Technical Management Program

In just five days, TMP transforms managers into dynamic leaders.

We Build the Leaders of Tomorrow

two women in suits networking with male colleagues

For more than 65 years, UCLA Extension’s Technical Management Program (TMP) has been building leaders for the modern workforce. TMP is one of the most invigorating and forward-thinking programs in the world, empowering managers in a variety of technical fields, from engineering and IT, to game development and beyond. In just five days, this program creates dynamic leaders using the most current techniques and methodologies.

UCLA Extension’s week-long intensive program helps managers:

  • Gain leadership skills
  • Enhance interpersonal skills
  • Obtain a repertoire of methods to solve problems, plan strategies, and motivate colleagues
  • Network with attendees from around the world

106th Technical Management Program

UCLA Covel Commons Starburst

Program Dates
Sunday–Friday: March 24–29, 2024

Next Session: Sunday–Friday, September 8-13, 2024

Location
UCLA Covel Commons, Los Angeles

Schedule
Sunday:

  • 5:00-5:30 PM Registration
  • 5:30-6:15 PM Welcome Address
  • 6:15-7:30 PM Reception and Appetizers

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:40 PM Course Sessions

Thursday:  5:40-7:40 PM Networking Dinner

Your investment of $5,295 includes:

  • 5 full days of on-site learning on March 24-29 with some of today's most inspiring leaders
  • Sunday welcome reception, Thursday night Networking Dinner, and 5 gourmet lunches Mon-Fri
  • Complimentary on-campus parking
  • All required texts and materials
  • Attendees are awarded 4.0 CEU upon completion

Personalized 4-Course Curriculum

In this 5-day program, each day is divided into four 2-hour sessions. Create your own customized course schedule by pre-selecting one course from each period that you will attend all week. 

When registering, please indicate on the reservation form your second and third choices in the event your first selections are not available.

Select One  
A1 Excel as a New Manager
Led by: Marshall Gibson, PMP, Principal IS Project Manager, Providence St. Joseph Health
A2 The Science of Excellence
Led by: Robert Maurer, PhD, Science of Excellence
A3 Fostering Engaged and Inclusive Work Cultures
Led by: Kim Jones, MBA and MA in Anthropology, Kim Jones Alliance
A4 Upping Your Leadership GQ (Generational Quotient): Managing A Multigenerational Workforce
Led by: Chip Espinoza, PhD, Dean of Strategy and Innovation, Vanguard University

See period 1 course descriptions

 

Select One  
B1 Understanding the Emotional Process of Leading Change
Led by: Chip Espinoza, PhD, Dean of Strategy and Innovation, Vanguard University
B2 Strategic Project Design
Led by: Terry D. Schmidt, MBA, Management Concept Inc
B4  The Science of Excellence
Led by: Robert Maurer, PhD, Science of Excellence
B5 High Impact Communication Techniques for Technical Professionals
Led by: Laura Hyde, MEd, Morgan Training Company

See period 2 course descriptions

 

Select One  
C1 Card Games for Soft Skills
Led by: Colt McAnlis, Head of Google Cloud Developer Media Networks
C2 Asking the Right Questions
Led by: David Lam, Partner, Miller Kaplan
C3 Reinvent Yourself and Thrive
Led by: Terry D. Schmidt, MBA, Management Concept Inc.
C4 Thriving Competencies
Led by: Kevin Groves, PhD, Groves Consulting Group

See period 3 course descriptions

 

Select One  
D1 The Four Domains of Leadership
Led by: Kenneth Lamb, P.E, PhD, Director of Student Innovation Idea Lab at Cal Poly Pomona
D3 Card Games for Soft Skills
Led by: Colt McAnlis, Head of Google Cloud Developer Media Networks
D4 The Art of Positive Leadership
Led by: Felicia Zigman, FZ Coaching
D5 Influencing Change Through Intuitive Leadership
Led by: Paul Jan Zdunek, Chief Operating Officer, Miller Kaplan

See period 4 course descriptions

 

Links to full course descriptions and instructor bios.

Each page provides all details for that period's offerings. 

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4

TMP’s unique 4 period format is more conducive for retention of knowledge.

Many studies done by Robert Bjork, UCLA Distinguished Professor of Psychology, demonstrate the advantage of “space learning” with interweaving other learning between sessions.

