The Strategic Decision & Risk Management Professional Certificate Program teaches decision-making processes and techniques for recognizing risk from the perspective of stakeholders. The program equips leaders to generate better alternatives, which lead to higher-quality decisions. Completion of this program equips learners to become better communicators, and to and effectively manage challenges in career, organization, and industry.
Strategic analysis entails examining a company's external environment and internal capabilities to guide future planning and resource distribution.
Problem solving refers to the ability to identify, analyze, and creatively resolve issues through systematic and critical thinking, overcoming obstacles to achieve effective solutions.
Risk management is a systematic approach to recognizing, evaluating, and reducing threats to an organization's goals, with the aim of maintaining stable operations.
Earners must complete the requirements described below. ### Required Courses (2 of 2): - _Decision Quality: Make the Right Choice Every Time_ - _Leading Strategic Decision Making_ ### Core Elective Courses (4 of 8): - _Decision and Risk Analysis_ - _Human Biases in Decision Making: Avoiding the Traps_ - _Negotiation and Collaborative Decision Making_ - _Modeling and Analytics for Strategic Insight_ - _Multi-Party Decision Quality: Collaboration & Competition in Decision Making_ - _Scenarios and Forecasting: Planning for Uncertainty_ - _Strategic Management_ - _Predictive Analytics w/ Machine Learning and Data Mining_ Core Elective Substitution Policy: Other courses in the Texas Executive Education catalog may be considered as appropriate substitutions to the Core Elective Courses listed above. All substitutions require prior approval. For more information, contact [Texas Executive Education](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/about-us/#d.en.16214). [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/certificates/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/) to learn more about this program. **NOTE: Completion of the _Strategic Decision & Risk Management_ Professional Certificate Program or any of the individual courses completed as part of the Certificate Program does NOT award earners transcriptable, academic credit.**
Decision Quality: Make the Right Choice Every Time
Decision Quality: Make the Right Choice Every Time explores how to judge a quality of a decision at the time it is being made. This non-credit course teaches learners how to frame strategic choices, generate alternatives, develop credible forecasts, and quantify uncertainty to make better decisions.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course overviewing concepts such as Sensitivity Analysis and Dialogue Decision Process. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/decision-quality-make-the-right-choice-every-time/) to learn more about this program.
Leading Strategic Decision Making explores the concepts of Decision Quality and the Dialogue Decision Process. This non-credit course teaches how to effectively diagnose complex decision situations and guide a group to effective resolutions and decisions.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that expands on the concepts introduced in **_Decision Quality: Make the Right Choice Every Time._** [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/leading-strategic-decision-making/) to learn more about this program.
Decision and Risk Analysis examines the principles of decision quality. This non-credit course teaches how to use a rigorous analytic framework to navigate uncertainty and make better decisions in a professional setting.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that explores the foundations of decision quality and how to use a rigorous analytics framework to make better decisions. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/decision-and-risk-analysis/) to learn more about this course.
Human Biases in Decision Making: Avoiding the Traps
Human Biases in Decision Making: Avoiding the Traps explores the errors and pitfalls that can degrade decision making. This non-credit course explores how biases impact decisions, and teaches preventive techniques for reducing biases and making higher-quality decisions that add value.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that explores preventive measures and techniques to reduce biases, improve individual decisions, and enrich organizational decision processes. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/human-biases-in-decision-making-avoiding-the-traps/) to learn more about this course.
Negotiation and Collaborative Decision Making
Negotiation and Collaborative Decision Making explores how to effectively work with others with different vision and needs. This non-credit course imparts tools and strategic insights that serve to drive success in competitive interactions in the workplace.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that sees them progress through challenging problems to gain tools and strategic insights that can be readily applied to drive success in future competitive interactions. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/leadership-and-management/negotiation-and-collaborative-decision-making/) to learn more about this course.
Modeling and Analytics for Strategic Insight
Modeling and Analytics for Strategic Insight illustrates how to create decision models that generate insights to inform complex strategic decisions. This non-credit course explores how to extract powerful insights, present analysis, and ultimately gain commitment.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that enables them to create models that answer executives' questions, produce compelling analyses, and ultimately gain commitment. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/modeling-and-analytics-for-strategic-insight/) to learn more about this course.
Multi-Party Decision Making: From Conflict to Resolution
Multi-Party Decision Making examines how to apply the Decision Quality framework in multi-party situations. This non-credit course teaches how to diagnose a situation, design a process for collaboration and competition, and develop valuations through multi-criteria analysis.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that explores Game Theory 101 and 201, Multi-Criteria Decision Making: From Conflict to Resolution, and extending the DQ Framework for multi-party decision. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/multi-party-decision-quality-collaboration-and-competition-in-decision-making/) to learn more about this course.
