Managing Money, People, and Technology

Learn how to cultivate trust in your organization and demonstrate leadership grounded in ethical principles. This course develops your understanding of strategies for building strong professional relationships and applying sound ethical decision-making frameworks in complex situations.

This comprehensive program explores strategies for efficient financial resource management within federal agencies, the design and implementation of effective human capital management systems, the strategic use of technology to enhance management practices, and the evaluation and continuous improvement of existing systems across the federal government. Participants will gain essential knowledge and practical skills to navigate the unique challenges and complexities of managing financial resources, human talent, and technology within the federal context.

Target Audience:

This course is appropriate for federal employees who have held formal supervisory or leadership positions for five or more years. These roles typically require leading others while maintaining awareness of the organization's broader strategic objectives and direction.

Essential Learning Outcomes:

• Create strategies for financial management efficiency within federal government constraints
• Design and implement effective human capital management systems
• Apply technology strategically to enhance federal government operations
• Assess and improve existing systems for financial, human capital, and technology management

Course Syllabus:

Module 1: Federal Government Financial Management Strategies

• Align budgets with agency mission, strategic plans, and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA/GPRAMA) requirements through Agency Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports; distinguish efficiency from effectiveness
• Map the federal budget cycle phases of formulation, appropriations, and execution while analyzing the cascading relationship between mission, goals, outcomes, outputs, inputs, and budget allocation
• Analyze financial data using midyear reviews and year-end closeout procedures while applying Antideficiency Act safeguards and required federal reporting
• Strengthen accountability and transparency through internal controls (A-123), audits encompassing financial, compliance, and performance dimensions, key performance indicators, and open data practices

Module 2: Technology as a Management Enhancement Tool

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, hybrid cloud solutions, and advanced data management and analytics systems, weighing opportunities and potential risks
• Plan technology implementations aligned with Federal IT Operating Plan priorities: cybersecurity enhancement, IT modernization, digital-first customer experience, and treating data as a strategic asset
• Integrate technology with data culture, governance frameworks, infrastructure, visualization capabilities, and technical architecture; progress from performing digital functions to becoming a digitally-native organization
• Apply cybersecurity best practices and Zero Trust principles, including explicit verification, least privilege access, and breach assumption against common attack vectors such as phishing, malware, DDoS, SQL injection, and credential attacks

Module 3: Improving Integrated Management Systems

• Assess current practices using the Federal Financial Management Maturity Model, OPM's Human Capital Framework, and GAO's eight-step IT workforce planning methodology
• Define key performance indicators for efficiency and effectiveness, including variance analyses, cost analyses, productivity metrics, and burn rate tracking
• Implement targeted improvements in finance through transparency dashboards and automated reporting, in human capital through strategic recruiting, retention, and development initiatives, and in technology through cybersecurity, modernization, digital experience optimization, and compliance programs
• Manage organizational change using recognized models, including Lewin, Kotter, ADKAR, McKinsey 7S, Bridges, Nudge, and Kübler-Ross approaches, supported by a clear scope definition, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, metrics tracking, and reinforcement strategies