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

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.

This two-year certificate focuses on the in-demand field of project management and explores foundational standards and practice guide frameworks prescribed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). In this program learners will build technical skills, business strategy knowledge, and leadership skills necessary to excel in today’s workforce.

Learners will also learn how to act as socially responsible citizens in Canadian culture and society through diverse learning approaches and perspectives. By the end of the program learners will have engaged in dynamic lessons, collaborative projects, and explored real world examples that set them up with the practical knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.

Career Outcomes

Typical Responsibilities of a Project Manager

A project manager plays a crucial role in planning, executing, and closing projects. The responsibilities of a project manager can vary depending on the organization, industry, and project size, but generally include the following:

Project Planning

  • Develop a project plan that includes scope, schedule, budget, resources, quality standards, and risk management.
  • Define project goals, objectives, and deliverables.
  • Create a work breakdown structure (WBS) to break down the project into manageable tasks.

Team Leadership

  • Assemble a project team with the right skills and expertise.
  • Define roles and responsibilities within the team.
  • Motivate and lead the team to achieve project objectives.

Communication

  • Establish effective communication channels among team members, stakeholders, and other relevant parties.
  • Keep stakeholders informed about project progress, risks, and changes.
  • Conduct regular project meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Risk Management

  • Identify potential risks to the project and develop strategies to mitigate them.
  • Monitor and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Have contingency plans in place for unforeseen issues.

Budget and Resource Management

  • Develop and manage the project budget.
  • Allocate resources efficiently to meet project requirements.
  • Track and control project costs.

Quality Management

  • Define and establish quality standards for project deliverables.
  • Monitor and ensure that the project is meeting quality expectations.
  • Implement processes for quality assurance and quality control.

Schedule Management

  • Develop and maintain a project schedule.
  • Monitor progress and adjust the schedule as needed.
  • Ensure that project milestones are met on time.

Scope Management

  • Define and manage the project scope.
  • Handle changes to the scope through a formal change control process.
  • Prevent scope creep to maintain project focus.

Stakeholder Management

  • Identify and engage with key stakeholders.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations.
  • Address concerns and issues raised by stakeholders.

Closure and Evaluation

  • Ensure that all project deliverables are completed and meet the required standards.
  • Conduct a project evaluation to assess what went well and identify areas for improvement.
  • Close out the project, including documentation, and handover to the client or relevant parties.

Successful project management involves a combination of technical skills, leadership abilities, and effective communication to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.

Typical Roles/Jobs for Project Managers in Ontario

Individuals with a background in project management can pursue various career outcomes across different industries. Here are some common career paths and outcomes for individuals with a project management background

Project Manager

  • Directly overseeing and managing projects from initiation to completion.
  • Working in various industries such as IT, construction, healthcare, finance, and more.

Program Manager

  • Managing a portfolio of projects that are related or contribute to a common organizational goal.
  • Coordinating and aligning multiple projects to achieve strategic objectives.

Portfolio Manager

  • Overseeing an entire portfolio of projects and programs to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Making strategic decisions about resource allocation and prioritization.

PMO (Project Management Office) Roles

  • Working in a PMO to support project management processes and standards within an organization.
  • Roles may include PMO analyst, PMO coordinator, or PMO manager.

Business Analyst

  • Analyzing and defining business requirements for projects.
  • Bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

Consultant

  • Providing project management consulting services to organizations.
  • Assisting companies in improving their project management processes.

Entrepreneur or Business Owner

  • Starting a business or consultancy focused on project management services.
  • Applying project management skills to ensure the success of business initiatives.

Risk Manager

  • Specializing in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with projects.
  • Working to minimize potential negative impacts on project outcomes.

Quality Assurance Manager

  • Ensuring that projects adhere to quality standards and meet predefined criteria.
  • Implementing processes to monitor and improve project deliverables.

Construction Manager

  • Overseeing construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to achieve project goals.

