9.5.
Advanced Graduate Diploma (Information Technology Management)
Advanced Graduate Diploma in Project Management
Introduction Program Information Program Requirements Course Offerings Fees Academic Schedule Course-related Procedures Course Descriptions Additional Services Contact Information Back to 9.0
Introduction
Athabasca University's Centre for Innovative Management (CIM) is a strategic business unit that delivers the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management (AGDITM), Advanced Graduate Diploma in Project Management (AGDPM) , Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM), Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (Information Technology Management) (MBA [ITM]), Master of Business Administration (Project Management) (MBA[PM]), and programs from its offices in St. Albert, Alberta. All of the graduate programs are offered via a grouped-study electronic format, meaning there are specific start and completion dates and extensive use of the Internet.
The AGDPM program is for managers who have already studied both the fundamentals of management skills by attaining an MBA and foundation level training in project management, and who wish to pursue advanced graduate education in Project Management. The program consists of the course components of the MBA(PM) program that entails taking four core courses, three electives and a comprehensive exam. AGDPM students participate in the courses with students completing the MBA(PM).
The AGDITM and AGDPM programs require students to complete four core courses, three electives (one of which must be a residential elective), and one comprehensive exam. Students must complete their AGDITM and AGDPM studies within three years of their initial enrolment in the program.
AGDITM and AGDPM Consolidated Program Information
The AGDITM and AGDPM programs comprise seven, three-credit courses for a total of 21 credits. A comprehensive exam follows the four core courses.
Admission to either program occurs three times each year with admission dates usually falling in the months of January, May, and October. Athabasca University may modify the list of available courses at any time.
AGDITM and AGDPM Program Requirements
AGDITM Admission RequirementsApplicants to the AGDITM program must hold an MBA degree from Athabasca University or an MBA degree (or an equivalent masters program, e.g., Master Program in Management of Information Technology Management) from an accredited university or college and have completed at least three years of acceptable managerial experience that may include supervisory and professional experience with management responsibilities.
Students must also ensure that they have access to an environment where IT is applied. This environment is necessary for students to apply their learning. Applicants must complete all application requirements as outlined in the current CIM application package. Applicants must also pay the non-refundable application fee and confirm access to a computer system that meets the program's requirements. Upon acceptance to the program, all students must pay the required admission fee.
AGDPM Admission Requirements
Applicants to the AGDPM program must hold an MBA degree from Athabasca University or an MBA degree (or an equivalent masters program, e.g., Master Program in Management of Information Technology Management) from an accredited university or college and have completed at least three years of acceptable managerial experience that may include supervisory and professional experience with management responsibilities.
In addition, applicants applying to the AGDPM must also have experience working in a project-oriented work environment and will have a base-level understanding of project management. Evidence of base level understanding includes:
Applicants into either the AGDITM or AGDPM programs must complete and submit all application requirements as outlined in the current CIM application package. Applicants must also pay the non-refundable application fee and confirm access to a computer system that meets the program's requirements. Upon acceptance to the program, all students must pay the required admission fee.
- certification as a Project Management Professional through PMI or an equivalent project management association, or
- completion of a certificate in project management from some credible education organization, or
- documented project management experience of significant projects for over five years, or
- evidence of passing an online exam based on the project management body of knowledge.
Other Requirements
Students applying to either program may be required to demonstrate competency and proficiency in the English language.
Advanced Standing
There will be no direct transfer of core course credits into the AGDITM or AGDPM program from credit courses completed at other accredited degree-granting institutions. At the time of admission, however, graduate students may, at the discretion of the CIM Admissions Committee, be awarded advanced standing in the specific core courses in light of their combined prior education and experience. Requests for advanced standing must be made to the CIM Admissions Committee at the time of application to the program. Exemptions to these requirements must be approved by the Director of CIM.
Students awarded with advanced standing in a course are:
- provided with full course materials,
- remain responsible for full program tuition, and
- remain responsible to know and understand all components of the course and demonstrate this knowledge in the comprehensive exams.
