Project and Process Management

Effective project management skills are important to professionals in any industry. Learn how to define, plan and execute a project whether your goal is simple or complex. Gain the tools and knowledge for delivering projects on time and on budget, while meeting performance specifications. Explore the basic components of project management and the project life cycle: determining the correct project through strategic portfolio analysis; creating a successful charter; assembling and managing a team; analyzing and controlling risk; monitoring project milestones; and closing out the project. Get the hands-on skills you need to help you successfully complete your next project management assignment.

Do you work in groups or teams in your workplace? Learn how to develop effective teams in the context of project management and how to implement communication and conversation strategies that help your team meet its project goals. Discover key factors that distinguish teams and shape team excellence, particularly communication and conversational dynamics. Study theories and models of individual and group conversational dynamics. Learn how to design powerful conversations to produce the results you want to achieve. Explore common team-related issues including: team charter and team contracts, trust, culture, and conflict resolution. You will also have the opportunity to practice diagnosing and dealing with a variety of group dynamics through a team project.

Lean Six Sigma provides a structured, data-driven approach to improving quality, efficiency, and performance in organizational processes. This course introduces the principles and methods of Lean and Six Sigma, emphasizing analytical thinking, process measurement, and continuous improvement. Students will learn how to identify waste, analyze variation, and apply the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework to uncover root causes and design sustainable improvements. Using a guided case study, students will apply key Lean Six Sigma tools to evaluate processes, interpret data, and propose improvement strategies. This course is designed for students seeking a practical foundation in process improvement and quality management methods applicable across disciplines.

This 1-unit, asynchronous online seminar plus monthly in-person session is designed to prepare university students for successful participation in internships while building overall career readiness. Drawing on internship and career development resources from UC San Diego Career Services, Teaching + Learning Commons, and Student Employment, the course offers a structured pathway to help students identify meaningful opportunities, strengthen their application materials, and develop the professional skills expected by employers. 

Through a series of interactive modules and on-demand workshops, students will explore strategies for personalized career planning, résumé and cover letter development, networking, interview preparation, and effective workplace communication. Students may choose from a curated selection of workshops, each paired with reflective activities and practical assignments that support their individual goals. 

The course also includes guidance on setting internship objectives, understanding supervisor expectations, and maximizing learning outcomes throughout the internship experience.