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Simplilearn Partners with The University of Oklahoma Outreach

In a pivotal move towards enhancing career opportunities in project management, Simplilearn has announced the launch of a new Professional Certificate Program in Project Management, developed in collaboration with The University of Oklahoma Outreach. This program is tailored to equip learners with essential skills, harnessing the transformative power of Generative AI (GenAI).

The New Program Overview

This innovative course emphasizes the application of GenAI in various aspects of project management, such as planning, forecasting, reporting, and facilitating critical decision-making processes. Learners will benefit from comprehensive exposure to more than 15 industrial tools, participate in over 25 live demonstrations, and immerse themselves in 10 guided practice sessions, all facilitated by experienced industry professionals and certified instructors.

Recent studies have highlighted a notable increase in AI integration within project management, with 70% of professionals reporting its utilization—an impressive rise from just 36% two years ago. Responding to this trend, the program aims to aid learners in implementing Agile and hybrid delivery frameworks, utilizing established methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe. Combining GenAI and predictive analytics, the course will also delve into areas such as risk management, cost control, and ethical standards in data practices.

Educational Structure and Learning Experience

This professional certificate program adopts a blended learning approach, merging online self-paced study with live instructor-led training. Participants will engage in live virtual sessions, hands-on projects, simulations, and real-world case studies. Each learner will undertake a capstone project tailored to their interests, applying newly acquired skills to solve real business challenges.

To enhance the learning experience, the program includes extensive digital materials, including audio-visual content, eBooks, assessments, and a comprehensive learner’s guide.

Kashyap Dalal, Cofounder and COO of Simplilearn, emphasized the necessity for project managers to adeptly navigate complex environments increasingly dominated by AI and digital solutions. He stated, "This program focuses on providing real-world exposure to Generative AI and analytics-driven decision-making, enabling participants to effectively integrate these tools into their daily project tasks."

In addition to core project management modules, the curriculum encompasses an elective on Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, intended to enhance participants' capabilities in process improvement. This module focuses on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology, empowering learners to apply structured, data-driven techniques to enhance productivity and performance across various project settings.

Partnership Expectations

Belinda Biscoe, Ph.D., the Senior Associate Vice President of University Outreach at The University of Oklahoma, expressed optimism about the collaboration. She stated, "This course aligns perfectly with the Project Management Institute's standards and aims to offer valuable PDUs, supporting ongoing professional growth and certification pathways. We are excited to leverage our combined expertise to deliver quality education that transcends traditional methodologies."

The curriculum is designed to seamlessly integrate foundational project management principles with advanced Agile and hybrid methodologies, positioning learners to handle complex business landscapes proficiently.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in this dynamic program, candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. The program welcomes applicants from both technical and non-technical backgrounds, though those aspiring to take the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam should ideally have between 3-5 years of relevant experience in the field.

Upon completing the Professional Certificate Program in Project Management with GenAI, participants will earn a joint certificate from The University of Oklahoma Outreach and Simplilearn, along with a digital badge to showcase their achievements.

Dr. Nina R. Barbee, Program Director and Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at The University of Oklahoma, is committed to fostering a learning environment that prepares individuals for the challenges of today's workforce.

About the Educational Institutions

University of Oklahoma Outreach: As a prominent public research university, the University of Oklahoma offers over 170 academic programs and prides itself on providing a nurturing learning environment akin to that of a private college. The University Outreach division champions lifelong learning through innovative educational initiatives and workforce development.

Simplilearn: Founded in 2010 and backed by Blackstone, Simplilearn is a global leader in digital skills training that offers over 1,500 live classes monthly across more than 150 countries. With a mission to empower both individuals and organizations, Simplilearn collaborates with top-tier educational institutions to create impactful learning experiences.

This partnership between Simplilearn and The University of Oklahoma represents a significant step forward in aligning educational offerings with industry demands, thus preparing learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.