BIZTECH OFFERINGS

The pressures of technological change and the need to optimize its use in business can save time AND money. That’s why the CPD has created a BIZTech Series so that busy professionals, like you, can quickly acquire technical skills and master certain software and technologies for your business.  Enhancing best practices means more time to do the things that drive revenue and performance.

Most modules are presented by Canisius faculty experts and are available online for easy, convenient access and self-directed learning.

This online, self-paced series is for busy professionals or individual investors who rely upon financial mathematics in their work or for managing their personal finances.

Led by Canisius’ own, Dr. Jonathan Lopez, this series is suitable for professionals in:

  • banking;
  • real estate;
  • investment;
  • finance;
  • insurance; and,
  • professionals responsible for accounting, finance and loan administration.

Course Duration

Learners will have online access to each module for 90 days.  Individual modules are priced at $90 each.  If you would like to purchase ten or more modules, please contact the CPD at 716-888-8490 for special pricing.

Recommended Pre-Requisites

Pre-requisites are recommended for some, but not all, modules.  Refunds will not be issued if a learner determines that they do not need a particular pre-requisite.  If an individual is uncertain if they have the requisite knowledge to forego a pre-requisite, they are encouraged to contact Dr. Lopez at 716-888-2845.  Canisius College will not be responsible for learner selection.

Ancillary Materials

Dr. Lopez references some questions and solutions, the materials of which are available through the following links:

www.soa.org/Files/Edu/2017/exam-fm-sample-questions.pdf

www.soa.org/Files/Edu/2017/exam-fm-sample-solutions.pdf

Materials Needed

Learners taking any one of the CPD’s online test preparation modules will require a computer on which to watch the online course and a financial calculator (ideally BA II Plus) which Dr. Lopez will reference when calculating specific solutions.

Learners can take one, several or all of the 15 modules that are available in this series:

Module 1: Time Value of Money

  • Pre-Requisites: None
  • Interest rates, discount rates, present value, future value, nominal rates, effective rates, real rates

Module 2: Annuities I

  • Pre-Requisites: Module 1
  • Level annuity immediate, annuity due, perpetuity

Module 3: Annuities II

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 2
  • Non-level annuity immediate, annuity due, perpetuity

Module 4: Loans I

  • Pre-Requisites:  Modules 1, 2
  • Amortization method

Module 5: Loans II

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 2, 4
  • Outstanding loan balance, principal/interest breakdown, sinking funds

Module 6: Bonds I

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 2
  • Price, redemption value, par value, yield rate, coupon rate, term

Module 7: Bonds II

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 2, 6
  • Book value, amortization of premium, callable bonds

Module 8: Yield Rates

  • Pre-Requisites: Module 1
  • Dollar-weighted and time-weighted rates of return, spot rates, forward rates

 Module 9: Duration and Convexity

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 2, 3
  • Duration and convexity for a set of cash flows (both Macaulay and modified), first order approximations based on duration

Module 10: Asset Matching

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 6
  • Exact asset matching with liability cash flows, duration matching

Module 11: Immunization

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 9
  • Partial and full immunization

Module 12: Interest Rate Swaps I

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 8
  • Introduction to swap rates and market value of a swap, swap net payments

Module 13: Interest Rate Swaps II

  • Pre-Requisites: Modules 1, 8, 12
  • Deferred swaps, amortizing swaps, accreting swaps

Module 14: Components of Interest Rates

  • Pre-Requisites: Module 1
  • Real risk-free rate, inflation rate, default rate; real versus nominal interest rates; inflation protection

Module 15: Factors Affecting Interest Rates

  • Pre-Requisite: Module 1
  • Federal Reserve, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), Federal Funds rate, term structure of interest rates (liquidity, preferred habitat, market segmentation), foreign interest rates

The Bookkeeping Profession

Keeping accurate accounting and financial records is essential to the success of any small business. As such, the Bookkeeper for any particular business plays one of the most important roles in the company working very closely with management in the day-to-day operation of the business. Bookkeepers that have a full understanding of the most widely-used accounting application for small businesses – QuickBooks – have a significant role to play in any business as their records underpin the files provided to any associated accounting professionals working on behalf of the business. The demand for professionals with bookkeeping skills is estimated to grow 14% through 2020. Combined with QuickBooks skills, individuals who have all fo these skills will be in high demand for years to come.

The Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Program

This program takes students through the ins and outs baseline accounting principles, bookkeeping and overall record keeping relative to successful small business accounting. With a comprehensive understanding of accounting, this proram ensures students can not only keep accurate books, but understand why and how these records are kept, as well as how these processes and procedures might be improved. A full study of QuickBooks will ensure that students can operate successfully within the most-widely used accounting software application and provide associated accounting professionals with the files necessary for tax preparation and/or support their efforts in any tax or audit situation.

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
  • There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
  1. National Association of Certified Professional Bookkeepers (NACPB) Bookkeeper Certification Exam
  2. Intuit QuickBooks Certified User® Exam
  3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam.

Program Objectives At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Accounting Principles and Concepts
  • Business Accounting
  • QuickBooks
  • Use Microsoft Office

National Certification

Upon successful completion of this program, students would be eligible to sit for the National Association of Certified Professional Bookkeepers (NACPB) Bookkeeper Certification Exam, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User® Exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. Although there are no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this program, students who complete this program will be prepared and are eligible to sit for these national certification exams. Students who complete this program can and do sit for these national certification exams and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so.

Course Details:

Course Code: B-BKQB Program

Duration: 6 Months Course

Contact Hours: 375

Business professionals are accustomed to using traditional PCs and Macs and are often unfamiliar with the power of Chromebooks and how they can increase the performance of their business generally or  operation specifically.  This online course shows you:

  • how traditional PCs and Macs differ from Chromebooks and other devices;
  • how to set-up your Chromebook (the basics);
  • what applications are available for you to take advantage of in your work; and,
  • how to optimize those applications for a range of professional functions.

Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

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Digital storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Throughout history, storytelling has been used to share knowledge, wisdom, and values. Stories have taken many different forms. Stories have been adapted to each successive medium that has emerged, from the circle of the campfire to the silver screen, and now the computer screen. (Digital Storytelling Association, 2011, https://librarydigitalstorytelling.wordpress.com/what/, para. 1)

How can digital storytelling be used in business?  From documentaries, computer-based narratives and other digital expressions, digital storytelling can be an effective tool to have at your disposal when communicating with customers…and employees. Using WeVideo, participants will learn the basics of creating content to reach and empower their audiences, no matter where they find them.  Capturing your business’ value proposition has never been more interesting in a marketplace where messaging and communications have never been more important.  Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

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Screencasts are recordings of what happens on a computer screen often accompanied by narration or a text explanation.  Even if your company does not have a blogger or webmaster, you can easily use screencasting for your internal and external communications, training and marketing efforts.  Whether it be your employees or your customers, the use of programs like Screen-cast-omatic and Screencastify (which this course focuses on), can make a big difference in how you and your business are perceived.  Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

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Google Docs is a FREE digital tool that allows you to work in REAL TIME from any location.  This can be a powerful, time-saving and efficient tool for your business especially in this age of remote work, travel and home-based businesses.  Your business can’t afford not to take advantage of Google Docs.  Learn how by clicking on the Register button below.

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Google Drive is a FREE service that allows you to store and share files as well as synchronize them across multiple devices.  Google drive also offers apps with offline capabilities for Windows and Mac.  Learn about the power of Google Drive for your business by registering for this online course.  Click on the Register button below.

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Bring your ideas to life with Google Slides, all free though the Google suite of programs.  Learn how to create, name, navigate and use the presentation themes, fonts, embedded videos and animations in Google Slides.  Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

Part of Google Drive, Google forms allows you to create web-forms, surveys, tests and tie them into spreadsheets so you can track results.  It’s programming without the programming!  Course content covers Google Forms creation, navigation, sending forms and collecting data.  Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

Bring your teams closer together, across different devices, and locations, seamlessly in real-time with the power of Google Hangouts.  Hangouts is a free alternative to video conferencing that not only brings group video calls to life but also incorporates photos, emojis and other tools into the conversation.  Learn about chat, screen sharing and how to integrate Hangouts with your Google Drive for seamless communication.  Register for this online course by clicking on the Register button below.

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Understanding your customers and the engagement level of your employees is critical in the fast-paced digital environment of today’s business world.  Using the FREE Poll Everywhere program, learners will experience polling through web, email, Facebook and Twitter applications AND learn how to incorporate multiple choice, true-false and other question and survey formats to generate effective polling results.  Smart polling can make a BIG difference for your business.  Lear how by clicking on the Register button below.

