# Analyst Applications Course Canonical URL: ## Overview This is the capstone course for the Level 3 Program and Management Analysis Certificate of Accomplishments. Participants in this hands-on workshop use the tools, concepts and knowledge learned in earlier courses to synthesize information and analyze data to form and justify intelligent recommendations. Participants also prepare and present a methodical plan to conduct a study with data. ## What you'll learn - Use critical thinking to synthesize information and analyze data. - Make recommendations based directly on data findings. - Use logical, systematic thinking to prepare a data presentation characterizing findings and recommendations. - Develop a study proposal with research questions, tasks, and a timeline. Identify and develop data collection methods and instruments. ## Prerequisites Students should have prior experience with monitoring processes such as scope, schedule, and cost control, and an understanding of risk management practices. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Review of Data Analysis and Data Presentation Methods - Revisit core principles of quantitative and qualitative data analysis. - Review effective data visualization techniques for clarity and impact. - Understand how to tailor data presentations for different audiences. - Identify best practices to ensure accuracy and consistency in reporting. #### Module 2: Case Study – A Defense Supply Center - Analyze a real-world defense supply chain case study using analytical tools. - Identify challenges and evaluate operational performance metrics. - Develop actionable recommendations based on data-driven findings. #### Module 3: Review of How to Design an Analytical Study - Reinforce the steps of planning and structuring an analytical study. - Clarify research questions, data sources, and analysis methods. - Integrate project planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement. #### Module 4: Case Study – Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program - Examine a government program through applied analysis techniques. - Identify program performance issues using collected data. - Formulate policy or operational recommendations based on findings. ## Schedule - Sep 1, 2026 – Sep 2, 2026 — Live Online - Nov 12, 2026 – Nov 13, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Bruce Gay — Instructor Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery. Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences. ### Steve Pesklo — Instructor Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance. Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years. Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). ### Joe Mlakar — Instructor Joe has over 27 years of Federal Government and military service and has been a part-time instructor with Graduate School USA since 2023. He enjoys using his technical knowledge in Operations Research to teach his students to provide organization and structure to complex processes, and apply advanced analytical techniques to help leaders make better decisions. Joe is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1199