certificate in project management

Certificate in Project Management

PROGRAM HANDBOOK Developed by

Continuing Studies and Executive Education, Sauder School of Businessin collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Science

www.tech.ubc.ca/project

Contact Information

UBC Certificate in Project Management

UBC Continuing Studies

Division of Applied Technology

UBC Robson Square

800 Robson Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6Z 3B7

UBC Sauder School of Business

Executive Education

UBC Robson Square

800 Robson Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6Z 3B7

Registration and Student Services

Tel: 604-822-1420

Fax: 604-822-1499

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.tech.ubc.ca/project

UBC Certificate in Project Management (July 2005) ii

This program handbook is current as of July 15, 2005. Note that future editions of this program handbook may contain changes to program requirements and policies that supersede those outlined in this book, except where participants are notified otherwise. Copyright 2005 The University of British Columbia All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

Contents

Contact Information .......................................................................................................... ii Program Overview.............................................................................................................1

Program History ........................................................................................................................1 Program Approach .....................................................................................................................2 Who Should Take This Program ...................................................................................................2 Program Benefits .......................................................................................................................2 Program Format ........................................................................................................................3

Curriculum.........................................................................................................................4 Project Management Knowledge Areas .........................................................................................5

Program and Admission Information .................................................................................7 Program Completion Requirements ..............................................................................................7 Assessment Methods..................................................................................................................8 Graduation Criteria ....................................................................................................................8 Admission Information ...............................................................................................................8 Application Process ....................................................................................................................9 Program Fees .......................................................................................................................... 10 Program Policies ...................................................................................................................... 11

Administration ................................................................................................................. 14 Instructors.............................................................................................................................. 15 Program Advisory Committee .................................................................................................... 15 Certificate in Project Management Administration ........................................................................ 16

Application Form.............................................................................................................. 17

UBC Certificate in Project Management (July 2005) iii

Program Overview

Increasingly, today’s leading companies need project management specialists capable of

delivering mission-critical work on time and on budget. A solid understanding of sound project

management techniques and processes and the confidence to apply them appropriately are

essential to project success.

UBC’s Certificate in Project Management is tailored to address the learning needs of experienced

project managers facing new challenges and novice managers leading their first project. The

curriculum is focused on providing participants with the knowledge and skills they need to excel

as project managers and is compatible with the project management industry standard set by the

Project Management Institute (PMI).

The UBC Certificate in Project Management is delivered in three different versions, part-time, full-

time intensive or 100% online. This allows participants to choose a program best suited to their

learning needs. All three versions offer a well-rounded educational experience using an

interactive combination of lectures, readings, small-group work, discussions and group projects.

Program History The UBC Certificate in Project Management was developed in response to an identified need

among aspiring project managers and experienced project managers who want to develop and

enhance new skills. It offers a formal education program with opportunities to apply lessons

learned in practical situations.

The program was developed in collaboration with individual professionals in the project

management field including self-employed consultants and project managers working in large and

small organizations. The intent was to fill a niche that was not being served by any other project

management program.

UBC Certificate in Project Management (July 2005) 1

Program Approach The program reflects the reality faced by today’s project managers by tying concepts and

practices from every aspect of the project management process together.

Each program whether full-time, part-time or 100% online will provide you with a core curriculum

of modules that mirror real-world projects. Different emphases are provided in each program

from focusing on the importance of working within teams to applying specialized concepts and

ideas to real workplace situations.

The programs are designed so that as each module is completed, a foundation is established upon

which each subsequent module will build. This progression ensures that participants emerge with

the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are critical in today’s workplace. As participants

move through the various modules of the program, they develop a greater understanding of the

full breadth of project management.

Who Should Take This Program The program is designed for aspiring and experienced project managers, as well as project team

leaders and team members wanting to expand their professional competencies to include the

knowledge and skills that allow them to plan, participate and/or execute projects. The program is

relevant to those working in most industries including the high-tech, corporate, education,

government and small business sectors.

