Learn how to build trust and lead with integrity. Develop an understanding how how to build strong relationships and follow ethical decision-making strategies.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of strategies for efficient financial management, the design and implementation of effective human capital management systems, the utilization of technology to enhance management practices, and the evaluation and improvement of existing systems in the federal government. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the unique challenges and complexities of managing resources, talent, and technology in the federal context.
Target Audience
This course is appropriate for employees who have been in a formal position of authority for 5 years or more. These positions require leading others as well as understanding the bigger strategic picture of the organization.
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Develop strategies for efficient financial management in the federal government.
- Design and implement human capital management systems.
- Utilize technology to enhance the federal government.
- Evaluate and improve existing systems for financial, human capital, and technology management.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Strategies for Financial Management in the Federal Government
- Align budgets with mission, strategic plans, and GPRA/GPRAMA requirements through APPs and APRs; distinguish efficiency vs. effectiveness.
- Map the federal budget cycle (formulation, appropriations, execution) and analyze the mission→goals→outcomes→outputs→inputs→budget cascade (see diagrams on pp. 11–12).
- Analyze financial data with techniques like midyear reviews and year-end closeout; apply Antideficiency Act safeguards and required reporting.
- Strengthen accountability and transparency via internal controls (A-123), audits (financial/compliance/performance), KPIs (e.g., burn rate), and open-data/FDTA practices.
Module 2: Enhancing Management Through Technology
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies (AI, blockchain, hybrid cloud, advanced data management/analytics), weighing opportunities and risks.
- Plan implementations around Federal IT Operating Plan priorities: cybersecurity, IT modernization, digital-first customer experience, and data as a strategic asset.
- Integrate tech with data culture, governance, infrastructure, visualization, and technical architecture; progress from “doing digital” to “being digital.”
- Apply cybersecurity best practices and Zero Trust principles (verify explicitly, least privilege, assume breach) against common attack vectors (phishing, malware, DDoS, SQL injection, credential attacks).
Module 3: Improving Systems for Financial, Human Capital, and Technology Management
- Assess current practices using the Federal Financial Management Maturity Model, OPM’s Human Capital Framework, and GAO’s 8 IT workforce planning steps.
- Define indicators/KPIs for efficiency and effectiveness (variance and cost analyses, productivity/turnover, burn rate) and monitor/report progress.
- Implement improvements: finance (transparency dashboards, automated reporting, ops-finance partnership, activity-based views), human capital (recruit/retain, training, mentoring/coaching), and technology (cyber, modernization, digital experience, FedRAMP/ICAM/RPA).
- Manage change with recognized models (Lewin, Kotter, ADKAR, McKinsey 7S, Bridges, Nudge, Kübler-Ross, Satir), supported by clear scope, stakeholder engagement, risk/metrics, and reinforcement.
