MSC 510 Process Improvement
Focuses on the practical aspects of process improvement for immediate and long-range efffectiveness. Students examine metrics that can be used to measure business processes and identify ways that processes can be changed, either gradually or radically, using business-process engineering techniques. The impact of resulting change on human and technical systems is addressed. (3)
MSC 516 Operations Management
Examines the management of business operations, the tools and techniques used by operations managers in manufacturing and service industries, the interaction of production functions, and the synthesis of concepts and techniques relating to and enhancing the management of production systems and the provision of services. Prerequisite: MBA 514 or equivalent. (3)
MSC 545 Project Management
Combines quantitative tools, concepts, and methods with behavioral science techniques to enable managers to plan, initiate, organize, lead, and manage projects within matrix and project organizations, and under time pressure, rapid change conditions, and other conditions of rush. (3)
MSC 550 Procurement and Contracting
Examines the principles and concepts of the acquisition process from government and commercial perspectives. Focuses on the procurement process, including planning, source selection, solicitation writing, negotiations and oral discussions, contract preparation, and contract administration. Emphasizes the unique aspects of federal procurement policy, such as open competition, and compares it with state and local government purchasing and with the private sector. (3)
MSC 555 Program Management
Examines knowledge, strategies, and techniques needed to manage various kinds of projects, including software development and e-business projects. Strategies for improving quality and developing a project management culture within an organization are discussed, with focus on the Project Management Maturity Model. This course makes extensive use of case studies. Prerequisite: MSC 545. (3)
MSC 585 Global Operations Strategy
Introduces the students to the different concepts and global issues of operations strategy. Focuses on how manufacturing and operations can be global competitive weapons. The course addresses topics such as how American managers respond to global competition through superior quality, productivity, and new product and process development; and how operations strategy can be modified as environmental or competitive conditions change. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: MSC 516 or permission of department chair. (3)