Consistent with the Duncan Hunter NDAA for FY 2009 (Section 908) requiring an “integrated management system for business operations of military departments,” AR 5-1 (Management of Army Business Operations) prescribes the use of the IMS framework to manage Army organizations. But the Army’s IMS is also a key component of our strategic direction in accomplishing the goals of the Army Campaign Plan, the Army Business Management Plan, and other institutional plans, strategies, programs and initiatives that support the effective and efficient delivery of USC Title 10 functions. Based on the internationally recognized Baldrige Excellence Framework, the IMS supports integration of the Army’s people, processes, data, and information to develop and sustain high performing organizations. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it has been used by the highest performing public and private organizations in the U.S. since 1987. In short, it is a world class management framework for world class management of the Army enterprise that is relevant and scalable for organizations at all echelons.

The Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Basic Course equips students with an understanding of the Army’s IMS framework as a blueprint for leading and managing high-performing organizations.

The IMS Basic Course is a 4-day (32 hours), online course to familiarize students with the purpose, elements, and processes of integrated management systems. Students will learn what an IMS is, how it can improve organizational performance, and what is required to assess organizations.

The ideal participant serves in a leadership and management role between the ranks/grades of O4 and O6 or GS-13-15 in a role that imparts a broad understanding of the organization’s mission, its approaches to planning and operations, and human resources management. Understanding how the organization interfaces with its higher headquarters and other key stakeholders will also be beneficial.

To successfully complete the course students must be extremely motivated and well organized. Course materials are available via Blackboard. Regular Internet access is essential for successful completion of the course.

Applicants should write an interest statement of not more than 750 words explaining who they are and why they want to take the course. Statements should place particular emphasis on how applicants can use the knowledge gained to improve their organizations. The interest statement, in either MS Word or PDF format, will be uploaded with the online application.

Before beginning the application, applicants will need their DoD ID number (from the back of the CAC card) and their Unit Identification Number (UIC) available. Once begun the application cannot be restarted or updated.

Applications will have to be approved by a supervisor (GS-15/O6 or above). Once approved by your supervisor, you will be placed on the waitlist.

Approved applicants will be slated for the 23-26 July class based on their suitability. This course is designed for both civilian and uniformed personnel serving in leadership and management roles between the ranks/grades of O4/GS-13 and O6/GS-15. The ideal participant serves in a capacity that imparts a broad understanding of the organization's mission, its approaches to planning and operations, and human resources management. Interest statements will be used to assess suitability.