found to problems that are inadequately addressed by Cartesian thinking processes and the debunking of common myths held about creative individuals and organizations. Learners are instructed in a variety of concepts and practical methods that they can apply to their studies, work, and personal lives.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Identify personal and organizational thoughts and processes that encourage or prevent creative and innovative solutions;
  • Link personal creativity to organizational innovation;
  • Explain how organizational structures can be made to foster, or inhibit, innovation;
  • Re-cast problems and questions into taxonomies that enable easier, quicker, and better solutions;
  • Research and apply proven techniques to increase creativity;
  • Examine mistaking myths of creativity for evidence-based creativity; and
  • Exercise self-awareness of personal thinking to make more creative decisions, and to cultivate innovation in organizations.

Project Leadership and Teams

Delivery: Online

Course Description

The development of project teams is an essential part of project leadership and management as described in the Human Resource Management and Communication Management knowledge areas within A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: PMBOK® Guide. Whether you work on a task force, committee, development team, or other type of project team, this course will outline strategies for becoming a harmonious team member and adaptable team leader. By using stories from an assortment of projects, the course also provides multiple “real world” examples of inspired project leadership, timely project communications, and ongoing team selection, development, and management; practices for improving project leadership are derived from these stories. Lastly, the factors which contribute to successful stakeholder management are also introduced.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Apply project leadership terminologies and best practices for effective project management;
  • Develop and manage engaged, high-performance project teams and resolve conflicts among team members;
  • Describe the inputs, tools and techniques, outputs, and processes necessary for effective project Human Resources management, project communications, and project stakeholder management;
  • Identify, evaluate, and apply different leadership styles and behaviors necessary for project success;
  • Evaluate the impact of changes on project teams/stakeholders and develop the techniques and skills necessary to act as a change agent;
  • Describe and apply the tenets and principles of ethical project leadership;
  • Create a project team environment and differentiate the organizational structure that is best fit for agile/waterfall project implementation; and
  • Evaluate leadership, teamwork, and associated project management practices for different projects through case study analysis.

Term 2

Networking in the Modern Canadian Workplace

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

Establishing and growing your professional community is central to succeeding in the Canadian workplace. This course will develop your existing collaboration, communication, and analytical skills in a way that helps you build meaningful professional connections within the Canadian cultural and business context. You will learn how to leverage networking platforms strategically to advance your current and future career goals. Emphasis will be placed on face-to-face versus using technology to network for professional development in Canada.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Understand the benefits of professional networking and establishing connections in Canada;
  • Recognize the importance of communication styles in professional networking;
  • Distinguish the effectiveness of offline versus online networking in the workplace;
  • Identify networking opportunities in the Canadian context through research.

Quality and Risk Management – Construction

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

As a construction Project Manager, you need to understand that quality and risk management are key business processes. This course provides learners with practical understanding of quality and risk management principles, strategies, techniques, and best practices associated with project management in the construction industry.

Learners will examine quality principles in construction projects and the required measures to sustain project performance, using root cause analysis and other processes. They will explore the risk management process, including risk assessment, risk validation, and risk response plan to ensure the success of construction projects. Learners will learn through group discussions and activities how to implement effective quality control measures and develop strategies to identify, assess probability and impact, mitigate the probability and severity of risks, and respond to project risks in construction specific projects and industries.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Understand the context, evolution and relationship between quality and risk management.
  • Understand the terminology of quality and risk management and their relevance to their future as Construction Project Managers.
  • Illustrate the implementation of quality management frameworks, standards, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Analyze and implement effective quality prevention, inspection and control measures and differentiate between quality assurance and quality control in construction management.
  • Identify the cost of embedding quality in projects and establish corrective actions.
  • Identify construction project risk management structure and processes that can be applied through all the project phases as organizations navigate uncertainty.
  • Develop strategies to assess, quantify, mitigate risks through risk response strategies like insurance and bonding that account for risk appetite and tolerance, implemented for construction projects.
  • Leverage quality management to reduce risks by analyzing construction specific case studies of successful integration of quality and risk management initiatives.
  • Understand technology role in data driven quality improvement and predictive analytics for risk management.

Intro to Project Construction Management

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course provides learners with an introduction to Construction Management. This course stresses the impact the construction industry has on the economy. In addition, attention will be given to the changes in conducting business due to the environmental impacts and advances in technology. Learners will be able to identify different types of contractors, key stakeholders and players in the construction industry. Learner will explore construction documents and administrative aspects of construction project management.