Scenarios and Forecasting: Planning for Uncertainty
Scenarios and Forecasting: Planning for Uncertainty explores how to improve strategic decision-making with the insights gained from enhanced forecasting methods. This non-credit course teaches learners how to build on data and analytics to incorporate better judgment systematically.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that prepares them to create value for their organization by broadening strategic thinking about the future, as well as creating robust strategies. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategic-decision-and-risk-management/scenarios-and-forecasting--planning-for-uncertainty/) to learn more about this course.
Strategic Management explores current industry, corporate, divisional, and product strategy frameworks. This non-credit course teaches how to identify strategic forces affecting a business and how to leverage them to reach economic goals.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that equips them with in-depth knowledge of contemporary strategic frameworks and tools along with the skill to apply those immediately in their current work environment. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/strategy/strategic-management/) to learn more about this course.
Predictive Analytics w/ Machine Learning & Data Mining
Predictive Analytics with Machine Learning & Data Mining explores how to apply data-driven intelligence to improve decisions and competitive strategies. This non-credit course teaches how to analyze large volumes of rich data and use it to predict the consequences of alternative courses of action.
Earners have completed a 2-day non-credit course that teaches them how to apply effective data-driven intelligence to improve their decisions, develop a data-analytical approach to problem-solving, and identify data-driven business intelligence challenges. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/business-analytics/predictive-analytics-with-machine-learning-and-data-mining/) to learn more about this course.
The Managerial Leadership Professional Certificate Program teaches strategies for highly effective communication and collaboration, and tools for adapting to the ever-changing nature of business. The program allows for customization, so participants can select the courses which meet their needs. It equips leaders with skills such as strategy, leadership, finance, analytics, and decision making that fit their specific needs and prepare them to lead their team with confidence.
Servant Leadership refers to a style where the leader focuses on the development and welfare of their followers, cultivating an environment of empowerment, cooperation, and selfless service.
Business performance management refers to the structured approach of establishing goals, tracking progress, analyzing data, and improving operations to increase an organization's efficiency and accomplish its strategic goals.
Organizational strategy is a company's strategic plan that aligns its goals, resources, and actions with its mission and market conditions to maintain a competitive edge.
Management Effectiveness refers to a manager's capability to set goals, allocate resources, make decisions, and guide teams towards achieving organizational objectives in a positive work environment.
Communication systems encompass the technology and tools used to enable the sharing of data and messages among people or teams within a company.
Earners must complete the requirements described below. - Six (6) units are required to complete the certificate -- Two-day and three-day courses = 1 unit -- Five-day courses = 2 units - Courses may be taken in any order desired - Participants have three (3) years to complete the requirements All two- through five-day courses in this [catalog](https://mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/) may be used to fulfill these requirements. [Click here](https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/certificates/managerial-leadership/) to learn more about this program. **NOTE: Completion of the _Managerial Leadership_ Professional Certificate Program or any of the individual courses completed as part of the Certificate Program does NOT award earners transcriptable, academic credit.**
The Women Who Mean Business Executive Leadership Development Program illustrates how to find a unique and successful leadership style and create value for stakeholders. It imparts decision-making, communication, negotiation, executive presence, and team-building skills to accelerate careers.
Leadership is the capacity to direct, encourage, and influence a team towards attaining shared objectives, creating a cooperative, responsible, and creative atmosphere.
Value Creation refers to the process of increasing a company's worth through improved efficiency, product quality, brand recognition, and customer satisfaction by implementing innovative strategies and efficient resource management.
Business networking entails developing and maintaining enduring, reciprocal connections with individuals in one's industry, profession, or associated business domains.
Business valuation consists of estimating a company's economic worth through assessing its financial health, assets, and competitive standing.
Earners have completed a 4-session professional development program that probes the ways in which women's professional journeys vary from their male colleagues', and identifies strategies to achieve professional success. [Click here](https://utexeced.com/womenwhomeanbusiness) to learn more about this program. **NOTE: Completion of the _Women Who Mean Business_ Professional Certificate Program does NOT award earners transcriptable, academic credit.**
The Executive Leadership Professional Certificate Program teaches strategies for highly effective communication and collaboration, and tools for adapting to the ever-changing nature of business. Master the art of exceptional leadership through this in-depth, advanced-level program. The program allows for customization, so learners can select the courses which meet their need.
