COURSE OUTLINES
University Overview
Degree Programs
American Graduate University
The Degree Programs
Master of Acquisition Management
Master of Project Management
Master of Contract Management
Master of Business Administration
Master's Certificate Programs
Instructional Mode
Course Outlines
University Resources
Faculty
Administration and Registration
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COURSE OUTLINES
This Section outlines the various courses offered by the American Graduate University for the degree and certificate programs. These courses, in their respective areas, are the most complete, practical, thoroughly documented courses available. A separate brochure describing the course content in detail is available upon request for each of these courses as well as the other courses offered by the University. The names and company affiliations of persons who have attended previous sessions of the course can be provided upon request.
The courses are designed for general managers, project or program managers, financial managers, engineering managers, contracting officers, production managers, operations managers, proposal managers, marketing managers, contract managers, lawyers, estimators, price analysts, purchasing agents, subcontract managers, and senior managers in both private industry and Government.
The courses integrate the student into a total learning environment, including guided reading, case study, exercises, and examinations. Extensive use is made of case studies, exercises and charts to illustrate principles and to provide specific instruction on the subject matter.
These learning systems, which combine experienced faculty with structured subject matter, guarantee that the learning objectives specified will be achieved, and that each student will have an excellent understanding of the course content, supported by extensive course material for further study and reference.
Courses Constantly Updated
The University Press publishes a number of the course texts which cover all aspects of program/project management and acquisition management. In addition, it has extensive research and printing facilities. This assures that all instructors will be immediately aware of any changes that affect any part of the courses and that all course materials will be constantly updated.
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING
Course No. 601 - 3 Semester Units
ESSENTIALS OF MANAGEMENT
Course No. 602 - 3 Semester Units
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT LAW
Course No. 603 - 3 Semester Units
SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
Course No. 605 - 3 Semester Units
MARKETING
Course No. 606 - 3 Semester Units
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL PREPARATION
Course No. 613 - 3 Semester Units
PRICING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
AND SUBCONTRACTS
Course No. 619 - 3 Semester Units
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Course No. 625 - 3 Semester Units
MANAGING PROJECTS
Course No. 627 - 3 Semester Units
MASTERING IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Course No. 628 - 3 Semester Units
TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Course No. 629 - 3 Semester Units
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Course No. 631 - 3 Semester Units
CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT FOR PROJECT MANAGERS AND
TECHNICAL PERSONNEL
Course No. 632 - 3 Semester Units
NEGOTIATION - PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Course No. 635 - 3 Semester Units
NEGOTIATION FOR PROJECT MANAGERS
Course No. 636 - 3 Semester Units
EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Course No. 647 - 3 Semester Units
SOURCE SELECTION AND CONTRACT AWARD
Course No. 651 - 3 Semester Units
BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
Course No. 653 - 3 Semester Units
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AND CONTROL
Course No. 657 - 3 Semester Units
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Course No. 659 - 3 Semester Units
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Course No. 661 - 3 Semester Units
MANAGEMENT ECONOMICS
Course No. 663 - 3 Semester Units
BUILDING AND LEADING PROJECT TEAMS
Course No. 671- 3 Semester Units
RISK ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Course No. 679 - 3 Semester Units
PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Course No. 687 - 3 Semester Units
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Course No. 695 - 3 Semester Units
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING
Course No. 601 - 3 Semester Units
This course is the most complete, thoroughly documented course in Government
contracts available to prime contractors, subcontractors, and Government
agencies. It covers in one accelerated pro-gram all aspects of Government
contracts and subcontracts and related management problems. The material is
covered in-depth from both the seller's and buyer's viewpoint and is completely
current. The course is based on the philosophy that everyone in responsible
positions in the Government contract industry must have an appreciation of the
entire process to properly perform their functions even though they may be
responsible for only a part of the total.
Since the course covers the marketing, financial, legal, administrative, and
management aspects of Government contracting, any person connected with any
area of Government contracts can benefit from attendance.
The course is in accord with all current regulations, directives and practices.
In addition to the stan-dard acquisition procedures applicable to prime
contractors, subcontractors and Government agencies, it covers the unique
practices of the Department of Defense and each of the Federal civil agencies.
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Contract
Procedures
Laws and Regulations Governing Procurement
Electronic Commerce
Contract Law
Performance-Based Contracting
Contracting By Sealed Bidding
Two-Step Sealed Bidding
Contracting By Negotiation
Statements of Work/Objectives
Request for Proposals
Source Selection
Government Marketing
Proposal Preparation
Pricing Techniques
Estimating
Profit and Fee |
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Cost
or Pricing Data Requirements
Analysis of Cost Principles
Cost Accounting Standards
Types of Contracts
GSA Schedule Contracts
Negotiation
Terms and Conditions
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
Disputes, Appeals and Protests
Project Management
Contract Administration
Interpretation of Specifications
Changes
Subcontracts
Termination for Default
Termination for Convenience |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Federal Government Contracting," American Graduate University Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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ESSENTIALS OF MANAGEMENT
Course No. 602 - 3 Semester Units
Because business organizations are being challenged more than ever before to
develop new re-sources and markets in a global economy, a demand for a new kind
of manager has come to the forefront. Whether a front line supervisor or the
top executive of an enterprise, the functions of a manager are essentially the
same. The manager must be able to make decisions and communicate these
decisions to his organization. In order to do this, they must have the
knowledge and ability to use today's most effective management techniques in a
new and exciting era of technological change.
This course is designed to present the operational theory of management and
furnish a framework of management organization. It is designed around the
management functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and
controlling. The objective of the course is to provide the student with a
well-structured and varied knowledge of management disciplines. The course
covers: Management in a Global Environment - Managing Work and Organizations -
Managing People in Organizations - Managing Production and Operations.
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Managers
and the Evolution of Management
Managers and Their Environments
Managing in a Global Environment
Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Management
Management Decision Making
The Planning Function
Strategic Planning
The Organizing Function
Organization Design
The Controlling Function Motivation |
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Managing
Work Groups
Leading People in Organizations Communication and Negotiation
Human Resource Management
Organization Change, Development,and Innovation
Production and Operations Management
Production and Inventory Planning and Control
Managing Information for Decision Making
Entrepreneurship
Careers in Management |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Management: The New Competitive Landscape," by Thomas S. Bateman &
Scott A. Snell, Sixth Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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GOVERNMENT CONTRACT LAW
Course No. 603 - 3 Semester Units
The course deals comprehensively with the purpose, interpretation,
applicability and legal ramifications of the clauses, statutes, executive
orders, and regulations applicable to Government prime con-tracts and
subcontracts. The major decisions of the Boards of Contract Appeals, the
Comptroller General, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims are examined. The
rights and responsibilities of the Government, prime contractor and
subcontractor are explained. The specific problems of the prime and
subcontractor relationship are covered.
This course is specifically designed to provide information and reference
material for contract managers, subcontract managers, in-house attorneys, and
private counsel who are responsible for the negotiation, analysis and
implementation of the terms and conditions of Government prime contracts and
subcontracts. Its major emphasis is on how to keep out of legal problems, not
what to do after they arise. Therefore, its primary emphasis is on "preventive"
contract law rather than the disputes and appeals process, and other legal
remedies, although these are also adequately covered.
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Government
Contract Law
Basic Principles of Contracting
Acquisition and Contracting Process
Sealed Bidding/Two-Step Sealed Bidding
Contracting By Negotiation
Cost or Pricing Data Requirements
Interpretation of Specifications
Changes and Modifications
Constructive Changes
Equitable Adjustments
Patents
Technical Data
Financing
Taxes, Insurance and Bonds
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Quality
Insurance, Inspection, Guarantees and Warranties
Government Property, Facilities
Special Tooling, Special Test Equipment
Subcontracts
Termination for Default
Liquidated Damages
Termination for Convenience
Disputes Under Government Contracts
Extraordinary Contractual Actions
The Comptroller General and the GAO
The Courts
Buy American Act and International Contracting
Fraud, Waste and Abuse |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Government Contract Law," Defense Acquisition University.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
Course No. 605 - 3 Semester Units
Fifty percent or more of an organization's funds
may be expended in purchases of material and services through purchase orders
and subcontracts. The success of a firm depends greatly on the effective
management of its purchasing and supply management function. In most leading
firms today the purchasing or procurement function has expanded to become
supply management.
This course provides a practical framework for how firms manage the
enterprise-wide functions of purchasing and supply in today's business
environment with an increased focus on supply-chain issues. The course covers
the conduct and management of the purchasing and supply management function -
how that function interacts with the other principal business functions,
including product development, marketing, operations and finance - the conduct
of the acquisition process, including the determination of requirements,
supplier qualification and selection - and the management of supplier relations
and performance.