Topics covered will include an overview of the construction industry standards, policies, role of the construction project manager, stakeholders, communications, and an overview of construction health, safety and sustainability.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Identify the role of the construction industry in the economy.
  • Understand the role of the construction project manager and communications in the industry.
  • Define types of contractors and identify key stakeholders and players in the construction process.
  • Identify standards, procedures, protocols, and policies within the industry.
  • Identify the impact of technological changes on the construction industry.
  • Explain the role of various industry associations.
  • identify environmental and safety requirements.

Turtle Island, Canada, and the World

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course provides learners with an introduction to the story of Turtle Island/Canada prior to and after first contact between Indigenous peoples and colonizers. Learners will explore the lifeways of Indigenous peoples, periods of European colonization and conflict, ongoing migrations to Canada to the present day, and Canada’s connections to and place in the world in the 21st century.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Explore Indigenous ways of knowing and being,
  • Explore Indigenous living and being, prior to contact with Canadian settlers,
  • Discuss the role of Indigenous sovereignty,
  • Explain the colonization of Canada,
  • Analyze a historical timeline of the colonization of Canada,
  • Explain key policies impacting relationships between Canadian and Indigenous Peoples,
  • Appraise the development of Canadian/Indigenous relationships, and
  • Examine residential schools in relation to truth and reconciliation.

Organizational Behaviour and Management

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of individual and group behavior in organizations. Its purpose is to provide an understanding of how organizations can be managed more effectively and at the same time enhance the quality of employees’ work life. Topics include value systems, motivation, rewarding behaviour, stress, individual and group behaviour, conflict, power and politics, ethics, leadership, job design, team, organizational culture and structure, decision-making, effective communication and organizational change and development. They emerge from the course with a better understanding of the role of people within organizations, and how their own personal strengths can contribute positively to the organizations to which they belong.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Examine how individual behaviour in organizations can play in developing an effective organization; Assess the role of workplace attitudes, personality, and emotions in organizations;
  • Explore job satisfaction, values, and perception;
  • Demonstrate effective oral, written, and non-verbal interpersonal communication;
  • Connect motivational theories to individual and organizational success;
  • Explain the difference between Team vs. Groups, and the Stages of Group and Team Development;
  • Analyze group behaviour in organizations, including communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict, and negotiations;
  • Develop and apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
  • Review the organizational system, including organizational structures, culture, human resources, and change;
  • Examine the leadership theories and styles and determine leadership/management fit within organizations;
  • Analyze the role of Organizational Structure; and
  • Review organizational change and finding the resistance to change.

Term 3

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course offers learners the opportunity to learn about the values and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion and how they must inform and guide our interactions with others. “Equity” means the removal of systemic barriers and biases, to enable all individuals to have equal opportunities. “Diversity” means differences such as race, color, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sexual orientation, age, and gender identity, among others. A diversity of perspectives and experiences is essential to successful outcomes in any field. “Inclusion” means ensuring that all individuals are valued and respected for their contributions and are equally supported. Understanding and embracing these values allow everyone to engage with and respond to local, national, and global challenges.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Describe and comment on the inequitable foundations of Canadian society and analyze critically the impact of an official policy of Multiculturalism;
  • Illustrate how intersectional identities influence those living and working in Canada, and in so doing;
  • Identify personal identity characteristics;
  • Examine the impact of power, privilege, and oppression;
  • Recognize, and describe the importance of recognizing unconscious bias and steps that can be taken to mitigate the results of this bias;
  • Apply the concept of cultural humility to one’s life and describe its importance in establishing culturally safe environments; and
  • Discuss the importance and application of EDI in the context of project management in Canada.

Predictive Project Planning & Execution

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course will guide learners through a rigorous examination of all process areas with a focus on Planning and Executing processes and process interactions during the project life cycle. Learners will learn the importance of adaptive and predictive planning while focusing on building plans in a predictive method. They will determine the elements of the project management plan that are essential and collaborate with others to plan and execute the content and format of project management plans for small, medium, and large projects. They will provide the scope, schedule, cost, and resources necessary for a sample project. Learners will also create plans for the management of risk, quality, human resources, communications, and use a scheduling tool to plan their work.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Link projects with organization’s strategic plans, documenting the business needs and justifications for the project;
  • Describe the benefits and usage of approaches, including, Adaptive (Agile, Iterative) and Predictive (Plan Driven, Waterfall) Approaches, and Hybrid Approaches;
  • Differentiate among adaptive and predictive approaches to project management and learn how Agile principles are complementary to traditional project management practices;
  • Define and manage the project's overall scope, documenting project goals, deliverables, constraints, performance criteria and resource requirements in consultation with project stakeholders;
  • Plan and manage the scope, cost, timing, and quality of the project, always focusing on project success by the stakeholders;
  • Identify, analyze, and refine project costs to produce a budget and control project costs;
  • Identify, analyze, and refine project time to produce a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and develop a schedule;
  • Implement project control procedures, resource management, change management, issue management and risk management plans; and
  • Manage communications to ensure the timely and appropriate generation, collections, dissemination, storage, and disposition of project information to aid in the achievement of project activities.

