El enigma del colesterol: desmontando los mitos m谩s comunes

Publicado el by Kelly Hunger

Como estudiantes y profesionales con una vida ajetreada, hoy en d铆a resulta dif铆cil distinguir la realidad de la ficci贸n. Esto es especialmente cierto en el 谩mbito de la salud y el bienestar, en constante evoluci贸n. Uno de esos temas que puede resultar un hueso duro de roer (sin doble sentido) es el colesterol. Mi propio y querido padre pensaba que deb铆a tomar su medicaci贸n para el colesterol cuando com铆a mal, en lugar de tomarla a diario tal y como le hab铆an recetado. Desde entonces, ha aprendido por las malas que no es as铆. Pero, 驴qu茅 sabemos realmente sobre las investigaciones actuales sobre el colesterol? A continuaci贸n, se desmontan algunos mitos comunes sobre el colesterol, seg煤n la Asociaci贸n Americana del Coraz贸n.

  1. El colesterol es malo para usted.
  • Aunque un nivel elevado de colesterol no es recomendable para la salud, el cuerpo necesita el colesterol en general para desempe帽ar diversas funciones. Entre ellas se incluyen la formaci贸n de c茅lulas, la producci贸n de algunas hormonas y de vitamina D, y la digesti贸n de los alimentos grasos.
  • Existen dos tipos de colesterol: la lipoprote铆na de alta densidad (HDL), tambi茅n conocida como 芦el colesterol bueno禄, y la lipoprote铆na de baja densidad (LDL), o 芦el colesterol malo禄. La HDL ayuda a mantener las arterias despejadas, ya que act煤a como un im谩n para el LDL, que transporta al h铆gado para su eliminaci贸n. El LDL transporta el colesterol a las arterias, donde puede acumularse con el tiempo.

 

  1. El colesterol alto es un trastorno gen茅tico.
  • Aunque algunas personas son m谩s propensas a sufrir colesterol alto debido a sus antecedentes familiares, esta afecci贸n puede afectar a cualquier persona que no siga una dieta equilibrada y un estilo de vida saludable. Las investigaciones demuestran que la acumulaci贸n de placa comienza, de hecho, en la infancia.

 

  1. Solo las personas con sobrepeso y las obesas tienen el colesterol alto.
  • Cualquier persona, independientemente de su complexi贸n f铆sica, puede tener el colesterol alto. El sobrepeso y la obesidad aumentan el riesgo de tener el colesterol alto, pero no son factores determinantes absolutos.

 

  1. Los medicamentos para el colesterol usted permiten comer lo que usted .
  • Los medicamentos para el colesterol est谩n pensados para tomarse de forma regular, junto con una dieta equilibrada y ejercicio f铆sico habitual, con el fin de reducir los niveles de colesterol LDL. Seg煤n los Centros para el Control y la Prevenci贸n de Enfermedades, solo algo m谩s de la mitad de las personas que necesitan medicaci贸n para el colesterol la toman con regularidad.

 

  1. Si evito la carne, no tendr茅 el colesterol alto.
  • Aunque evitar los alimentos de origen animal con alto contenido en grasas saturadas y trans puede ser 煤til para reducir el riesgo de colesterol alto, algunos aceites de origen vegetal tambi茅n pueden hacer que el h铆gado produzca m谩s colesterol.

 

Una vez desmentidos los mitos anteriores, sigue pendiente el gran debate sobre los huevos (buenos, malos, y de nuevo buenos). No hay respuestas sencillas a este debate. A pesar de este misterio, he aqu铆 un sencillo resumen sobre el colesterol que puede servir de gu铆a:

  • Siga una dieta equilibrada y evite los alimentos que contengan grasas saturadas y trans.
  • Lleve un estilo de vida activo.
  • H谩gase revisar los niveles de colesterol a partir de los 20 a帽os y, a partir de entonces, cada 4-6 a帽os, o seg煤n le indique su m茅dico.

 

Aviso legal: Las opiniones aqu铆 expresadas son exclusivamente las de los autores y no representan ni reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de Excelsior College, sus miembros del consejo de administraci贸n, directivos o empleados.

Los movimientos en las redes sociales nos recuerdan que la violencia contra las mujeres no es algo nuevo

Publicado el por Gretchen Schmidt, JD

Violence against women is not a new epidemic. It was set in motion with our forefathers when women were considered legally irrelevant in the eyes of the law: the property of their husband, not allowed to vote, denied access to higher education, etc. Those in power wanted to keep their power. Since then, women groups have fought for women rights and to prevent violence against women, but unfortunately many women remain victims. The #metoo and #whyIdidn檛report movements bring to light the mistreatment of these victims and remind us that as a society, we have a responsibility to hold the perpetrators accountable and not blame the victims.

The first group of women to act was the suffragists who fought beginning in the mid-19th century to gain rights for women, one of the largest being the right to vote. After 72 years, they succeeded in gaining the right for women to vote in 1920, after which time their efforts largely subsided. In the 1960s, as more women were entering the workforce and embarking on careers outside of the home攁nother perceived attempt at taking power and positions previously held by men攍ed to a second wave of women activists. This wave was motivated by the sexual exploitation of women in the workplace, as well as inequality in pay (which continues to this day). This movement also sought to prevent violence against women. The efforts of these women and this movement have gone in ebbs and flows for many reasons, ranging from women not thinking they need to support each other, to national headlines of abuse of women. In 1994, Sen. Joseph R. Biden along with Rep. Louise M. Slaughter sponsored the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The act was an initiative motivated by the Anita Hill hearings. This act has been up for renewal many times since its enactment. It has always had bi-partisan support, this year however, with the political climate what it is, it seems to be missing the same kind of support.

Our society is clearly in a critical state of dysfunction, as evidenced by the #metoo and the #whyIdidntreport movements and those in power blaming the victims. Some look to these movements and say the system is broken; the system has failed. I would argue society has failed. The stigma surrounding being sexually assaulted can檛 be fixed by the criminal justice system. A one-year sentence for a sexual assault conviction that amounts to three months served and 9 months� probation does not fix this problem.

You can檛 fix the stigma associated with sexual assault with jail time. The problem gets fixed when society acknowledges that it is not the victim fault, and no means no, period. 听The victim cannot be made to feel as if it is her or his fault. In our current system, prosecutors are forced to evaluate whether a sexual assault case stood a chance of ending with a defendant being held accountable. Sadly, the victim credibility and stability are keys to whether a case should move forward. The Victims Assistance Unit often has to work with the victim, before, during, and after the trial because, in reality, the victim is victimized a second time by the adversarial process and defense counsel.

