2. Table of Contents
• Personal Segment
– Statement of Authenticity
– Mission Statement
– “Elevator” Speech
• Educational Segment
– DeVry University Plan of Study
– Relevant Course Descriptions
– DeVry University Academic History
• Resume
• Professional Development & Training
• References Segment
• Letter of Recommendation of Technical Skills
• Letter of Recommendation of Transferable Skills
• References List with Contact Information
3. Table of Contentspg2
• Volunteer History Segment
• Professional Affiliations Segment
• Career Pathing Segment
• Project Samples
• Work Samples
4. Personal Segment
Statement of Authenticity
I, Richard G Cox, attest that all material contained in this portfolio is
my original work from my time invested in DeVry University, and
belongs solely to me.
Furthermore, I hereby attest to the authenticity of all written or
reproduced documentation contained within this portfolio in its current,
digital format. I, Richard G Cox, own the rights to all material contained
within this portfolio and reserve the right to grant, or deny, permission
to reproduce them in any format.
5. • Project Management resides in a rapid moving and vastly complicated and
technical world, implying a continuing dilemma. If every stakeholder is
restricted to ironclad rules, you minimize project risk and retain a crystal-
clear overview & control. This often comes at the cost of quick and
malleable reaction to unforeseen threats & opportunities.
• The intricacy of business requires talents and skills beyond every-day
Project Management, making my talents, skills, and know-how more
relevant than ever.
• I believe that successful organizations should maximize the benefit of Risk
Analysis & Quantification in Project Management with the flexibility of
adapting to my management style in both prosperous & turbulent times.
• As a leader in business management I will make these themes as
accessible as possible to your organization, by transfer of knowledge and
assistance in deployment, and support, with the right tools.
Vision – Mission Statement
6. For Key Stakeholders:
Project sponsors provide financial and influence funding and support for projects. In this
capacity, they act in a similar fashion to investment managers in a brokerage. To be
successful, they need their investments to provide guaranteed returns. While a project
manager cannot be held solely responsible for the successful realization of the benefits of
a project, application of project management practices can reduce the surprises and
increase the likelihood of projects being completed within established constraints. This in
turn helps to reduce uncertainty for the sponsors so that they can focus on ensuring that
the benefits of the project are achieved.
For Senior Executives:
Projects are a means to an end. They help deliver strategic plans for an organization, as
well as support other objectives, including regulatory compliance and maximizing
shareholder value. In the absence of project management practices, the likelihood of
success for large initiatives rests solely on the skills, motivation and dedication of staff.
This is certainly a critical success factor for any project, but insufficient to assure long
running projects will be completed on time and on budget, while providing the expected
“bang for the buck”.
‘Elevator Speech’
7. Educational Segment
Plan of Study
The Bachelors of Science in Technical Management, with a
Project Management Specialization, bridges my
management experience with Project Management
coursework, further prepares me to take on a more heady
leadership roles within any lucky organization. By
combining my talents and skills with the courses from this
degree I will achieve a more healthy balance of leadership
and success, which overall will prove dividends in my ability
to lead others successfully.
**Followed are snapshots from the DeVry Catalog of the Technical
Management degree program and the Project Management specialization**
10. Relevant Course Descriptions
(Letter grade included)
MGMT303 Principles of Management: This course examines fundamental management theories
and traditional managerial responsibilities in formal and informal organizational structures. Planning,
organizing, directing, controlling and staffing are explored. A
MGMT404 Project Management: This course enhances students’ ability to function in a project
leadership role. While exploring the project life cycle, they gain experience in budget and timeline
management. Project management software is used to design project schedules using methods such
as bar charts, program evaluation review technique (PERT) and critical path method (CPM) to produce
project plans to apply to the solution of case studies. A
PROJ420 Project Risk Management: This course addresses identifying, analyzing and
responding to project risk in order to maximize results of positive events and minimize consequences
of adverse events. Identification, quantification, response planning and control are covered. Risk
factors, contract types, assessment techniques, tools to quantify risk, procedures to reduce threats to
project objectives and contingency are included. A
PROJ410 Contracts and Procurement: This course examines processes required to acquire