Transfer Credit: Elective Courses
Subject to the approval of the Graduate Management Program Council (GMPC) and payment of the appropriate fee, students may take one of their required AGDITM or AGDPM elective courses from another post-secondary institution (or apply for transfer of credit) if such a course is relevant and equivalent to courses in either program at Athabasca University. A written request, including a detailed outline of the course, must be sent to the GMPC at least one month before the registration deadline for the course. Upon successful completion of the course (with the appropriate passing grade), students must submit an official transcript in order to obtain credit for the course.
Residency Requirement
Students in either the AGDITM or AGDPM must attend one residential elective during the course of the program. Electives from the other CIM programs will meet the residency requirement for either program. If minimum enrolment is not met, Athabasca University may cancel the residential electives.
Course Offerings (21 credits)
Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available elective courses at any time. AGDITM Program
Core Courses
INTS 602 Information, Technology, Strategy (3)
ITHF 601 Human Factors in Information Technology (3)
ITPM 602 Project Management for Information Technology Projects (3)
ITEC 603 Electronic Commerce (3)
CMPI 606 Information Technology Management Comprehensive Exam (0)
Elective Courses
AGDITM students are required to complete three electives, one of which must be a residential elective. Students may choose one elective from the other CIM programs; however, two of the three elective requirements must be IT electives.EISI 604 Systems Integration (3)
EIKM 605 Knowledge Management (3)
Week-long Residential Elective (3)AGDPM Program
Core Courses
PITP 601 Initiating the Project (3)
PPTP 602 Planning the Project (3)
PETP 603 Executing the Project (3)
PCTP 604 Closing the Project (3)
CMPP 607 Project Management Comprehensive Exam (0)
Elective Courses
AGDPM students are required to complete three electives, one of which must be a residential elective. Students may choose one elective from the other CIM programs, however, two of the three elective requirements must be PM electives.
Fees (effective Aug. 1, 2002)
All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Application fee: $165
Comprehensive examination fee (repeats): $250
Course reregistration fee: $2,030 (course tuition less $170 course materials and handling fee [if applicable])
Deferral fee: $150
Admission fee: $590
Letter of Certification fee: $5
Program extension fee: $500
Program fee: $14,955
Transcript fee: $10
Transfer credit fee: $250
Program discontinuation fee: $500
A 20 percent surcharge will be charged on all fees (with the exception of the $165 application fee) for programs delivered outside of Canada. Fees are subject to change. The University reserves the right to: apply a surcharge to posted residential elective rates when such programs are delivered outside of Canada; charge for late cancellation of attendance at residential electives; and/or suspend students if their program fees are overdue. Refer to Delinquent Accounts.
AGDITM and AGDPM Academic Schedule
Program start dates are subject to change.
2002 May 20 Victoria Day, Centre closed May 27 May program starts June 15 Last day for receipt of application materials for September 2002 start dates July 1 Canada Day, Centre closed Aug. 5 Civic Holiday, Centre closed Sept. 2 Labour Day, Centre closed Oct. 14 Thanksgiving Day, Centre closed Oct. 15 Last day for receipt of application materials for January 2003 start dates Oct. 28 October program starts. Nov. 11 Remembrance Day, Centre closed Dec. 24/02-
Jan. 2/2003The University will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002 and will reopen 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003. 2003 Jan. 13 January program starts Feb. 15 Last day for receipt of application materials for May 2003 start dates Feb. 17 Family Day, Centre closed Apr. 18-21 (inclusive) Easter break, Centre closed May 19 Victoria Day, Centre closed May 26 May program starts July 1 Canada Day, Centre closed
Course-Related Procedures
RegistrationCore courses will be offered in sequential order by the grouped-study method, meaning there are specific start and completion dates. Subject to the approval of the Director of CIM, students may be permitted to take more than one course at a time. Upon admission to a program of study, students will receive a timetable outlining course start and completion dates for the cohort group to which the student belongs.
