Accelerated Certificate Programs

This seminar will discuss using strength based competencies to positively affect your career, your leadership and your teams. We will explore your personal strengths and competencies and how to think about them within your own career. We will also explore how to use competencies in leadership to get the best out of the individual, build effective teams and deliver on your business objectives. Self-assessments will be incorporated and its application to leadership.

The key elements at the Front End of the Project (FEOTP) determine the project’s overall and final success. Learn to define and accomplish the scope, create effective communication plans, and understand the needs of the stakeholders — among the most critical aspects of project management.

Increasing efficiency with limited available resources is critical in today’s fast-track business environment. Gain an understanding of fundamentals of project planning with the use of scheduling software and a simulation project (Project Plan) that will allow you to establish project requirements, objectives, and goals.

Tackle the challenge of project planning. Learn to estimate time and cost, plan for project risk, create a schedule and budget using both traditional and Agile methods and define procurement needs and quality metrics. We practice the five P’s: Project Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

The majority of resources are utilized during a project’s implementation stage. Good planning can help you cope with changes and unexpected issues. Examine techniques to effectively report status, control a project, survey Earned Value Management techniques and manage issues that arise during projects.

Today, many companies in all industries and verticals have workers dispersed around the globe, which creates project management challenges. Learn how to manage and lead a culturally and geographically diverse team.

Students will apply project planning concepts to a simulated project, create a resource plan for multiple projects, build a master schedule for multiple projects and deal with project issues under typical business constraints.

This course will help students develop an understanding of the complexities organizations face in developing, establishing, and implementing marketing strategies in both domestic and international markets. Areas of study include: marketing research, the nuances between B2C and B2B marketing, segmentation, selection of appropriate marketing channels, overview of global marketing, and the technologies used throughout the marketing process.

This course will introduce students to the Product Management Lifecycle, and help to develop an understanding of the role of Marketing in business planning and product development. Areas of study include: the 6-step lean product process, product-market fit, brand management, comparative analysis, and production of a pro forma.

This course focuses on how to build a Master Message for your brand, and discusses some of the challenges in maintaining messaging consistency across an organization. Areas of study include an introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications, strategies and tactics for messaging consistency, and how to develop content that supports your messaging plan. We will also explore how to apply the creative process to messaging, and how to achieve stakeholder buy-in.

In this course, students will explore the continually evolving platforms and channels of digital marketing and learn how to define and build an audience through social media, search engine marketing, and website optimization. Areas of study include mobile-first marketing, microsites, and how to measure and track conversion through analytical tools. Get ready to review and practice the most relevant digital tactics for your marketing goals.

This course will focus on sharing strategies to optimize your Marketing performance and developing executive level communication skills. Areas of study include revenue planning, applying analytics to determine return on investment, and create a bottom-line driven marketing plan. We will also explore how to incentivize marketing and sales functions within an organization and create lifetime value for customer connections.

This seminar will discuss using strength based competencies to positively affect your career, your leadership and your teams. We will explore your personal strengths and competencies and how to think about them within your own career. We will also explore how to use competencies in leadership to get the best out of the individual, build effective teams and deliver on your business objectives. Self-assessments will be incorporated and its application to leadership.

Examine the accounting principles used by multinational companies.  Accounting equation, financial statement structure, financial statement analysis, cost structures (including fixed, variable, breakeven analysis, and overhead), cost systems, capital markets, working capital management, and present value will be explored.  Study the accounting techniques needed to prepare a financial statement analysis and to compare financial results of different companies.

Examine the principles of financial mathematics and statistics. Time value of money, simple and compound interest rates, valuation of stocks and bonds, investment returns, financial valuation of projects, and probability in financial valuations will be explored. Study calculations common to business decision-making and how to apply mathematical tools to analyze financial data.

Examine the principles used in creating financial models. Study how to apply financial theories and concepts in the development of spreadsheet models that support effective financial analysis, as well as how to create models to compare financial statements of different companies using ratio analysis and other techniques.

Examine the international markets driving the global economy.  The four financial markets – stock, bond, foreign exchange, and money – used by governments and multinational companies will be explored.  Study how to track the four financial markets, how and why multinational companies invest their money, and where governments and business go to raise money.  Also examine investment strategies for international markets.  The role of exchanges and other markets as venues for trading stocks, bonds, currencies, and derivatives will be explored, as well as a broad range of investment securities, their pricing, trading, and application, both in hedging and speculation.  Study the role and strategies of using market instruments in financial management decisions.

Examine the principles of financial statement analysis in a global context. How to interpret financial ratios, industry models, multiple year financial trends in companies and industries, profitability, and risks will be explored. Study income statements and balance statements in the same manner as chief financial officers, owners, presidents, and boards of directors of multinational companies.

Examine risk factors facing multinational firms and the mitigation options available. How to identify the most common types of risk from analyzing a firm’s public financial documents, income statements, and balance statements will be explored. Study how to develop a risk management strategy relevant to the objectives of the firm.