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Supply
Management Overview
Supply Management: An Organization-Spanning Activity
Supply Management: Implementer of the Firm's Social Responsibilities
Buyer-Supplier Relationships
Cross-Functional Teams
Quality Management
Total Cost of Ownership
E-Commerce
New Product Development
Specifications and Standardization
Procurement of Equipment
Purchasing Services
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Sourcing
Global Supply Management
Pricing
Cost Analysis
Types of Compensation
Negotiation
Relationship and Contract Management
Supplier Development
Ethical and Professional Standards
Legal Considerations
Institutional Supply Management
Government Procurement
Implementing World Class Supply Chain Man-agement |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "World Class Supply Management: The Key to Supply Chain Management," 7th
Edition, by David Brent, Donald W. Dobler, Stephen Starling, McGraw-Hill.
2. Student CD-Rom
3. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans and Assignments.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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MARKETING
Course No. 606 - 3 Semester Units
The marketing function is the keystone of a well
managed company. Strategically, it is concerned with identifying the customer
and the products and services which the customer requires. At the operation
level, marketing management identifies specific customer needs and the types of
products required to fill those needs. This course is designed to develop an
understanding of how to build an integrated marketing effort in view of the
forces affecting marketing activity, the customer, the trade, competition, and
government regulations.
This course covers marketing strategy - marketing information - customer
analysis and buyer behavior - market segmentation - market research - product
development - marketing channels and logistics of distribution - pricing -
direct selling - advertising and promotion - product policy and strategy - and
global marketing. Continual emphasis is placed on shaping these elements into a
complete, integrated, responsive marketing program. The course deals with the
development and implementation of plans, strategies and tactics which will best
serve the organization and the customer in a competitive environment.
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Marketing
Management Overview
Company and Marketing Strategy
Marketing in the Digital Age
The Marketing Environment
Managing Marketing Information
Consumer Markets
Consumer Buyer Behavior
Business Markets
Business Buyer Behavior
Market Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning
Branding Strategies
Product Development and Life Cycle Strategies
Social Responsibility and Marketing Ethics |
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Pricing Approaches
Pricing Strategies
Marketing Channels and Supply Chain Man-agement
Retailing and Wholesaling
Integrated Marketing Communication Strategy
Advertising, Sales and Public Promotions
Personal Selling and Direct Marketing
Competitive Advantage
Competitive Marketing Strategies
Global Marketplace |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Principles of Marketing," by Kolter and Armstrong, Prentice Hall
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans and Assignments.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL PREPARATION
Course No. 613 - 3 Semester Units
The function of a proposal is to sell the
managerial and technical capabilities of the firm to carry out the work
required at a reasonable cost. The importance of proposals in contracting
cannot be over-emphasized. It is the point of sale. It is the primary vehicle
for winning additional business. It is also one of the most difficult
management tasks for many companies since every element of the company is
involved in the development of the technical, management and cost proposal and
in the negotia-tion of the resulting contract.
The course is the most complete, thoroughly documented discussion of proposal
preparation available to the Government prime contractors, subcontractors,
commercial firms, and Government agencies from any source. It provides detailed
step-by-step documented instruction on every aspect of the pre-proposal,
proposal, source selection, and contract process.
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Development
of a Winning Strategy
Relationship of Marketing and
Proposal Preparation
Analysis of the Statement of Work
and the Request for Proposal
Source Selection Procedures
Organization for Proposal Preparation
Proposal Preparation Procedures
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Development
of Key Issues and
Themes
Writing the Proposal
Publication
Proposal Format C Executive
Summaries
The Technical Proposal
The Management Proposal
The Cost Proposal
Proposal Reviews and Follow-Up |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Proposal Preparation," American Graduate University Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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PRICING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AND SUBCONTRACTS
Course No. 619 - 3 Semester Units
The course is designed to provide an
understanding and detailed working knowledge of the principles, tools and
techniques for estimating, cost analysis, pricing and negotiation. Primary
emphasis will be on the application of the tools and techniques in solving
practical problems in the pricing of research, development, production and
service contracts.
It describes the specific problems and techniques applicable to the
development, analysis, negotia-tion and justification of each major element of
cost including: engineering and manufacturing labor - labor rates - material
and subcontracts - other direct costs - forward pricing rates - and profit or
fee. It covers the projection and analysis of cost for both small contracts,
and for large contracts extending over a number of contractor and Government
fiscal years.
