IT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
IT 545 Product Conceptualization and Execution Using Rapid Prototyping (4)
Product development using current solid modeling and rapid prototyping technologies. Comprehensive simulation of the product development life cycle from initial concept to completed prototype. Applications of three-dimensional solid modeling and rapid prototyping to follow a product from conception to completion. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.
IT 531 Value Chain Management (4)
Course is both a survey of current practice, tools, techniques, management strategies and technologies used in enhancing value (quality, cost competitiveness, timeliness) in supply chains, as well as an examination of emerging art in the field. The industrial scope includes traditional manufacturing as well as service industries, and both corporate and small company settings. 4 seminar.
IT 532 Technology Entrepreneurship (4)
Course focuses on processes of technology-based entrepreneurial venturing, in both corporate and startup venues. It includes opportunity identification appropriate for technology solutions, securing and protecting technology platforms, market research and marketing approaches in non-incremental technology environments, business plan structures and data elements and technology-appropriate funding sources. 4 seminar.
IT 533 Industrial Processes and Materials (4)
Course will include a survey of established as well as emerging industrial processes and materials, as well as enterprise management implications of alternatives. Integrative problems such as concurrent engineering, CIM implementation, modular outsourcing and materials selection will be addressed. 4 seminar.
IT 534 Advanced Packaging Dynamics in Distribution (4)
Course explores latest technologies and techniques utilized to protect a product from common and singular distribution hazards. The students are familiarized with distribution hazards, product fragility, cushion performance, structural package design and the ASTM, ISTA and military packaging regulations and testing protocols. A key element is distribution environment testing, and data capture and analytic techniques pertaining thereto, including simulation and the packaging dynamics lab. 4 seminar.
IT 598 Industrial and Technical Studies Project (3,3,3)
The MS – IT program is configured as a "project intensive" degree. The substantive focus of the I T 598 sequence (9 units) will be on research design in industrial settings, covering the range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, but with a tilt toward true experiments. The sequence will be co-instructed by the IT Chair and one member of the IT faculty. Course experiences will be organized as follows:
• Fall Quarter. Students will meet weekly for a 3-hour seminar session. The fall initial seminar will have the following objectives and expectations for students: (1) identifying a research topic, either as part of an IT faculty member’s research program, or an independent community-based effort; (2) completing a respectable review of the relevant research and technology literature; (3) developing an appropriate experimental or quasi-experimental design; (4) preliminary development of data collection instrumentation; (5) preliminary development of data analysis strategies; and (6) identification of a technical co-chair for each student’s project. The primary deliverable will be a semi-final draft of the first 3-4 chapters/sections of the project report. Course materials will include readings, lectures, group discussions and ongoing critique of the developing project.
• Winter Quarter. Students will meet weekly. Objectives for students for this quarter’s seminar will be: (1) field testing and finalizing of field/lab data collection methodology; (2) as needed, finalizing of on-campus or in-field administrative agreements (e.g., human subjects, site access) necessary to conduct the project; (3) collection of all data by quarter’s end; (4) development of data analysis strategies; (5) orchestrating active involvement of the technical co-chair, and conducting weekly reviews of project progress; and (6) completing relevant sections/chapters of the project report. Course processes and materials will be heavily oriented toward group problem solving and faculty mentoring of individual projects. There will also be readings and demonstrations concerning relevant data collection and data analysis approaches.
• Spring Quarter. Students will meet as a group during the quarter; with a number of three-way meetings involving the student and his/her two project advisors (technical advisor and IT 598 instructor). Objectives for the quarter will include: (1) every student will complete all data analyses to the satisfaction of their project advisors; (2) every student will complete the project report to the satisfaction and signoff of project advisors, and submit three (3) bound copies to the department; and (4) every student will make a formal project presentation to their graduate class and IT faculty.
GSB 529 Effective Communication Skills for Managers (4)
People perceive you according to how you communicate. Effective managers are aware that strong communication skills can be a tremendous asset and considerably increase prospects for promotion. Almost everyone in business, whether in a large corporation or small, entrepreneurial firm, depends on the ability to persuade others in a convincing manner, resolve conflicts and establish strong, professional relationships. This course stresses both oral and written communication, emphasizing the knowledge and skills you will need as managers. This course is designed to strengthen your speaking and writing skills and to increase your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a number of business situations.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this class is to learn, to practice, and to appreciate effective communication techniques within the business world. My goal is that you will have an ongoing interest in continuing to improve your communication skills as you finish the Masters Program and throughout your career. I also want you to have gained self-confidence in speaking before groups. This will happen because you will: 1) understand and separate everyday conversation from that of the workplace; 2) understand the dynamics of good communication and 3) apply and experience communicating in areas such as correspondence, public relations, interviewing, managing others, conflict, negotiation etc.; and 4) see and evaluate yourself and others to further gain a strong sense of your own strengths as a speaker.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR – DR. RONDA BEAMAN
Dr. Ronda Beaman is Vice-President of PEAK Learning, Inc, an international consulting and training company. She received her doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University, where she was named Outstanding Graduate Student and was awarded Dissertation of the Year for her work on teaching and learning at the collegiate level.
Dr. Beaman is an internationally recognized expert on leadership, resilience, health and wellness, education, and Business coaching. She has conducted research in a host of areas, written many academic articles and books, and won numerous awards. She was selected by the Singapore Ministry of the Family as their honored speaker of the year and named the first recipient of the National Education Associations Excellence in the Academy: Art of Teaching award.
Dr. Beaman presents to groups from 10 to 10,000 on a broad range of substantive and inspiring topics. She is described by business and government leaders as an exceptionally dynamic, inspiring, and thought-provoking presenter. Dr. Beaman was also a highly rated resource, speaker, and faculty member for the 2006 Young Presidents Organization (YPO) International University in Buenos Aires.