goods and services from outside the organization in order to meet project requirements. Planning,
solicitation, source selection, and contract administration and closeout are covered. Contract law,
contract types, invitation to bid, bid evaluation and contract negotiations are addressed. Current
approaches to determining what to procure, documenting requirements and bid evaluation criteria are
included. A
GSCM326 Total Quality Management: This course presents quality-related procedures and
concepts for enhancing goods, services and the entire business environment. Quality planning,
assurance and control are covered as parts of a total quality system, and students become familiar
with various methods of process control and acceptance sampling, including using control charts and
sampling plans. Probability and statistical concepts as related to process control are examined in
depth. A
11. Relevant Course Descriptionspg2
MGMT340 Business Systems Analysis: This course focuses on analysis of business systems
using current techniques to analyze business activities and solve problems. Interviewing skills, group
dynamics, and development of process flows, data flows and data models are emphasized. Students
learn to identify, define and document business processes and problems, and to develop solutions. A
MATH221 Statistics for Decision-Making: This course provides tools used for statistical analysis
and decision-making in business. The course includes both descriptive statistics and inferential
concepts used to draw conclusions about a population. Research techniques such as sampling and
experiment design are included for both single and multiple sample groups. A
BIS155 Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab: This course focuses on analyzing business
situations using current spreadsheet software. Using data derived from real-world business situations,
students learn to use appropriate spreadsheet software features to organize, analyze and present
data, as well as to make business decisions. A
ACCT434 Advanced Cost Management: This course addresses students’ ability to present
information to management as part of the decision-making process. Resource planning, cost
estimating, cost budgeting and cost control are emphasized. Activity-based costing, pricing strategies
and profitability are addressed. Current approaches to cost control such as life cycle costing and just-
in-time (JIT) are included. Internet and library research competencies are developed, as are
spreadsheet and presentation software skills. B
ACCT346 Managerial Accounting: This course introduces how managers use accounting
information in business decision-making. Topics include standard cost systems, budgeting, break-
even analysis, relevant cost issues, and the effect of state and federal taxes on decision-making.
These principles apply to all types of businesses, including the service industry, manufacturing and
merchandising. Students use spreadsheet applications to analyze and provide solutions to challenges
faced by management in today’s business environment. B
12. Relevant Course Descriptionspg3
MKTG430 International Marketing: This course provides a conceptual framework for marketing
internationally, whether exporting or establishing a multinational enterprise (MNE). Students explore
development of international marketing programs, as well as various macro-environmental factors that
affect decision-making in an international setting. Scheduled
PROJ330 Human Resources and Communication in Projects: This course focuses on
directing and coordinating human resources and links among people, ideas and information necessary
for project success. A project manager’s roles and responsibilities, team building and organizational
structure are covered. Communication planning, information distribution, performance reporting and
conflict management are included. Scheduled
BUSN278 Budgeting and Forecasting: In this course students design and implement a
departmental budget encompassing the various processes that account for resource expenditures.
Students develop a long-range budget forecast and then assess its impact on departmental planning.
Scheduled
PROJ430 Advanced Project Management: This course focuses on development of an integrated
project plan. Cost, schedule and minimum performance requirements are addressed from project plan
development, execution and change control perspectives. Budget development, project assumptions,
quality, variance and scope changes, and project team management are included. Scheduled
BUSN460 Senior Project: Working in teams, students apply knowledge and skills, including
competencies in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, teamwork, and oral and written
communication, to real-world problems in a client-based environment. Assignments are based on
competencies developed in students’ prior coursework. Scheduled
14. Resume
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Organized, versatile, and reliable manager with 20 years’ experience who
excels in prioritizing, scheduling, and multi-tasking. Elite-level team leader with
the ability to facilitate, organize, and solve complex problems accurately and
efficiently.