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Pricing
Concepts - Distinction Between Costing and Pricing
Estimating Systems
Parametric Pricing
Cost or Pricing Data Requirements
Anatomy of the Cost Proposal
Cost - Price - Should Cost Analysis
Analysis of Engineering Labor
Analysis of Manufacturing Labor
Improvement Curves
Analysis of Labor Rates: Use of Indices
Analysis of Subcontract and Material Costs
Analysis of Other Direct Costs |
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Analysis
of Indirect Costs
Software Pricing
Profit and Fee Analysis
Pricing Services
Effect of Type of Contract on Price
Cost Principles and Cost Accounting Standards
Multiyear Procurement
Changes and Modifications
Spare Parts Pricing
Pricing Data
Termination Claims
Design to Cost/Life Cycle Costs
Documentation Requirements |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Pricing and Financial Management of Government Contracts and Subcontracts,
AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Course No. 625 - 3 Semester Units
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive
knowledge of program/project management. It is based on the program management
procedures used by the United States Government and its prime and
subcontractors. However, the procedures are applicable in whole or in part to
the management of any type or size of research, development, production or
construction project.
This course demonstrates how business and technical management systems are
integrated into a total management system. It is designed to improve the
performance of program/project managers in their present areas of
responsibility and to prepare them for increased responsibilities in the
future. The course is both concept and content oriented. It covers both the
theory and practice of program/project management. It explains what to do, how
to do it, and why you do it. It provides instruc-tion in all aspects of program
management, including training in the specific functions and tools of the
program manager.
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The Management Process
Principles of Program Management
Program Authority
Program Organization
Government Acquisition Management Procedures
The Statement of Work
Request for Proposal
Source Selection
Marketing
Proposal Preparation
Planning the Project
Work Breakdown Structures - Work Packages - Control Accounts
Schedule Planning
Financial Planning
Work Authorization Process
Earned Value Management
Program Administration
Engineering Management |
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System Engineering
Software Management and Integration
Technical Performance Measurement
Interface Management and System Integration
Configuration Management
Data Management
Reliability
Maintainability
Integrated Logistics Support
Human Factors Engineering
System Safety
Test and Evaluation
Quality Assurance, Warranties
Production Management
Subcontract Management
Negotiation
Program Changes and Revisions Contract Law for Program Managers |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Program Manager's Handbook," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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MANAGING PROJECTS
Course No. 627 - 3 Semester Units
Project management is the process whereby a
single manager/leader is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating,
directing, monitoring, motivating and controlling the efforts of all
functional, staff and project groups in accomplishing the project's objectives.
Project management is one of the most complex, demanding management concepts in
existence.
The course described below is designed to provide a comprehensive knowledge of
project management. It includes in-depth coverage on the various types of
project management organization and all of the detailed business and technical
management procedures necessary to plan, organize, staff, direct and control
any size project in the areas of research, development, production,
shipbuilding, services and construction. It is supported by extensive reference
material from both Government and industry sources.
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Project
Management Principles
Roles and Responsibilities
Project Authority
Project Organizations
Defining Project Scope
Planning the Project
Work Organization
Work Breakdown Structures
Schedule Planning/Control
Financial Planning/Control |
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Work
Authorization Process
Project Integration
Project Control Systems
Project Execution
Technical Management
Quality Management
Changes and Revisions
Project Leadership and Management
Human Relations
Negotiation |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Project Manager's Handbook," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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MASTERING IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Course No. 628 - 3 Semester Units
The success of many organizations depends on
their ability to manage their information technology (IT) projects. Leading and
managing IT projects requires disciplined approaches that utilize standard
project management techniques combined with the unique procedures associated
with IT projects.
This course covers all the important aspects of managing IT projects - project
initiation - requirements determination - organizing, planning and controlling
- risk management - technical management - leadership in an IT environment -
project closeout. It is based on over 30 years of developing and presenting
courses in project management. The course incorporates the lessons learned from
successful and not so successful projects. The course provides a roadmap for
completing IT projects to meet performance specifications on time, within
budget, and to the satisfaction of the customer.
