Organization & Management Courses Fall 2007

Registration Instructions and Course Schedule (PDF 110KB)

Course Descriptions (below)
MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability
MS and MEd Programs - First Year Program
MS and MEd Programs - Second Year Program
MS and MEd Programs - Electives
Organization Development Certificate Program

Department of Organization & Management - MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability

OMN 502
Earth Systems Science
Competency Area: Natural Systems
Required of and Priority to matriculated MBA students.

This course employs a systems approach to understanding the earth's physical and biological environment by examining the critical components and processes of the earth's systems. Understanding the interaction of these elements and their natural variability in space and time is critical for assessing rates, modes, and consequences of environmental change. Emphasis will be placed on humans and human systems (business/organizations/communities) as agents of change. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass for on-line assignments that may begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section A: Polly Chandler
Time: Saturdays, September 15, October 6 & 27, November 17 and December 8, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

OMFE 500
Economics I - Neo-Classical
Competency Area: Finance and Economics
Required of and Priority to matriculated MBA students.

This course provides students with a historical background and application of micro-economic principles as currently practiced with specific focus on how the market drives the efficient allocation and distribution of scarce or limited resources. The class prepares students for comparing and contrasting neo-classical and ecological economic models. Students may do additional readings and discussions, field or research projects, or case study analysis on-line. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass for on-line assignments that may begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section A: Jim Gruber
Time: Fridays, September 14, October 5 & 26,
November 16 and December 7,
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 2

OMFE 502
Managerial Accounting
Competency: Finance and Economics
Prerequisite: Students must have taken a prior Financial Accounting course.
Required of and Priority to matriculated MBA students.

Managers in organizations need a variety of financial and other sources of information for design, decision-making, implementing, and assessing the success of their operations. This course expands upon the standard notions of a single bottom line to include alternative measures, assessment, and information that provide a broader contextual understanding to managerial controls and success. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass for on-line assignments that may begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section A: Ed Guyot
Time: Sundays, September 16, October 7 & 28, November 18 and December 9,
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

INSTRUCTOR ADDED

OMD 673
Self as Leader
Competency Area: Leadership and Self Development
Required of and restricted to matriculated MBA students.

This seminar focuses on developing effective leadership skills and behaviors. Through readings, dialogue groups, reflective writing, and assessment instruments, students will gain awareness and understanding of their current level of leadership competencies. They will develop an action plan to apply their learning experience to their career and professional goals. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass for on-line assignments that may begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section A: Steve Guerriero & Polly Chandler
Time: Fridays, September 14, October 5 & 26,
November 16 and December 7,
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 1

Department of Organization & Management - MS and MEd Programs - First Year Program

OMG 535
Group Dynamics & Leadership I
Competency Area: Collaboration & Group Dynamics (Required)

This course is designed specifically for first semester O&M students and focuses on group dynamics and leadership in work teams. The course introduces students to elements of group dynamics and to a model that matches leadership styles to stages of group development. Students work in teams throughout the course and use course concepts to analyze their experience. Skills emphasized will be useful for both group leaders and members and include: observing group dynamics and providing feedback, diagnosing stage of group development, matching leadership style to stage of development, working effectively with diversity, facilitating collaborative decision-making, and managing conflict. Students are expected to read The One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams, by Blanchard, Carew, and Parisi-Carew. Students may do additional readings and discussions, field or research projects, or case study analysis on-line.

Section K: Donna Mellen
Time: Saturdays & Sundays, September 15 & 16 and October 6 & 7, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 2

OMD 620
Leadership and Management Theory & Practice
Competency Area: Leadership & Self Development (Required)

This course will explore and evaluate models of leadership and management. Using a theoretical and developmental approach, the primary learning objective is to construct personal models of leading and managing in complex environments. Through a variety of readings, experiential activities, self assessment tools and cases, students will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skill base and better determine the most effective ways to influence and sustain their organizations. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass, for on-line assignments that will begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section K: Robbie Hertneky
Time: Saturdays, October 27 & November 17,
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 1

INSTRUCTOR CHANGED

OMD 651
Professional Seminar
Competency Area: Leadership & Self Development (Required)

Professional Seminar provides a setting in which students and faculty offer consultation and support regarding issues students face in their educational, professional, and personal development. All students enrolled in Professional Seminar meet as a community, working together with faculty to develop a productive and inclusive learning group. Through assigned reading, reflective writing, dialogue and guided activities, students will focus on their professional goals and their learning goals for their master's program. Students may do additional readings and discussions, field or research projects, or case study analysis on-line.

Section K: Donna Mellen
Time: Fridays, September 14, October 5 & 26,
November 16 and December 7,
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 1

OM 690
SIS: Supervised Independent Study

If you are planning an independent study, please register for an SIS on your registration form. However, an SIS contract must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by December 1, 2007 in order for it to appear on your schedule or transcript. Please be sure to specify on the contract if the SIS will be used to fulfill a competency area or serve as a required course substitute, or as an elective. Contracts received after the December 1st deadline will be returned to you for registration in a subsequent semester (additional costs may apply). Credits will not appear on your schedule until the SIS contract(s) has been submitted to the Registrar's Office, thus affecting your enrollment status and perhaps your financial aid eligibility.

Credits: variable

INSTRUCTOR ADDED

OMS 528
Systems Theories & the Organizational Environment
Competency Area: Systems & Strategic Thinking (Required)

An historical and contemporary overview of systems theories will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on how these theories can be applied in assessing critical local and global environmental factors including social, scientific, ecological, political and economic trends that have a wide range of impact on our society and organizations. This course will also include material on the importance of individual cognitive development in the understanding and application of systems theories. There will be reading assignments prior to the first class and reading and online assignments between classes.

