PMG, PSY, and QTY Course Descriptions

PMG 401 Project Management    4 cr.
This course introduces project management and draws from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.  Topics include an overview of the phases of the project, the roles and responsibilities of the project management, planning the project, commonly used tools and techniques for managing projects, and the project closure process.  Familiarity with Microsoft Project is helpful.
 
PMG 407 Project Procurement and Risk Management (PMG 401)    4 cr.
Projects are by definition unique, which means that they contain an element of risk.  Being successful in managing projects requires a comprehensive understanding of risk management.  This course discusses risk planning, risk identification, risk analysis, and the various types of risk responses.  The course also addresses the procurement process from the pre-bidding planning work, through the bidding process, to selecting a successful bidder and administering the contract.  
 
PMG 411 Strategic Project Portfolio (PMG 407)    4 cr.
This course addresses the portfolio of projects within an organization to ensure a supply of projects.  It covers the importance of aligning individual projects to overall organizational strategy and objectives.  It also addresses the role of teams in projects and the importance of team dynamics.  The impact of change initiatives on projects and the globalization of projects will be addressed.  
 
PMG 416 Project Estimating and Controlling (PMG 411)    4 cr.
Projects use resources, which are always constrained.  The project manager is constantly balancing the various aspects of the project to bring it to a successful conclusion, which means the project is completed on time, under budget, and meets customer expectations.  This course discusses the various ways to estimate and schedule a project and then create the budgets necessary to manage the costs.  This course will also discuss what is involved in formally closing a project.
 
PMG 421 Leading Projects (PMG 416)    4 cr.
Project management is part science and part art form.  The success of a project can often be attributed to the success or failure of the human resource practices.  The "softer" side of project management requires leading the team and influencing others over whom the project manager often has little authority.  This course will discuss the various theories of human behavior, types of power, and conflict resolution techniques, as well as communication requirements of a project.
 
PMG 426 Project Management Capstone (PMG 421)    4 cr.
This capstone course allows the student to apply and demonstrate what has been learned in previous courses by planning, executing, and controlling a simulated project throughout the course.  Knowledge areas from the five previous courses are integrated and a practice PMP exam is provided in partial preparation for the actual exam.  
 
PSY 440 Personality and Behavior (residency status)    6 cr.
This course provides an overview of the basic principles of psychology as they relate to behavior, both personally and professionally.  It outlines stages of psychological development from childhood to mature adulthood and provides criteria for determining healthy and unhealthy personal behavior.  In order to fully understand personal and workplace behavior, students will study the origins and development of personality, and the psychological variables that play an influential role in the maturation process. Students also learn effective strategies for managing and coping with complexity, ambiguity, and conflicting perspectives.  These skills can be applied to situations of personal and work-related conflict.
 
QTY 424 Introduction to Quality Management (residency status)    4 cr.
This course is designed to enhance students' ability to perform quality improvement activities for their organization, whether in manufacturing, service, education, health care, or non-profit.  Students will be exposed to ISO 0-1/TS 16949 standards.  The content of this course is largely based on the body of knowledge contained in the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and the American Society for Quality's Certified Quality Associate Examination. The course helps to prepare students to sit for this professional certification exam.
 
QTY 432 Quality Management  (residency status)    4 cr.
This course will explore the interaction of quality theory and classic management theory.  Students will learn how organizations use quality practices and policies in normal operations.  Participants will familiarize themselves with the history and philosophy of quality and its practical application in business, industry, education, health care, and government.  Different approaches to performance improvement, including models and standards, will be explored.  Students will demonstrate the ability to apply these theories to improve organizational performance.  The content of this course is drawn largely from materials for individuals preparing to take the ASQ Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification Examination.
 
QTY 434 Quality Auditing (QTY 432)    4 cr.
This course is designed for those students interested in enhancing their qualifications for performing internal and external quality audits for their company and its suppliers, whether in manufacturing, service, or health care. Students will learn how to audit against standards, such as ISO 9001.  The content contained in this course is largely based on the body of knowledge contained in the American Society for Quality's Certified Quality Auditor Examination.
 
QTY 438 Introduction to Six Sigma (QTY 434)    4 cr.
This course familiarizes students with the Six Sigma concepts and tools.  Students will gain an understanding of various aspects of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) model and Six Sigma principles.  Also included is a basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts and an ability to identify non-value-added elements and activities.  The course also further explores team leadership, team dynamics, and team member roles and responsibilities in the context of Six Sigma improvement initiatives.  While this course is not a complete preparatory course for the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Examination, it prepares students for advanced study in this area and provides much of the preparation for the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Examination.
 
QTY 440 Managing Projects and Processes in Organizations (residency status)    6 cr.
Purposeful activity in an organization involves management of one of the two ways in which work is accomplished:  projects or processes.  The class covers such topics as the nature of projects; the project life cycle; the strategic project portfolio and the importance of projects to organizational renewal; approaches to and importance of defining processes; establishing process metrics; methods for process improvement; the role of process owners, project managers, and sponsors of both; the necessity of balancing the needs of all stakeholders; and the impact of these two ways of working on the organization's infrastructure and culture.  Students will identify best practices, learn from analyzing cases, and apply concepts to their organizations.