Online Undergraduate Certificate in IT Project Management Essentials

This course provides a technical and organizational foundation for understanding the use and importance of information systems and information technology in today's management environment. This course covers the hardware, software, and infrastructure that support management information systems. Information and decision support systems, knowledge management and specialized information systems, database management systems, telecommunications, the Internet, Intranets, Extranets, and wireless networks will be examined. This course also covers systems development, e-commerce, and the ethical and societal impact of management information systems.

This course studies the planning and processes involved in an information system project. (Note: Microsoft Project® is not required for this course.) Class topics include planning, scheduling, and controlling aspects of a project during its lifecycle. Also, the course provides in-depth coverage of project management techniques such as the Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Gantt charts, and other techniques for planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. This course aligns with the knowledge required to pursue the CompTIA Project+® Certification. Microsoft Project® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. CompTIA Project+® is a registered trademark of the Computing Technology Industry Association, Inc.

This course studies the concepts and technology trends of project management. Students will explore the principles, practices, features, and functions of the Microsoft Project® application, using a combination of analytical methods and practical exercises. In this course, students will create project plans; organize tasks such as estimating, budgeting, and scheduling; and perform and manage resource allocation. In addition, students will identify project constraints, determine a project’s critical path, create Gantt charts, and establish a project baseline using Microsoft Project. Students must have access to Microsoft Office Project Standard 2016 or higher. Course software requirements, including the appropriate versions, are listed under the course materials site. This course aligns with the topical requirements for the CompTIA Project+® Certification. Students are required to purchase and use Microsoft Project® to successfully complete the course. The software is not included with the course. While the course aligns with Microsoft Office Project Standard 2016 or higher related exams, students will need additional preparation beyond the course to sit for the exam. Microsoft Project® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. CompTIA Project+® is a registered trademark of the Computing Technology Industry Association, Inc.

This course examines how laws have had to change to account for the expanded realm of crimes in the digital age. Despite legislation intended to combat the problem of identity theft, it continues to be one of the most common crimes associated with the Internet. Sexual harassment complaints can now be triggered simply by an employee forwarding a questionable email to fellow employees. Some regard intellectual property rights violations to be innocent flattery, while others consider them to be violations that must be stamped out by force of law. Plagiarism by students who pull content from the Internet is a growing problem. Stalkers can log into their victims lives and gain access to highly confidential medical and financial information, and even sabotage their victim's reputations. This course examines current literature on such topics as HIPPA, FERPA, COPPA, Sarbanes - Oxley and other current legislation impacting legal disputes.

This course explores the Internet's impact on business and personal dynamics, from a managerial perspective. A review of current literature will examine such issues as: changes in workplace productivity, legal issues arising from company Internet use policies, staff morale in the face of nearly ubiquitous Internet access, institutional liability for employee conduct while on the Internet, telecommuting, and the impact of conducting personal business during work time. Non-workplace issues such as the impact of the Internet on family life, politics and the economy will also be explored.

This course is designed to provide an overview of key individual, group, and organizational issues involved in virtual management (technology-assisted employee management). Topics covered in this class include gauging employer and employee readiness for technology-enabled communication and telecommuting; identifying appropriate job types and flexibility options; applying effective communication strategies and methods when utilizing computer video, telecommunication technologies; and implementing and evaluating management procedures and policies in flexible organizations.