Program participants must have, at minimum, a high school diploma, three years of work

experience or a combination of relevant work experience and education, and fluency in the

English language before entering the program. While work experience is not strictly interpreted as

project management experience, some experience in this area is encouraged.

Program Benefits The UBC Certificate in Project Management offers unique advantages to participants who want to

strengthen existing competencies and add new tools and techniques to their skill-set in order to

enhance their professional expertise and provide value to companies and clients. The program

can help you:

fast-forward your career with state-of-the-art project management skills and techniques

become a project management expert within your industry, ensuring timely and cost-

effective completion of critical projects

transition from project specialist to a leader of high-functioning project teams

enhance your performance and ability to contribute to the company’s bottom-line results.


Program Format

The following outline provides a comparison of the three program delivery versions available for

completing the UBC Certificate in Project Management.

Option 1 Part-Time Program

Option 2 Full-time Intensive

Program

Option 3 100% Online Program

Format &

Curriculum

Created for those with

full-time job

responsibilities, the

program is delivered in a

part-time classroom

format. The curriculum

consists of a core program

of face-to-face sessions

with assignment / team

project work completed

outside of class.

Participants complete the

core program as a group,

and then select

specialization courses that

meet their personal

interests & needs.

Created for those who

have the opportunity to

study full-time, the

program is delivered over

17 weeks in face-to-face

seminar and computer lab

environments with

assignment / team project

work completed in class.

The curriculum consists of

knowledge areas focused

on PMI standards, a

structured experience

learning in teams as well

as obtaining a proficiency

in MS Project.

Created for those who

want a flexible learning

environment, the

curriculum is delivered in

four 100% online courses

focused on PMI standards.

Courses include: Project

Management

Fundamentals,

Managing Project

Schedules and Budgets,

Project Risk Management

and Project Leadership

Skills. The online program

includes individual and

group assignments.

Curriculum

Focused on PMI

Standards

Yes Yes Yes

Duration of

Program

Program requirements

must be completed within

two years.

Program requirements are

completed in

approximately 17 weeks.

Program requirements

must be completed within

two years.

Visit www.tech.ubc.ca/project for current schedules, application deadlines, and more details on

the three versions of the program.

Curriculum is subject to change.


http://www.tech.ubc.ca/project

Curriculum

The UBC Certificate in Project Management is based on the Project Management Institute (PMI)

Body of Knowledge. The programs offer an in-depth understanding of project management and

assists participants to develop practical skills by learning leading-edge practices and tools.

Participants are encouraged to refer to the Project Management web site at

www.tech.ubc.ca/project for current program times, dates, descriptions and where applicable,

locations.

The curriculum that comprise the certificate program will change over time to reflect the needs of

participants, developments in the profession and the availability of UBC resources.


Project Management Knowledge Areas Following is a list and description of the project management knowledge areas covered in each

certificate program:

Project Management Context and Processes

Scope and Deliverables

Project Planning and Scheduling

Change and Transition Management

Strategies for Risk Management

Effective Communication

Effective Human Resource Management in Project Environments

Cost Management

Selection and Procurement

Quality Management

Project Management Context, Processes and Integration

Explore project management methodologies, project life cycles, phases and alternative work-

breakdown structures. Participants also examine processes repeated throughout a project life

cycle, plan development, project execution and continuous change control.

Scope and Deliverables

Learn how effective scope and deliverables management contributes to the success of the project.

Topics include methods for prioritizing and selecting projects, defining scope, preparing a project

charter and using a work breakdown structure (WBS) to break scope into concrete, distinct and

measurable deliverables. Learn how to verify scope against business needs and how to manage

the inevitable changes that occur.

Project Planning and Scheduling

Planning and scheduling issues can lead to conflict throughout the project life cycle.

This module deals with the fundamentals of project planning and scheduling and provides

participants with practices and techniques they can use to ensure their plans are practical,

feasible and acceptable to all stakeholders.

