UMBC Mic'd Up

Transformation trends are based on emerging technologies being leveraged by businesses, whether in the private or public sector, to run more efficiently and improve their service delivery and operations. The field of systems engineering plays a role in this digital transformation.
"People remain the most important assets. Fancy technologies and their capabilities are nothing without the innovation brought on by the leadership and the direction of the people who use this technology to solve real world problems. The positive impacts that come from taking advantage of digital transformation tools is very exciting." Dr. Albert Mubako, D.Mgt, MBA, UMBC Faculty, Digital Transformation Innovation and Sustainability (SYST 691)
Listen to this podcast episode for an in-depth conversation into digital transformation!
About Digital Transformation Innovation and Sustainability Course (SYST 691)
In fall 2022 students, can enroll in a new course on digital transformation. These topics are important to the systems engineering field. This special topics course will deepen the student’s understanding and critical thinking of digital transformation that is present in modern society. The course will identify and examine the process that contributes to the development cycles to a digital society and digital economy. Digitalization and innovation cycles impact different performance levels, skills, structures and the strategies of the organization, including the ability to respond to external stimuli, the interactions with the stakeholders and the definition of the value propositions. Hence, the Digital transformation course aims also to support the students to comprehend the problems that the digital transformation might produce and, at the same time, to assess the new opportunities that the digitalization unlocks.
About UMBC's M.S. in Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering encompasses the principles and practices that guide the engineering of complex systems. As technologies become more complex and integrated, systems engineering professionals bridge traditional disciplines and focus on the system as a whole to find the solution that best meets the needs of the end user. Learn more about UMBC's M.S. in Systems Engineering

We sat down and chatted with Sally J. Scott, Program Director of UMBC’s Graduate Program in Community Leadership. We spoke about her recent contribution in a report she co-authored with Seema Iyer of the Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore titled Overcoming Barriers to Home Ownership in Baltimore City.
Summary of the Report
The report initially came out of a question that we were asked by the Abell Foundation, which was, “Could we help more people become homeowners in Baltimore if they had access to more flexible loans and better incentives, such as closing cost assistance?” And that seems like a straightforward question. But as we dug into it and we looked at the local data and the national data, we realized that those proposed solutions would not be enough. There are much deeper issues at work limiting people’s homeownership opportunities in Baltimore. And that’s particularly true in the black community.

We learned that decades of systemic racism, as well as the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, have created barriers to homeownership in the black community in Baltimore. To address those would require much more systemic and far-reaching solutions than simply better loans and better incentives.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
To learn more about UMBC's Graduate Program in Community Leadership, visit:
https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/community-leadership/
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In this latest episode of UMBC's MIc'D Up podcast, we chat with graduate faculty, Mr. Quincy Wright, MBA, CCM, PMP, about the importance of operating in the professional world of engineering and project management through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We discuss various circumstances in the workforce environment that can be affected by a lack of attention to DE/I. He shares his professional experiences and offers us insights into his path to leading organizations and project teams in commercial and government sectors, and ultimately to teach at UMBC.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Welcome Mr. Quincy Wright
1:19 Path to UMBC
2:44 Most enjoyable aspect of project management
7:02 Reducing group think in teams
12:12 The benefits of a diverse working team
14:27 UMBC’s professional development courses in project management
14:43 Inclusive Leadership in Project Management
16:59 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mindset in Project Management
17:58 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering
22:51 Why should someone take these courses
24:41 Student engagement
25:50 How to get the most out of UMBC courses
27:33 Final thoughts
Learn more about the non-credit option-engineering management courses in DE/I at UMBC here.
Learn more about UMBC's Graduate Certificate Program in Project Management here.
About Mr. Quincy Wright, MBA, CCM, PMP
Quincy M. Wright, MBA, CCM, PMP is the President of PMO Nerd LLC, a Project Management Training, Development, & Coaching Firm. Mr. Wright is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Construction Manager (CCM) with 15+ years of experience leading organizations and project teams in commercial and government sectors. Mr. Wright graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, and an Applied Science in Architectural Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Wright is a subject matter project due diligence, project planning, project execution, and project closeout. Mr. Wright's portfolio includes commercial, industrial, manufacturing, utility-scale transmission & distribution, grid modernization, renewable energy, and technology projects and programs. He is regularly sought after for speaking engagements, consulting, and coaching amongst organizations around the world related to expertise in project management, agile, strategy, and creating inclusive cultures of belonging to enhance organization performance.

As professionals, our time is valuable. We don't want to waste it on useless meetings that are unproductive. Running a productive meeting is simple if well-planned. Taking the time to plan will please everyone involved and create a more dynamic and purposeful meeting.
Tune in to learn simple techniques you can use to make your next meeting productive.

In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up, we explore how workplace conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger team dynamics. Discover practical tips on reframing your mindset, practicing active listening, and fostering collaboration. Tune in to learn how to handle conflicts constructively and create a more harmonious work environment. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that could change the way you view and manage conflicts at work!