Success in developing and deploying new products depends in large part on providing products that can compete globally, as well as domestically. Effective new product management is a critical success factor for all companies, regardless of their markets.

The Master of Science in New Product Management (MSNP) program provides students a framework to enhance an organization’s ability to effectively identify, develop and deploy new products and services. Students learn how to effectively apply tools and techniques to identify the products and/or services that leverage the unique strengths and position of an organization, including brand identity, reputation, capabilities (current and needed), market opportunities and resources. Further, the MSNP program prepares individuals to identify and capitalize on both domestic and international markets.

During the late 20^th century, it was believed that the United States would evolve from a manufacturing-based to a service-based country. It is apparent that the U.S. economy cannot be sustained without competitive, new products being developed and manufactured here. This has resulted in more companies rethinking their strategies of moving operations and sourcing to other countries. Competitive companies are developing strategies based on reducing the time from inception of ideas to launch of new products and services in domestic operations, as well as reducing costs without compromising quality.

The MSNP program provides the knowledge, tools and techniques for individuals and companies to explore avenues to retain knowledge, jobs and technology in the United States. This program helps individuals identify means for capitalizing on the talents employees possess through sound entrepreneurship practices. Market leverage is enhanced when technology and talent are merged and exploited. The MSNP program provides the knowledge and tools to move from discussion and planning to focused action, measurement, feedback, and controlled change.

Faculty members have extensive business experience and are committed to mentoring students to increase students’ value to current and prospective employers. Faculty-to-student ratio is kept small to allow extensive interaction among faculty and students.

Program Director:

Professor David Schmitz
(414) 277-2487, schmitz@msoe.edu

Faculty:

G. Woodrow Adkins (Uihlein/Spitzer Chair of Entrepreneurship), Dr. Brian Akers, Dr. Steven Bialek, Dr. Jeffrey Blessing, Dr. Kathy Faggiani, Terry Hoffmann, Dr. Paul A. Hudec, Stanley Kosmatka, Patricia Kramer, Cynthia Mand, Carol Mannino, Dr. Kathleen Meizio, Dr. Kimbel Nap, Dr. Carolyn “Kelly” Ottman, Dr. Michael Payne, Curtiss S. Peck, David Schmitz, Gary Shimek, Irene Strohbeen, Dr. Bruce R. Thompson, Dr. Dennis Wanless

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the MSNP program will possess:

1. pragmatic skills and knowledge across functional business areas including marketing, organizational behavior, management of new product development teams, accounting and finance, operations and information technology.
2. the ability to lead and manage new product and process development programs.
3. the ability to recognize and use modern business techniques, skills and tools, especially in the new product and new process environments.
4. a thorough understanding of the professional, ethical, and social responsibilities inherent in new product and process development.
5. the ability to use an array of tools to communicate effectively in relevant venues.
6. the recognition of the need for and the desire to engage in lifelong learning.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the MSNP program will:

1. instill in others the innovative spirit necessary to develop new products, services and processes.
2. develop new products, processes and markets.
3. drive entrepreneurial efforts, lead new product and service programs, and create value.
4. direct collaborative communication and relationship building across organizational, cultural and social lines.
5. stimulate innovation for sustained success.

Curriculum

The MSNP requires students to complete a 24-credit core of graduate management courses. These core courses are common to all master’s degree programs in management. The program includes 15 credits of required specialization courses related to new product management. Each student completes either a six-credit thesis or a three-credit project and six-credits of additional elective. These two options have two primary objectives:

1. it is a learning experience in which the student has the opportunity to discover something about a business topic that is not readily accessible, that is not conventional wisdom, and is not found in any book or other common source; and
2. it is a means by which the student demonstrates his or her depth and breadth of learning from the MSNP program.

Curriculum requirements follow: