Master of Acquisition Management
PURPOSE
OF THE PROGRAM
The practice of business management
in the acquisition field is a unique, highly sophisticated
profession. Management practices and procedures in
this field not only encompass mastery of the normal
functions of an organization, e.g., product and service
development, financial management, law, technical
and operations management, program management, contracting,
and general management, but also the regulatory requirements
and the management techniques unique to the Government
acquisition, contracting and program management
processes. These requirements and techniques
interrelate with normal business management procedures
resulting in an evolutionary business management
process, far different from, and in many areas more
sophisticated than, normal commercial management.
The
broad area of Government acquisition, contracting
and program management has achieved recognition as
an educational and management discipline for which
there are established rationale and needs. However,
there are generally few professional degree or certificate
programs provided by traditional post-secondary schools.
The purpose of the MAM program is to encourage the students to
improve their present work capabilities, and to prepare themselves for
increasing acquisition management responsibilities, by the development of an
intensive knowledge of their chosen discipline on a broad base of information
on the management theories, procedures, practices, techniques and skills
associated with business operations. However, rather than learning these in
unrelated units of information, the general knowledge, techniques and skills
associated with specific areas of acquisition management in the Government
environment are integrated into a complete body of knowledge. This provides the
student with a more meaningful educational experience by taking advantage of
the co-curricular effects of his or her daily work experience, and at the same
time, provides that student with multiple career choices in the field of
acquisition and contracting with the Federal Government.
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GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
The goals of the program are to achieve:
-
a broadness of view
-
a professional approach to acquisition management
-
an expanded knowledge of the several management functions, particularly those
policies, practices and procedures directly related to managing contracts and
programs in the Federal Government
-
a sensitivity to the modern Government acquisition environment
-
a facility for using analytical skill in the solution of problems
-
career advancement in terms of increased status, salary increases, and
promotions
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Acquisition Management program is organized
into a block of five general management courses
and a block of seven acquisition courses totaling
36 semester units. The management courses are designed
to provide the student with an overall framework
of business knowledge. They stress the basic principles,
concepts, and practices associated with the overall
management of any business. The acquisition courses
provide the student with a detailed working knowledge
in the areas of law and regulations, source selection
and contract award, finance and pricing, negotiation,
program, technical and production management, contract
management and subcontract and purchasing management.
The student must successfully
complete each course and then pass a program comprehensive
examination or complete an approved project.
The
courses may all be taken through distance education. Please
see AGU's website at http://www.agu.edu for
course fees.
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