Earners must complete the requirements described below. - Twelve (12) TEE Points are required to complete the certificate program -- Two-day and three-day courses = 1 TEE Point -- Five-day courses = 2 TEE Points - Courses may be taken in any order desired - Six (6) TEE points may be applied from a previously earned Texas Executive Education professional certificate - Participants have three (3) years to complete the requirements All two- through five-day courses in [this catalog](https://mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/) may be used to fulfill these requirements. [Click here](https://mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/certificates/executive-leadership/) to learn more about this program. **NOTE: Completion of the _Executive Leadership_ Professional Certificate Program or any of the individual courses completed as part of the Certificate Program does NOT award earners transcriptable, academic credit.**
NSSTA Certified Structured Settlement Consultant Program
The NSSTA Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) is the industry’s oldest and most respected designation, establishing educational standards for structured settlement professionals throughout the nation. The NSSTA CSSC Program, which is updated annually, provides a comprehensive understanding of structured settlements, combining academic rigor and perspective with the latest developments impacting the industry. Learners in the NSSTA CSSC Program complete an intensive pre-program study and classroom sessions at the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business—Executive Education in Austin, Texas. Completion of the program equips learners to have a more compressive understanding of the industry and ability to address issues that directly relate to daily structured settlements business.
Investment strategies entail choosing among different assets, sectors, and markets to place funds, aiming to optimize returns while regulating risk and achieving certain financial objectives.
Business ethics entail the ethical standards and values governing conduct in the business world, influencing the choices and actions of companies and individuals.
Tax laws encompass the rules and guidelines for tax collection by government bodies, covering various types of taxes such as income, corporate, sales, and property taxes.
Trust Administration involves managing trust assets, distributions, and legal obligations to fulfill the trustor's intentions and ensure compliance.
Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) Professional Certification Program
Earners must be nominated into the program and complete 19 educational contact hours in topics including: - Tax Law - Foundations of Investment - Behavioral Economics as Influence - Business Ethics - Smart Thinking - Trusts, Including Special Needs Trusts - Fixed Income Investments - Money and Happiness [Click here](https://nssta.com/csscmssc) to learn more about the CSSC Program.
The Executive Program for Energy Leaders equips learners with the nuanced perspective and decision frameworks to navigate the uncertainty of the energy industry. This professional certificate program covers skills such as insight-driven decision making, energy transition, risk management, strategic implementation, and leading change.
Ethical leadership is a method of guiding individuals by adhering to moral principles, values, and beliefs that prioritize fairness, respect, and a dedication to honesty and the welfare of society.
Decision making is the logical, systematic process of assessing information, considering options, and selecting a course of action to attain intended results.
Earners must complete the requirements described below over a period of 9-12 months. ### Core Modules (18 Weeks) - Navigating the Uncertain Energy Landscape - Identifying, Selecting, and Executing Risky Capital Projects - Delivering the Business Plan ### Electives (Choose Any Two. Subject to Change) - Profitability and Sustainability in the Energy Industry - Risk Management for Energy Professionals - Energy Transition - Advocacy and Influence ### Capstone Project [Click here](https://emrt.us/TEE-EPEL-Brochure) to learn more about this program.
This badge signifies an earner's expertise in IT and network security, encompassing command line mastery, network protocol analysis, and cybersecurity essentials. Earners proficiently employ network analysis tools, understand cryptographic principles, and excel in managing network and cloud security, reflecting their comprehensive skill set in modern IT environments.
To earn this badge, learners must score 80% or higher on a project assessment, which will demonstrate achievement of the following learning objectives: **Command Line Operations, Advanced File Management Techniques, and CLI Scripting and Utilities** 1. Master basic file navigation and manipulation commands to execute IT and security tasks effectively. 2. Navigate complex folder structures and utilize advanced file operation commands for efficient data management. 3. Integrate CLI scripting and command structure understanding for enhanced IT and security operations. **Network Protocols and Layers, Network Topologies, OSI Model Applications, and Wireshark Analysis** 1. Analyze and differentiate key network protocols (including TCP and UDP), and apply understanding of the OSI model to identify network layers and their functions. 2. Compare and contrast various network topologies, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages, and design conceptual networks using appropriate topologies and security devices. 3. Use the OSI model to diagnose network issues, and understand the processes of encapsulation and decapsulation in network communications. 