As we are seeing in the #whyIdidntreport movement, the reasons vary for why a victim didn檛 come forward, but they all come down to the victim being afraid of people viewing them as promiscuous or immoral, or a liar, and not wanting to be victimized again by having to relive the assault. As a society, there has to be a better way to treat victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We have to decide the victims should be taken care of, not reoffended. Those who prey on women, especially men, wielding some sort of power over them, whether size, money, or prestige, must be held accountable and seen as the wrongdoer. The reality is that about two out of three sexual assaults go unreported.

As a society, can檛 we treat victims of sexual assault with compassion and support?

 

Aviso legal: Las opiniones aqu铆 expresadas son exclusivamente las de los autores y no representan ni reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de Excelsior College, sus miembros del consejo de administraci贸n, directivos o empleados.

T铆tulos acad茅micos en la pr谩ctica: el suboficial mayor Mark Welling

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

Mark Welling vast and unique career has provided him with a diverse background and the experiences necessary for maintaining, repairing, and managing the production efforts needed in the Navy and civilian employments where he been deployed throughout his 33 years with the Navy. During those years, Welling has also never stopped learning, always pursuing his education in some capacity. Now the 2017 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts graduate intends to keep pursuing his higher education goals and move up in his career.

Welling is a quality assurance evaluator (QAE) and inspector within the Historic Aircraft branch of the Naval History Heritage Command at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The command includes nine official听Navy museums nationwide, including听the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, as well as the detachment that maintains the Navy oldest commissioned warship, the听USS Constitution, in Boston, Massachusetts.

淚 work 12-hour days,� says Welling. 淔rom the moment of walking into my office, I review projects and answer concerns from around the country on display-related issues.� His day consists of desk work; evaluating displays; and meeting with personnel within the command, at museums or facilities; and dealing with sailor activities. He also travels up to 50 percent of the time, typically to locations across the United States. Welling has been in the service for 35 years and has worked on more than 15 types of aircrafts including propeller driven engines, helicopters, jet-propelled aircrafts, airships, and gliders. That experience, along with his ability to effectively communicate with his peers, he believes, makes him successful in his position.

Welling explains his work ethic stems back to his childhood: 淚 have worked since I was 14 years old. I started delivering papers, mowing grass, and pumping gas along with servicing and maintaining cars at the local stationfter high school I worked full-time in the printing press field as an offset printer assistant. Never satisfied with learning one trade, I decided to enlist in the service.� He has also never stopped learning. Welling has attended trade schools and leadership schools, and pursued independent study and taken CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior UExcel exams in the pursuit of his degree.

His career with the military often required him to travel throughout the world on long deployments, leaving him little time to devote to family or full-time campus enrollment. 淏efore committing to Excelsior, I evaluated multiple learning institutions and found Excelsior valued and encouraged un-traditional learning for credit toward its accredited degree programs,� he says. Being a military partner student allowed him to take what he learned at other institutions and apply it toward his degree, as well.

Despite being in the aviation field, says Welling, his liberal science degree helps in his management and administrative duties. 淚 have used the skills taught to effectively manage the programs I am responsible for in the office and in the field,� he says. He adds that the business writing course at Excelsior has helped him to respond to business tasks and effectively communicate strategies and goals. Additionally, the liberal arts capstone course was interactive and the training 渂rought forth the need for clear and professional communication with my command business cliental.�

Though he set out to complete his degree many decades ago, he can now say he has achieved one of his lifelong goals. He credits the consistent love and support of his wife Terri Lynn and their five children, Joshua, Jeremiah, Christopher, Samantha, and Laura, for helping him succeed. This past julio, his family was there to celebrate his achievement at Commencement. He says, 淚 was honored to walk with the graduating class of 2018 this summer� I achieved a goal I thought was unreachable. I could not have achieved this milestone without family support along with Excelsior understanding of the needs of a military member.�

Welling doesn檛 want to stop there. He hopes his degree will lead to a promotion and better opportunities within his occupation. 淢y goal is to become the lead QAE within the organization and ultimately lead into a senior executive position,� he says. He also isn檛 done learning; next on the list is a master degree. If Welling journey so far has shown anything, it that the sky the limit for him.

More Advice from Mark Welling�

Most important traits/skills for success�

淭he most important traits in my career is to have desire to improve your work skills by seeking out advanced studies in your field, along with understanding where you want to work in the future.�

Networking tips for current Excelsior students�

淎ssociate yourself with organizations you want to become part of. In my case, I wanted to learn aviation, so I joined the military as an aviation machinist mate (propulsion and power systems mechanic). I also joined a flight club to enhance my occupation as a mechanic and to learn to become a pilot. I found myself working on airplanes owned by aviators who owned flight-related businesses and trained student aviators� A good source to start networking today is your classmates. They most likely are striving for the same opportunity in the same or related field of study. Outside the learning environment, attend job fairs and get to know those businesses that relate to your field. Chances are they will provide a source of helpful networking information.�

Best business advice received on the job�

淎lways challenge yourself to learn all facets of the job you are seeking or employed at. The more you understand how the mission of your organization is managed, the better equipped you are to serve the command, organization, or business you are associated with.�

Diez consejos para controlar el dolor

Publicado el by Jeff A. Pence

septiembre is National Pain Awareness Month. Whether caused from an accident, an illness, an injury, or simply 渙ld age,� pain can affect us in many ways. Although the type, location, and severity of pain can vary a great deal, pain has one common thread: Nobody likes to be in pain.

The American Chronic Pain Association was instrumental in recognizing septiembre as Pain Awareness Month. Its efforts aim to raise awareness and provide education on chronic pain and pain management to both the public and professionals.

Two of Excelsior course offerings, HSC 316 Mind, Body, Health and HSC 402 Managing Stress, are excellent resources for the topics of pain and pain management. There is truth in the saying 淎n ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.澨� Mind, Body, Health focuses on the psychology of health and fitness and also explores how we can make positive changes in our health behaviors. Managing Stress also approaches the psychological aspects of health but continues to offer an expansive list of methods by which someone can not only reduce stress in their life, but also manage pain through both mental and physical means.

