Green MBA Competency Areas

Systems and Strategic Thinking

(6 credits)

Social system theories give us a conceptual framework and language to illustrate the complexity and interconnectedness of organizational systems. Students analyze organizational processes and practices in relationship to theories connecting societal, economic, political, and environmental factors. Students develop an ability to see organizations as sets of interdependent components which form meaningful wholes within broader, and often turbulent, environments.

Required Courses

Perspectives on Organizational Theory and Behavior (3 credits)
Marketing (3 credits)

Collaboration and Group Dynamics

(3 credits)

Collaboration involves the ability to create a common mission, vision, values, and norms, finding common ground while respecting and incorporating human differences. It relies on effective communication, the ability to manage task productivity and relationships, the ability to manage conflicts, and the ability to effectively influence group dynamics. Students develop conceptual frameworks and skills for collaboration within three contexts: task groups, interpersonal work relationships, and the broader contexts of social and cultural diversity.

Required Courses

Group Dynamics and Leadership (2 credits)
Diversity in the Global Workforce (1 credit)

Purposeful Systemic Change

(7 credits)

In order to thrive in today’s complex and dynamic environment, organizational leaders and members must know how to participate in change within the context of an entire system. They must competently identify and implement strategies to transform organizational structures, processes, and culture. All students have the opportunity to use a variety of strategic intervention techniques and practices to support individual, group, organizational, and community change.

Required Courses

Change Models and Applications (3 credits)
Practicum (4 credits)

Natural Systems

(7 credits)

Since the beginning of the industrial age organizations have rarely considered the impact of their business operations on the natural environment. Natural resources have been considered limitless and generally not factored into the over-all cost/benefit of doing business. Understanding the importance of sustainability in economic and social systems begins with understanding the complexity and interdependence of natural systems. Students will learn the essential principles of earth science, a range of natural systems models, and the integration of natural and human ecology. This knowledge of natural systems will help students make informed decisions and take effective action in their organizational settings.

Required Courses

Principles of Sustainability in Complex Systems (2 credits)
Earth Systems Science (3 credits)
Sustainable Human Ecology (2 credits)

Finance and Economics

(10 Credits)

This competency area, often considered the heart of the business enterprise, takes on an expanded perspective when viewed through the lens of sustainability. Beyond the classical notions of allocating resources, financial analysis and planning, measuring business success and the acquisition and expansion of capital and wealth, students will learn to compare and contrast traditional and the sustainable models of business, growth, and development in order to assess future impact.

Required Courses

Economics I (2 credits)
Economics II (2 credits)
Managerial Accounting(3 credits)
Managerial Finance (3 credits)

Management and Decision-Making

(9 credits)

The best vision remains only a vision unless there are effective ways to plan, develop resources, manage knowledge and information, make decisions, implement strategy, and evaluate results. This requires knowledge and managerial skill to effectively coordinate all of the organization’s activities and human resources. Students acquire knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating organizational research with particular emphasis on data-driven decision making. Students gain a conceptual foundation and application of management models and implementation strategies and understand how to effectively manage and develop human resources.

Required Courses

Organizational Research and Evaluation (2 credits)
Operations Management (3 credits)
Developing Human Resources (3 credits)
Knowledge Management (1 credit)

Leadership and Self Development

(3 credits)

Leadership is an extension of the self and requires ongoing personal development. This involves clarity of and committment to one’s mission and values, and the development of a conceptual framework and skills to put mission and values into practice. This competency focuses on the core elements of effective leadership in complex environments. Students examine and reflect on their own leadership style from a cognitive, behavioral, and emotional level. Students integrate conceptual knowledge and self awareness within the context of ethical practice, social responsibility, and the entrepreneurial spirit of creative thinking and innovative practice.

Required Courses

Self as Leader (1 credit)
Ethics and Social Responsibility (1 credit)
Entrepreneurship Creativity and Innovation (1 credit)

Last Updated: 4/21/08