4. Capture, analyze, and interpret network traffic using Wireshark, including ARP spoofing, SYN scans, and live traffic analysis. **Wireless Traffic and Security, Email Analysis, and Network Diagnostics** 1. Employ tools like Wireshark and Aircrack-ng to analyze wireless signals and security protocols, decrypt wireless traffic, and assess security vulnerabilities. 2. Examine and interpret email headers and protocols to identify and mitigate risks associated with email communication. 3. Diagnose network issues by analyzing DHCP and NAT processes, optimizing routing schemes, and validating DNS records. **Cryptography, Encription, and Key Management; Numerical Systems and Basic Cryptographic Concepts; Applied Cryptography and Security Certifications; and Cryptanalysis and Decryption Tools** 1. Apply encryption techniques using tools like Open SSL and GPG to securely transmit and manage messages, ensuring understanding of key management and the PAIN framework in secure communications. 2. Utilize basic transcription, substitution ciphers, and numerical systems to encrypt simple messages and differentiate between encoding and encrypting. 3. Implement advanced cryptographic methods, including steganography and SSL certificates, to authenticate data and communications, understanding the efficiency and strength of various encryption levels. 4. Conduct cryptanalysis using Hashcat, focusing on password cracking and hash decryption, while validating data integrity. **Firewall Management and Network Protection, Intrusion Detection and Network Security Monitoring, and Threat Identification and Hunting** - Implement and manage firewall policies with UFW and firewalld, and utilize tools like nmap to assess and protect open ports and services. - Configure and interpret Snort rules within Intrusion Detection Systems, and employ network security monitoring techniques, including Defense in Depth strategies, for enhanced network protection. - Engage in threat hunting using network security monitoring tools to identify and analyze indicators of attack and compromise, and escalate potential threats for further investigation. **Web Communication and Data Management, Server Architecture and Security, and Container Technology and Deployment Security** - Utilize tools like Chrome's Developer Tools and curl to manage HTTP requests and responses, including GET and POST methods, and oversee cookies and sessions. - Understand the functionality of microservices and different architecture stacks such as LAMP, LEMP, and WIMP, focusing on the development of robust, reliable infrastructure as code. - Deploy and test container sets using Docker Compose, and describe relational databases' data storage and retrieval processes, including creating SQL queries. **Cloud Infrastructure and Management, Containerization and Automated Deployment, and Security and Reliability in Cloud Computing** - Set up and manage a virtual private cloud network, deploying virtual computers and distinguishing between various cloud services to meet organizational needs. - Install and manage Docker containers and utilize Ansible for automating VM configurations, including creating load balancers on platforms like Azure. - Implement firewall and load balancer rules for cloud network security, and verify redundancy by managing virtual machine availability.
Offensive Security Techniques & Strategies
This badge certifies earners' expertise in web and network offensive security, highlighting their ability to identify vulnerabilities, conduct ethical penetration testing, and employ advanced exploitation techniques. Earners adeptly utilize key security tools, such as Nmap and Metasploit, and demonstrate proficiency in safeguarding web applications and network systems against diverse security threats.
To earn this badge, learners must score 80% or higher on a project assessment, which will demonstrate achievement of the following learning objectives: **Web Application Vulnerability Analysis, Injection Vulnerabilities and Exploitation, and Front-end and Back-end Security Assessment** - Analyze web applications to identify potential vulnerabilities in both front-end and back-end components. - Create and implement SQL and XSS injection attacks to assess the security of web applications. - Differentiate and articulate the various methods of attack and defense in web application vulnerabilities, with a focus on OWASP Top 10 risks and security testing tools (i.e., Burp Suite). **Core Concepts in Linux Penetration Testing, Penetration Testing Ethics and Standards, Reconnaissance and Social Engineering Techniques, Exploitation and Post-Exploitation Strategies, Password Security and Cracking Methods** - Demonstrate ethical standards and methodologies in penetration testing engagements. - Employ reconnaissance and social engineering techniques, including phishing, for information gathering. - Execute network discovery, vulnerability scanning, and exploit machines using tools like Nmap and Metasploit. - Analyze and crack password hashes using various techniques and tools. **Core Concepts in Windows Penetration Testing, Attack Techniques in Windows Environments, and Credential Access and Lateral Movement Strategies** - Compare and contrast Windows and Linux penetration testing methodologies and tools. - Execute various attack techniques specific to Windows environments, including spoofing and payload creation. - Perform credential access and lateral movement within Windows networks, utilizing tools like Mimikatz and understanding DCsync.
Defensive Security Techniques & Strategies
This badge recognizes earners for mastering Splunk in defensive security and forensic analysis, including SIEM log correlation, advanced searches, and security monitoring. Earners demonstrate expertise in digital forensics, employing Autopsy for advanced evidence analysis, and are proficient in using Splunk's sophisticated visualization and security monitoring tools.