In keeping with the theme of Pain Awareness Month, here are 10 suggestions of non-pharmacologic pain management techniques from these courses, and other resources:

  1. Diario
  • Keeping track of your actions, activities, and the level of pain associated with them can help you identify and manage your pain triggers.
  1. Ejercicio
  • If you are able, exercise is a great way to release endorphins (your body natural pain-killers) while also reaping the many benefits of physical activity.
  1. Deep Breathing and Mindfulness
  • Being 渋n the moment� and fully aware of our body can provide focus and establish a connection between your physical and emotional being.
  1. Eating a Healthy Diet and Staying Hydrated
  • The importance of sound nutrition and hydration should not be discounted. Our body needs the right fuel for optimal function and to support immune health.
  1. Massage
  • Besides being relaxing, a therapeutic massage can improve the flow of blood and the work of the lymph nodes. This provides oxygen and nutrients to the cells while simultaneously ridding the body of toxins through increased lymphatic drainage.
  1. Reducing Stress
  • Believe it or not, stress can actually intensify the perception of chronic pain. Identifying your stressors and eliminating them can significantly improve your overall level of pain.
  1. Healthy Pleasures
  • Doing things that we truly enjoy has been shown to provide a therapeutic distraction, which both supports and restores our recuperative powers.
  1. Sleep
  • Speaking of recuperation, the body needs adequate sleep to recharge after periods of prolonged stress, even the stress associated with chronic pain. Sleep is vital to optimize physical and mental well-being.
  1. Support Groups
  • Speaking with others who are also in chronic pain can help you to realize that you are not alone, and that help is available. They can also be a tremendous source of information for the most current and valuable treatment methods.
  1. Creative Outlets
  • Although popular methods include art, music, humor, and hobbies, the possibilities are endless. Regardless of your preferences, finding an activity that is personally rewarding can provide peace of mind while boosting physical wellness.

It is well-established that the best outcomes are achieved with compliance. In other words, finding coping strategies that you like and can stick with will give you the best results. If you are suffering from chronic pain, try some of these techniques then expand your search if necessary.

Aviso legal: Las opiniones aqu铆 expresadas son exclusivamente las de los autores y no representan ni reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de Excelsior College, sus miembros del consejo de administraci贸n, directivos o empleados.

Trata de personas

Publicado el por Carolyn H. Grosvenor, doctora en Medicina, m谩ster en Salud P煤blica

芦Algo no cuadra. Creo que todas las mujeres viven juntas禄. Este comentario lo hizo mi peluquera al referirse a un sal贸n de manicura cuyo gerente era un hombre y en el que ninguna de las mujeres hablaba ingl茅s.

La pregunta 芦驴Qu茅 deber铆a haber hecho?禄 la formul贸 una mujer que en su d铆a trabaj贸 como dependienta en una tienda de lencer铆a. Un d铆a, una adolescente entr贸 en la tienda acompa帽ada de dos hombres mayores. Uno de ellos echaba un vistazo a los art铆culos, mientras que el otro eleg铆a lencer铆a 芦para adultos禄 muy sugerente para la adolescente. No hubo conversaci贸n alguna entre la adolescente y los hombres. La dependienta intent贸 entablar conversaci贸n con la joven, pero fue el hombre que pagaba la lencer铆a quien respondi贸 en su lugar. Sin embargo, la joven s铆 coment贸 que no asist铆a a la escuela.

Es posible que ambas mujeres hayan sido v铆ctimas de la trata de personas. El primer caso podr铆a tratarse de trata con fines de explotaci贸n laboral y el segundo, de trata con fines de explotaci贸n sexual comercial.

La trata de personas y la esclavitud moderna son t茅rminos que se refieren tanto a la explotaci贸n sexual como al trabajo forzoso. El trabajo forzoso incluye la servidumbre involuntaria, la esclavitud o pr谩cticas similares a la esclavitud, la servidumbre por deudas y el trabajo forzoso. Aunque utilizamos el t茅rmino 芦trata禄, la trata de personas no implica necesariamente un desplazamiento o transporte. La explotaci贸n puede tener lugar dentro de la propia comunidad. La Oficina para la Vigilancia y la Lucha contra la Trata de Personas explica: 芦En el centro de este fen贸meno se encuentra el objetivo de los traficantes de explotar y esclavizar a sus v铆ctimas, as铆 como la mir铆ada de pr谩cticas coercitivas y enga帽osas que utilizan para lograrlo禄.

驴Qu茅 podemos hacer para poner fin a la trata de personas? Una opci贸n es intentar rescatar a todas las personas cautivas. O bien, podr铆amos intentar rescatar a aquellas que corren el riesgo de ser capturadas. Creo que este 煤ltimo enfoque ser铆a m谩s eficaz a largo plazo. Este 芦enfoque preventivo禄 se centra en la prevenci贸n. Pero, 驴c贸mo localizamos a las posibles v铆ctimas antes de que los traficantes las encuentren? Tenemos que ser capaces de identificar a quienes son vulnerables o corren el riesgo de ser v铆ctimas de la trata. Aqu铆 es donde entra en juego el an谩lisis de los determinantes sociales de la trata de personas.

Cuando particip茅 en un viaje de misi贸n m茅dica a Nicaragua, descubr铆 que las mujeres y los ni帽os sol铆an acabar en burdeles por motivos econ贸micos. Las mujeres que piden dinero prestado a los traficantes se ven obligadas a trabajar en los burdeles para saldar su deuda. Cualquier intento de abandonar esa situaci贸n se ve respondido con actos de violencia contra ellas o sus familias. Hay padres desesperados que llegan incluso a vender a sus hijos a los traficantes. A algunos ni帽os simplemente los secuestran y luego los venden. Aqu铆, en Estados Unidos, los traficantes buscan a j贸venes fugados (y a otros j贸venes y adultos j贸venes sin hogar), se hacen amigos de ellos y luego los obligan o los venden para el comercio sexual. En cuanto a la trata con fines de explotaci贸n laboral, es posible que se reclute a personas para puestos de trabajo y que estas acaben esclavizadas en talleres clandestinos, en plantaciones o en salones de masajes (que a menudo son una tapadera para un burdel).

Por lo tanto, sabemos que dos factores que exponen a las personas al riesgo de ser v铆ctimas de la trata son la pobreza extrema y la falta de hogar. Se trata de un problema que se aborda mejor desde m煤ltiples niveles: individual, sociocultural, institucional, comunitario y de pol铆ticas p煤blicas. En otras palabras, se requiere un enfoque socioecol贸gico. Para obtener m谩s informaci贸n sobre c贸mo usted marcar la diferencia, lea

Aviso legal: Las opiniones aqu铆 expresadas son exclusivamente las de los autores y no representan ni reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de Excelsior College, sus miembros del consejo de administraci贸n, directivos o empleados.

