Project Management Program is First of its Kind in China

ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 7, 2001 - UMT made history recently when it launched the first graduate program focused on project management ever done in China.

Forty-six students are enrolled in the graduate program, which is being done in partnership with the Zhongguangcun College for Innovation in Beijing. The prestigious Bejing University is hosting the classes.

“This program marks a major milestone in UMT’s efforts to promote project management education in China,” said Academic Dean J. Davidson Frame. “The presence of the program in the Chinese capital provides it with prestige and a high profile.”

The opening ceremony, which was held on May 10 at Beijing University, generated enormous attention from local officials and media. Senior government officials from the State Commission of Education, State Commission of Foreign Expert Affairs, China Space Administration, Commission of Education of Beijing City, and Zhong Guangcun High Tech Zone participated in the ceremony.

Dr. William Wells, Chairman of Board of Trustees of UMT, delivered a keynote speech that encouraged Chinese students to study advanced management theories and practices to benefit their organizations and society.

This event was broadcast on central and local television and covered by 10 major newspapers. The presidents and vice presidents of several national universities also participated in the ceremony.

The Zhongguangcun College for Innovation is located in the Beijing High Tech Zone, a special area that hosts many major universities, research institutions, and high-tech companies. The location allows it to draw some of the best students and faculty in the region.

The school boasts prominent scientists and management experts, including its president, Dr. Wang Yiqiu, and vice president, Dr. Chen Zhi. The college signed top faculty members from Beijing University and Tsing Hua University to teach UMT’s program.

Most of the 46 students hold senior and middle management or technical positions in major Chinese companies and government agencies. Twenty-five percent of them hold at least a master’s degree.

“We are very happy to work with such distinguished Chinese scholars and to teach such an extraordinary student body,” said UMT President Dr. Yanping Chen. “UMT’s global reputation in project management, combined with such high quality Chinese faculty and students, will make this program very successful.

“Students will be able to learn more advanced knowledge and practices in project management from faculties and from their schoolmates,” she added.

UMT is a leader in promoting project management education in China. Last year, 74 Chinese students completed a Master of Science in Management program in Guangdong Province. Two classes with more than 60 students from Shenzhen also completed an Executive Certificate Program in Project Management last year.

“We have laid the foundation for a strong education program in project management in China,” Dr. Chen said. “We look forward to a vigorous expansion of our efforts in the years to come.”