Program Details

Program Fee and Payment Options

The fee of $5,295 is due by March 22, 2024.

Your investment includes all required texts and materials for your four courses. Complimentary parking will also be provided.

Program fee may not be prorated for less than full participation.

Registration Timeline

Once the attendee has submitted the reservation form, a confirmation email with the assigned course schedule and additional information will be emailed in around 24 hours. 

Online Payment

Online payment must be made on or before March 22, 2024. Further instruction on completing online payment will be provided after registration.

Purchase Orders

Email your company purchase order along with a copy of the reservation form for the participant(s) in the PO to billing@unex.ucla.edu.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

The refund/cancellation policy includes a nonrefundable $30 processing fee.

Continuing Education Units (CEU)

You are awarded 4.0 CEU upon completion of the program (1 CEU represents 10 contact hours of satisfactory participation in an organized noncredit continuing education program).

Which industries is TMP suited for?

The bi-annual TMP has supported and trained engineers and managers in technical fields, from IT, defense and aerospace, energy, healthcare, game development, and more, to lead with innovative management skills.

How long does the program last?

The five day program is noteworthy for presenting the best management practices and current techniques and methodologies applicable to those who manage technical teams.

What is the highlight of the program?

“The forward-thinking concept of bringing technical professionals together to explore fresh strategic management approaches for their organizations is the cornerstone of TMP,” says Varaz Shahmirian, PhD, Director, Engineering & Digital Technology at UCLA Extension.

“Attendees are technology leaders who are looking to develop new skills on strategic thinking and effective management. We have created an environment where creative and innovative leadership and management approaches are discussed and cultivated."

What is the course schedule?

The TMP schedule meets 8:00 AM-5:40 PM, with four-period formats on different topics.

Will a certificate be issued? 

A hardcopy and digital certificate will be sent to the attendee.

What does the fee include?

The fee includes all required texts and materials and meals. TMP Week includes a welcome reception, a networking dinner, parking on the UCLA campus, other campus amenities. Attendees are awarded 4.0 CEU upon completion of the program.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no formal educational requirements or prerequisites.

What I can expect from the course materials?

Each course may include lecture notes, handouts, and/or texts and are included in the tuition.

What should I wear?

We encourage participants to dress for comfort in business-casual

Leadership Skills for a Lifetime

smiling tmp participants

New Managers

Think Like a Leader. Become a Leader.

If you’ve recently been promoted to management, you may find it’s difficult to translate your recent accomplishments into successful leadership. With our TMP program, you will discover new ways to solve problems, strategize, and motivate others.

Learn the latest leadership techniques from experienced professionals and industry leaders. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with attendees at all levels, from all around the world.

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Senior Managers

Upgrade Your Team

Leadership, like technology, is constantly evolving. Give your current managers the latest thinking on management and leadership.

Looking to fast-track new managers, alerting them to the pitfalls common to new supervisors? In just five days, our TMP program can get your new managers on the right path, giving them the tools they need to build their own results driven teams.

All technical managers should be lucky enough to participate in TMP.  The skills and tools provided are hyper-valuable in dealing with a highly educated workforce in this dynamic time.

Walt Witkowski
Senior Manager, Sandia National Laboratories

The forward-thinking concept of bringing technical professionals together to explore fresh strategic management approaches for their organizations is the cornerstone of TMP. Attendees are technology leaders who are looking to develop new skills on strategic thinking and effective management. We have created an environment where creative and innovative leadership and management approaches are discussed and cultivated.

Varaz Shahmirian, PhD
Director, Engineering & Digital Technology at UCLA Extension
Dr. Varaz Shahmirian

Benefits of Participation

Highest Quality Experience. Our world-class instructors have tailored their courses in creative and engaging ways to take advantage of this unique format.

Network with attendees from around the world. Breakout rooms allow smaller groups to dialogue, collaborate, and network.

Learn to think innovatively. TMP’s engaging and interactive environment fosters the exchange of ideas and experiences. Gain insights from esteemed instructors and peers from diverse industries.

Customized training. You select courses that are grounded in intellectually stimulating content relevant to all technical professionals.

Balanced course material. Courses focus on technical and managerial aspects that improve your personal and organization- al performance. Emerging and seasoned managers leave invigorated and inspired, with skills benefiting their workplace.

 

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