Supply Chain Manager

  • Managing projects related to supply chain optimization and improvement.
  • Ensuring efficient and effective movement of goods and services.

Information Technology (IT) Project Manager

  • Managing IT projects such as software development, system implementations, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Ensuring that IT projects align with organizational objectives.

Product Manager

  • Overseeing the development and lifecycle of a product from conception to delivery.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring products to market.

Operations Manager

  • Managing projects to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Streamlining processes and optimizing workflows.

These career outcomes demonstrate the versatility of project management skills, allowing professionals to contribute to various industries and organizational functions. The demand for skilled project managers continues to be strong as organizations recognize the importance of effective project management in achieving strategic goals and delivering successful outcomes

Types of Employers that hire Project Managers

Regardless of the industry or type of employer, effective project managers are in demand for their ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver successful outcomes. The specific skills and experiences sought by employers may vary, but a strong foundation in project management principles is generally valued across sectors.

Corporations and Businesses

  • Large corporations and businesses in industries such as IT, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction often have dedicated project management teams.
  • Project managers may work on projects related to product development, process improvement, system implementations, and more.

Government Agencies

  • Government organizations at the local, provincial, and federal levels often undertake projects to improve public services, infrastructure, and various public programs.
  • Project managers in government may work on projects ranging from building construction to technology implementations.

Consulting Firms

  • Management and IT consulting firms hire project management professionals to work with a variety of clients.
  • Consultants may be involved in projects related to business process optimization, change management, and organizational restructuring.

Nonprofit Organizations

  • Nonprofits engage in projects to achieve their social or environmental missions.
  • Project managers in nonprofit organizations may work on fundraising campaigns, community development projects, or initiatives to address specific social issues.

Information Technology (IT) Companies

  • IT companies often have project management teams responsible for overseeing software development, system implementations, and technology-related projects.
  • Project managers may work on projects ranging from software upgrades to the development of new digital platforms.

Construction Companies

  • Project managers in construction oversee the planning and execution of building projects, infrastructure development, and other construction-related initiatives.
  • They coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure projects are completed successfully.

Healthcare Organizations

  • Hospitals, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies often employ project managers to oversee projects related to facility expansions, IT system implementations, and process improvements.

Educational Institutions

  • Universities, colleges, and school districts may have project management professionals working on initiatives such as campus expansions, educational technology implementations, and curriculum development.

Manufacturing Companies

  • Manufacturing firms may employ project managers to oversee projects related to production process improvements, new product launches, and facility expansions.

Startups

  • Startups and small businesses may hire project managers to help launch new products, streamline operations, and manage growth initiatives.

Financial Institutions

  • Banks, investment firms, and financial institutions often undertake projects related to software development, regulatory compliance, and process optimization, requiring skilled project management.

Telecommunications Companies

  • Telecommunications companies may engage project managers to oversee projects related to network infrastructure, technology upgrades, and the launch of new services.

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.

Visit Site Map

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Apply project management skills in case-based projects
  • Develop organizational leadership skills through thorough immersion in the project management body of knowledge
  • Create diverse plans which support the project planning life cycle
  • Work collaboratively to meet shared goals
  • Integrate leadership skills, manage relationships, and acquire soft skills necessary to be successful leaders
  • Articulate the social and cultural responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen

Project Management 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;
  • 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

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course provides learners with practical understanding of quality and risk management principles, strategies, techniques, and best practices as they are often associated with project management.

Learners will examine quality principles 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 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 different 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.
  • Illustrate the implementation of quality management frameworks, total quality management 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 project risk management structure and processes that can be applied through all the project phases as organization navigate uncertainty.
  • Develop strategies to assess, quantify, mitigate risks through risk response strategies that account for risk appetite and tolerance, implemented for different industries.
  • Leverage quality management to reduce risks by analyzing 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.

Business Principles

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course introduces fundamental business principles and concepts that are essential for understanding the dynamics of the business world. Learners will explore key concepts related to Business Management, Operations, Customers’ Requirements Management, Marketing, Business Ethics, Finance and Accounting. They will gain insights into how businesses considerations and strategies intersect and operate to succeed in a dynamic global environment.

