UMUC

Graduate School of Management & Technology – Programs

Course Descriptions - TMAN

TMAN 600 Foundations of Management and Technology (6)

A study integrating the foundations of management (TMAN 633) with the principles of technology in organizations (TMAN 611).

The foundations of management include the study of various organizational factors that affect efficiency and effectiveness and global competitiveness. These factors include the following: group behavior, organization structure, environmental factors, international competitiveness, organization culture, change management, decision making, team effectiveness, values, conflict, power, and politics. Ethics and the socially responsible environment within which mangers must operate are stressed through readings and practical applications. Provides a gateway to the understanding of technology management. Introduces students to key concepts and the role of technology mangers in all sectors of the workforce. A major focus is the study of technological innovation from a historical perspective, including its impact on the economy, public policy, global competitiveness, and organizational strategy, effectiveness, and efficiency. Students who receive credit for TMAN 600 cannot receive credit for TMAN 611 or TMAN 633.

TMAN 611 Principles of Technology Management (3) (Formerly TMAN 601)

An introduction to the key concepts in technology management and the role of technology managers in both private- and public-sector organizations.

An understanding of how organizational entities can be structured and managed to respond effectively to dynamic changes caused by technology and international competition is provided. The key cycles in the development of technology are covered from a historical perspective, including their impacts on the economy, industrial sectors, and organizational strategy and survival. Management is examined from both a process and system perspective. The major technical, social, legal, and ethical issues in innovating and implementing technology are presented.

TMAN 614 Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation (3)

A study of the effective management of technical organizations in an increasingly competitive, rapidly changing, global environment.

A coherent process for the formulation, implementation, and assessment of business strategy is provided. A historical framework for the birth, growth, maturation, and decline of business innovation is presented. Findings and recommendations on contemporary businesses and industrial sectors are reported. The strategic framework integrates: a) strategy setting, implementation, and assessment process; b) historical analogies/cases of business innovation through maturation lifecycle; and c) application of lessons learned in contemporary business cases in business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

TMAN 621 Systems Analysis and Operations Research (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of systems analysis and operations research.

The purpose is to provide an understanding of the systems view of a product, service, or process to include a generic representation of its elements and dynamics. The skills, tools, and methodologies needed to quantitatively analyze and optimize systems and to make decisions as technology managers are provided. State-of-the-art analytical tools and quantitative methods, including computer-based solutions, are discussed. Topics covered include decision theory, linear programming, transportation problems, network analysis, game theory, reliability theory, cost estimating, and expert systems.

TMAN 625 Economics and Financial Analysis for Technology Managers (3)

A study of the financial tools managers use to find answers to four important questions:

  • What is the financial condition of the firm?
  • What long-term investment should the firm make?
  • How can the money be raised for the investments?
  • And how will the firm meet its daily financial requirements?

Topics include accounting statements, tax implications, types of costs, profit recognition, financial markets, investment decision tools, net present value, free cash flows, project financing, valuation of firms, risk-return, cost of capital, long-term financing, short-term financing, and equity financing for entrepreneurs. Discussion also covers mergers and acquisition activities, governance and ethics, and international aspects. Business cases from contemporary firms and readings relevant to technology management are used to illustrate the application of financial concepts.

TMAN 632 Organizational Performance Management (3)

An overview of the most successful strategies and approaches for achieving a high-performing organization, based on the latest research findings and the examples of successful global organizations.

Topics include organizational capabilities in managing costs, ensuring quality in products and services, and enhancing customer satisfaction, as well as performance capabilities (such as organizational values, adaptability, flexibility, agility, responsiveness, and decisiveness) that enable organizations to anticipate and respond to change. The Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence are examined as assessment tools for achieving desired organizational capabilities. Discussion also covers specific approaches that contribute to high performance and organizational effectiveness, such as customer relationship management, supply chain management, Six Sigma methodology, and other process improvement tools. Successful applications of these strategies and approaches are illustrated.

TMAN 633 Managing People in Technology-Based Organizations (3)

An overview of the management of three levels of behavior in organizations: individual employee behavior, group behavior, and organizational behavior.

Regardless of an organization’s technology, size, or mission, people are the common denominator as managers cope with the challenges in today’s information-based and global economy. Topics covered include emerging organizational behavior issues facing dynamic, technology-based organizations such as knowledge management, work design, virtual organizations and teams, contingent workforce management, creativity/innovation, socio-technical systems, the development of learning and boundary-less organizations, emotional intelligence, the global workforce, and the formulation of pay/retention strategies. Contemporary organizational behavior theories are linked to their applications in technology-based organizations through the use of real-life examples, case studies, and current events.