Register

Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) Certificate Program with Externship

Course Code:                          B-CSSGB

Program Duration:                  6 Months

Course Contact Hours:           375

The Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) Specialist

Six Sigma Specialists are tasked with supporting the project lead, most likely a Six Sigma Black Belt and provides a stepping stone to this advanced classification as well. Successful participants in this class will be poised to work on small, defined Six Sigma projects within an organization, requiring less oversight by the assigned manager (presumably a Six Sigma Black Belt). This ability to free up supervisory time reduces costs and increases productivity for entire projects, which presents significant value to both current and prospective employers.  Whether in healthcare, finance, government, manufacturing or any other industry, Six Sigma Green Belt training is ideal for current professionals looking toward advancement in their current position as well as individuals looking to gain employment with any firm that utilizes these concepts and techniques.

 The Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) Program

The Six Sigma Specialist program helps professionals to strengthen organizations by employing the core concepts of Six Sigma geared toward enhanced problem-solving skills with an emphasis on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) model. The Six Sigma Specialist program presents an overview of the key concepts for the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification exam. Students will explore processes and team management, operational metrics, and key tools and techniques to achieve process excellence. This program is designed to prepare students to sit for the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification exam offered by the American Association for Quality.

 Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
  • There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
  • American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) Exam
    • The Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires 3 years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge.
    • Work experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op or any other course work cannot be applied
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam.

Program Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Justify the value of Six Sigma metrics
  • Analyze customer information within a potential Six Sigma project
  • Apply the design for Six Sigma (DFSS) process
  • Apply theories of team dynamics to improve Six Sigma process
  • Apply the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) process
  • Generate process management documentation
  • Analyze the effects of statistical process control (SPC) on performance Analyze process capability in the context of performance
  • Apply design of experiments (DOE) to a potential project
  • Use Microsoft Office

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field.  All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location.

Six Sigma Specialist Program Detailed Student Objectives:

  • SIX SIGMA METRICS
  • SIX SIGMA CUSTOMERS
  • DESIGN FOR SIX SIGMA
  • SIX SIGMA QUALITY MASTERS
  • SIX SIGMA PROBLEM-SOLVING
  • SIX SIGMA PROCESS MANAGEMENT
  • SIX SIGMA CONTROL CHARTS
  • SIX SIGMA PROCESS CAPABILITY
  • SIX SIGMA LEAN TOOLS

Note:  This program can be completed in 6 months.  However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.

MICROSOFT OFFICE Module 

  • Use an integrated software package, specifically the applications included in the Microsoft Office suite
  • Demonstrate marketable skills for enhanced employment opportunities
  • Describe proper computer techniques for designing and producing various types of documents
  • Demonstrate the common commands & techniques used in Windows desktop
  • List the meaning of basic PC acronyms like MHz, MB, KB, HD and RAM
  • Use WordPad and MSWord to create various types of documents
  • Create headings and titles with Word Art
  • Create and format spreadsheets, including the use of mathematical formulas
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer database functions, including putting, processing, querying and outputting data
  • Define computer terminology in definition matching quizzes
  • Use the Windows Paint program to alter graphics
  • Use a presentation application to create a presentation with both text and graphics
  • Copy data from one MS Office application to another application in the suite
  • Use e-mail and the Internet to send Word and Excel file attachments
  • Demonstrate how to use the Windows Taskbar and Windows Tooltips
  • Explain how copyright laws pertain to data and graphics posted on the Internet
  • Take the college computer competency test after course completion
  • Follow oral and written directions and complete assignments when working under time limitations

Note: Although the Microsoft Office Module is not required to successfully complete this program, students interested in pursuing free Microsoft MOS certification may want to consider completing this Microsoft Office Module at no additional cost.

System Requirements:

Windows Users:

  • Windows 8, 7, XP or Vista
  • 56K modem or higher
  • Soundcard & Speakers
  • Firefox, Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer

Mac OS User:

  • Mac OS X or higher (in classic mode)
  • 56K modem or higher
  • Soundcard & Speakers
  • Apple Safari

iPad Users:

  • Due to Flash limitations, eLearning programs are NOT compatible with iPads

Screen Resolution:

  • We recommend setting your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels.

Browser Requirements:

  • System will support the two latest releases of each browser. When using older versions of a browser, users risk running into problems with the course software.
  • Windows Users: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Mac OS Users: Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox

Suggested Plug-ins:

  • Flash Player
  • Real Player
  • Adobe Reader
  • Java

Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Certificate Program with Externship

Course Code:                          B-CSSBB

Program Duration:                  6 Months

Course Contact Hours:           375

The Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Professional

The Six Sigma Professional program is designed for high-performance employees and leaders of business improvement projects.  Whether in healthcare, finance, government, manufacturing or any other industry, Six Sigma Black Belt training is ideal for current professionals looking toward advancement in their current position as well as individuals looking to gain employment with any firm that utilizes these concepts and techniques. Experienced professionals who are able to master these techniques and gain certification in Six Sigma Black Belt are in significant demand by employers looking to ensure the most efficient use of their resources.