Students register for electives on an individual basis. Schedule and registration information is posted to students on a regular basis. Students are permitted to take electives while doing their core courses (prerequisites may be required).
AGDITM Students Only
Subject to approval, students may be permitted to take the core courses in any order except for INTS 602, which must be successfully completed before ITEC 603 and RIEB 649 (residential elective).
Deferrals
Students who have commenced their studies and find themselves with changed circumstances in either their business or personal lives, may defer their studies with payment of the applicable fee. The following rules govern deferral status.
- Deferral must occur within 21 calendar days of the course start date (in which a student is registered) otherwise the student will be considered registered.
- Payment of the applicable fee is required.
- Deferral will not occur by default.
- Deferral requests must be submitted by a student to the appropriate areas before the 21-day expiry period.
Course deferrals do not apply to elective courses (refer to Elective Withdrawals below). Incomplete Status
Students who are unable to complete a course in which they are currently registered, within the allowable time frame may
- request a deferral (refer to Deferrals above),
- request an incomplete status, or
- withdraw (refer to Withdrawal and Re-enrolment below) from the program.
Under extraordinary circumstances, students may receive permission for an incomplete status for a course. These students must submit their request to the academic coach before the end date of the course. The academic coach will seek approval from the course manager to grant incomplete status. If approved, students will have up to 30 calendar days to complete the outstanding individual written assignments (as approved). Group assignments and participation components of the course are not included under this policy.
Elective Withdrawals
Students may withdraw from an elective at any time up to 21 days after the course start date without academic penalty, providing they meet the following criteria.
- Students must formally request to withdraw from an elective course; simply not completing the course requirements does not constitute a withdrawal.
- Students formally withdraw from an elective course by supplying written notification to their Cohort Coordinator in Registration and Records. Such notification may be submitted by e-mail or fax.
- Students who withdraw within 21 days after the course start date will have the record of registration deleted from their record.
- Students who withdraw after 21 days of the course start date will receive a failing grade.
- Students who fail to formally withdraw will be assigned a failing grade.
Refunds
There are two levels of refund available to students who withdraw from an elective course either before the course start date or no later than 21 days after the course start date providing they meet the following criteria.
Refund A: Course Materials Undamaged. If the course materials package is completely unmarked, able to be issued to another student, and received by CIM within 30 days of the processing of a refundable withdrawal request, students will receive a refund of tuition paid less the elective withdrawal processing fee.
Refund B: Course Materials Damaged, Marked, or Missing. If the course materials package has been damaged, marked, or some materials are missing, the student will be charged both the elective withdrawal processing fee and the course materials and handling fee. The course materials will remain the student's property and should not be returned.
There are no refunds for students who withdraw more than 21 days after the course start date. Course materials returned to CIM after the 21 days by students withdrawing from an elective course and hoping to obtain a refund will not be returned to the student and become the property of Athabasca University.
The refund will be processed approximately 45 days after the elective course withdrawal.
Reregistrations and Repeats
Students who fail a course in the AGDITM or AGDPM program may repeat that course only once. Full tuition for the particular course failed will be required for each course repeated. In all cases, the higher of the original or repeat grade will be counted. Students who fail the same course twice will be expelled from their program of study with no opportunity for re-enrolment. The applicable program discontinuation fee will be withheld before any refund will be issued.
Students who fail the comprehensive exam may repeat the exam only once. An appropriate fee will be charged for repetition of the exam and the student must wait until the next scheduled offering of the exam to re-write it. Students who fail the second writing of the comprehensive exam will be expelled from their program of study with no opportunity for re-enrolment.
Active Status and Continuation
To maintain active status, students must complete and achieve a successful passing grade in at least one course in their program within a 12-month period (if a student has been inactive for six months, he or she has only six more months to remain active). The comprehensive exam is part of the requirement for maintaining active status. Students who do not maintain active status will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.