Fundamentos empresariales: Elaboraci贸n de una estrategia empresarial

Publicado el por William Trevor

La adopci贸n del t茅rmino 芦estrategia禄 por parte del mundo empresarial se debe en gran medida a su uso original en el 谩mbito militar, y parte de la terminolog铆a refleja sus or铆genes. Aunque a menudo se habla de tener 芦una estrategia para perder peso禄 o 芦una estrategia para lidiar con un compa帽ero de trabajo dif铆cil禄, en el mundo empresarial nos referimos espec铆ficamente a un plan a largo plazo centrado en la misi贸n general de la organizaci贸n y destinado a alcanzar objetivos concretos.

驴Qu茅 es la estrategia?

En el apartado 芦Las cinco P de la estrategia禄 del libro *The Strategy Process*, el destacado pensador en materia de gesti贸n Henry Mintzberg afirma que, en el contexto empresarial, el t茅rmino 芦estrategia禄 puede utilizarse de cinco maneras diferentes:

  • La estrategia es un plan: proporciona una hoja de ruta para que la organizaci贸n pase de un punto a otro.
  • La estrategia es un 辫补迟谤贸苍 de acciones que se repiten a lo largo del tiempo; por ejemplo, Apple ofrece productos de gama alta a consumidores que valoran la marca y aplica una f贸rmula similar en cada lanzamiento de un nuevo producto.
  • La estrategia es la posici贸n: por ejemplo, el Bugatti Veyron se posiciona en el segmento de gama alta del mercado de los veh铆culos particulares.
  • La estrategia es una 迟谩肠迟颈肠补: su estrategia podr铆a utilizarse para superar a la competencia. Starbucks, por ejemplo, saturar铆a una zona de la ciudad con cafeter铆as para sacar del mercado a sus competidores.
  • La estrategia es una perspectiva: se deriva de la misi贸n, la visi贸n y los valores de la organizaci贸n.

 

Cuando hablamos de un plan a largo plazo para una organizaci贸n, nos centramos en la 芦estrategia corporativa禄, como la que utiliza Amazon para desarrollar la misi贸n general de la empresa. Por debajo de esta se encuentra la 芦estrategia de unidad de negocio禄, desarrollada por Amazon Go, por ejemplo, que son las tiendas f铆sicas del gigante del comercio minorista en l铆nea. Por 煤ltimo, la 芦estrategia de equipo禄 es el nivel m谩s bajo, que garantiza que el equipo aplique y cumpla las estrategias corporativas y de unidad de negocio. Sin embargo, en el resto de este art铆culo nos centraremos en el nivel corporativo.

 

La estrategia como un proceso de tres pasos

Aunque tanto los directivos en activo como los acad茅micos recomiendan diversos procesos, cualquier estrategia 攜a sea empresarial o personal� debe responder a tres preguntas fundamentales:

  1. 驴En qu茅 punto nos encontramos?
  2. 驴D贸nde queremos estar?
  3. 驴C贸mo llegamos hasta all铆?

Este proceso de tres pasos consiste, en primer lugar, en comprender la situaci贸n actual de la organizaci贸n, lo que a menudo se denomina 芦an谩lisis de la situaci贸n禄.听 Consiste en evaluar los recursos y estrategias actuales para obtener un punto de partida realista desde el que desarrollar un plan: si no sabemos d贸nde estamos, 驴c贸mo sabremos hacia d贸nde vamos? En segundo lugar, una estrategia empresarial debe establecer un objetivo final: 驴d贸nde queremos que est茅 la empresa dentro de tres o cinco a帽os? Desarrollar una estrategia consiste en planificar a largo plazo. Al establecer la misi贸n, la visi贸n y los valores, y desarrollar los objetivos adecuados, la organizaci贸n puede definir c贸mo ser谩 el 茅xito al final del plazo de la estrategia. Los objetivos son un punto de referencia para medir el progreso, as铆 como un destino. Por 煤ltimo, la organizaci贸n desarrolla la estrategia adecuada a su situaci贸n actual y que le permitir谩 alcanzar los objetivos esbozados en el paso anterior. Michael Porter ha se帽alado que hay tres tipos de estrategia que puede seguir una empresa: liderazgo en costes, nicho o enfoque.

听

PASO 1: 驴En qu茅 punto nos encontramos?

Por lo general, las organizaciones inician el proceso estrat茅gico partiendo de cero (e incluso una empresa emergente necesita conocer la situaci贸n actual del mercado e identificar las tendencias emergentes). Existen diversas herramientas y m茅todos que un directivo puede utilizar para evaluar la situaci贸n actual de la organizaci贸n, y esta lista no pretende ser exhaustiva.听 Podr铆amos, por ejemplo, examinar el Marco de las 7 S de McKinsey o los modelos de las 5 fuerzas de Porter para las industrias competitivas. En 煤ltima instancia, independientemente de las herramientas que utilice la organizaci贸n, este primer paso consiste en comprender el entorno interno, o microentorno, y el externo, o macroentorno, en el que opera. Se analiza todo, desde los clientes hasta los competidores, pasando por las nuevas tendencias que se desarrollan en el mercado.

听El an谩lisis de la situaci贸n

Tres de las herramientas m谩s 煤tiles que forman parte del an谩lisis de la situaci贸n son:

  • El an谩lisis 3C
  • El an谩lisis PESTEL
  • El an谩lisis DAFO

听

  1. El an谩lisis 3C

Esta primera herramienta se centra en el microentorno y analiza a algunas de las partes interesadas clave, como los clientes, as铆 como las capacidades internas de la organizaci贸n, a partir de las cuales se pueden determinar sus puntos fuertes y d茅biles.

  • Empresa: 驴De qu茅 recursos disponemos dentro de la organizaci贸n? 驴Cu谩ntos empleados tenemos y cu谩les son sus competencias? 驴Qu茅 procesos estamos utilizando y c贸mo estamos cumpliendo los objetivos actuales?
  • Clientes: 驴Qui茅nes son? 驴D贸nde se encuentran? 驴C贸mo prefieren que nos comuniquemos con ellos? 驴Est谩n cambiando nuestros clientes? 驴Debemos buscar nuevos grupos de clientes, ya sea en nuestro pa铆s o en el extranjero?
  • Competidores: 驴C贸mo nos estamos desempe帽ando en comparaci贸n con la competencia? 驴Est谩n lanzando nuevos productos? 驴Debemos reaccionar ante lo que est谩n haciendo los dem谩s en el sector?

