BSQSM* Course Descriptions

Semester 1

EDU301: Best Practices for Undergraduate Education
The course covers the basic terminology and principles of both QSM and HSD, and it applies these concepts to situations in both the public and private sectors (government agencies and businesses). The course explains why the Quality Process (Total Quality Management) is indeed the future of Homeland Security and Defense. Without Quality, there is no way to plan for Homeland Security or to justify the enormous resource expenditures required, financial and otherwise. Without Quality, there is no way to evaluate the impact of Homeland Security efforts. Quality means measuring success against objective and quantifiable standards, something which is essential to the future of Homeland Security groups and programs. (3cr)

QSM340: Performance-Based Management Introduction
The course introduces the principles and best practices of quality systems management. The emphasis is on building an understanding of effective operational excellence through the practical implementation of quality systems management principles. Diverse case studies from disparate organizations that apply QSM principles are used for the purposes of discussion. The course encourages students to apply the theoretical principles to their own work and to consider how organizational processes may be improved. Student teams will be formed for the duration of this course to complete certain assignments. (3cr)

QSM381: Introduction to Strategic Planning
Quality Systems Management principles and best practices are introduced as they relate to planning for and designing QSM systems for practical application. Emphasis is on basic definitions, methods and barriers to strategic planning. Students will also be introduced to implementation strategies learned from business organizations. (3cr)

EDU 401 Introduction to Research & Data Analysis
NGS has a tradition of advancing knowledge in Quality Systems through “action” research, which is research based on active investigation surrounding the specific graduate level project. This course requires research which supplements course-specific assignments in NGS undergraduate programs. This course ensures that student research regarding projects extends beyond the required reading in other courses. It also ensures that the lessons learned from that extended reading and research is captured through annotated bibliographies of materials directly connected to the team project. The faculty supervisor facilitates that research through periodic reports and electronic review of team progress by designated faculty members. (3cr)

QSM350: Bachelor’s Business Project I
This course introduces the institution-wide emphasis on work-related projects. The scope is limited to that of comparable senior year projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding the NGS methodology for project completion, e.g. champion and guiding coalition. Students will be required to consult regularly with their learning advisors during the course. (3cr)

Semester 2

EDU338: Bachelor’s Project Development I
This course introduces new Bachelor of Science degree students at the National Graduate School of Quality Management to the college’s programs that lead to degrees in Quality Systems Management and Homeland Security & Defense. The material is a combination of ideas, principles, and practical advice designed to assist students in making a quick transition from the every day working world to the demanding academic environment of study, analysis, discussion, and communication. (3cr)

QSM 408 Special Topics in Quality Management
This course introduces the principles of process management to undergraduates. The emphasis is on building an understanding of the skills needed to manage a process, lead a Kaizen event and facilitate and sustain an improvement project. Diverse case studies are used for the purposes of discussion. Students are guided by faculty through specific reading assignments and submissions, in-class or synchronous discussion where applicable. The course encourages students to apply the theoretical principles to their own work and to consider how organizational processes may be improved. (3cr)

QSM358: Introduction to Benchmarking
This course introduces benchmarking strategies, presents benchmarking principles and leads stu¬dents to make practical applications to their Bachelor’s Business Project. Topic basics include comparative performance benchmarking, performance benchmarking, and process flow comparisons. (3cr)

QSM475: Introduction to Financial Systems Management
This course surveys financial approaches utilized by organizations. Case studies illustrate the successful application of the models introduced and the reasons for change. (3cr)

QSM362: Bachelor’s Business Project II
This course continues the institution-wide emphasis on established performance measures in work-related projects. The measures are driven by actual work experience and guided by NGS methodology on what constitutes a verifiable performance measure. Emphasis is placed on applying the NGS methodology to the completion of the project and progress assessment. (3cr)

Curriculum is subject to change

*Not available in Massachusetts. Not available to Massachusetts residents.