Course Outcome

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

  • Develop a higher level of competence and understanding of the entire field of business and management in the business world.
  • Comprehensive understanding of how to align project goals with organizational objectives, manage resources efficiently, and deliver successful projects within a business context.
  • Explore areas of specialization in the business world and discuss topics in relation to Business Management, Operations, Customers’ Requirements Management, Marketing, Business Ethics, Finance and Accounting.
  • Gain basic understanding of terminology of the business world and apply business technology to current topics.
  • Describe the methods of encouraging ethical behaviour and the laws encouraging good corporate practices.
  • Relate relevance of the business concepts to their learning of Project Management.

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

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

This course focuses on the concepts, principles and practices of scheduling and cost management in 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 projects.

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.
  • 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 business specific case studies understand the resource scheduling problem and how time-phased budget baseline is used to monitor projects.

International Business

Delivery: Online

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to international business as it relates to the functional areas of managing business operations. The focus is on how business strategy, management, and decisions are influenced by culture, economics, and international markets. Additional emphasis is on the opportunities and problems associated with doing business in an international environment, with reference to case analyses of specific countries or regions and the companies that operate in them.

Course Outcome

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

  • Describe the major forces of globalization and trade;
  • Identify key management, strategy, and human resource issues in international environments;
  • Explain the role culture can play in an organizational context;
  • Describe key components and dimensions of the international trade and investment; and
  • Explain the implications of globalization on managers, from entrepreneurs to those in the largest global companies.

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.

Business Ethics

Delivery: On Campus

Course Description

In this course, learners will learn how the ethical dimension of business is a critical success factor for businesses. The objective of this course is to develop moral sensibility and an awareness of social responsibility in the context of business management. Learners will explore such topics as the relationship between business and society, the link between corporate strategy and social responsibility, the importance of corporate reputation, ethical decision-making, and the impact that business has on the environment.

Course Outcome

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

  • Evaluate various organizational influences affecting ethical decisions while exploring ethical decision-making framework.
  • Understand different ethical theories, apply ethical reasoning to resolve ethical dilemmas.
  • Analyze the global, political, social, environmental, technological, and cultural context of the business environment.
  • Articulate issues in business ethics, the ethical business environment, and their potential effect on personal, managerial, and corporate decisions.
  • Explore issues of the social responsibility of corporations, the rights and duties of employers and employees, and the problem of discrimination.

Organizational Change Management

Delivery: Online

Course Description

In this course, learners explore the crucial role of change management in the context of project management. Learners will develop a practical understanding of the principles, strategies, and techniques involved in managing organizational change. Learners will understand the intersection of project management and change management and learn how to effectively plan for and navigate changes within organizations and projects. Through discussions and group collaborations learners will learn to develop practical implementation strategies that minimize resistance and disruptions while considering the human, cultural, and strategic aspects of the process.

Course Outcome

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

  • Define organizational change and its importance in today's dynamic business environment and its relationship with projects.
  • Analyze the various types of organizational change, such as technological, structural, cultural, and strategic changes.
  • Identify the key drivers and reasons for initiating organizational change.
  • Evaluate the impact of organizational change on employees, stakeholders, and the overall business.
  • Develop change management strategies that align with organizational goals and values.
  • Create communication plans to effectively convey the rationale, objectives, and progress of the change initiative.
  • Design methods to engage employees and stakeholders in the change process, fostering ownership, commitment, and adoption.
  • Address resistance to change through proactive strategies and techniques.
  • Apply project management principles to the execution of change initiatives, including timeline management and resource allocation.
  • Assess and measure the success of change initiatives using relevant metrics and key performance indicators.
  • Understand ethical considerations and social responsibility related to organizational change.
  • Formulate strategies for sustaining and embedding changes over the long term in various organizations.

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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Kumar

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