Justin Brooks

I applied to the MSOM program at the U of A to learn the skills required to lead and manage projects, challenge myself to gain the knowledge needed to properly manage operations, and because I am a passionate Razorback fan.  I enjoyed collaborating with other students that shared similar career goals to complete program coursework and projects.  This program is designed to emphasize teamwork to achieve objectives, the same skills and knowledge used to be successful in managing operations.  

In this program, I learned the value of leadership. Good leadership practices produce movement and change in an organization. Good leadership requires leading with ethical best practices, self-reflection of skills, and the ability to utilize multiple leadership traits to drive organizational change through projects.  

I was pleasantly surprised by the Lean Six Sigma certificate offered in conjunction with the MSOM program.  Prior to this, Lean Six Sigma was a foreign concept to me.   In the LSS classes I learned the DMAIC approach, which is a data-driven quality strategy to improve processes.  I utilized the DMAIC process for a project that I led in 2020 in my organization to improve the accuracy of our web-based service parts lists. 

This program has provided me with project management and supply chain knowledge, tools, and techniques that have enhanced my ability to perform in my current role and will continue to support my future work.