DAU exports PMT-352 to South Region: Huntsville first region to test exportability features of DAU's new level III certification course - Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development - Defense Acquisition University, Huntsville, Alabama, Program Management Training

Program Manager, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Collie J. Johnson

Each module is stand-alone, requiring students to critically think and assess the details of each scenario for the appropriate answers. An additional benefit of stand-alone module design is that students can complete the modules in any order.

DAU also benefits from stand-alone modular design because the material may be easily moved to other courses or to DAU's online Continuous Learning Center (http://clc.dau.mil).

Classroom Training

Upon successful completion of all 10 DL modules, students attend six weeks of team-based exercises in the classroom. This classroom portion of the course is designed to be exportable so that students can take the course at any of the five DAU campuses: DAU Capital and Northeast Region, Fort Belvoir, Va.; DAU Midwest Region, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; DAU South Region, Huntsville, Ala.; DAU West Region, San Diego, Calif.; and DAU Mid-Atlantic Region, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. Huntsville is the first DAU Region to take advantage of the exportability of PMT-352.

The target audience for PMT-352 is civilian (GS 13-14) and military (04-05). Successful completion of the course meets the training requirements for DAWIA Level III certification in Program Management. Throughout DAU, over 700 students are expected to complete PMT-352 each year. Huntsville estimates about 180 students will complete PMT-352 at the DAU South Region.

The course requires students to apply critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and management skills throughout the course. The online simulation and interactive DL, with real-time feedback, improves student engagement. The hands-on prototype building and goal-based scenario in the classroom increase both comprehension and retention.

PMT-352 introduces a new level of Program Management training that is both comprehensive and fun. For those interested in learning more about the course, browse the DAU Web site at http://www.dau.mil/ and learn how DAU acquisition training can enhance an acquisition professional's career. Plan now to register, and then simply enjoy what DAU believes is a truly unique learning experience.

Johnson is Managing Editor, Program Manager Magazine, DAU Press, Fort Belvoir Va.