Withdrawal from the Program
Students may withdraw from the AGDITM or AGDPM program by notifying the University in writing. Students who choose to withdraw from either program without record of registration, must do so within 30 calendar days of commencement of the program. A withdrawal occurring during this time will not be recorded on the students transcript; however, the student will be required to pay a program discontinuation fee. Students who withdraw from a program after the 30 calendar-day period from the start of the program will have the withdrawal recorded on their transcript, be required to pay a program discontinuation fee, and pay the tuition portion for courses completed and in which they are currently registered.
Re-enrolment in the Program
Re-enrolment in a program can occur, subject to re-application, review, and approval by the Graduate Management Program Council, and payment of all applicable fees. Students will be required to pay any fee increases that may have occurred between the time of their last enrolment and re-enrolment. Credit for courses previously completed will be re-evaluated and applied to the program requirements where appropriate.
Refunds
Tuition paid is refunded after the applicable program discontinuation fee and the tuition portion for the courses completed and currently registered in are processed.
Computer System Requirements
Access to a microcomputer is mandatory for the completion of assignments and contact with other students, faculty, and CIM. Students must be computer literate and possess, or have access to, computer equipment that will run the software used in the program. Contact CIM to obtain a listing of the acceptable computer equipment.
Exams
Students of the AGDITM and AGDPM undertake a comprehensive exam at the end of the core courses. This exam will be scheduled at least twice each year, as determined by the Graduate Management Program Council. The comprehensive exam is graded on a pass/fail basis, and a grade of 70 percent is required to pass. Review Reregistrations and Repeats above, for exam re-write information.
Grading System
A minimum grade of 60 percent is required for both the assignments and participation components in each course. Each assignment and participation component that is to be counted towards the final grade for a course will be given a percentage grade. The following scale is used for conversion. The comprehensive exam is graded on a pass/fail basis, and an overall grade of 70 percent is required to be awarded a "pass."
A+ 90 - 100% A 85 - 89% A- 80 - 84% B+ 77 - 79% B 74 - 76% B- 70 - 73% C+ 67 - 69% C 64 - 66% C- 60 - 63% F 0 - 59% INC Incomplete status W Withdrawn in good standing
Completion Time Limits
Students must complete their AGDITM or AGDPM studies within three years of their initial enrolment in the program. Extensions of up to one year will be considered by the Director of CIM in exceptional circumstances and will require the payment of a fee.
Graduation Requirements
To be awarded the MBA (ITM) program, a graduate student must:
- successfully complete the program course structure set out at the time of admission into the program,
- successfully complete the comprehensive exam
- complete and submit an Application for Graduation Form, and
- meet all other regulations.
In addition, students must have paid all necessary fees owed to the University and have returned all library resources.
Course Descriptions
Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available courses at any time.
AGDITM Program
Core Courses
INTS 602
3—Information, Technology, StrategyBuilding on Phase 1, this course deals with the nature of effective information systems and the process of developing an effective information strategy for the management of an organization. Case studies on innovative information-management systems will be used throughout this course.
ITHF 601
3—Human Factors in Information TechnologyThis course will examine the interface between people and technology from a psycho-social perspective. This will include workflow design, group and individual issues, as well as some ergonomics. Some of the ethical, privacy, and social implications of technology will also be addressed.
ITPM 602
3—Project Management for Information Technology ProjectsApplied project management skills linked to technology innovation, technology infrastructure change, and new ventures will be examined. This course will introduce project management (PM) techniques and develop application skills. This course reviews PM theories in light of the significant difficulties reported in managing information technology projects.
ITEC 603
3—Electronic CommerceLooking at the business context of the electronic commerce, relevant models of electronic commerce, and the place of electronic commerce and Electronic Data Interchange in the supply chain, this course will develop student capabilities in electronic business. Students will explore relevant technology and design issues and investigate the security, privacy, and ethical and legal dimensions of electronic commerce.
CMPI 606
0—Information Technology Management Comprehensive Exam
Students work on an IT management business simulation. There is a group component and an individual written component to this exam. The exam process runs over a two-week period. The written component is completed during the last three days.