Case studies and exercises facilitated by an experienced instructor provide a
solid foundation in both the principles and practical applications of IT
project management. Participants learn techniques that can be immediately
applied in improving their project management processes and outcomes. In
addition, this course can help in the preparation for the Project Management
Institute's Project Manage-ment Professional (PMP) examination and CompTIA's IT
Project+ Certification.
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Project
Management Overview
Information Technology Projects
Project Initiation and Definition
Requirements Determination and Management
Organizing an IT Project
Leadership, Management and Communication
Planning the IT Project
Defining, Organizing and Assigning Work |
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Scheduling
and Re-sourcing the Project
Project Financial Management
Risk Management
Project Execution and Control
Project Technical Management
Contracting and Procurement
Unique Aspects of IT Projects
Project Closeout |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Information Technology Project Management, 3rd Edition, by Kathy Schwalbe.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans including Exercises and Cases.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Course No. 629 - 3 Semester Units
This course is designed to provide a
comprehensive knowledge of technical project management. It is a fully
integrated program concerning all aspects of technical program planning and
control including: engineering management, system engineering, software
management, production management, integrated logistics support, and project
control. It is based on technical management procedures used by the United
States Government and its prime and subcontractors. However, the procedures are
applicable in whole, or in part, to the technical management of any type or
size of research, development, production or engineered construction project.
Its purpose is to provide a flexible integrated technical project management
system which can be scaled to each application, both Government and commercial,
and at the same time comply with specific program requirements.
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Product
Development
Technical Management
Project Organization
System Engineering
Integrated Product Development/ Concurrent Engineering
The Engineering Process
Trade-Off Studies
Risk Analysis and Assessment
Technical Performance Planning and Measurement
Design Engineering
Software Development and Integration
Selection, Tailoring and Application of Specifications |
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Standardization/Parts
Control
Technical Reviews and Audits
Configuration Management
Data Management
Reliability
Maintainability
Integrated Logistics Support
System Safety
Production Management
Quality Management
Test and Evaluation
Human Factors Engineering
Personnel and Training
Changes and Revisions
Design to Cost/Life Cycle Cost
Project Control |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Technical Program Management," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Course No. 631 - 3 Semester Units
This course covers the organization, management
techniques and areas of application of the con-tract management/contract
administration function. It is designed to provide the student with the
knowledge and the skills essential to effective business relations between
buyer and seller. It provides a comprehensive approach to the interrelationship
between contract management, the various functional disciplines and project
management. Contract management and administration requires an in-depth
knowledge of contract regulations and the ability to use that knowledge and
avoid problems during contract performance and to solve them if they occur. The
course stresses the positive management contribution that contract management
skills can make to the organization. The purpose of this course is: (1) to
provide a broad appreciation of all contract functions and a thorough
understanding of the contract manager's authority and responsibilities; (2) to
provide familiarization with the management problems associated with various
types of contracts; and (3) to provide training in the various types of skills
needed for the anticipation, identification and solution of contract problems,
together with the use of effective communication and documentation techniques.
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Contract
Administration Overview
Contract Procedures
Organization for Contract Administration
Basic Principles of Government Contract Law
Sources of Information
Pre-Proposal and Proposal Effort
Proposal/Contract Negotiations
Cost or Pricing Data
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
Types of Contracts
Contract Review and Execution
Control of Contractor/Customer Interface
Correspondence, Documentation, Files and Records
Work Authorization/Release
Contract Funding, Financing and Payment
Role of the Government
Responsibilities and Interrelation- ships Between the Procuring Contracting
Officer, Auditor and Contract Administrator |
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Relationship
between Contracts Administration and Project Management
Interface with Other Functions
Earned Value Management
Contract Financial, Progress and Production Reporting
Priorities and Allocations
Control of Government Property Control of Subcontracts
Contract Preparation and Inter- pretation
Changes and Modifications
Constructive Changes
Limitations on Constructive Changes
Government Delays
Control of Changes
Disputes, Appeals and Claims
Termination for Convenience
Termination for Default
Contract Closeout |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. Federal Acquisition and Contract Management, by Emmett E. Hearn.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT FOR PROJECT
MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL
Course No. 632 - 3 Semester Units
This course is designed to explain the
contracting process to program/project managers, engineer-ing, technical and
other functional personnel, and their roles and responsibilities in this
process. It is intended to acquaint people who are carrying out the day-to-day
contract work with proven methods for meeting quality, cost and schedule
requirements in the complex world of contracting and subcontracting.