To earn this badge, learners must score 80% or higher on a project assessment, which will demonstrate achievement of the following learning objectives: **SIEM Systems and Log Management, Splunk Deployment and Advanced Searching, and Splunk Utilization for Security Monitoring** - Analyze and correlate logs across SIEM systems, focusing on the identification of security events and determining baselines of normal activities to trigger appropriate alerts. - Utilize Splunk for log aggregation, including uploading logs, writing complex SPL queries, and employing advanced search techniques like piping and eval commands for security analysis. - Implement and manage Splunk-based security monitoring solutions, designing correlation rules, scheduling reports, and configuring alerts to enhance organizational security posture. **Splunk Visualization Techniques, Splunk for Advanced Security Monitoring, and Splunk Certification and Professional Development** - Create and modify Splunk visualizations for single- and multiple-value searches, including the use of geostats and iplocation commands, and combine them into custom dashboards with enhanced functionalities like time range input and drilldown options. - Differentiate and select among advanced security monitoring solutions such as SOAR, UBA, and UEBA within Splunk, and apply these solutions to specific security scenarios. - Prepare for Splunk certification by engaging with the Splunk Fundamentals eLearning program and applying learned skills to real-world situations, enhancing professional expertise in Splunk. **Fundamentals of Digital Forensics, Advanced Techniques in Forensics Evidence Analysis, and Practical Applications of Autopsy in Digital Forensics** - Summarize basic principles and methodologies of digital forensics, including the collection, preservation, analysis, and reporting of forensic evidence, as well as the skill sets required in this field. - Demonstrate advanced techniques in forensic evidence analysis, including the use of Autopsy for evidence preservation, documentation, and analysis, with a focus on smartphone forensics, particularly for iPhone evidence. - Utilize Autopsy for practical forensic investigations, encompassing tasks such as viewing and tagging evidence, extracting data for offline analysis, and preparing preliminary forensic reports, with a focus on diverse types of digital evidence like emails, SMS, and GPS data.
This badge recognizes earners' comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity career development, encompassing skills application, key industry certification knowledge, exam preparation, professional networking, and interview skills. Additionally, earners demonstrate proficiency in conducting and presenting independent cybersecurity research, reflecting their comprehensive understanding and practical application in the field.
To earn this badge, learners must successfully complete a project assessment, which will demonstrate achievement of the following learning objectives: **Cybersecurity Certification, Professional Networking, and Career Development** - Explain the value and variety of cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP, in job searches and career development. - Use tools like CompTIA's CertMaster for preparing for the Security+ exam, and explain the division of domains across the exam, including areas not covered in the curriculum. - Develop a personal network of cybersecurity professionals and begin searching for careers in cybersecurity, focusing on the job landscape and career pathing. - Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews for IT and cybersecurity positions, including conducting mock interviews and providing feedback. **Independent Research and Presentation in Cybersecurity** - Conduct open-ended independent research in cybersecurity, focusing on areas like exploiting IoT vulnerabilities or developing cybersecurity tools, and learn the value of effective communication through presentation skills. - Prepare and present a cybersecurity project at a mock cyber conference, receiving guidance on presentation skills and effectively communicating research findings.
This badge signifies expertise in Cybersecurity, encompassing threat analysis, system and network security, advanced security practices, and digital forensics. Earners are skilled in securing networks, analyzing cybersecurity risks, applying encryption, conducting digital investigations, and are well-prepared for the CompTIA Security+ Certification, demonstrating a strategic approach to cybersecurity career progression.
To earn this badge, learners must earn all the required badges in the Cybersecurity Boot Camp pathway: - [Network & Cloud Security](https://utexas.badgr.com/issuers/62700ccc427a6e2155bb5438/badges/65d8baa8412afe1fa1d7cb0b/overview) - [Offensive Security Techniques & Strategies](https://utexas.badgr.com/issuers/62700ccc427a6e2155bb5438/badges/65d8bae84841cf6fe52825d8/overview) - [Defensive Security Techniques & Strategies](https://utexas.badgr.com/issuers/62700ccc427a6e2155bb5438/badges/65d8bb284841cf6fe52825e5/overview) - [Cybersecurity Career Development](https://utexas.badgr.com/issuers/62700ccc427a6e2155bb5438/badges/65d8bb524841cf6fe52825f6/overview) Earners of the Cybersecurity Boot Camp badge have demonstrated achievement of the following program objectives: **Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Strategy** - Analyze cybersecurity threats, actors, and methods, and advise on best practices for risk management and security policy implementation. - Implement best practices in password security, including cracking techniques, and conduct vulnerability assessments using tools like nmap and Metasploit. **Systems and Network Security** - Configure and secure Linux and Windows servers, and write Bash and PowerShell scripts to automate security tasks. - Demonstrate understanding of network theory, analyze network traffic flow for troubleshooting and malicious activity detection, and identify suspicious user behavior patterns. - Deploy and configure machines on virtual networks for cloud environments, identify and mitigate web vulnerabilities, and configure servers with vulnerable web applications. - Apply penetration testing methods to evaluate network, system, and web vulnerabilities, and configure SIEMs for network security monitoring. **Advanced Security Practices and Digital Forensics** - Utilize symmetric and asymmetric algorithms for encrypting and decrypting data. - Conduct digital forensics investigations and analyze technical evidence. **Professional Development in Cybersecurity** - Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam by developing a comprehensive understanding of its content and structure. - Develop a strategic plan for career progression in Cybersecurity.