 

  1. El an谩lisis PESTEL

El an谩lisis PESTEL tiene varias variantes; a menudo lo usted escrito como PEST, PESTLE e incluso STEPS, pero todas ellas tienen el mismo objetivo en lo que respecta al an谩lisis del macroentorno, o el entorno empresarial m谩s amplio, en el que opera la organizaci贸n:

  • 笔辞濒铆迟颈肠辞
  • 贰肠辞苍贸尘颈肠辞
  • Social
  • 罢别肠苍辞濒辞驳铆补
  • Medioambiental
  • Aviso legal

听笔辞濒铆迟颈肠补: 驴Cu谩l es la situaci贸n pol铆tica a la que se enfrenta la organizaci贸n? 驴Podr铆a un cambio de gobierno suponer un aumento de los impuestos sobre uno de nuestros productos m谩s populares? Los conflictos comerciales del actual Gobierno provocaron que los agricultores estadounidenses se vieran afectados por aranceles en los mercados extranjeros, lo que a su vez requiri贸 un rescate financiero considerable por parte del Gobierno.

贰肠辞苍贸尘颈肠辞s: las fluctuaciones del ciclo econ贸mico pueden acarrear problemas a una empresa. Muchos bancos, por ejemplo, se vieron afectados negativamente por la crisis crediticia de 2007, que provoc贸 el cierre o la fusi贸n de varias entidades financieras y tuvo un impacto negativo en empresas de sectores distintos al financiero.

Aspectos sociales: los cambios en la sociedad pueden influir en los patrones de gasto y en el comportamiento de los consumidores. La perspectiva diferente de los grupos demogr谩ficos en auge, como los millennials y la Generaci贸n Z, ha impulsado la demanda de productos y servicios que se adapten a gustos y actitudes diversos.

罢别肠苍辞濒贸驳颈肠辞: la tecnolog铆a evoluciona a un ritmo vertiginoso y muchas organizaciones se ven desbordadas por las nuevas tecnolog铆as, que cuestionan las viejas formas de hacer las cosas. Antes de la llegada de Internet, por ejemplo, habr铆a sido imposible imaginar la creaci贸n de empresas como Google o Amazon. Amazon ha transformado varios sectores tradicionales, desde el sector editorial hasta el de los bienes de consumo.

Medio ambiente: las empresas deben ser conscientes de la creciente sensibilizaci贸n de los consumidores respecto a las cuestiones medioambientales. Ante la presi贸n de los consumidores en relaci贸n con el impacto medioambiental de las pajitas de un solo uso, muchas empresas del sector de la restauraci贸n las retiraron y trataron de ofrecer alternativas m谩s sostenibles en su lugar.

Aspectos legales: los cambios en la legislaci贸n pueden transformar sectores enteros o exigir modificaciones sustanciales en las pr谩cticas y los procesos. Los cambios en la normativa sobre emisiones, por ejemplo, obligaron a los fabricantes de veh铆culos a introducir modificaciones importantes en sus productos.

  1. El an谩lisis DAFO

Si se utiliza correctamente, un an谩lisis DAFO constituye la culminaci贸n del proceso de an谩lisis de la situaci贸n, ya que anima a los directivos a evaluar las fortalezas y debilidades internas de la organizaci贸n en relaci贸n con el microentorno y, a continuaci贸n, a relacionarlas con las oportunidades y amenazas del entorno empresarial m谩s amplio. Esto podr铆a traducirse en una estrategia de alineaci贸n, en la que una empresa adapta sus fortalezas a una oportunidad de mercado 攃omo, por ejemplo, Amazon al aprovechar sus capacidades log铆sticas en nuevas 谩reas� o en una estrategia de conversi贸n, en la que la organizaci贸n transforma sus debilidades en fortalezas.听 Como parte del proceso de estrategia empresarial, la elaboraci贸n de un an谩lisis DAFO no debe ser una tarea puntual, sino que debe realizarse de forma peri贸dica para garantizar que la organizaci贸n no se vea sorprendida por los cambios en su entorno. Aunque a menudo se descarta por considerarlo simplista, el an谩lisis DAFO constituye en realidad una poderosa herramienta para la toma de decisiones y permite ajustar las capacidades a las oportunidades y amenazas a las que se enfrenta la organizaci贸n.

Para obtener m谩s informaci贸n sobre el an谩lisis DAFO, consulte [https://life.excelsior.edu/business-basics-using-a-swot-analysis/]

 

PASO 2: 驴D贸nde queremos estar?

Una vez que la organizaci贸n ha completado el an谩lisis de la situaci贸n, el equipo directivo debe decidir hacia d贸nde se dirige la organizaci贸n. El resultado de ese proceso es la elaboraci贸n de un conjunto de objetivos corporativos. Estos objetivos concretan la misi贸n y la visi贸n generales de la organizaci贸n, que son metas m谩s amplias sobre la direcci贸n a seguir. Microsoft, por ejemplo, ten铆a una misi贸n original, que era 芦un ordenador en cada escritorio y en cada hogar禄. Por debajo de esa misi贸n hab铆a un conjunto de objetivos corporativos dise帽ados para ayudar a alcanzarla. Hab铆a objetivos tanto para ordenadores personales como para ordenadores empresariales, pero, a diferencia de la misi贸n, los objetivos suelen ajustarse al acr贸nimo SMART:

  • 贰蝉辫别肠铆蹿颈肠辞: el objetivo debe centrarse en algo concreto, en lugar de en una meta general. Por ejemplo, el objetivo podr铆a referirse espec铆ficamente a los ordenadores personales.
  • Medible: hay un viejo dicho en el mundo de los negocios que reza: 芦Lo que se mide, se gestiona禄. Por lo tanto, un objetivo medible nos permite saber cu谩ndo hemos alcanzado el 茅xito o a qu茅 distancia nos encontramos de lograrlo.
  • Realizable: fijarse el objetivo de duplicar el volumen de ventas en un a帽o, por ejemplo, puede resultar poco realista, por lo que una meta realista debe tener en cuenta la capacidad de la organizaci贸n para alcanzarla.
  • Realistas: esto est谩 relacionado con el punto anterior, pero los objetivos realistas deben contar con la aceptaci贸n y el apoyo de todas las partes interesadas relevantes.
  • Con un plazo determinado: un objetivo SMART debe establecer un plazo en el que deba alcanzarse. Dicho plazo debe ser, adem谩s, factible y realista en relaci贸n con lo que se requiere.

