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Total Courses4 required courses
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CEUs | Contact Hours4.8 CEUs | 48 contact hours
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Cost$4,140
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FormatFully online
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Time to CompleteAs little as 4 months
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Funding Resources
Why Business Process Improvement is Critical for Success in Today's Competitive Landscape
In today's fast-paced, hyper-competitive business environment, stagnation is synonymous with decline. Organizations that want to thrive need to constantly optimize, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. This is where business process improvement (BPI) comes in—it's a powerful toolkit designed to help you:
- slash costs and streamline operations.
- significantly reduce service or cycle times.
- deliver exceptional customer value.
- implement results-oriented solutions that drive tangible business benefits.
The University of Minnesota Business Process Improvement Certificate program equips you with the essential tools and techniques to transform your organization's processes. You'll gain an understanding of powerful methodologies like:
- Process Mapping: Visually map out workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Value Stream Analysis: Pinpoint areas that add true value and eliminate waste.
- Root Cause Analysis: Get to the bottom of problems and implement lasting solutions.
- Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Embrace a culture of continuous optimization using multiple frameworks.
But BPI goes beyond just technical expertise. You'll also learn the crucial skill of engaging stakeholders throughout the process. We'll help you develop a compelling case for change and effectively communicate the value of process improvements to gain buy-in across your organization.
In this program, you'll gain the ability to:
- document and measure how work is currently done.
- maximize the impact of innovative solutions and technology implementations.
- secure the critical support of a broad range of stakeholders.
Are you ready to unlock the transformative power of business process improvement and propel your organization to new heights? Enroll in our program today!
Business Process Improvement Core Courses
You'll take four courses to complete the 48 contact hours of the Business Process Improvement Certificate. We recommend taking them in this order: Process Mapping and Analysis; Measuring and Improving Work Processes; Process Innovation; Implementing Process Change.
Recommended Course Order
- Process Mapping and Analysis
- Measuring and Improving Work Processes
- Process Innovation
- Implementing Process Change
Career Outlook
Funding and Discounts
The U's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.
Funding
- CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $2,500 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
- If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
- Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.
Discounts
- When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
- University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
- U of M staff get 50% off most professional development programs.
See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.
Enroll
The cost of the Business Process Improvement Certificate is $4,140, but if you register and pay for all courses at once, we'll give you a 10% discount, a savings of $414!
If you have questions about the registration process, payment options, or need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:
Option 1
Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now
- Earn a 10% discount
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay now, make needed changes later
- Get program updates
Option 2
Enroll in Certificate Now, Register and Pay for Courses Individually
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay for courses at your convenience
- Get program updates
- U of M employees: choose this option to receive your discount
Your Enrollment Advisor
Shanta Bhoelai
I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind.
Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!
Meet Shanta in person at these upcoming events
Business Process Improvement Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is your program 48 hours?
Improving organizational processes requires both an understanding of the tools needed to identify existing processes (current state) and make improvements (future state), and the soft skills necessary to implement the organizational changes that will be required.
About how long will it take to complete the certificate?
The four courses are delivered approximately one month apart, so you should be able to finish in four months. If you miss a class, you can take it the next time it is offered. The certificate is offered twice each year (fall and spring).
Are classes offered at night?
Not at this time. The Business Process Improvement program is offered only during the day.
Is attendance mandatory?
Absolutely. If you miss a class session or a portion of a class that is greater than one hour, you will be required to repeat it. If you miss less than an hour of a class, you can talk with the instructor about making up the content you missed.
What is Business Process Improvement?
Business process improvement (BPI) is a tool used by organizational leadership to strengthen areas such as productivity, personnel management and customer satisfaction. This process, also known as functional process improvement, is an ongoing process to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives.
Why is business process improvement Important?
BPI can be an invaluable business tool because it can identify areas of weakness within a company, from excess costs to inefficiencies in production. BPI is not only a responsive tool to address immediate challenges—it’s also a proactive preventative strategy to address projected challenges before they overwhelm a company.
How do you improve business processes?
BPI is a six-step process that begins with identifying what organizational process or area needs to change. The subsequent steps include the following:
- Analyze and identify particular pain points, including bottlenecks, redundancies, inefficiencies and other areas of organizational weakness.
- Perform a root cause analysis to determine how to resolve challenge areas.
- Design and evaluate proposed solutions and map out the best way to implement solutions.
- Analyze results to ensure successful implementation of solutions.
What would likely trigger a business process improvement effort?
Business process failures in areas such as product or service quality and customer satisfaction can trigger BPI initiatives as a responsive solution to these challenges. A Business Process Improvement Certificate from The University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professionals Studies can prepare you in as little as four months to take the lead in driving BPI efforts in your organization!
Sources
Business Process Improvement (TechTarget Network)
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