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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 - Information Technology

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

The Fourth Industrial Revolution’s (4IR) is characterized by advanced technological innovations that are driving unprecedented transformative changes in Information Technology (IT) that are impacting numerous aspects of our daily lives. Emergent Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Quantum computing, Blockchain, Cloud, IoT and 5G are creating disruptive new business models and innovative solutions that are revolutionizing existing hardware, software, commerce and redefining our perception of IT.

The velocity, scale and scope of these disruptive changes are compelling organizations to embrace Digital Transformation (DX) as a strategic priority to drive business growth, innovations, and to create a competitive advantage to survive the 4IR hyper competitive Digital Ecology.

DX is a rapidly growing trend in the information technology field that has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote work, technological decentralization-and-online education, has gained increasing worldwide acceptance.

A competitive and holistic program that is innovative, inclusive, diverse, comprehensive, engaging, and presented in a format that is appealing to all audiences from High school to C-Suite, could garner a strong competitive advantage and present its learners with a unique value proposition.

The vision of this program is focused on a unique educational experience that combines advanced theory with real-life examples to empower the learners of the digital future to confidently master the Information Technologies of the future and to leverage their capabilities to become leaders in Digital Transformation (DX).

Career Outcomes

Typical Roles/Jobs for Project Managers in the IT Sector

Project managers play a crucial role in the IT sector, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the specified requirements. Career outcomes for project manager learners in the IT sector can vary based on factors such as education, experience, certifications, and industry trends. Here are some common career outcomes for individuals pursuing a career as an IT project manager

IT Project Manager

  • Manage and oversee IT projects from initiation to completion.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including developers, analysts, and stakeholders.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Program Manager

  • Oversee multiple projects within a program to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  • Manage interdependencies between projects and allocate resources strategically.

Portfolio Manager

  • Manage a portfolio of projects, aligning them with organizational objectives.
  • Make strategic decisions about project investments and resource allocation.

IT Consultant

  • Provide expert advice on project management methodologies and best practices.
  • Assist organizations in optimizing their project management processes.

Business Analyst

  • Analyze business requirements and translate them into project plans.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and document project scope and objectives.

Product Manager

  • Oversee the development and launch of IT products.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product success.

Agile Coach/Scrum Master

  • Facilitate Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, within development teams.
  • Guide teams in implementing Agile practices to improve efficiency and collaboration.

Entrepreneur/Startup Founder

  • Apply project management skills to start and manage their own IT-related ventures.

Specialized Roles

  • Depending on the project's nature, project managers might specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.

Certification Opportunities

  • Acquiring project management certifications, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2, can enhance career prospects.

Types of Employers that hire Project Managers in the IT Sector

Project management employers in the IT sector can vary widely, ranging from large multinational corporations to small startups and consulting firms. Here are some characteristics of project management employers in the IT sector:

Technology Companies

  • Major technology corporations, such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, and Oracle, often have extensive project management teams overseeing various initiatives.

IT Consultancies

  • Consulting firms like Accenture, Deloitte, and Capgemini hire project managers to work on client projects, offering a diverse range of experiences across industries.

Software Development Companies

  • Companies focused on software development, including both product-based and custom software development firms, require project managers to ensure the successful delivery of software projects.

Telecommunication Companies

  • Telecommunication firms, like Verizon, AT&T, or Vodafone, employ project managers to handle network infrastructure projects, software upgrades, and other technology initiatives.

Financial Institutions

  • Banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions often have IT project managers overseeing projects related to software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Healthcare Organizations

  • Healthcare providers and organizations in the pharmaceutical industry hire project managers to lead IT projects related to electronic health records (EHR), healthcare information systems, and medical technology implementations.

E-commerce and Retail Companies

  • Companies engaged in e-commerce and retail rely on IT project managers to lead projects related to website development, system integrations, and digital transformations.

Government Agencies

  • Government departments and agencies at various levels often have IT project managers working on initiatives related to public services, cybersecurity, and information systems.

Startups

  • Startups in the IT sector may have smaller project management teams overseeing critical projects, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

Manufacturing and Industrial Companies

  • Traditional industries, such as manufacturing and industrial sectors, increasingly rely on IT for automation and process improvement, creating opportunities for IT project managers.

Education and Research Institutions

  • Universities, research institutions, and educational organizations hire project managers to oversee IT projects related to education technology, research computing, and information systems.

Nonprofit and NGOs

  • Nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on IT-related initiatives, such as global development projects or humanitarian efforts, may also employ IT project managers.

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 familiarity with fundamental terms and foundational IT concepts that underpin some technologies in the fourth industrial revolution.
  • Use project management skills, tools, and methodologies to create high-value deliverables in case-based IT related projects.
  • Develop organizational strategic and leadership skills confidently through thorough immersion in the project management body of knowledge and working collaboratively to meet shared goals.
  • Articulate the social and cultural responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen.