Change and Transition Management

Participants learn to assess an organization’s readiness for change, gain and commitment,

identify the impacts of change, identify and manage resistance, and use corporate strengths to

manage change. Business process redesign, continuous improvement, and preparing a change

and transition management plan will also be covered.


Strategies for Risk Management

Risk management includes anticipating what can go wrong, assessing the probability of the risk

occurring, developing mitigation strategies to avoid or minimize the risk, and implementing and

communicating a risk management plan to clients and management. Participants explore best

practices in innovative risk reduction from various industries.

Effective Communication

Effective Communication highlights key aspects of project communication, including

communication planning, information distribution, performance reporting and administrative

closure. Participants learn about the dynamics of interpersonal communication, barriers to

successful communication, and remedial actions, and develop practical techniques to improve

communications among project stakeholders.

Effective Human Resource Management in Project Environments

To survive in a project environment, project managers must be able to organize, communicate,

motivate, negotiate, manage conflict and lead effectively. Participants learn proven team building,

motivational and conflict resolution techniques to help them realize the most from their human

resources.

Cost Management

Preparing realistic project budgets and systematically managing cost is vital to project success.

This module deals with the fundamentals of resource planning, cost estimating, cost management

and control, and provides participants with effective tools to ensure the project is completed

within budget.

Selection and Procurement

A significant element of project management involves the management of contracts with third

party vendors and service providers. Participants will develop a step-by-step checklist for

successful procurement management, and will explore the cultural issues of integrated

“insourced” and “outsourced” teams.

Quality Management

Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction is a critical outcome for any project. This module

steps through the processes required to ensure the project satisfies the needs for which it was

undertaken. Project Quality Management includes creating a quality policy, objectives,

responsibilities and an implementation plan that addresses quality assurance, quality control, and

quality improvement processes.


Program and Admission Information

Program Completion Requirements Once admitted into the UBC Certificate in Project Management, participants must complete all

requirements for graduation within the specified program duration timeframe.

The most current information on program requirements is available on the

www.tech.ubc.ca/project web site.


Assessment Methods Program participants are assessed according to University assessment guidelines to ensure

successful acquisition of skills and concepts. Assessment is based on attendance and

participation, assignments, presentations and projects if applicable.

Graduation Criteria To be granted the UBC Certificate in Project Management, participants must successfully complete

the required course of study and receive either a “pass” or, in courses that are numerically

graded, no less than 60%.

In a typical educational program, students are obligated to make up for incomplete or failed

assignments and courses by retaking courses on their own time at their own expense. Because of

the cohort nature of the part-time and full-time intensive programs, this is not always practical or

possible. As such, in the case of incomplete or failed assignments and courses, individual

accommodations may be made by the Program Leader for a make-up assignment, project, exam

or course. However, in keeping with standard academic practice, students will be required to

cover expenses for any additional coursework, supervision or assessment involved.

The UBC grading scale:

90 – 100% A+

85 – 89% A

80 – 84% A-

76 – 79% B+

72 – 75% B

68 – 71% B-

64 – 67% C+

60 – 63% C (60% is the minimum passing grade)

Below 60% F

Admission Information A limited number of applicants are admitted to the UBC Certificate in Project Management.

Information on application forms and supporting documents should be as thorough as possible so

that the admissions committee will have sufficient information on each candidate to base their

decision. Meeting minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the program.


Application Process The UBC Certificate in Project Management has a formal admissions procedure to ensure quality

education and student support services. The admissions process also helps to ensure that the

needs, intentions, and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program’s

objectives and capabilities.

The application process has been streamlined. To apply:

choose a mode of study to suit your learning needs

(part-time, full-time intensive or 100% online)

choose a program start date

complete the online application form

submit the supporting documents for evaluation

upon acceptance, submit required fees

Session Start Dates

Program start dates and admission deadlines are provided online at www.tech.ubc.ca/project

Application Form

Complete the online application form, which is available at www.tech.ubc.ca/project. Attach

supporting documents, if possible.