Un objetivo corporativo SMART podr铆a ser: 芦Aumentar las ventas del nuevo smartphone Modelo X en un 50 % para el primer trimestre de 2020 en el mercado norteamericano禄.

听

PASO 3: 驴C贸mo llegamos hasta all铆?

En la etapa final, la organizaci贸n elabora la estrategia adecuada al entorno en el que opera y que le permitir谩 alcanzar tanto su misi贸n como los objetivos establecidos. Porter ha identificado dos formas de ventaja competitiva para cualquier empresa: el bajo coste o la diferenciaci贸n. O bien usted vender con una ventaja de costes considerable respecto a sus competidores del sector, o usted una oferta de productos que se diferencia significativamente de la de otros operadores. A partir de estas dos formas de ventaja competitiva, Porter identific贸 tres estrategias gen茅ricas en su libro 芦Competitive Advantage禄

 

  1. Liderazgo en costes: la organizaci贸n cuenta con una ventaja en materia de costes, tal vez porque puede comprar a precios m谩s bajos que la competencia, o porque tiene acceso a recursos de los que carecen otros competidores. Walmart cuenta con una ventaja considerable en materia de costes gracias al volumen con el que puede adquirir sus existencias, lo que le permite obtener importantes descuentos a los que no pueden acceder los competidores m谩s peque帽os.

听

  1. 顿颈蹿别谤别苍肠颈补肠颈贸苍: al centrarse en atributos espec铆ficos, la organizaci贸n se posiciona en consecuencia. Apple, por ejemplo, se diferencia por su dise帽o y su marca. Para los aficionados a Apple, 隆solo vale un producto de Apple!

听

  1. Enfoque: en este caso, la organizaci贸n selecciona un segmento espec铆fico del mercado. Tiene dos opciones: centrarse en los costes y aprovechar su ventaja competitiva en ese segmento concreto, o bien centrarse en la diferenciaci贸n y diferenciarse en ese segmento. Bugatti, por ejemplo, dirige su producto diferenciado a los conductores de coches deportivos de gran poder adquisitivo, consciente de que este segmento de mercado es reducido, al tiempo que obtiene elevados beneficios gracias a ese enfoque espec铆fico.

听

Conclusiones

El desarrollo de una estrategia empresarial consiste en comprender el contexto en el que opera la organizaci贸n y, a continuaci贸n, definir los objetivos a los que la empresa aspira llegar, antes de establecer los planes a largo plazo para alcanzar dichos objetivos. Empresas de 茅xito como Amazon y Google analizan su situaci贸n de forma continua y van adaptando sus objetivos en consecuencia, para luego aplicar una estrategia que les permita cumplir su misi贸n.

Tanto si se trata de una empresa como de una organizaci贸n sin 谩nimo de lucro, este proceso de estrategia empresarial ayuda a la organizaci贸n a desarrollar una estrategia eficaz que le permita aprovechar sus capacidades internas para hacer frente a las realidades externas. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de una estrategia empresarial nunca debe ser una tarea puntual, y muchos de los pasos aqu铆 descritos deben someterse a una revisi贸n constante en un mundo en constante cambio y lleno de incertidumbre. Si usted el mundo de los negocios, eche un vistazo a nuestros t铆tulos en Empresariales.

Descripci贸n del curso: NS 110 La ciencia en el mundo actual

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

NS 110 Science in Today World gives students an overview of current and emerging trends in science and technology so that they will be able to make informed decisions. The course introduces the scientific method and terminology used in reporting scientific results and prepares students to read accounts about scientific, technological, and medical advances in the media and teaches them how to assess the scientific conclusions presented.

Dale Emeagwali, faculty program director for biology and natural science, says NS 110 is specifically designed to cover 渉ot topics� of current interest to everyone, and is frequently adapted to keep up to date on science trends in the news and on social media. The course also uses online educational resources (freely accessible, openly licensed text, media, and other digital assets) in place of a textbook, which is an added benefit to students looking to save some money.

According to Emeagwali, specific course topics include: genetically modified foods (How do these alterations to the DNA of our food crops affect us and the environment? Should the U.S. follow other countries in labeling foods that contain GMOs?); the human microbiome (How can our gut microbes impact our health and well-being? This includes an examination of the probiotic craze.); fresh water (Our water safety and purity is something we need to understand and monitor. Discussion points examine the pros and cons around bottled or tap water.); and climate change (What does the scientific research show and how can we, as individuals, be more aware of our carbon footprint?).

Science in Today World is designed to meet the general education requirement for the natural sciences and should appeal to students who may be reluctant or fearful to take a science course. 淭his course is meant to be a welcoming and non-threatening learning environment where anyone can succeed with the help and guidance of the supportive instructors,� says Emeagwali. She also notes 渢he real goal of the course is to help students become wise consumersbout scientific discoveries that impact their daily lives. The students can carry the skills in analytical and critical thinking they learn here into their future studies and many aspects of their lives.�

Students have appreciated the non-threatening learning environment and informative atmosphere of the course. Comments include: 淚 would highly recommend this course. The course was well constructed and enhanced my understanding of science in today world.�, 淭here are some things I learned here that I never thought of in life, which has helped to respect both nature and life and appreciate the things around me.� and 淚t a good class and introduces some good resources many students may not be using; for example, TED talks.�

Faculty are equally as impressed with teaching NS 110. Stan Forrestor says, 淚 love teaching this NS 110. The breadth of the topics and the ever-changing nature of science and the issues that society faces create a course in which I can engage with students on many levels.� Amy Richmond says, 淚 love that this course helps students think critically about everyday scientific issuesearning to think deeply about topics is a skill that will help students not only in their education but also in their day-to-day life.� Feliz Rizvanov, who has been teaching the course since it was first offered, has this to say: 淚 have been teaching the NS 110 course since its very inception� In this course, I did find my fulfillment: I do what I love and I love what I do.�

To learn about the ever-changing nature of science, consider signing up for NS 110 Science in Today World for next semester.

5 razones para hacer pr谩cticas

Publicado el por William Trevor

Estudiantes de Grado - 驴Por qu茅 inscribirse en un programa de pr谩cticas?

He aqu铆 cinco razones por las que realizar unas pr谩cticas como parte de su programa de licenciatura puede ayudar a impulsar sus perspectivas profesionales, construir su curr铆culum y, potencialmente, conseguir usted ese trabajo so帽ado.