The course provides: (1) a broad appreciation of the contracting process; (2)
familiarization with the management problems associated with various types of
contracts; (3) an update on new and revised laws and regulations and management
procedures; and (4) training in the various types of skills needed for the
anticipation, identification and solution of contract problems, together with
the use of effective communication and documentation techniques. The course
curriculum is covered in-depth from both the customer's and contractor's
viewpoint.
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The Contracting Process
Laws and Regulations
Methods of Contracting
Types of Contracts
Statements of Work
Requests for Proposals
Proposal Preparation
Estimating and Pricing
Technical/Cost Analysis of Proposals
Source Selection
The Contract Instrument |
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Terms and Conditions
Relationship between Project Management and Other Organizations
Contract Planning and Control
Subcontracting
Contract Changes
Intellectual Property
Inspection and Acceptance
Terminations
Legal Remedies |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Contracting and Procurement," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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NEGOTIATION - PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Course No. 635 - 3 Semester Units
Negotiation takes place when two or more parties,
each with their own objectives, seek to reach a mutually satisfying agreement.
Negotiation is not the process of giving in or mutual sacrifice in order to
secure an agreement. It is a process used to find a formula which will maximize
the interest of all parties to the negotiation. Negotiation takes place in all
phases of business. The contracting and purchasing process requires knowledge
of when and how to negotiate statements of work, costs, price, and terms and
conditions. Negotiation is of major importance in project/program management
since it is one of the main tools of customers, project managers, team leaders
and functional managers in planning and controlling the project. Negotiation is
used in almost every day-to-day business activity and is vital to the
successful completion of any business arrangement.
This course offers a complete approach to the development of the knowledge,
attitude and skill required for success in negotiation. The emphasis is on the
entire negotiation process, not just on a series of unrelated negotiation
tactics. It provides both experienced and inexperienced negotiators with a
complete conceptual framework for negotiation so that new experiences are added
to and complement previous ones. It also provides a basis for transferring
acquired skills and experience to others. The course consists of two basic
segments. The first part of the course is primarily a presen-tation of the
principles and practices of negotiation. The second part of the course consists
of nego-tiation practice based on realistic business situations.
| COURSE OUTLINE |
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Introduction
- Why Negotiate
Human Values and Negotiation
Verbal Communication Techniques
Non-Verbal Communication
Physical Means of Communication
Personal Qualifications of a Negotiator
Negotiation Team
What to Negotiate |
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Preparation for Negotiation
Honesty in Negotiation
Bargaining Position
Negotiation Procedures
Strategy and Tactics
Techniques of Negotiation
Fact Finding
Negotiation
Bargaining
Documentation |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Negotiation B Principles and Practices," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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NEGOTIATION FOR PROJECT MANAGERS
Course No. 636 - 3 Semester Units
Project managers exercise their negotiation
skills every day. They negotiate with functional and other project managers
within their own organization over time, scope, budget, schedules and change
orders. Outside the organization they negotiate with customers, vendors,
suppliers and subcontractors. Project managers negotiate during every phase of
a project from the start-up, during performance, and right through the
close-out. Large and even small organizations may have several projects being
conducted at once. The project manager must know how to effectively negotiate
in order to ensure that his/her project meets its deadlines and stays within
its budget.
This course provides the project manager the skills required to: negotiate
schedules, change orders, estimates and contracts; resolve conflict; negotiate
multiparty agreements; and build better teams. Initially, strategizing in
negotiation is explored and the key role that planning and preparation play in
a negotiation is emphasized. The dynamics of communication in negotiation are
explored with special attention to the role of power and ethics. The impact of
the broader social context on the negotiation process is discussed.
The dynamics of negotiation that involves teams and groups is highlighted.
Factors central to all negotiations as well as factors and dimensions strongly
shaped by national and cultural style are also presented. Quite often
negotiation strategies and tactics do not work the way they are intended to.