Scheduling and Cost Management – Construction

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course focuses on the concepts, principles and practices of scheduling and cost management in construction project management. Learners will understand how to manage resources, particularly construction project stakeholders, to execute a project within given time and cost constraints. Through project group activities learners will learn project time and cost estimating techniques and how to develop effective project budgets and schedules, allocate and level resources, determine a critical path, manage costs, and track project progress through Earned Value management (EVM). The course will cover both theoretical concepts and practical techniques used in real-world construction specific projects and industries.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Develop project schedules and controls, integrate budget and resources to estimate project completion in construction projects.
  • Understand principles of cost estimation in construction projects.
  • Analyze critical path and chain methods and estimate activities.
  • Develop resource and cost estimates.
  • Analyze and establish project cost estimates to ensure budget availability and management and control using earned value management (EVM).
  • Analyze construction specific case studies to understand the resource scheduling problem and how time-phased budget baseline is used to monitor construction projects.

Construction Health, Safety & Environment

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course explores the designing and monitoring of construction jobsite safety programs within the framework established by local, provincial, and federal acts and regulations. Learners will appreciate the importance of being acutely aware of the environmental conditions, policies, and regulations that can affect the construction industry. It also provides information for creating and monitoring environmental management plans and on-site controls. In addition, learners will be exposed to WHMIS, first aid/CPR, provincial safety training and certification which is beneficial as per provincial requirements.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Identify implications of national, provincial, and municipal codes, by-laws, acts and regulations on a project.
  • Interpret safety legislation and corporate safety policies.
  • Identify the key elements of developing and monitoring a job site safety program
  • Navigate environmental regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
  • Understand the environmental concerns related to the construction industry.
  • Assess impact of building science on environmental concerns related to the construction industry.
  • Participate in the development of an environmental management plan and identification of document management requirements for construction projects and industry.
  • Explore and complete appropriate certifications for construction job safety e.g. WHMIS, first aid/CPR.

Business Analysis and Process Improvement

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of business analyst role, business analysis principles, techniques, best practices, and process improvement methodologies. Learner will learn how to investigate business challenges, plan requirements elicitation, analyze and effectively communicate data to identify problem areas for improvement and implement effective changes to enhance organizational project efficiency and effectiveness. Learners will learn to create data visualizations and models of existing processes and identify opportunities and weaknesses in existing process for future state mapping/modelling.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Explore the importance of the role of a business analyst in terms of strategy, assessment, project planning, communication, and management.
  • Describe key concepts, competencies, and techniques of business analysis.
  • Identify the business need, assess risks and opportunities, obtain “buy-in,” and implement solutions.
  • Analyze data using a variety of analysis models and approaches and transform data into actionable information.
  • Synthesize findings into formal recommendations. Develop charts, tables and presentation slides that present finding in a compelling manner.
  • Prepare formal reports that communicate key findings and recommendations to decision makers.
  • Explore systems thinking and organizational knowledge to improve strategic analysis business processes.
  • Apply process improvement to teamwork, learning what to eliminate, what to refine, or what to add to help the team deliver results.
  • Identify, analyze, verify, validate, and define the requirements for business improvement solutions.

Term 4

Project Management Office

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

Organizations want consistent results while delivering projects to meet customer and stakeholder expectations; they need to ensure that projects are delivered on time, every time - and within budget. In this course, learners will learn how organizations in all sectors of the economy are chartering project management offices (PMOs) to support managers in their pursuit of excellence. Learners will explore PMO key concepts and provided with an opportunity to systematically apply these concepts following in a plan to setup, build, and sustain a successful PMO. They will learn how to navigate important risks and challenges, to assess the maturity of an existing PMO, and to align the PMO to organizational strategy. The course materials are complemented by industry case studies, hands-on exercises, and class discussion. Finally, learners will examine potential career paths and professional development opportunities.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Describe what a PMO is and does;
  • Describe the PMO’s purpose, mission, and benefits;
  • Assess the appropriate type of PMO for an organization;
  • Establish a scalability model that fits with an organizations’ needs of the PMO;
  • Evaluate the considerations for setting up, building, and sustaining a PMO;
  • Establish guidelines for PMO communication strategies and metrics;
  • Establish policies for hiring and managing talent; and
  • Explore the various Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Tools and select best fit for a PMO.