  1. It Helps You Explore a Future Career

Whether you have been thinking about a future career in cybersecurity, a role in criminal justice, or even a marketing job as a social media manager, an internship allows you to have a taste of what it like, without requiring you to commit to a full-time job. It gives you the opportunity to see if there are gaps in your knowledge, skills you need to improve, or even things you hadn檛 anticipated. An internship might also help you to determine whether the career is for you, and if it isn檛, it might just open your eyes to other opportunities.

  1. An Internship Is a Powerful Resume Builder

An internship will help you add substance to the experience section of your resume. Many students who are new to the employment market, or even those switching mid-career, face the dilemma that they cannot gain employment without experience, and they cannot gain that experience unless someone offers them a job. So, an internship can help you overcome that Catch-22 situation and develop experience in an area in which you would like to pursue a future career. What better way to gain web programming experience, for example, than by using HTML5 to create a website for a local start-up, which gives you both the experience and something to show future employers as part of a portfolio of work.

  1. As an Extended Job Interview, It Might Land You a Job

Not only does an internship allow you to have a taste of a future career, it also allows a potential future employer to check you out and vice versa. Some employers see the it as an extended job interview and if you impress them during the few months you are there, then they may even ask you to stay, or offer you a full-time position when you have gained your diploma. Treating an internship as an extended job interview is a good way to approach your internship and will give you useful skills and experience for your future career search.

  1. Develop Your Professional Network and Gain Valuable References

Even if you don檛 end up with a job from the organization that you are interning with, your new-found contacts may be able to refer you to friends and colleagues in other organizations who are hiring. If you impress them during the internship, then they may be prepared to act as a reference for you or pass your resume on to another business looking for your skills and experience. Use LinkedIn, or other social media, to stay in contact with the people you have met, so you can build a valuable professional network to help you in the years ahead.

  1. Develop Career-Relevant Skills to Smash That Job Search

In completing your internship, you are going to develop a range of skills and competencies that will benefit you in the workplace and aid you in your career. Time management, for example, is a vital skill in any role, and the ability to prioritize tasks will also benefit you in whatever future role you choose to pursue. You will probably be required to complete a project and so you will find the skills of project management invaluable in any number of jobs. The process of finding an internship, being interviewed by your supervisor, completing a resume, and some of the other activities associated with an internship will also help you in your search for a job. Ultimately, the real-world experience gained from an internship will help you stand out in a crowded employment market and enable you to smash that job search!

 

 

The INT400 Internship Program, provides bachelor students an opportunity to complete a 3-credit internship, whether as a traditional on-site experience or as a remote virtual internship. For more information about how the internship program can help boost your career, call Will Trevor at 518-608-8189 or email internships@excelsior.edu.

El Excelsior College celebra a los graduados en la ceremonia negra y dorada de la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos

Publicado el por Alicia Jacobs

Los graduados de Excelsior son homenajeados en la Ceremonia Negra y Dorada

El 16 de junio, la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos celebr贸 su ceremonia anual 芦Black and Gold禄, en la que se conmemoraron los logros acad茅micos de sus graduados, entre los que se encontraban 193 estudiantes del Excelsior College, pertenecientes a la promoci贸n de 2018. La Honorable M. Sue Kurita, miembro del cuerpo docente del Excelsior College y jueza presidenta del Tribunal de Primera Instancia n.潞 6 del condado de El Paso, pronunci贸 el discurso de este a帽o.

La Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos es la escuela de alistados superiores del Ej茅rcito. Es un curso militar de 42 semanas de duraci贸n que prepara a los soldados alistados superiores de carrera para ascender al rango de Sargento Mayor E9 y Sargento Mayor de Mando. La Academia de Sargentos Mayores se encuentra en Fort Bliss en El Paso, Texas.

Excelsior imparte cursos en la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos

Excelsior College ofrece cursos presenciales para complementar los programas de grado, licenciatura y m谩ster. Cada agosto se inicia una nueva promoci贸n, que se grad煤a en junio. Adem谩s de cumplir con los requisitos acad茅micos de su formaci贸n militar o acad茅mica, la mayor铆a de los soldados tambi茅n cursan estudios de forma voluntaria.

Excelsior College lleva desde 1994 ofreciendo servicios de orientaci贸n y apoyo al estudiante en la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos, y desde 2009 imparte cursos presenciales en sus instalaciones. 芦Desde que se inici贸 la colaboraci贸n entre Excelsior College y la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos en 1994, 2.706 graduados de dicha academia han obtenido m谩s de 3.200 t铆tulos de Excelsior College禄, afirma Susan Dewan, vicepresidenta adjunta de 脡xito Estudiantil y Servicios Militares de Excelsior College.

Los alumnos de la Academia de Sargentos Mayores del Ej茅rcito de los Estados Unidos tienen a su disposici贸n en el campus. Encuentre a su representante de educaci贸n militar, incluyendo su n煤mero de tel茅fono y direcci贸n de correo electr贸nico, tanto en esta Academia como en cualquier otro lugar de los Estados Unidos.

Descripci贸n del curso: HIS 101: Historia de los Estados Unidos 1

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

HIS 101: United States History is an introductory course on the early history of the United States, from pre-European contact Native American societies to the end of the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. This course introduces the major political, social, and economic trends in the American colonies and new nation from the 15th through the mid-19th centuries. The course also focuses specifically on diversity and the cross-cultural encounters that contributed to the creation of the United States. HIS 101 is also the first half of a two-course sequence; HIS 102: United States History II continues the story from Reconstruction through the recent past.

Through unique and inventive written assignments, students gain a first-hand understanding of the topics covered by stepping into the mindset of the past. Faculty program director Mary Berkery explains, 淚n one assignment, for example, students write a newspaper editorial in support of one candidate in the crucial turning-point election of 1800. HIS 101 uses open educational resources (freely accessible, openly licensed text, media, and other digital assets), including an innovative textbook called 淭he American Yawp,� written collaboratively by hundreds of historians.

The book works on any device, including tablets and mobile phones, and comprises 30 chapters divided into two volumes, split chronologically in 1877. Berkery notes students also go beyond the textbook to examine primary sources like letters, political cartoons, and speeches to understand American history from the perspective of those who lived it.

