Stanford University Launches Multi-Disciplinary Systems Engineering Program; Unique Program Blends Industry and Academic Systems Perspectives.

STANFORD, Calif. -- Stanford University will launch the Stanford Systems Engineering program September 12-23, 2005 on the university's campus. The broad curriculum of intensive courses offers immediate relevance to engineers, experienced project managers and venture capitalists who seek clearer understanding of systems engineering processes. The Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD) and the Center for Systems Management (CSM) have partnered to develop the program, with ongoing input from an advisory council of executives from aerospace, defense and communications industries.

"In today's tech-intensive industries, engineers must examine entire systems from business and technical perspectives," says Harold Mooz, co-founder of CSM. "We saw the need for a program that joined best practices in industry with a university -- Stanford was the obvious choice. We're positioned to drive the evolving discipline of systems engineering and establish a baseline for engineers and leaders alike."

Ron Howard, ScD, Stanford Professor of Management Science and Engineering, and Academic Director of Stanford Systems Engineering, explains further, "We leverage Stanford's academic research and CSM's systems engineering expertise to develop courses with direct and immediate application for engineers throughout government and industry, regardless of their field of interest or level of systems experience. It's a unique partnership and program, allowing participants rapid, thorough access to the best information available."

Stanford Systems Engineering offers participants flexibility for just-in-time learning. Participants can take single 2 1/2 day courses in an area of interest or complete the Stanford Systems Engineering Certificate program of six courses in as little as six months, when courses are attended on campus. The certificate may be earned by completing three core courses and three electives. Courses may be taken in any order and by any method of instruction: on campus, onsite at a company location, and, beginning in November 2006, online. Stanford will hold on-campus courses every September and March.

For more information, visit the Stanford Systems Engineering Web site at systemsengineering.stanford.edu or call [phone].

The Stanford Center for Professional Development collaborates with Stanford University faculty to offer graduate degrees, credit courses, certificates, and professional development short courses to meet the career-long learning needs of engineers, scientists, technology professionals and managers in industry. Courses are delivered via the Internet and local area broadcast as well as on campus. scpd.stanford.edu

The Center for Systems Management (CSM) is a premier provider of training and consulting services in systems management -- the integration of systems engineering, project management, and process improvement. CSM partners with clients to deliver integrated solutions with sustainable value from the project level up to the highest organizational level. www.csm.com