Rescuing Failed Projects

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course examines the prevention of troubled and failed projects. The course will equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage projects that are facing significant challenges, delays, scope changes, cost overruns and other project issues. Learners will develop and learn strategies and best practices to assess project health, implement preventative and corrective actions, manage stakeholder expectations, and use effective leadership in crisis situations to bring troubled projects back on track. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, case studies, interactive group discussions, and practical exercises, learners will learn to develop recovery plans and the expertise to manage and lead projects through difficult situations.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Develop and learn strategies to assess and audit project health,
  • Review projects and identify when a project is failing or troubled,
  • Implement best practices for preventative and corrective actions,
  • Use earned value management calculations for cost re-forecasting.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations by using applicable leadership in crisis situations to bring troubled projects back on track.
  • Develop a troubled project recovery plan.
  • Plan and execute a failed project shutdown.

Construction Procurement, Contracts and Documentation

Delivery: On campus

Course Description

This course focuses on understanding construction procurement management and the bidding process. Learners will learn to interpret construction contract documents, be exposed to an overview of Canadian contract law, legal considerations through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical applications. They will identify methods of negotiations and dispute resolutions through case studies and review of construction law cases. Through hands-on simulations and workshop learners will participate in bidding for a real-life project, identifying and assembling bid documentations for submission.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Understand types of procurement methods, the bid processes and evaluation.
  • Interpret Canadian construction laws and regulations.
  • Identify different types of construction contracts and manage the construction contract process.
  • Identify legal risks associated with managing a construction projects.
  • Simulate contract negotiation, administration, and different methods of dispute resolution.
  • Simulate a thorough bidding process by preparing bidding documentation to obtain a commission for a real-life construction project

Construction Project Delivery Methods

Delivery: Online

Course Description

How construction projects are delivered depends on a variety of factors which includes the type of project, budget, owners risk appetite, timelines for delivery and how much control owner want to assert over the project. This course focuses on the different construction project delivery methods in the built environment. It outlines how alternative project delivery methods are improving conditions in the construction industry from design to completed construction. Methods explored in the course include Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Design Build Operate Transfer (DBOT), Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). Learners will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method and associated risks through the analysis of the relationships between different project stakeholders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Understand how to choose the best project delivery method for their construction project.
  • Learners will interpret the components of a selected CCDC contract related to the appropriate delivery method.
  • Identify unethical bid practices that underline delivery methods.
  • Explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method through the analysis of the relationships between different project stakeholders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of risk mitigations for each method.
  • Prepare realistic project delivery proposals.
  • Explore and analyze real case studies, participate in group activities to identify projects that succeeded and failed with each project delivery method.

Agile Project Management

Delivery: Online

Course Description

In this course, learners will explore Agile and Predictive approaches to align with specific situations, thereby becoming more valuable team members in Agile, Traditional, and Hybrid project management frameworks. Working in teams to deliver a working solution for a major project based on a business vision, product features and user experience, learners will develop a vision statement, generate user stories to produce outcomes that meet stakeholder expectations, produce project deliverables, and monitor, control, and closedown the project. They will specifically experience how Agile Project Managers/SCRUM master’s define the various expected roles in Agile; use specific modelling techniques to determine scope/vision and user stories in Agile; manage projects using Agile/SCRUM approaches to ensure client needs are assessed, evaluated, and documented, and adopt. Finally, learners will produce a working solution based on the features and user stories they have captured using Agile techniques to increase project quality and success.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

  • Differentiate among adaptive and predictive approaches to project management and see Agile principles as complementary to traditional project management practices;
  • Determine which approach to use in given situations, based on costs and benefits;
  • Describe the Scrum framework and principles;
  • Define a project plan utilizing Agile principles and define product vision/scope;
  • Create in JIRA your team roles, user stories and estimates to develop a product backlog to develop an end product that can be used by the customer;
  • Assess the skills required to play an active role on an Agile Team and enhance communication using visualization tools (JIRA);
  • Analyze the challenges of adapting and applying Agile on an enterprise level; and
  • Identify, assess, monitor, and control the deliverables and outcomes of your project including risks, issues that may impact the project.

What are our learners saying?

Akanksha

Learn why this certificate could be the right fit for you. Get to know Akanksha, a current learner in the Project Management certificate program.

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