The Sustainability Leadership Program prepares learners to lead and advance sustainability efforts within an organization. Earners of this badge learn to assess sustainability practices, develop strategies to close gaps, and set actionable sustainability goals. They have been prepared to effectively manage organizational change, foster behaviors that support sustainability initiatives, and address both current and emerging challenges. Badge recipients also learn to monitor and communicate the progress of sustainability initiatives to stakeholders, ensuring ongoing alignment with the organization’s social and environmental objectives. This badge highlights a leader’s capability to drive sustainable change across all levels of an organization.
Earners must complete the requirements described below over the course of 9-12 months: 1. Complete 3 Core Modules: * Sustainability in Business * Sustainability Leadership * Measuring and Communicating Success 2. Complete Two Electives: * Profitability and Sustainability in the Energy Industry * Decision Marking and Risk Analysis * Managing the Energy Transition * Leadership Communication Strategies: From Advocacy to Impact 3. Complete the Capstone Project https://execed-online.mccombs.utexas.edu/sustainability-leadership-program
This badge recognizes the earner's proven ability to lead and build teams by applying strategic decision-making, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Badge earners can design and implement effective strategies, foster environments that enable high-performing teams, and drive projects to successful completion. Through practical application, they demonstrate mastery in balancing individual strengths within a group, making informed decisions under pressure, and sustaining team alignment toward common goals.
Strategic leadership entails directing and inspiring an organization towards its mission, shaping its culture and future through vision, and ensuring resource alignment for long-term achievement and innovative growth.
Strategic planning entails determining an organization's course by establishing objectives, devising tangible measures, and designating resources for lasting targets.
SWOT analysis is a method for evaluating an organization's internal Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as external Opportunities and Threats, in the context of competition or project development.
Team building refers to the process of fostering connections, trust, and collaboration among group members to achieve shared goals effectively.
To earn this badge, participants must complete a 3-day immersive experience blending classroom learning with hands-on activities at the Circuit of the Americas F1 track. Earners demonstrate their ability to lead and collaborate by driving high performance in team challenges, including a pit-stop exercise and automotive simulation. These activities highlight strategic thinking, decision-making, and iterative improvement as earners translate lessons into scalable success strategies. 100% participation and the application of leadership principles are required to achieve this badge, reflecting the earner’s readiness to compete and excel in dynamic environments. Winning! Leadership Accelerator Program https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/execed/for-individuals/classes/specialty/winning/
This badge certifies that the earner completed a weeklong accelerator program in Investment Banking. The earner has demonstrated knowledge and ability in the topics of advanced accounting and recapitalizations, discounted cash flow, comparable company analysis, leveraged buyouts, and mergers and acquisitions. Knowledge has been applied in a skill-setting environment to ensure that the badge earner is fluent in the language of banks, deals, and career pathways.
Financial accounting entails the organized recording, compilation, and presentation of a company's financial transactions within a specified timeframe.
Financial management encompasses the strategic planning, organization, direction, and control of financial activities within a business or organization to optimize efficiency and accomplish financial objectives.
Financial modeling entails constructing simplified financial representations to project a company's future performance based on anticipated events or choices.
Corporate finance deals with managing a company's financial assets, concentrating on capital structure, investment choices, and long-term financial planning to increase shareholder value.
Valuation is the process of calculating the present value of an asset or a company using methods like financial modeling, market comparisons, and income approaches.
Discounted cash flow is a valuation technique that determines an investment's worth by discounting anticipated future cash flows to their present value, considering the time value of money.
Leveraged buyouts refer to the acquisition of a company using borrowed funds, often with the target company's assets as collateral.
Mergers and acquisitions refer to the strategic combination or takeover of companies, aiming to enhance their operations, diversify their products, or gain a competitive edge.
To earn this badge, participants must successfully complete a week-long, 29-hour immersive program in the field of investment banking. Badge earners must attend all sessions and actively engage in program activities, demonstrating their commitment to learning and practicing fundamental investment banking concepts and skills through participation. Achievement of this badge is based on full attendance and active participation.
Co-Insurance and Fee-for-Service Billing Analysis
Co-Insurance and Fee-for-Service Billing Analysis badge image
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to navigate the Medicare Part B billing process from both provider and patient perspectives. They can calculate allowed charges, apply CPT codes, identify patient financial responsibilities, and reconcile accounts by adjusting or writing off non-allowable amounts. Earners understand how supplemental insurance impacts co-insurance and can accurately determine out-of-pocket costs. This competency reflects practical skills in claim processing, financial integrity, and compliance within the Medicare framework.
Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program primarily serving individuals aged 65 and above, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific illnesses.
