The world of management is often learned “on the job”. But managers are crucial since they are often the ones who will ensure that employees stay in the company and that major projects end in success… or not! Universities offer several online programs to help business managers increase their skills. Overview.
Human Resource Management
The University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) offers a short graduate program in human resources management (12 credits) which requires students to have a foundation in management with at least one certificate to lead them to become agents change in their organization. The courses are: Strategic human resources management and organizational performance, Problem solving in human resources management, Work organization: from individual effectiveness to collective effectiveness and Strategic management of organizational change. Thus, the student can acquire skills on the operational and relational levels. It is possible to do the entire program remotely, evenings and weekends, full-time or part-time. For those who want to continue their studies, these courses can be part of a master’s degree in administration.
Leadership
Concordia University’s continuing education offers, in English, a diploma in leadership for new managers and intermediates. The five courses – all offered online – teach how to recruit the right employees, then “coach” them successfully. The program takes into consideration that managers now have to manage remote and in-person teams by creating a collaborative work environment and effectively delegating responsibilities. A good leader is also someone with powerful communication skills, a high level of integrity and transparency as well as an ability to resolve conflict and support innovation: all elements that are studied in the program.
Digital transformation
While businesses must all work on their digital transformation, managers have a big role to play in the success of these operations. This 15-credit program from TELUQ will help them understand the organizational issues associated with the digital transformation process, particularly in terms of innovation and agility. It will also allow them to rethink an organization’s business model using digital technologies. More concretely, students work in particular to strengthen their capacities for diagnosis, analysis, synthesis, judgment, decision-making and risk management in a context of digital transformation, without forgetting the communication and marketing aspects.
Public administration and governance
The School of Continuing Education at McGill University offers a new certificate, in English, in public administration and governance of 30 credits (10 courses). The goal is to help people improve their skills in leadership, project management, employee management and understanding of ethical responsibilities and financial reporting within public and non-profit organizations. This program was also designed for private sector personnel who wish to move into the public sector. Online courses are given on weekday evenings and can be done full-time or part-time. A 15-credit program in the field was also created at the graduate level.