Stanford Advanced project Mangement -online

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Viz, Mar 5, 2006.

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  1. Viz

    Viz New Member

    Hi,
    Is anyone familiar with this course?

    http://apm.stanford.edu/

    Is it worth it or PMP is better?

    Do employers pay attention to this certificate from Standford?

    Please advise.
    Regards,
    Viz
     
  2. tcmak

    tcmak New Member

    1) Price difference, (anyone can tell me how much it would cost to complete PMP cert.?) but I suppose doing SCPM would be more expensive.....$$ being the only thing that blocks me from taking further steps into this.

    2) SCPM is rather focuses on executives. It is good if you are dealing with large business projects, like M&A....

    I believe there is no one project management methodolgy can fit in to all kinds of projects. So like SCPM, you have to determine whether the projects you are working on can be fitted into that.

    3) SCPM can be counted as professional development units for PMP certs.

    4) You can better draw attention to potential employers by stating that the cert is awarded by Stanford University.
     
  3. stock

    stock New Member

    A PMP designation is earned based on experience and the test. Not sure if the SCPM certification has any tests.
     
  4. Kirkland

    Kirkland Member

    The PMP from the Project Management Institute is the most accepted project management credential worldwide. It is a board certification based on years of relevant and certifiable project management experience and passing the certification exam. Check out the PMI website for requirements and process.

    The SCPM is relatively new and relies on Stanford's reputation. It is awarded through course work followed by a test for each of the 6 courses (core + electives). The program can be done on campus or through distance learning (on-campus is a lot more expensive). SCPM courses are oriented to strategic program management. This makes it an ideal follow-on to the PMP. It is also appropriate for executives whose business model relies on successful projects and programs.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2006
  5. lurker

    lurker New Member

    Re: Re: Stanford Advanced project Mangement -online



    Are you currently in the PM profession?

    If so, I was just curious if you think the PMP will hold the same weight in a few years as it has in the past. The reason I ask is the "relevant and certifiable project management experience" right now, IMO, is very debatable.

    I've worked in PM, and taken a number of Masters level PM courses, so I feel I have a pretty good handle on what true project management is and what responsibilities are included in doing it. On the I.T. contract I just left, almost every non-technical person associated with the contract held a PMP, and got it by getting their "PM experience" on that contract. Of the 20-25 folks who held the certification, only about 2-3 were doing actual PM work. The others were business analysts (most well paid secretaries) whose PM experience consisted of emailing out meeting minutes, updating Excel spreadsheets, and going to a couple of Microsoft Project training classes each year.

    Currently and in the past the PMP has been the standard for PM certification, I'm just wondering if it will be held in the same regard in the future if PMI is that liberal in their approval of the on-the-job portion of their requirement.
     
  6. Kirkland

    Kirkland Member

    Re: Re: Re: Stanford Advanced project Mangement -online

    Yes, I'm a working PM and have been for many years. Generally, I run large prime IT contracts both national and global in scope.

    There are a number of PM related roles in a large job and many large programs utilize a number of subordinate PMs, sometimes one for each work package or task function. Some assistant PMs have some rudimentary record keeping and follow-up jobs. But, like in any profession, when you are starting out you have to learn to swab the decks too.

    In your example, I'm not sure what credentials these folks put in front of PMI to get qualified but the test isn't easy. I've seen a marked increase in companies pushing their people through since the cert is a marketable commodity. And big bucks from corporations speaks large.

    I think the PMP will grow in significance. It is the standard in the industry now and has been for some time. I believe it's only a matter of time before PMI is recognized as a national accreditor as well.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2006
  7. stock

    stock New Member

    If I may add

    1) PMI is recognised world wide and is a standard that many organizations are using for PM purposes.
    2) Getting a PMP does provide the team members with information on what is required from a project mgmt perspective. This helps in the team development.
     
  8. Viz

    Viz New Member

    Thanks for the advise.

    Honestly, I am looking to go up in the ladder and hence I am requesting for input. I am right now in Information technology Dept and I manage the project portfolios. I am in a lead position but I cant move up the ladder. I already have an MBA from a local university and strong technical backgroud. I have decent domain knowledge in finance/accounting.
    I was thinking that getting the stanford cert coupled with a change in company would help me move up the ladder. Any ideas?

    Moreover, Kirk, how are the employers looking at this certificate from Stanford ? Is it positive or negligible? Would the Alumini be of any help. I believe there is a forum on gnatthead for Stanford Alumini (project management)
    Other option I was looking at was CPA exam but I somehow I feel the stanford brand might help.

    Please advise.
    Regards,
    Viz
     
  9. Viz

    Viz New Member

    Thanks for the advise.

    Honestly, I am looking to go up in the ladder and hence I am requesting for input. I am right now in Information technology Dept and I manage the project portfolios. I am in a lead position but I cant move up the ladder. I already have an MBA from a local university and strong technical backgroud. I have decent domain knowledge in finance.
    I was thinking that getting the stanford cert coupled with a change in company would help me move up the ladder. Any ideas?

    Moreover, Kirk, how are the employers looking at this certificate from Stanford ? Is it positive or negligible? Would the Alumini be of any help. I believe there is a forum on gnatthead.

    Please advise.
    Regards,
    Viz
     
  10. Clep'N

    Clep'N New Member

    Viz,
    I just spoke to Stanford last week about this very certification. The courses are 2.5 DAYS long and are not graduate level. For the money I would go for the PMP certification.
    I am currently evaluating grad schools that offer an MSPM and I've almost decided on what school I'm choosing. Since you have an MBA I would get a PM cert from a school that offers it at grad level.
    My 2 cents

    -John
     
  11. Viz

    Viz New Member

    Thanks John. I already have Masters in finance and an MBA. I am bit hesistant to take up another graduate level course. What I am looking for is to enhance my resume. I am pretty sure I can manage projects in IT dept.
    Just wondering whether stanford would be an eye-catcher for movng up the ladder.
    Regards,
    Viz.
     
  12. scjp_14

    scjp_14 New Member

  13. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    The Stanford certificate and the PMP are not exclusive to one another in my opinion. Instead the Stanford certificate looks to be designed to build upon what a PMP should already know.

    That being said I work in PM as an analyst in an IT department. Generally all of our PMs either have or are expected to earn a PMP, the same for me if I ever plan on movnig up and on so it is par for the course here. The Stanford certificate can be looked upon as additional training above the standard expectation of earning a PMP where I work.
     
  14. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    I've just got to ask, have you managed IT project before or have you done any IT work in the past yourself?
     
  15. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Villanova offers 2-Master Certificates and 2-Advanced Master Certificates in PM (IS/IT PM and Applied PM) – web-based.
    http://www.villanovau.com/online-certificates/project-management.aspx

    Rochester Institute of Technology offers a web-based Advance PM Certificate.
    http://www.rit.edu/~w-ptgrd/online/1405.php3

    UC-Davis Extension http://extension.ucdavis.edu/unit/business_and_management/certificate/project_ma
     
  16. Sweetowski

    Sweetowski Member

    Have to dig up the old thread as I compared these too.

    But I find the graduate certificates kind of pricey. As an example:
    Villanova: $5,995
    UC Davis: ~$7,500
    Cornell (Master Certificate in Systems Design and Project Management): $4,800

    Addtionally, most of these certificates seem to be follow ups to the PMP,correct?
    What would you advise for someone who is just entering the field of project management? The CAPM?
     

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