Army Unveils New Cost Management Certificate Course

By ETF for STAND-TO!December 31, 2009

Army Unveils New Cost Management Certificate Course

What is it'

Building an Army for the 21st century necessitates a new leader mindset where cost and resource-informed decisions must drive operations. Army leadership recommends embedding cost-management skills and the requisite policies and procedures throughout, and, in order for this to happen, senior leaders must have staff members who possess these skills. The Cost Management Certificate Course (CMCC) is an important element in implementing these recommendations for ArmyAca,!A?wide Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA).

The CMCC is an intense four-week resident education course taught at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. This course teaches students to manage Army business operations efficiently and effectively through accurate measurement and thorough understanding of the "Full Cost" of business processes, products, and services. Certificate holders become part of a community of practice equipped to help decision makers provide the best value to customers and stakeholders.

The CMCC will develop a cadre of cost management experts who understand and facilitate incorporation of CBA into the decision making process. Candidates come from both military and civilian ranks; all branches and all career programs. Twenty-seven students recently completed the first CMCC in October of 2009.

What has the Army done'

As part of Institutional Adaptation and reforming the requirements and resource processes, the Army is focused on ensuring that resources are applied to a maximum effect to meet the most critical requirements in a timely manner. Establishing this course is a key step in creating professionally knowledgeable, analytically competent, and personally motivated change agents who will inculcate the cost management process into their organization.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

Organizations will ensure return on investment by holding those who successfully complete the course accountable for performance and results. There are five more CMCCs for fiscal year (FY) 2010, eight courses in FYs 2011 and 2012, and six courses in each following fiscal year.

Why is this important to the Army'

In a time of competing national priorities and limited resources, Army leaders are putting special emphasis on cost-management as a tool in accomplishing our national security mission. Cost-management is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that controls cost while improving operational performance.

Senior Army leaders are taking meaningful steps toward changing how the Army makes decisions by embracing this course designed to emphasize resource-informed decision making. This course provides the instruction, content and learning environment required to arm graduates with the tools needed to assist senior leaders and their staffs.

Resources:

AKO log in required: <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/616700" target="_blank"> Cost Management Certificate Course Web page </a>

CMCC Helpline: 703-614-3279 or DSN: 224-3279