• Total Courses
    4 required courses
  • CEUs | Contact Hours
    4.8 CEUs | 48 contact hours
  • Cost
    $3,980
  • Format
    In person
  • Time to Complete
    As little as 4 months
  • Funding Resources

Why Is Business Process Improvement Important?

Today’s fast-paced business environment compels competitive organizations to continuously update and innovate. Business process improvement is a key skill set managers and professionals need to reduce costs, shorten service or cycle time, enhance customer value, and deploy results-oriented solutions. 

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” 
—Benjamin Franklin

In the Business Process Improvement Certificate program, you’ll learn tools and techniques for analyzing and improving business processes such as process mapping, value stream analysis, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. You’ll also learn about the importance of keeping stakeholders involved in the process, as well as how to communicate the benefits of process improvements to others in the organization. In this program you’ll learn to:

  • document and measure the way work is performed.
  • maximize the impact of innovation or IT-based solutions.
  • gain the support of a broad range of stakeholders.
  • explore the fundamentals of Six Sigma, Lean, and Total Quality Management, along with other process improvement methodologies.
  1. Process Mapping and Analysis
  2. Measuring and Improving Work Processes
  3. Process Innovation
  4. 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 $3,980, but if you register and pay for all courses at once, we'll give you a 10% discount, a savings of $398! 

If you have questions about the registration process, payment options, or need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:

612-625-2900 | ccapsreg@umn.edu

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

Enroll and Register for All Courses Now

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

Enroll in Certificate Now

Enrollment Advisor

Shanta Bhoelai, 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!

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)
 

Didn't see an answer to your question? Try looking here.

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