AGDITM Elective Courses
Students are required to complete three electives, one of which must be a residential elective. Students may choose electives from the other CIM programs, however, two of the three elective requirements must be IT electives. EISI 604
3—Systems IntegrationThis course will examine how different systems, and activities conducted through those systems, can be integrated. These will include telecommunications and manufacturing systems as well as computer-based systems.
EIKM 605
3—Knowledge ManagementThis course takes a systematic look at how information is converted into knowledge within the corporation through groupware, learning systems, neural networks, and related technologies. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of knowledge management and how technology can be harnessed to aid implementation of knowledge-management practices.
3—Week-long Residential Elective
The residential elective course is an intensive week-long session concentrating on a specialized topic. In some cases, the emphasis will be on group work with individual follow-up assignments to be submitted within 30 days following the residential week. Prerequisites and pre-course work may be required. Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Information and registration for residential electives takes place approximately two months in advance.
AGDPM Program
Core Courses
PITP 601
3—Initiating the ProjectThe initiation phase of a project involves high-level planning and conceptual thinking about the business needs that the project meets and its proposed deliverables. This course involves an analysis and assessment of the business plan for the project as well as the project charter. The project charter is the main deliverable of this phase. Effective project initiation results in a solid foundation upon which to conduct the project.
PPTP 602
3—Planning the ProjectReady, fire, aim. Literature shows that not enough time is spent on the front-end phases of a project and this has implications for project rework, ill-defined deliverables, and unmet client expectations. In the project lifecycle, the initiation phase is followed by the planning phase. The planning phase takes the business plan and project charter as a basis for developing an integrated project plan and related deliverables.
PETP 603
3—Executing the ProjectThe bulk of project work occurs during the execution (implementation) phase. Since this is where the "action" is, it is also a hotbed of things that can go wrong. This phase involves meeting the project management deliverables and ensuring that they remain aligned with the product deliverables. Topics covered in this phase relate to implementing the plans developed in the planning course and monitoring and controlling. Effective negotiation skills are vital in this phase along with project monitoring and control.
PCTP 604
3—Closing the ProjectAll too often, we shortchange the closeout phase of the project. This can occur because the phase was not planned for, people are jumping ship, or a more exciting project comes along. The intricacies of managing the expectations around project completion end up being ignored and projects simply fade away or drag on rather than ending cleanly. The closeout phase is a critical part of the project.
0—CMPP 607 Project Management Comprehensive Exam
AGDPM Elective Courses
3—Week-long Residential Elective
The residential elective course is an intensive week-long session concentrating on a specialized topic. In some cases, the emphasis will be on group work with individual follow-up assignments to be submitted within 30 days following the residential week. Prerequisites and pre-course work may be required. Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Information and registration for residential electives takes place approximately two months in advance.
Additional Services
Library ServicesAthabasca University Library also serves the needs of graduate students. Refer to Section 10 Student Support Services.
Tuition and Education Tax Credit Receipts Information
Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. In February, T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction, along with the tuition tax receipts, are mailed to the address on record. Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration.
International Transcripts
Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the US, documentation that attests to its equivalence to a Canadian baccalaureate degree, is required. Such documentation may be obtained from
International Qualifications Assessment Services
Department of Learning, Government of Alberta
4th Floor, Sterling Place
9940-106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2N2
Phone: (780) 427 2655
E-mail: iqas@gov.ab.ca
Regulations and Appeals
Athabasca University policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals apply to all students. Refer to Section 12 Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal.
Athabasca University's policies, regulations, and procedures apply to graduate students. Refer to Section 5 Undergraduate Admission, Transfer Credit, and Assessments.
Contact Information
Centre for Innovative Management
Athabasca University
301 Grandin Park Plaza
22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue
St. Albert, AB T8N 1B4
(800) 561-4650 or (780) 459-1144
Fax: (800) 561-4660 or (780) 459-2093
E-mail: cimoffice@athabascau.ca
Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
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