Supporting Documents

In addition to the application form, you should also provide the following documents to support

your application:

a one-page letter of intent that specifies your goals and objectives for taking the program

a résumé or curriculum vitae documenting your educational achievements and relevant

work or volunteer experience.

Evaluation of Applications

An admissions committee reviews all applications. Individuals are advised in writing whether they

have been accepted into the program.


Program Fees Participants should be aware that in some cases textbooks and materials related to courses may

constitute an additional cost to the fees outlined below.

Option 1 Part-Time Program

Option 2 Full-time Intensive

Program

Option 3 100% Online Program

Program Fees The registration fee for the

core part-time program is

$5,500 CAD, payable in

two installments.

The fee for the

specialization ranges from

$2,500-$4,000 depending

on the specialization and

courses selected.

The total registration fee

for the full-time intensive

program is $8750.00 CAD,

payable in two

installments.

The total registration fee

for 100% online program

is $8,000 CAD ($2,000.00

CAD for each course). A

one-time fee of $175 is

also required to cover

program administration

costs.

Payment

Options

Core Program: A non-

refundable deposit of

$1,000 is due upon

acceptance into the

program, and the balance

of $4,500 is due one week

prior to the start of the

core program.

Specialization: fees in the

specialization component

are paid on a course-by-

course basis.

Visit:


for more details on the

current schedule and

individual course costs.

A non-refundable deposit

of $2,000 is due upon

acceptance into the

program, and the balance

of $6,750 is due one week

prior to the start of the

program.

Student loans are available

(to a maximum of $5,440

for students without

dependants, and up to

$8,160 for students with

dependants).

See

www.tech.ubc.ca/funding

for details.

The $175 administration

fee is payable upon

acceptance into the

program.

All other course fees are

paid on a course-by-course

basis.

Visit:


for more details on the

current schedule and

individual course costs.

Fees are subject to change.



http://www.tech.ubc.ca/funding


Program Policies The policies in this section apply to participants enrolled in the UBC Certificate in Project

Management.

Changes to Curriculum

The courses that comprise the UBC Certificate in Project Management will change over time to

reflect the needs of participants, developments in the field of project management, and the

availability and best use of UBC resources.

As certificate programs evolve, the following guidelines apply to minor changes:

as the curriculum changes over time, participants are expected to complete the overall

requirements that were mandatory at the date of their acceptance into the program

participants who have completed courses that are subsequently removed from the

program curriculum will receive credit for those courses.

In the event of a major program change, participants will be notified of options for completing

under old or new program requirements.

Extensions

Under exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted. To apply for an extension,

complete and submit a Program Extension Record form online at:

www.tech.ubc.ca/forms/index.html

Limited Enrolment

A limited number of applicants are admitted to the UBC Certificate in Project Management. This

number can vary depending on the availability of instructors and teaching facilities. Meeting

minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the program.

Availability of Courses

Delivery format choices and course locations are reviewed regularly to respond to participants’

needs, changing technologies and availability of facilities.

Prior Learning Assessment/Advanced Standing

We are unable to accommodate requests for prior learning assessment, course substitution or

advanced standing.


Academic Conduct

UBC Continuing Studies takes academic misconduct in the form of cheating and plagiarism

seriously and such activities are not tolerated. Students found cheating or plagiarizing will meet

stiff penalties which may include dismissal from the program or course with a failing grade with

no refund of tuition fees. For additional information about cheating and plagiarism policies,

please read UBC Policy #85 Scholarly Activity located at

www.universitycounsel.ubc.ca/policies/policy85.pdf

Professional and Ethical Conduct

The special nature of our programs obligates UBC Continuing Studies to foster a learning

environment that respects the diversity of individuals, but also applies standards and ethics in

keeping with a professional, adult workplace. Our goal is to make programs a positive learning

experience. Therefore students in our programs are expected to conduct themselves in

accordance with professional standards of behaviour, respect and scholarly integrity. The ability

to work respectfully in a team environment and specifically with other students, instructors and

staff is essential and will be assessed in one or more aspects of the program.