Students will understand how interconnected and interdependent worldwide economic activities have become and how new technologies have impacted global markets. Students will explore how global economy functions and how recent events such as natural disasters, drought, and pandemics have affected the exchange of goods and services between countries and forever changed the way these companies do business. Our case studies will explore 1) the disruptions created by the Gilet Jaunes protests and 2) the social and economic impact of the pandemic and country-ordered confinements on the European and French economies.

Students will explore leadership trends and examine the traits and characteristics of the world’s most success leaders. Students will examine their own leadership styles and learn how they can adapt to a variety of international business and organizational environments..

In this module, students will study how France’s leading enterprises are making sustainable choices in manufacturing and production to reduce the impact of their operations on the climate and environment. Students will examine how these companies are responding to the challenges of diversity and the need to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business. Students will immerse themselves in the French business culture with regular on-site visits to several leading Lyon-based organizations..

In this module, students will explore some of France’s most successful start-ups and the entrepreneurs behind them. Drawing from the creative model proposed in X and X’s “Make it Stick,” students will be required to research and develop a case study on one of Lyon’s many successful start-ups.

Students will learn how to develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy. Students also will learn how to use analytical rigor in social media that moves beyond growth and ensures an effective social media management system. Our topic focus will be on advocacy and social cause marketing with an in-depth look at the practices of the Lyon-based NGOs and non-profits with an examination of the leadership practices that drive them.

Understanding Cultural differences, styles and communication protocols that are unique to French businesses and the French work-a-day world. The objective is for students to learn how to effectively and successfully function in a French business environment. Topics will explore appropriate interpersonal relationships in the office, employer-employee relationships, accepted communication methods, and what to expect from your boss. In addition, students will work with human resource experts to learn how to create a resume/CV that will appeal to French employers.

Students will explore the practices of effective speakers in organizational settings. Instruction will explore the fundamentals of persuasive communications and the techniques and tools for creating and delivering effective presentations

This seminar will discuss using strength based competencies to positively affect your career, your leadership and your teams. We will explore your personal strengths and competencies and how to think about them within your own career. We will also explore how to use competencies in leadership to get the best out of the individual, build effective teams and deliver on your business objectives. Self-assessments will be incorporated and its application to leadership.

Examine today’s global marketplace and the opportunities and challenges it presents to international companies. Learn major theories of international trade and their relevance towards economic development, competitive advantage, and strategic implications. Learn how international businesses gain a competitive advantage for their products or services in the dynamic world marketplace.

Discover the impact of the international financial markets in today’s global economy. Learn how and why international companies use the four financial markets – stock, bond, foreign exchange, and money – to manage their international financial operations.

Learn the principles of marketing products and services in the international context by analyzing marketing objectives and strategies, research and development, branding, pricing, promotions, channels of distribution, and creating line extensions. Study how lucrative brands are able to successfully market to a variety of cultures through various technologies.

Learn how to manage cultural differences to achieve successful international business outcomes. Explore how communication styles, value systems, beliefs, and organizational structures vary across cultures, as well as how international companies manage, compensate, and motivate workers. Learn to plan, work, and negotiate successfully in the global marketplace.

People in both large and small companies, whether marketing to just one country or globally, need to understand the distribution systems of their target markets. Explore the supply chain including physical transportation, infrastructure, inventory and packaging, customs privileged facilities, developing efficient freight pricings, the role of service providers, and marine cargo insurance.

In this capstone course, work in teams to select a product, research and analyze information, develop a marketing strategy, and understand the financial requirements with expected return on investment (ROI) to create an actionable business plan. Deliver a professional presentation of the business plan to peers and instructors as a culmination of the program.

This seminar will discuss using strength based competencies to positively affect your career, your leadership and your teams. We will explore your personal strengths and competencies and how to think about them within your own career. We will also explore how to use competencies in leadership to get the best out of the individual, build effective teams and deliver on your business objectives. Self-assessments will be incorporated and its application to leadership.

Human resources management is vital to the financial health and productivity of all organizations. Acquire an in-depth understanding of the charter and mission of human resources in the industrial, service and public sectors. Then multiply your role and knowledge of the major elements of the personnel process including recruiting, interviewing, wage and labor issues, benefits, compensation, employment, regulations, documentation and termination, while gaining an insider’s grasp of employee relations, work force diversity and human resources planning and research. Finally, address various theories regarding employee morale, organizational behavior and group dynamics.

Recruiting and retaining a solid talent base for an organization can be challenging enough in a native country, with everyone speaking the same language and understanding local business norms. But the global marketplace has opened the doors to recruiting talent across borders like never before, and a whole new set of challenges must now also be addressed. This course will explore the talent acquisition cycle with an emphasis on multi-national recruitment and retention, including strategies for workforce planning, sourcing, and hiring.