Certificate 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 IT

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

As an IT 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 IT industry.

Learners will examine quality principles in IT projects and the required measures to sustain project performance, using root cause analysis and the Six Sigma process. They will explore the risk management process, including risk assessment, risk validation, and risk response plan to ensure the success of IT 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 IT 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 IT 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.
  • Identify the cost of embedding quality in projects and establish corrective actions.
  • Identify IT 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 that account for risk appetite and tolerance, implemented for IT projects.
  • Leverage quality management to reduce risks by analyzing IT 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.

Introduction to IT and Big Data

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

A holistic overview of the key emergent technologies that are digitally transforming the world. Learners will explore how these innovative technologies and change agents are accelerating the enhancement of a new generation of software, hardware and IT architecture that are impacting numerous aspects of our lives.

Course Outcome

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

  • Learn the fundamental terms and foundational concepts that underpinning technologies such as, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big data, Machine Learning, data science, Cybersecurity, Block chain, Cryptography, Quantum Computing, cloud computing, IoT and smart devices, Ultra Connectivity (4G, 5G, 6G), as well as Mobile technologies and platforms.
  • Explore how these technologies are serving as the catalyst that is accelerating the Digital transformation (DX) of our global digital ecology.
  • Explain ethical, security, social and legal issues impacting information technology.
  • Understand the fundamental concepts of IBig Data management and analytics
  • Recognize challenges faced by technologies dealing with very large volumes of data
  • Understand how Big Data impacts business intelligence, scientific discovery, and our day-to-day life.

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;
  • 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 - IT

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course focuses on the concepts, principles and practices of scheduling and cost management in IT project management. Learners will understand how to manage resources, particularly 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 IT 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 IT 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 IT specific case studies to understand the resource scheduling problem and how time-phased budget baseline is used to monitor IT projects.

Cyber Security and Identity Management

Delivery: Online

Course Description

A general overview of key definitions, technologies, relationships, and applications. Explore key concepts such as, Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities, Risks, Hacking, Security Hygiene, Identity protection and management, Web security, mobile security, privacy, darkness and the TOR browsers, social engineering, Adversarial AI, Deepfake and misinformation.

Course Outcome

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

  • Gain technical knowledge and skills needed to protect and defend computer systems and networks.
  • Learn how cryptography and Cybersecurity help in protecting data.
  • Conduct a cyber security risk assessment risk treatment method and explore key risk and performance indicators.
  • Explore the basics of Symmetric Cryptography, Asymmetric Cryptography (Public), Algorithms, Keys, Hashes, Randomness and Encryption Systems (DES)
  • Apply password hygiene, Ciphers and Advanced Encryption Systems (AES)
  • Apply business principles to analyze and interpret data for planning, decision-making, and problem solving in an information security environment.
  • Design operational and strategic cyber security strategies and policies.
  • Communicate orally and in writing, proposed cyber security solutions to technical and non-technical decision-makers.

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. Learners 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.

Cloud Computing and Internet of Things

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

A holistic overview of key definitions, technologies, relationships, and applications. Explore Cloud Computing’s Benefits, Basics, Modes, structures, implementations, (IaaS), (Pass), (SaaS) and (XaaS), Elasticity, Availability, Scalability, Mobility, Architecture, Virtual Machines, Serverless computing, containers, Kubernetes, cloud security, Digital transformation models, business continuity and disaster recovery.

Course Outcome

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

  • Understand the essentials of mobile technology, GSM, 4G, 5G, 6G, Blue Tooth, Wi-Fi, device density, interconnectivity, mobile security, and the various Ultra-Connectivity implications for ecommerce, education, and work.
  • Explore how Cloud computing and the advancements in mobile technology impact the future of IoT devices and their digital ecology.
  • Explore IoT Devices, integration, control, management, messaging, IoT cloud solutions integration and implementation.

Digital Transformation (DX)

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course provides an overview of Digital Transformation (DX) and the disruptive emergent technologies shaping the Global Digital Ecology of the future. Learn the fundamentals of Digitization, Digitalization and Digital Transformation (DX). Explore the Disruptive emergent technologies underpinning DX, such as; Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Quantum computing, Blockchain, Cloud, Cryptography, Cybersecurity, IoT and 5G, represent the catalyst driving DX globally and shaping the Global Digital Ecology. Their unprecedented cumulative capabilities are digitally transforming how we live, work, and interact with one another.

Course Outcome

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

  • Appy key concepts and principles to understanding DX, its impact on the Global Digital Ecology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and our digital future.
  • Explore how to leverage the cumulative capabilities of innovative technologies to provide innovative solutions to existing problems, targeted at a global user base.
  • Understand AI contributions to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

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.

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Charles

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