Isn't a DL doctorate a waste of time?

(watching thread intently as I just started a DL DSc. having some of the same questions - I appreciate all the feedback)

On the PMP - Project+ is a good start, but they are vastly different in terms of prep time, duration, difficulty, and recognition. I work in information security and manage (managed) many projects, so it was a valuable addition. Even though I am not a PM, I work with many PMs --- understanding their 'speak' and processes helps things immensely. I think if you have the interest, it will be a valuable experience. Check out your local PMI chapter, they often have study groups.

(back to DL PhD programming)

 

Depends. if your team is responsible for managing projects, then yes. If you're managing a team where PMP isn't relevant then I'd say no.

Also, SSBB is really only relevant if you're a practicing black belt. If you have the credential but don't use it it has close to zero clout according to people I've spoken with who are SSBBs.

 

What subject and university?
Thanks

 

The lack of structure and ownership for projects is sad and embarassing. When I run a project it is much more structured but others rarely cover their part. I plan to bring a lot more structure and accountability with transparent dashboards of progress.

No one uses SSBB concepts on the service side but here are very big on the the other side of the business and 5S is a way of life. I think it would be easy to carry over the SS concepts to the of the business I work in.

 

I would disagree with you here (unless I misunderstand you) - I see lots of papers and books touting 6-sigma for service sectors such as education, healthcare, and tourism.

Check out the ASQ site to find examples.

 

Let me re-phrase. No one in our company uses it in it the service side.

 

I have no back-up data but I believe that many companies, service or manufacturing, do not have 6-sigma programs.
I work with around 12 aerospace manufacturing companies from large (100,000 plus employees) to small (12 employees) and not one uses 6-sigma. They are more concerned with implementing and/or maintaining ISO or AS 9000. But all these companies have programs in place that include elements from 6-sigma, TQM, lean manufacturing, and other management techniques.

 

We have the field service organization that services medical computer networks and another group that provides continuing education on medical equipment handling and cleaning (reprocessing). We do not follow any 6 Sigma like methods.

When a medical instrument breaks (non-computer related), it goes to one of the dozen repair centers. They are all 5S driven. By the way, sorry to hijack this thread.

 

DSc at Capitol College - Information Assurance. I've been in the field awhile and think this would be valuable for consulting later in my career. Capitol isn't full on DL and their MSIA (information assurance) program is quite good. They've established a nice name in the community. Further, they are private and non-profit (I know, splitting hairs).

All of that said, _I_ wonder if the juice will be worth the squeeze. : )

 

Awesome! Love the honesty!

 

Well if your vanity is strong enough it will carry you though the program. Just go for it and see what happens. Sometimes you really learn something along the way of a journey and the end-goal changes. You may end up wanting it for more then vanity...maybe not...who can tell.

 

That's a good point, Randell. You can take a couple of classes and then see how it feels. That's the great thing about paying for one class at a time. I just wish I had an employer that paid for my school, like some people around here!

 

Just joining PMI as an Individual Member and leaving the Project Management Journal on your desk at work should have a good return on investment...

 

Do you want people to hate you? Is that why you say things like this?

 

This is a very good advice. Several times I have advocated on this forum that posters join a professional society:

• It singles you out as an expert or someone who keeps up to date in their area.
• Low cost compared to obtaining a degree.
• Access to journals, magazines, and other publications at a discount.
  Opportunities for gaining certification or training.
• Attend conferences, meet peers, and present papers.
• Looks great on your resume.

 

After my employer contribution, my DSc from Capitol College will run $6200 a year (not including realized tax savings).

per year (adjusted) $6,200.00
per month (adjusted) $516.67

While expensive, it's still less than I spend on some of my other habits. Furthermore, I am still relatively young (31) and will have a longer time to realize (or not) any benefit which may come from the educational experience. No loans will be involved and I have no expectation of increased salary.

As for Capitol - they have a unique story as it relates to Information Assurance education. While many would call Capitol a lower tier school; they are upper tier in IA education, no doubt about it. This program is quite new, in fact, my cohort of 12 is the first.

 

This is such a bad reason to pursue a doctorate.

 

No one could go through with a real doctorate program just for a vanity degree...

 

Why not? People go through med school just for the money - right?