Healthcare coding is the process of assigning standardized codes to medical information for billing, record-keeping, and data analysis in healthcare settings.
The healthcare industry encompasses the provision of medical services, such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses, through professionals, facilities, and resources.
Earners of this badge demonstrate proficiency in managing healthcare billing and revenue cycle processes within Fee-for-Service payment arrangements. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied case study in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating the ability to calculate reimbursements, apply billing codes accurately, and assess factors affecting provider revenue and patient responsibility. Recipients of this badge understand healthcare billing and revenue cycle management for Fee for Service payment arrangements. Specifically, badge recipients can: -Navigate and calculate Medicare Part B billing including an understanding of Clinical Procedure Terminology (CPT) billing codes. -Differentiate between normal/customary charges and allowable charges, and apply appropriate adjustments or write-offs for billing of standard fees. -Analyze the impact of deductibles and co-insurance, and calculate provider revenue from insurance payments and patient responsibility. -Apply logical reasoning to calculate provider reimbursement accurately in complex billing scenarios.
Value-Based Outpatient Billing and Coding
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to evaluate and compare key healthcare payment models. They can analyze capitation payments and calculations from both provider and patient perspectives, and contrast these with fee-for-service (FFS) billing models. Earners can articulate the cost implications of each model and apply this knowledge to support decision-making in value-based care environments.
chargemaster or normal and customary charge
Recipients of this badge are able to analyze and apply principles of healthcare billing and revenue cycle management within Value-based payment arrangements. Badge recipients can: - Navigate and calculate capitated formularies and payments including the addition of co-payments when applicable and determine relative revenue per monthly clinical visits. - Demonstrate the ability to make well-reasoned decisions by applying critical thinking and logical reasoning to complex situations. Specifically, they can: -- Identify and analyze challenges associated with risk-based or capitated payments. -- Evaluate the difference in revenue generated from a capitated payment scheme to that of a discounted Fee-for-Service arrangement. -- Understand the profit potential of a capitated contract as compared to FFS. -- Justify their decision-making by clearly articulating the rationale behind their choices, using data and logical arguments. -- Adapt to uncertainty by modifying decision strategies based on changing information and unexpected challenges.
Applied Healthcare Analytics and Management Reporting
This badge certifies that holder has successfully earned all seven prerequisite badges, demonstrating full-spectrum expertise in the financial and operational foundations of U.S. healthcare. The badge holder integrates expertise in payment models, revenue cycle management, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making, applying data-driven insights to evaluate challenges and strengthen outcomes across the American healthcare system.
Profit Margins represent the proportion of revenue that a company retains as profit, calculated after deducting all expenses, taxes, and costs.
KPI reporting entails gathering, evaluating, and disseminating key performance metrics to monitor advancements toward objectives, guide decision-making, and share business results with stakeholders.
Billing refers to the procedure of creating invoices for services or products rendered, involving correct assessment of fees, issuing billing statements, and overseeing receivables to facilitate prompt payment.
Accounts receivable refers to the money owed to a business by clients for delivered goods or services, monitored for financial, management, and accounting purposes.
Income statements provide an overview of a company's earnings, expenditures, and overall financial performance during a particular accounting period.
Data analysis involves examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to reveal valuable insights, inform decisions, and support conclusions.
Data Visualization is the process of converting data into visual forms like charts, graphs, and maps to effectively communicate information.
Earners of this badge will be able to compare and evaluate healthcare payment models, including Fee-for-Service and Value-Based/Capitated arrangements. They will be able to apply principles of billing and revenue cycle management to calculate payments, assess claims, and resolve denials. They will also be able to analyze clinical productivity and financial performance using key business metrics/KPIs and data visualization techniques. Additionally, earners of this badge will be able to develop and interpret income statements and budgets to support informed financial planning. They will apply structured decision-making frameworks to assess risks, evaluate alternatives, and adapt to uncertainty. Lastly, they will integrate financial, operational, and strategic insights to propose solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and outcomes in healthcare practice.
Healthcare Income Statement and Budgeting
Earners of this badge demonstrate advanced skills in developing and analyzing income statements for free-standing clinics. They evaluate monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets by interpreting billing, contractual adjustments, net revenue, and detailed expense categories such as salaries, supplies, and overhead. Earners assess net earnings and profit margins to support accurate financial planning, performance monitoring, and strategic decision-making.
healthcare key performance indicators (kpis)
Microsoft Excel is a versatile spreadsheet program created by Microsoft, employed for analyzing, presenting, and performing intricate calculations on numerical data in various fields and uses.