Conflict resolution tactics are discussed which negotiators can use to help put
derailed negotiations on track and keep a conflict from becoming increasingly
destructive. Finally, the use of third parties to resolve breakdowns in
negotiations is explored.
| COURSE OUTLINE |
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The
Nature of Negotiation
Negotiation: Framing, Strategizing, and Planning
Strategy and Tactics of Distributive Bargaining
Strategy and Tactics of Integrative Negotiation
Communication, Perception, and Cognitive Biases
Finding and Using Negotiation Leverage |
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Ethics in Negotiation
The Social Context of Negotiation
Multiparty Negotiations: Coalitions and Groups
Individual Differences
Global Negotiation
Managing Difficult Negotiations: Individual Approaches
Managing Difficult Negotiations: Third-Party Approaches |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Negotiation," Third Edition, by Roy J. Lewicki, David M. Saunders, and John
W. Minton, McGraw-Hill Irwin.
2. ANegotiation B Readings, Exercises, and Cases, Fourth Edition, by Roy J.
Lewicki, David M. Saunders, John W. Minton, and Bruce Barry, McGraw-Hill Irwin.
3. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Course No. 647 - 3 Semester Units
The purpose of this course is to provide a
step-by-step explanation of how to integrate cost, schedule, technical planning
and control into a total management system for achieving program/project
objectives. The course relates these planning and control procedures to the
developing philosophy of concurrent engineering and integrated product
development.
Management must have an effective system for comparing the actual work being
accomplished with the planned increments of work, regardless of the time period
in which the work is performed and regardless of whether there is a formal
customer requirement. This information is necessary in any size project in
order to appraise performance against plan and to seek to identify problem
areas early enough to examine a number of alternatives other than simply
finding additional funding, slipping the delivery schedule or reducing
technical performance. This information is also necessary to appraise the
impact of proposed changes.
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Introduction to Performance Management Systems
Planning the Program/Project
Work Breakdown Structures
Work Packages
Control Accounts
Work Teams
Schedule Planning and Control
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Integrating Technical Performance Measurement |
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Forming a Baseline
Work Authorization
Measuring Accomplishment
Use of Metrics
Accounting
Analysis of Variances
Estimates at Completion
Changes and Revisions
Baseline Management
Report Requirements
Implementing Performance Measurement Systems |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Subcontract Management," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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SOURCE SELECTION AND CONTRACT AWARD
Course No. 651 - 3 Semester Units
Acquisition Reform and Streamlining is making
far-reaching changes in the way the government and industry conduct business.
There are many new factors to consider in contracting by negotiation, source
selection and contract pricing. These include: (1) performance-based
contracting; (2) the use of statements of objectives and contractor-developed
statements of work; (3) the use of oral proposals; (4) more flexible source
selection approaches for the government; (5) past performance evalua-tion; and
(6) far more emphasis on risk identification and mitigation.
The source selection and contract award process, from the development of a
requirement to the issuance of a contract to the best source to fulfill that
requirement, is both complex and demanding. Successful contract performance is
predicated upon sound procedures. However, these procedures are often not well
understood by the participants, both buyers and sellers. This is a completely
integrated, well documented course covering the rationale, methods and
techniques involved from the development of requirements to final source
selection, negotiation and contract award.
This course includes exercises and case examples on statements of objectives,
performance requirements and specifications, statements of work, evaluation
factors and weights, past performance, risk analysis, cost realism and the use
of best value discriminators in making a selection decision.
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Overview
of the Process
Development of Requirements
Acquisition Strategy and Planning
The Statement of Objectives
Writing and Responding to the Statement of Work
Using Specifications and Standards
Requests for Proposals
Source Selection Process
Organizing for Source Selection |
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Developing
Evaluation Factors and Sub-factors
Written vs. Oral Proposals
The Evaluation Process
Technical/Business Evaluations
Past Performance Evaluation
Cost to the Customer Determination
The Selection Process
Contract Delineation
Debriefings and Protests |
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COURSE MATERIALS
1. "Source Selection and Contract Award," AGU Press.
2. Study Guide with Detailed Lesson Plans.
Instructional Mode - Distance Education |
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BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
Course No. 653 - 3 Semester Units
This course is designed to provide a working
knowledge of research methods and analytical techniques as they are used in
business and government as tools for implementing a systematic approach to
planning policies, programs and projects. It combines in one course the study
of research methodology, the planning and design of research, and the
management science tools that are used and the nature of decisions to which the
research and analysis contribute. Modern decision theory which treats
managerial problem solving as the selection of the best solution from a set of
alternatives is emphasized. The course is not concerned with abstract
statistical concepts but, rather, with the applicable techniques and their use
in solving practical business problems.
In addition to providing a working knowledge of research methods and design,
the course includes a brief, but thorough description of forty (40) tools of
analysis with a description of the technique and its application. None of the
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