In addition, the Senate of the University may require a student to withdraw from the University at

any time for unsatisfactory conduct, for failure to abide by regulations, for unsatisfactory progress

in a program of studies or training, or for any other reason which is deemed to show that

withdrawal is in the interests of the student and/or the University. In such cases there will be no

refund of tuition.

Use of Information Technology

Participants must abide by the UBC IT Services Policy #104: Responsible Use of Information

Technology Facilities and Services. For details, see

www.itservices.ubc.ca/support/policies/rup.html.

Computer Access

It is expected that participants of this program have a computer with Internet access and a

printer at home. As an alternative, there are computers available for use during library hours, as

well as printing facilities for a small fee, in the UBC Robson Square library.


Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawing from a Course (part-time or 100% online): UBC Continuing Studies requires

notice of withdrawal from a course at least three business days before the course begins.

Notification may be made in writing or by phoning the registration office at 604-822-

1420. Be sure to include your name and student number, the course number and start

date. After such notification, UBC Continuing Studies will issue a refund. An

administration charge of $25 and any non-refundable charges will be deducted for each

course.

Withdrawing from the Program (full-time intensive program): Participants may withdraw

from the full-time intensive program at any time but should notify Student Services in

writing of the reasons for the withdrawal. Tuition fees are non-refundable.

Cancellation Policy

Class and Speaker Cancellations: UBC Continuing Studies is sometimes forced to cancel

or postpone a class or speaker or provide substitute lecturers, and does not guarantee

that a particular class or speaker will be available at a particular scheduled time. When

appropriate, UBC Continuing Studies will schedule an additional class and/or activity.

Program Cancellation: Please note that this program will be offered only if sufficient

numbers of students are enrolled. Notwithstanding your acceptance into the program,

this program may be cancelled by UBC Continuing Studies without prior notice at any

time up to 21 days before the start of classes. Cancellation may be due to insufficient

enrolment or other reasons.

Taking Courses Prior to Applying to the Program (part-time program only)

As specialization courses are open to the general public participants may take up to 40 hours of

courses before making a formal application to the program. This will help participants decide if

the UBC Certificate in Project Management program is the appropriate professional development

program for them. In order to apply the credit for these courses toward a specialization within

the part-time certificate, participants must have successfully completed the required course

assignments.


Administration

UBC Continuing Studies presents the UBC Certificate in Project Management in partnership with

Executive Education, Sauder School of Business and in collaboration with the UBC Faculty of

Applied Science. All three groups recognize the need for skilled project managers and are

committed to delivering a program that graduates innovative leaders in this field.

UBC Continuing Studies also offers award-winning certificate programs in Internet Marketing,

Internet Publishing and E-Business Management, as well as innovative programs in Software

Engineering, Internet Systems Administration, Internet Programming and Multimedia. Continuing

Studies is one of the largest providers of technology-related education in Canada.

UBC Sauder School of Business is one of Canada’s leading business schools. It offers management

development and strategic organizational development programs that enable individuals to lead

their organizations into the future.

UBC Faculty of Applied Science is British Columbia’s only comprehensive engineering school. It

offers outstanding and distinctive programs through six engineering departments and six research

centres, while engaging in research, scholarly activity and professional service of the highest

calibre. All activities are delivered with a forward-thinking, results-oriented and community-

responsive approach. UBC Applied Science also includes the Schools of Architecture and Nursing.


Instructors The face-to-face courses in the UBC Certificate in Project Management are taught by professionals

in the field who bring their education and work experience into the classroom as well as by

Sauder School of Business and Business Administration faculty and Continuing Studies Applied

Technology instructors. The 100% On-line program tailors the instructor’s expertise into an online

learning format.