Budget Development is the systematic process of predicting financial requirements, distributing resources, and establishing spending limitations to achieve organizational objectives within a specified timeframe.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable standards employed to assess the effectiveness of a company, worker, or procedure in accomplishing goals and targets.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to prepare and analyze financial statements that reflect the fiscal health of a healthcare practice. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied financial analysis case study in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating proficiency in developing income statements, evaluating budget performance, and interpreting financial variances to inform operational improvement. Recipients of this badge can: -develop income statements for healthcare practices that include gross revenue, contractual adjustments, net revenue, expense categories, bad debt, net earnings, and profit margins. -analyze actual financial performance by comparing it to budgeted figures across all income statement items. -demonstrate the ability to interpret financial variances and trends to uncover areas for operational and fiscal improvement.
Earners of this badge demonstrate advanced competence in managing Accounts Receivables (ARs). Earners can analyze how monthly beginning ARs are impacted by billings, write-offs, adjustments, and collections. They apply data tracking and trending techniques to identify practice performance patterns and recommend targeted improvements that strengthen financial outcomes.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to assess and optimize healthcare Accounts Receivable (AR) performance through data analysis and benchmarking. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied analytics case study in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating proficiency in evaluating key performance indicators, analyzing cash flow trends, and identifying opportunities to strengthen financial outcomes. Recipients of this badge can: - analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to healthcare Accounts Receivable to monitor financial health. - assess billings, collections, and adjustments to ensure accuracy and maintain the integrity of the revenue cycle. - demonstrate the ability to evaluate AR Days and cash flow trends using data-driven methods. - compare billing and collection performance against industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and optimize financial outcomes.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to analyze healthcare financial data to assess practice performance and operational trends. They identify factors that impact productivity and recommend targeted improvements. Earners apply advanced analytical skills to interpret key business metrics and support data-driven decision-making in healthcare environments.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to evaluate and enhance healthcare practice productivity through data analysis and visualization. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied performance analysis project in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating proficiency in interpreting operational data, identifying performance trends, and recommending data-informed strategies to improve clinical efficiency. Recipients of this badge can: - assess healthcare productivity by analyzing weekly, monthly, and annual clinical activity data to identify patterns and performance gaps. - trend service site performance by applying data visualization techniques to evaluate factors such as no-show rates and visit volumes. - demonstrate the ability to interpret operational data to uncover performance trends that impact clinical efficiency. - recommend actionable improvements to practice productivity by drawing insights from data analysis and visualized trends.
Earners of this badge demonstrate advanced data analysis skills in healthcare billing and collections. They interpret key financial indicators such as Net Collection Ratios, denial rates, and timing of charge entries to optimize cash flow. Earners can identify gaps in revenue capture, analyze denial trends, and recommend strategies to improve clean claims and billing efficiency within a healthcare practice.
Cash flow represents the inflow and outflow of money within a business during a particular period, reflecting its financial stability and liquidity.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to evaluate and improve healthcare financial performance through detailed analysis of billing and collection data. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied case study in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating proficiency in analyzing revenue cycle metrics, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending data-driven strategies to enhance claims management and reimbursement outcomes. Recipients of this badge can: - Analyze billing and collection data across monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles to assess healthcare financial performance. - Differentiate between gross and allowable charges by referencing payer-specific agreements and reimbursement structures. - Interpret Gross and Net Collection Ratios to evaluate cash flow and revenue cycle health. - Calculate and assess the time between Date of Service and Date of Charge Entry to identify billing delays. - Explain the value of clean claims and propose strategies to improve first-pass acceptance. - Analyze and address claim denial trends by developing data-informed strategies for resolution and appeal
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to assess complex healthcare challenges and develop strategic client solutions. They apply advanced decision-making skills, including critical thinking, analytical assessment, and structured problem solving. Earners use proven frameworks to evaluate risks, generate viable alternatives, and justify recommendations. They communicate insights clearly through professional presentations tailored to diverse stakeholders.
Financial data comprises measurable figures associated with monetary activities, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity, crucial for assessing a company's financial well-being and performance.
Patient data consists of detailed, private health information, encompassing medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and individual identifiers, utilized for patient care and clinical decision-making.
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to analyze and communicate data-driven insights that support healthcare clients in optimizing revenue cycle performance. To earn the badge, individuals completed an applied consulting project in which they achieved a score of 70% or higher, demonstrating proficiency in identifying operational risks and opportunities, assessing system performance impacts, and presenting evidence-based recommendations to executive audiences. Recipients of this badge can: - Analyze operational and financial data from a healthcare client system to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities within revenue cycle outcomes. - Evaluate the implications of system outages and platform performance on client satisfaction, patient engagement, and revenue outcomes. - Synthesize complex information into a concise, persuasive three-slide presentation tailored to an executive board audience. - Formulate evidence-based recommendations that address client concerns while supporting revenue cycle performance.