Arguably the single greatest driving force behind the new global economy and international business arena is the constant development of new technologies with which companies can reach more and more customers, and draw from a worldwide pool of applicants in their search for developing talent. This course will explore the cutting edge intricacies of technology as a tool in talent management, including using social media in recruitment. Topics of discussion will also include managing a virtual workforce and telecommunications leadership.

In today’s expanding global market, and shrinking business timelines, it’s important for professionals to have a firm grasp on what it means to be part of a global workforce. Whether managing satellite teams, or overseeing international local groups, the new trends of globalization are the key to developing successful global leadership skills. This class will underscore the finer points of structural management in a global company and organizational design across time zones and borders, as well as presenting an overview of why global management is so important in today’s economy and business environment. Discussions will also focus on the needs for performance evaluation metrics and standardization in the realm of international human resources management.

Managing change in an organization is a dynamic process. Effective change maximizes the alignment between an organization’s strategies, structure, systems and culture. It requires an understanding of the systemic interrelationships among these factors and how changes in one can affect another. This course focuses on planning and implementing change in organizations, with an emphasis on the role of leadership within an organization. Participants examine the role of leadership and the competencies and skills required of individuals who initiate, manage, and are affected by change.

Managing change in an organization is a dynamic process. Effective change maximizes the alignment between an organization’s strategies, structure, systems and culture. Change requires an understanding of the systemic interrelationships between these factors.  It also requires looking at how changes in one can affect another. This course focuses on planning and implementing change in organizations, with an emphasis on the role of leadership within an organization. Participants examine the role of leadership and the competencies and skills required of individuals who initiate, manage, and are affected by change.

Effective writing is a powerful tool in the business environment. Learn how to articulate your thoughts and engage your audience with clear and concise language. Improve your skill at using this powerful instrument by learning to select and use appropriate formats, use the correct medium, and adjust your writing style accordingly. You will also learn to spot, avoid, and correct the most common writing pitfalls and gain valuable experience analyzing, writing, and revising a complete spectrum of business documents. From a simple inter-office memo to a business report, you will have the opportunity to learn how to put good writing to work for you.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, employees at all levels find themselves being asked to handle more tasks, meet more deadlines, take on more responsibilities, and adapt to more change. Added to these challenges is the constantly shifting diversity of the workplace, where coworkers cope with generational, gender, age and cultural differences. Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, is at the foundation of everything we do and say, and is especially important in the modern workplace. The good news is that communication is a learned skill that with the right training, can be enhanced. The focus of this course is to heighten students’ awareness of workplace communication and add new interpersonal skills, with the end result of becoming a more competent communicator overall.

The ability to communicate effectively in a professional or personal setting is a valuable asset. To convey ideas and persuade a person or audience that a product, service, or idea is best suited for their needs, it is essential to speak articulately. In addition, for a client-based audience, it is imperative to be organized and skilled at expressing ideas and opinions to co-workers, employers and professional peers. Throughout the course, participants will be required to give presentations, actively participate in virtual class discussions, engage in interactive exercises, and critique peers on their journey to create compelling presentations.

This course provides opportunities to build confidence in front of an audience, tackle impromptu speaking, and learn how to use your voice as a powerful tool. Students will also learn to organize content to connect with the audience and deliver a powerful message by using visual aids and becoming cognizant of the impression made through body language, posture, and eye contact.

In this course, we study three forms of interaction for the purposes of having an effect on another individual’s opinion, behavior, perspective, decision-making or actions. The course will address influence both in the workplace and outside of it by looking at forms of influential behavior, human tendencies regarding influence as well as the distinctions between influence and manipulation, coercion and authority. Our study of persuasion will include an in-depth evaluation of the different forms of persuasive powers as well as the role emotion and relationships play in the art of persuasion. Our study of negotiation espouses the strategy of “Principled Negotiation” in which the goal is not just win-win, but working collaboratively with all involved to maximize the value of the agreement to all parties.

This course provides a conceptual framework for approaching decision-making situations with clarity and confidence. Participants build competence in two specific areas: making effective decisions based on the accurate assessment of the problem and preparing to effectively develop and analyze creative alternatives. In addition, students learn how to work on the right problem, develop and structure objectives, understand the consequences, and make appropriate trade-offs. Using case studies and on-the-job situations encountered by the class, students explore successful models and proven techniques that are readily transferable to their own situations.

With “big data” becoming bigger by the day, analytics and the ability to capture, analyze and effectively communicate the most important information is arguably becoming a greater challenge than capturing data itself. A great divide exists between those who capture and analyze data and those who utilize the data for strategic decision-making. This course focuses on how to effectively communicate data within the organization by extracting and capturing the most valuable information needed. Topics also include how to become an effective data storyteller in order to move people to make the right and best decisions. Participants will learn to choose effective visualization tools to present information with context, insight and interpretation, including building and presenting a business dashboard.