 The Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Program

Building upon participants’ existing knowledge and practice, the Six Sigma Black Belt course will help participants to master advanced statistical analysis tools, identify opportunities with solutions that can be implemented immediately and to deliver measurable results right away in order to increase an organization’s return on investment.  Participants who complete this course will be able to lead Six Sigma projects meant to enhance the capability of both internal and external processes in order to better meet customer expectations. With the comprehensive understanding of process analysis and improvement individuals gain from Six Sigma Black Belt certification, professionals with these skills with makes a significant impact on any organization and be well-positioned for advancement in their chosen fields. The Six Sigma Black Belt course presents an overview of the key concepts for the Certifiedix Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) exam. Students will explore processes and team management, operational metrics, and key tools and techniques to achieve process excellence.

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
  • There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
  • American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Exam
    • NOTE: Six Sigma Black Belt requires 2 completed projects with signed affidavits OR 1 completed project with signed affidavit and 3 years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge.
    • Candidates do NOT need to be a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam.

 Program Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Apply the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) model to create breakthrough in profitability and growth
  • Manage projects by defining metrics, following and employing the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) methodology
  • Design effective teams to execute projects using tools & techniques of Lean Six Sigma
  • Implement a sustainable process breakthrough using the DMAIC methodology
  • Differentiate DMAIC and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) frameworks
  • Analyze a business process and engender support from executive management for using the tools and techniques relevant to the Lean Six Sigma methodology
  • Sustain process breakthrough improvements in the control phase of the LSS initiative
  • Use Microsoft Office

National Certification

Upon successful completion of this program, students would be eligible to sit for the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams.  Although there are no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this program, students who complete this program will be prepared and are eligible to sit for this national certification exam.  Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the externship option with their program. Students who complete this program can and do sit for the MOS national certification exams and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so.

 Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field.  All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location.

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Program Detailed Student Objectives:

  • DEPLOYING LEAN SIX SIGMA
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA LEADERSHIP
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA STRATEGIC PLANNING
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA TEAMS
  • IMPROVEMENT TO GENERATE PROCESS BREAKTHROUGH
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA PROJECT PLANS
  • KEY LEAN SIX SIGMA CONCEPTS
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA WORK OPTIMIZATION
  • INTRODUCING LEAN SIX SIGMA DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS

Note:  This program can be completed in 6 months.  However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.

MICROSOFT OFFICE Module 

  • Use an integrated software package, specifically the applications included in the Microsoft Office suite
  • Demonstrate marketable skills for enhanced employment opportunities
  • Describe proper computer techniques for designing and producing various types of documents
  • Demonstrate the common commands & techniques used in Windows desktop
  • List the meaning of basic PC acronyms like MHz, MB, KB, HD and RAM
  • Use WordPad and MSWord to create various types of documents
  • Create headings and titles with Word Art
  • Create and format spreadsheets, including the use of mathematical formulas
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer database functions, including putting, processing, querying and outputting data
  • Define computer terminology in definition matching quizzes
  • Use the Windows Paint program to alter graphics
  • Use a presentation application to create a presentation with both text and graphics
  • Copy data from one MS Office application to another application in the suite
  • Use e-mail and the Internet to send Word and Excel file attachments
  • Demonstrate how to use the Windows Taskbar and Windows Tooltips
  • Explain how copyright laws pertain to data and graphics posted on the Internet
  • Take the college computer competency test after course completion
  • Follow oral and written directions and complete assignments when working under time limitations

Note: Although the Microsoft Office Module is not required to successfully complete this program, students interested in pursuing free Microsoft MOS certification may want to consider completing this Microsoft Office Module at no additional cost.

System Requirements:

Windows Users:

  • Windows 8, 7, XP or Vista
  • 56K modem or higher
  • Soundcard & Speakers
  • Firefox, Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer

Mac OS User:

  • Mac OS X or higher (in classic mode)
  • 56K modem or higher
  • Soundcard & Speakers
  • Apple Safari

iPad Users:

  • Due to Flash limitations, eLearning programs are NOT compatible with iPads

Screen Resolution:

  • We recommend setting your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels.

Browser Requirements:

  • System will support the two latest releases of each browser. When using older versions of a browser, users risk running into problems with the course software.
  • Windows Users: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Mac OS Users: Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox

Suggested Plug-ins:

  • Flash Player
  • Real Player
  • Adobe Reader
  • Java