The instructors have been selected to provide a balance of academic instruction and real-world

experience, and they ensure that the program is comprehensive and dynamic. Our instructors not

only know project management because they work in the field, they also know how to effectively

communicate their knowledge to participants. Our teaching staff includes instructors who work as

independent consultants or as full-time staff in companies that practice project management.

Program Advisory Committee The UBC Certificate in Project Management was developed by UBC Continuing Studies in

partnership with Executive Education, Sauder School of Business and the UBC Faculty of Applied

Science, with significant input from professional project managers who are active in this field,

both in their careers and their professional associations.

Tom Callen

VP Education

Project Management Institute

West Coast BC Chapter

Vivian Forssman

Principal

Knowledge Architecture Inc.

Paul Kedrosky

Professor

UBC Sauder School of Business

Pam Williams

Senior Program Leader, Division of Applied Technology



Kathy Bright

Assistant Dean & Executive Director

Executive Education, UBC Sauder School of Business

Certificate in Project Management Administration

William Koty

Director, Division of Applied Technology


Pam Williams

Senior Program Leader, Division of Applied Technology



Application Form

Online Application Form: www.tech.ubc.ca/project Applicants should read and thoroughly understand the Program Handbook before applying to the

program. Payment of tuition fees in full is required upon acceptance into the program.

In addition to filling out this or the online application form, please ensure you have included the

following with your application:

a résumé or curriculum vitae documenting education achievements and recent work and

volunteer experience, including the name and phone numbers of three references

a brief word-processed letter of intent that specifies your goals, interests, program

expectations and describes your level of computer knowledge and experience.

If you are unable to submit your application online you may instead mail in or fax the

following completed application form.

Mode of Study:

Part-time Program Full-time Intensive Program

100% Online Program

SESSION START DATE: ______________________

NAME TODAY’S DATE

HOME ADDRESS

CITY PROVINCE/STATE COUNTRY POSTAL/ZIP CODE

WORK ADDRESS

CITY PROVINCE/STATE COUNTRY POSTAL/ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE (DAY) FAX

EMAIL


Admission Procedures Applicants must complete either the online application or paper-based form thoroughly and supply

the requested documents so that the admissions committee will have sufficient information on

which to base their decision. You should include a résumé and curriculum vitae with the

application.

1. Educational Background

a. List all degree(s), diplomas, certificates, and other formal or informal courses of

study/qualifications you consider relevant to your application. Applicants may be

requested to provide a copy of post-secondary transcripts, diplomas or degrees.

DEGREE/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA

INSTITUTION YEAR COMPLETED

DEGREE/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA

INSTITUTION YEAR COMPLETED

b. List, in chronological order, all project-management or management-related courses in

which you are currently enrolled or have completed in the last three years (use additional

page if needed).

INSTITUTION COURSE NAME YEAR COMPLETED

INSTITUTION COURSE NAME YEAR COMPLETED

2. Work Experience

Give details about your current work experience or attach a résumé if preferred.

NATURE OF ACTIVITY

COMPANY/ORGANIZATION YEAR(S)

NATURE OF ACTIVITY

COMPANY/ORGANIZATION YEAR(S)


3. Letter of Intent

In a separate letter of intent, define your interests, program expectations and the goals you

expect to achieve upon completion of the program. Please also comment on your level of

computer literacy and familiarity with the Internet. Maximum of 500 words.

4. References

List the names and phone numbers of three academic or professional references, and include

their affiliation to you.

NAME AFFILIATION TELEPHONE



This form and all letters and supporting documents should be sent to:

Certificate in Project Management

Continuing Studies

Division of Applied Technology

The University of British Columbia

800 Robson Street

Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7

Fax: 604-822-1499

Online Application Form: www.tech.ubc.ca/project


certificate in project management

Technology

canada v6z

ubc robson

project management

project management

ubc continuing

experienced

total registration

ubc sauder