Overview

“Innovate or die!” These are the watchwords of forward-thinking enterprises today. Google, iPod, Blue Ray and PayPal each began as an idea that was brought to realization through projects. Each incorporated technological innovations that propelled it forward. But building a better mouse trap is not enough. Break-through products and processes are carried forward by risk-taking entrepreneurs who bring together financial, marketing, technical and organizational resources that collectively contribute to product and process success.

This course looks at how creativity, entrepreneurship, technological innovation and project management work together to enable enterprises to function effectively in today’s fast-paced world. It shows how successful innovations rest on satisfying market needs, raising capital, protecting intellectual property, managing projects flexibly, managing risk, and putting together high-performing teams.

Objectives

After completing this course, students will have a solid understanding of the business foundations of technological innovation. They will see that the most successful innovations require hard-driving sponsors, a willingness to take risks, mastery of business skills, and large doses of creative thinking. They will learn what steps they can take to create an environment that fosters technological innovation and entrepreneurship in their organizations. They will also learn what works and what does not work when managing risky, high tech projects.

PMBOK Knowledge Areas

• Project Human Resource Management
• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Risk Management

PMBOK Process Areas

• Project planning
• Project execution
• Project control
• Project close-out

Instruction

• Course modules containing cutting-edge knowledge developed by renowned experts in project management
• Course Textbook: Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days (Barron’s Business Review Series), by Jessica Livingston
• "Think and Review" section that helps you review key points of the modules
• Answers to the "Think and Review" section
• A final exam which contains multiple choice and true/false questions
• Certificate of Completion, which makes students eligible for 30 PDU credits (given upon exam completion).

What You Will Learn

• How today’s high tech companies maintain their innovative edge through effective management of technological projects, coupled with good business practices and an abundance of creative thinking
• What entrepreneurship is and how individuals and companies can acquire entrepreneurial skills
• The role of R&D, science, and technology in leading to invention and innovation
• How to boost enterprise performance through process innovation
• How to manage risky and dynamic technological projects that are market-oriented
• How to create an environment that promotes creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship
• What steps you need to take to protect your intellectual property through patents, trade marks, trade secrets and copyrights

Take a Course

This course costs $990. You can begin the course today, with no application necessary. There are four easy ways to sign up:

• Secure Online Payment (VISA, Master & American Express)
• Registration Form [Word]. Mail the form with your check to: UMT, 1901 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209-1609.
• Fax the form to us at (703) 516-0985.
• Register by phone at (703) 516-0035.

Once the payment has cleared, you will be issued an ID name and a Password that will allow you to access the full course.

To access the course, log into the UMT online coursesite with your USER ID and PASSWORD at: coursesite.umtweb.edu.