淭his course focuses on the untold histories of marginalized groups in our founding and early republic,� says Berkery. HIS 101 considers early American history from the perspective of Native Americans, slaves, religious and ethnic minority groups, and women. This course also teaches crucial skills that will help students in future coursework and in a wide variety of careers, including primary source analysis, historical research and writing, and critical thinking, adds Berkery.

Berkery indicates that the students who would be most interested in HIS 101: United States History would be those interested in America origins, including America colonization, interaction between European, African, and Native American cultures, the Revolution, the development of an infant republic, westward migration, and the causes and consequences of the Civil War; students who would like to do upper-level course work in U.S. history, as this course provides a solid foundation in historical research, writing, and critical thinking skills; and students who are interested in courses without textbook costs.

Students have had praise for the class, saying, 淚f you are interested in the history of the United States and what really led up to the Civil War then this is the course to take,� and 湨knowledge is power, and knowing what happened in our nation history is very crucial and an important piece of knowledge. You can understand the origin of things and why things are the way they are now.� They have also enjoyed the open online resources: 淚 really enjoyed the online textbook. 楾he American Yawp� was interesting reading. Since it is online, I was able to read it across multiple devices.�

Course instructors have also noted how enjoyable HIS 101 is to teach, saying, 淚 think it is really a well-designed class. The discipline of history is well-represented with using the primary and secondary resources and an emphasis on integrating them to create responses and assignments,� and 淚 really like the assignments that asked students to think about what they learned and present the information in a creative way such as the assignment to write an editorial.�

If you would like to learn more about our nation history, consider signing up for HIS 101: United States History for next semester.

 

La EPNC y yo: Andrew Lieberman, param茅dico

Publicado el por Personal de Excelsior

Making the leap into the nursing field takes time, dedication and determination. It also requires passing of the Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam (CPNE), a comprehensive performance examination that validates a student competency to enter professional nursing practice.

But for United States Marine Corps paramedic Andrew Lieberman, the exam was reasonable and doable in large part to the right resources, assistance and investment from Excelsior College.

Working as a paramedic while teaching part-time in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Lieberman had designs on becoming a registered nurse, but needed to find a program that accommodated his full-time paramedic schedule. Thankfully, he found that opportunity at Excelsior School of Nursing, with flexible scheduling conducive to his weeks of demanding hours.

淓xcelsior College gave me the opportunity to advance myself as an adult,� says Lieberman.

Once through coursework, it was time for Lieberman to master the CPNE, an 8-credit performance-based test that measures on-the-job competence over two and a half days in an acute care hospital. With the help of research materials, faculty advisement and study groups that stressed vital attention to detail, Lieberman absorbed all he could before approaching his exam at Albany, New York St. Peter Hospital in diciembre 2017.

The Lieberman-described 渆xtreme preparation� paid off. He passed on his first try, which ushered him toward a new realm of professional opportunity.

淚t gave me a sense of freedom and accomplishment,� says Lieberman. 淎s an RN, I now have recruiters calling me. I檓 currently weighing my options, and have now fielded offers that can more than double my salary. That what [passing the exam] did for me.�

While surveying his possible career directions, Lieberman has determined his next educational move: He in the process of enrolling in an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, then plans to continue onto graduate school. After successfully juggling the demands of full-time employment with pursuing an education to become a registered nurse, he finds no reason to quit his climb攁nd he doesn檛 think other prospective students should, either.

It all about commitment, and it a goal that any dedicated student can achieve.

淚t a choice,� says Lieberman. 淚f you made it through to the point where you are eligible for the test, then you can do this. There is never a great time to do it, because stuff will always get in your way if you let it. If you decide to start, know that it takes commitment to sacrificing now for a better tomorrow.�

 

More CPNE tips from Andrew Lieberman:

听Schedule faculty advisement

Stressed as vital to his CPNE success, faculty advisement calls helped Lieberman prepare for the competencies he檇 need to master for eventual exam success攂ut he wishes he檇 utilized these sooner. 淚 would檝e liked maybe an initial faculty advisement call at the time of registration for the CPNE, and at that time, [have them] spend 30 minutes explaining the examination. I think that would檝e been helpful.�

Start a study group

No one understands CPNE-prepping students better than their fellow students. That why finding a study group that relentless about preparation is essential. Lieberman found a small group of determined individuals all united in a common goal, and ones he could depend on for the strict evaluation necessary for exam success. 淲hat was different about these people from the others?� asks Lieberman. 淭he difference isn檛 that they were smarter or better. It that they looked inside and committed to completion. That it.�

听Get organized攁nd relax

Success on the CPNE requires utilizing resources and available time to eventually achieve on-the-job readiness. This takes organization, whether with resource materials or scheduling calls with faculty. But according to Lieberman, you need to know that everything at your disposal is there to set you up for exam success. 淐alm yourself down, go relaxed and realize the examiners aren檛 allowed to be monsters,� he says. 淭hey want you to pass, but they can檛 pass you if you can檛 prove that initial RN-level of competence.�

 

 

 

 

 

 

Descripci贸n del curso: IT 390: Gesti贸n de proyectos

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

The Project Management Institute Inc. (PMI), an association of project managers providing global leadership in the subject, defines project management as 渢he application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of a particular project.� As organizations and projects grow and become complex, many projects fall short of their objective. In turn, new knowledge is developed to help increase the success rate of these projects. Project management is the practice of this new knowledge, and learning project management theory is the basis for IT 390: Project Management.

Project management is important to many organizations and course instructor Perry Ram says IT 390 is appropriate for students in any undergraduate program. He notes the course would also 渂e of keen interest to those who have had many years of supervisory experience and would want to transfer skills to project management. Project management is applicable in almost every career.� The course provides students with project management skills, practices, tools, and templates that can help them in their professional growth.

Ram explains the course covers the 10 knowledge areas and five process groups that PMI segments project management into. The knowledge areas include: scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communication, risk, procurement, stakeholder, and integration. The process groups include initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The course also emphasizes ethics in project management.

Students in IT 390 learn hands-on through the phases of a project, from selection to completion. Throughout the course, they take on various roles such as project stakeholders and team members and also engage in productive feedback with each other through discussion posts. Assignments promote literary research and professional writing攕kills which are valuable in academic and professional environments, adds Ram.

淎lmost every student of this course has commented on how they have a new-found respect for project management and project managers. This course transforms students from being critical of project managers to becoming knowledgeably supportive of them,� says Ram.

If you檇 like to become more well-versed in project management, consider signing up for IT 390: Project Management next semester. To learn about alumnus Kane Tomlin project management webinar series, check out the spring issue of .