Program Curriculum


Program Curriculum

The NVCPM Program is participant-centered and experienced-based, with an emphasis on small group activities and discussions, as well as a balance between theory and real world applications. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of management, beginning with individual performance, and gradually expanding to broader organizational issues and public policy. The Program strives to make professional public managers aware of the ethical standards and social responsibilities necessary for them to act respectfully and responsively within an intergovernmental system. In addition to multiple classroom sessions, the Program engages participants in job-related application projects, readings, examinations, and other forms of formal assessments.

    Core Competencies

    The National CPM Consortium requires that accredited programs consist of a minimum of 300 hours of structured learning activities addressing the following seven competencies:

    Personal and Organizational Integrity 
    Today, managers must acknowledge their role in shaping organizational ethics and the role they play in creating an organizational climate that strengthens the relationships and reputations on which their organization's success depends. Leaders achieve this by modeling ethical awareness and maintaining a sense of trust through critical and courageous conversations and consistent words and actions.

    Managing Work 
    Work management is a continuous process, where work is strategically aligned to the organizational goals to effectively get things done. By working together, leaders empower others through personal responsibility and empowerment allowing an organization to grow and thrive.

    Leading People 
    Exemplary leadership is a way of being, whether one is leading others or leading one's own life. Leadership can be developed; it is a choice to embrace one's authenticity and empower others to act. Leaders provide the vision to accomplish, even the simplest, of tasks of what the organization is trying to accomplish and how they fit into it. Leadership is not managing the demands of each day; it is taking people in a direction. 

    Developing Self 
    Personal development is a lifelong process and can be described as many things, but at its core, is the expansion of self-awareness. Ultimately, personal-development and its results can enhance our quality of life and increase our satisfaction. Personal-development is the process of creating and living one's most authentic life - one that's unique to the individual, their dreams, passions, and needs.

    Systemic Integration 
    Boosting productivity and improving the workflow of an organization is essential if it is to succeed. Systems integration is a great way to achieve these goals; however it cannot be achieved without meaningful advocacy and creative innovations, both internally and externally. 

    Public Service Focus 
    Public service is a service through collaboration both internally and externally, resulting in a quality stakeholder experience. It exudes trust and stewardship for the common good by contributing to the common good through accountability and transparency. 

    Change Leadership 
    Change agents promote and support a new way of doing something within the organization by inspiring others through advocacy. Change agents embrace the agility to navigate the rapidly increasing change and the growing complexity of today's rapidly changing world.

    At least 250 of the total 300 hours must be instructor or facilitator-led. Instructors for the NVCPM Program are affiliated with a diverse set of organizations, including government, universities and the private sector.