**Will graduate (with honors) summer - 2017**
DeVry University
– Major: Technical Management Specializing in Project Management
– Related coursework: Project Management, Project Risk Management,
Contracts & Procurement, Operations Management, Managerial Accounting,
Accounting & Finance, Advanced Cost Accounting, Business Systems Analysis,
and more…
– Familiar with, or proficient in: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, Visio,
& Access
EDUCATION
15. SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Flexible
• Dependable
• Analytical
• Dedicated team player
• Advanced problem solving
• Team Building
• Negotiations
• Leadership
• Procedure Development
• Contract Review & Recommendations
• Finance & Accounting
• Lean Manufacturing & Design
• Inventory Control
• Employee Relations
• Expense Reports
• Performance Evaluations
16. WORK HISTORY
• Center Manager, 2003 to 2008
– Brake Centers of the Southwest – Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Diligent Automotive Center Manager proficient in solving complex problems
with auto repair issues while consistently delivering quality service
• Boosted average center revenue by 40-70% by increasing public trust
through superior customer service and fixing right the first time
• Guided quality assurance efforts to maximize public perception/trust and
minimize warranty work/negative feedback
• Directed planning, budgeting, vendor selection and quality assurance efforts
• Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated them to other team
members
• Monitored timelines and flagged potential issues to be addressed
• Supervised the work of up to 15 team members, offering constructive
feedback on their work performance
• Reviewed sales, customer concerns and new opportunities to drive business
strategy at weekly planning sessions
• Collaborated with the Service department to achieve 95% customer
satisfaction
• Day-to-day operations of the service facility including but not limited to HR
functions, sales, sales and technical training, customer relations/retention,
PR, vendor relations, and AR/AP
• Extensive hands-on experience in engine repairs and replacement
• Assessed vendor products and maintained positive vendor relations
17. • Senior Customer Service Advisor, 1997 to 2003
– Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – Wisconsin, Georgia, & Arizona
• Provided effective and efficient customer contact experiences, aimed to
resolve customers inquiries at first point of contact
• Resolve customer complaints
• Design and run customer contests & other events. These responsibilities
were performed utilizing various
methods including telephone contact, face-to-face, email, social media and
written correspondence
• Sales display design & implementation
• Provided administrative support assisting the managers via delivery of
effective and efficient customer service and employee relations
• Carried out Customer Satisfaction Surveys via outbound telephone contact
to establish customer satisfaction levels
• Vendor relations
18. • Center Manager, 1994 to 1997
– U-Haul – LaCrosse, Wisconsin
• Center Manager dedicated to continuous process improvement in the face
of rapidly evolving and changing markets
• Met or exceeded daily and monthly sales goals
• Extremely results-oriented and proactive in finding cost-effective solutions to
company-wide problems
• Managed work flow to exceed quality standards
• Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively and
efficiently
• Strong leader of customer service staff
• Staff scheduling for up to 15 employees
• Trained staff on operating procedures and company services
• Maintained up-to-date profit & loss reports
• Dispatched and received rental equipment, trucks, and trailers
• Maintained at least a 90% occupancy on 400 self-storage units and 200
portable storage units
19. Professional Development & Training
• Servant Leadership Webinar
– Sponsored by Golden Key International Honor’s Society
• Master Project Academy
– CAPM® - Certified Associate in Project Management Certification Training
• Ongoing participation in 300+ Lectures, 600+ Questions, 1 Full Sample CAPM® Exam
• Network Like a Rockstar Webinar
– Jaymin J Patel: Author of 7 books and founder of The Network Rockstars
• He has worked with organizations on 5 continents including
– NBC Universal, GE Healthcare, Starbucks, Harvard Business School, General Mills,
Columbia, Harley-Davidson, Wharton, and Hult International Business School
21. References List
• Katherine Hennen
– Union Steward Local 720 “International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
• Email me! (612) 578-8870
• Todd Vinson
– Retail Manager
• Email me! (702) 504-1278
• Sumar Taha
– Senior Hearing Aide Specialist
• Email me! (608) 698-7660
22. Volunteer Segment
• Parent Teacher Association – Sheila Tarr Academy of International Studies
• Madison Senior Center – Madison, Wisconsin
23. Professional Affiliations Segment
• Dean’s List – DeVry University
• Dean’s List – Ashford University (core classes only)
• Project Management Institute (pmi.org) – Member in good standing
• National Society of Leadership & Success
• Golden Key International Honor Society
• Virtual Phi Beta Lambda
• Future Business Leaders of America
24. Career Pathing Segment
One year goal
– Graduate with honors from DeVry University in June, 2017 and be working my
first Project Management job within 30 days
Two year goal
– As Lead Project Manager I am enjoying the challenge of leading multiple teams
while guiding my teammates to bettering themselves both professionally and
personally
Five year goal
– As President of the Projects Division and partner, our firm is enjoying
unprecedented fiscal success and have finally gone public with shares opening
the first day at $10/share. (I bought 75,150 of the 1,500,000 shares to gain
50.1% control of the company)
25. Project Samples
PROJ404 – Project Management Final Project (March 2015)
PROJ404 Final Project
ACCT212 – Financial Accounting Final Project (January 2015)
ACCT212 Final Project
BUSN369 – International Business Course Project (November 2015)
BUSN369 Course Project
GSCM326 – Total Quality Management(May 2015)
GSCM326 Course Project
