The Mississippi Continuous Improvement Program (MS-CIP) is a six-month intensive course offering hands-on training in project management, process improvement, and change management. Designed for state employees responsible for continuously improving their agencies through projects and processes, MS-CIP guides employees through the steps of a real-world project from start to finish.
At the beginning of the course, participants will be divided into three-person teams. Each team will work together to implement one project selected by the team. Through a combination of teaching/coaching sessions with our instructors and hands-on application with team members, participants will explore and implement a real-world project in three stages:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- LEAN Process Improvement
- Change Management
The selection process for the 2025 MS-CIP class has ended. Applications for the next MS-CIP class will open in February 2026.
MS-CIP Frequently Asked Questions
- What topics does MS-CIP cover?
MS-CIP participants will explore the fundamentals of project management, LEAN/process improvement, and change management, which together make up a project plan.
- What is the goal of MS-CIP?
MS-CIP’s goal is to increase the state’s internal capacity to promote, facilitate, and implement systematic improvement efforts by developing groups of skilled practitioners to lead and support those efforts.
- Who is eligible to participate in this program?
MS-CIP is designed for state employees who are currently in or who will fill a role responsible for continuous improvement in their agencies. Examples include division directors, project managers, and program specialists. However, employees in all job classifications are eligible to participate if accepted into the program.
MS-CIP participants must:- Be an employee of a Mississippi state government agency
- Be responsible for project management or continuously improving a process at his or her agency
- Be able to commit to the six-month course schedule
- Complete the application (including the project proposal) with his or her supervisor and agency head’s endorsements
- Be accepted by MSPB to participate in the program
- What is the application process?
Each participant shall provide a real-world project idea, agreed to by their leadership, that may be developed during the training. Individuals will work in teams to implement a project, with the aim of developing their ability to take on and lead continuous improvement efforts.
- If selected, will I work by myself or in a team?
The program is designed for participants to work in three-person teams. If three people from the same agency apply and are chosen to participate, they will most likely work together. Others will be placed in teams with similar project proposals. Team applications are encouraged; however, each team member must submit an individual application. Please note that all team members may not be accepted.
- If selected, will my team implement my proposed project?
Once teams are established, the team will choose which project to work on during the program. However, we do emphasize that the project is there to provide context for learning the tools and not the focus of the program.
- What is required of the participant’s agency?
Agency leadership is expected to support program participants by giving them dedicated time and resources to attend this training. The executive director/agency head must approve the application.
- What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program. However, agencies will be responsible for their participants’ applicable travel expenses for in-person sessions.
- What is the format of the program?
The course is comprised of both virtual and in-person sessions.
The curriculum is divided into three stages:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- LEAN Process Improvement
- Change Management
Each of the three stages will utilize the process of teaching a process and then coaching the team on applying that process to their project.
- What is the commitment required of this program?
To complete the program, participants must attend at least 90% of all scheduled training sessions and spend additional time outside the training schedule on required project work.
- Are all sessions offered virtually?
No. We will have some virtual classes and some in-person classes. The in-person classes will be held at the Mississippi State Personnel Board’s office in downtown Jackson. Applicants must commit to attending both virtual and in-person sessions. If selected, applicants must attend 90% of the scheduled sessions.
- Is there a final exam?
No, but there will be a final presentation of the finished project at the end of the program. This presentation is for the participants to demonstrate their ability to apply the content covered in the training. After completion of the training, graduates are expected to use their skills and knowledge gained to make on-going contributions to continuous improvement efforts in their organization.