Advanced Project Management covers the topics necessary for implementation of and excellence in project management. It deals with turning the principles and theory of project management into practice. The course addresses the best practices for project management in the world; project portfolio management and ROI; the project office and Six Sigma; project risk management and integrated projects; corporate cultures, behavior, and cultural failures; informal, adaptive, and extreme project management; and critical chain project management. Integrates aspects of the framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Advanced Project Management is available in on-campus and online formats.

Merely having an idea isn’t enough for Organization success. It’s the execution of the best possible idea that delivers value to an organization’s shareholders. Organizations must have both the ability to choose their opportunities wisely and the ability to execute programs competently. Program Management is the discipline that integrates organizational strategy with activities, skills, tools, and techniques to ensure that organizations are choosing the best opportunities and executing with discipline. We explore the five domains of Program Management from the Project Management Institute (PMI) through a combination of readings, case studies and project work: Program Strategy Alignment, Program Benefits Management, Program Stakeholder Engagement, Program Governance and Program Lifecycle Management. We will explore the role of the Program Manager using product and service development and enhancement/development of organization capabilities as context.

Agile Leaders are able to work effectively in unpredictable and ambiguous situations. Being adaptable, promoting innovation and modeling a learning organization set apart Agile Leaders from their more traditional counterparts. We will explore the servant leadership characteristics of Agile leaders, how they create and lead self organizing teams, how they drive value into everything they do balancing agility with strategy without creating an environment of chaos. Additionally, we will explore the Agile Culture which allows for both dynamic approaches to the business while also ensuring clear strategy and stability for the employee community. We will explore the facets of an Agile Culture across various industries that promote a customer centric approach of value through empowered employees.

Finding and implementing solutions to customer problems that are both adaptable and incremental provide for the greatest flexibility and return on investment. Agile and Design Thinking supports project teams working in an environment that requires innovation as well as dealing with uncertainty. Agile encourages a collaborative relationship with customers that promotes flexibility to meet business needs. By focusing on the human element and customer experience, Agile and Design Thinking provide a framework for engaging customers in ensuring prioritization of organization, product and service solutions that deliver frequent value for the business.

This course guides the student through the final experience of the MS in project management degree - the Capstone Project Experience. Students will use a case study-based approach to analyze a business situation and prepare a response using learning from the program. Course requirements involve completing a literature review, engaging in online discussion with faculty adviser and other SOIS capstone students, various kinds of field work and preparing a case study response.

A capstone class for students in the Individualized Program bachelor of science degree program. Course provides students an opportunity to reflect upon and enhance the many aspects of their individualized educational programs and focus on future goals. Senior status is required. Students should consult their adviser before registering. (Pre-requisites: Senior status and permission of academic adviser).