Section K: Steve Guerriero & Krista Katz
Time: Sundays, October 28 & November 18 and Saturday, December 8, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 20
Credits: 2

Department of Organization & Management - MS and MEd Programs - Second Year Program

INSTRUCTOR ADDED MEETING DATE CHANGED:

OMC 678
Change Models & Applications
Competency Area: Purposeful Systemic Change (Required)

For organizations to thrive in today's complex and dynamic environment, organization leaders and managers increasingly need knowledge on how to engage organizational members in systemic change directed toward the fulfillment of clear and meaningful objectives that are understood and supported by a critical mass of people within the organization. Models for leading and facilitating planned short and long term change efforts at the group and organization level will be introduced, as well as ways of responding to unplanned change. The application of change theory and models will be addressed through a variety of means, including role play, simulation, case studies, class discussion, and through the use of on-line technology. Change strategies and methods will be evaluated for application and fit with the intended change outcomes, organization needs, and organization culture. Emphasis will be made on the emotional/social aspects of change and the use of effective collaborative processes in change, because most change efforts fall short with the human aspects of change and failure to include people in the process of change. Pre-course readings, assignments, and detailed syllabus will be available on FirstClass approximately three weeks before the first class meeting.

Section K: Robert Rue
Time: Sunday, September 16, October 6 & 27, November 17 and December 8,
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 3

MEETING DATE CHANGED

OMF 561
Financial Management
Competency Area: Financial Management (Required)

This course will focus on developing budgets for organizations as well the uses of financial data by managers and school administrators. Students will examine the type of information that is needed by managers to assist in planning, decision-making and operational controls. They will develop a basic “financial literacy” and develop skills in areas such as budgeting and financial statement analysis. Students will also examine methods of enhancing revenue for their organization through grants and other fund-raising initiatives. Students will work in teams to pursue a case study on an organization of mutual interest. (Students on a principal certification track will conduct a case study of a school district or an elementary, middle or high school.) In addition, students will complete additional problems and work on a group project and presentation involving case-study analysis. Students should check the course folder two weeks before class for the syllabus and other information about the course.

Section K: Ed McCaul
Time: Saturday, September 15, October 7 & 28, November 18 and December 9, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 3

OMC 691
Practicum
Practicum Seminar
Competency Area: Purposeful Systemic Change (Required)
Restricted to matriculated O&M students.

Under faculty guidance, students doing practicum work will discuss their practicum projects, evaluate their experience and consult with other students. The seminar is designed to help solve problems confronting students as their projects unfold and to sharpen analytical and consulting skills.

Section K1: John Carr
Section K2: Bill Griffith
Section K3: Robbie Hertneky
Time: Fridays, September 14, October 5 & 26, November 16 and December 7, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Maximum: 8 per section
Credits: variable
(Practicum Seminar credited as part of Practicum)

OM 690
SIS: Supervised Independent Study

If you are planning an independent study, please register for an SIS on your registration form. However, an SIS contract must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by December 1, 2007 in order for it to appear on your schedule or transcript. Please be sure to specify on the contract if the SIS will be used to fulfill a competency area or serve as a required course substitute, or as an elective. Contracts received after the December 1st deadline will be returned to you for registration in a subsequent semester (additional costs may apply). Credits will not appear on your schedule until the SIS contract(s) has been submitted to the RegistrarÕs Office, thus affecting your enrollment status and perhaps your financial aid eligibility.

Credits: variable

Department of Organization & Management - MS and MEd Programs - Electives

OMS 522
Exploring Globalization
Competency Area: Systems & Strategic Thinking

What exactly does globalization mean? Is it all about spreading American power or is it far more complex than that, involving international relations, global integration, and the marvels of technological development? The lowering of trade and political barriers and the exponential technical advances of the digital revolution have made it possible to do business, or almost anything else, instantaneously with billions of other people across the planet, IF you are 'connected'. But what if you are not? Can globalization be redirected toward ending global poverty, promoting local democracy and culture, and providing truly universal economic development. Finally, what does this have to do with the everyday personal and professional life of the American citizen? This course will open a discussion of these crucially important questions.

This elective course will be conducted virtually using FirstClass asynchronously coupled with two telephone conference calls. Conference call dates to be determined during first week online.

Section K: Bill Griffith
Time: Online course - Course begins Wednesday,
September 19 and ends Wednesday, November 14
Maximum: 16
Credits: 1

DATES ADDED

OMS 510
Marketing Management
Competency Area: Systems & Strategic Thinking

This marketing management course is designed to provide an in-depth introduction to the key concepts, tools and applications of modern marketing analysis within a wide variety of organizations, both corporate and not-for-profit. The course combines both theoretical and practical elements and is intended to help students understand the critical nature of the marketing function, from the perspective of the marketing manager within the organization and within the global marketing environment. This course will be a hybrid of face-to-face meetings and on-line work, the majority of which will be conducted using on-line technology through FirstClass.

Section K: Jason Little
Time: Fridays, 9/14, 10/26, and 12/7, 4:00 - 6:00 pm,
Maximum: 16
Credits: 2

OMD 649
Self Knowledge for Leadership
Competency Area: Leadership & Self Development
Priority to 2nd year O&M students.

Self-understanding and self-development are fundamental to effective leadership. The first aim of this course is to increase students' self-awareness as leaders. Students engage in activities to enhance awareness of their responses in a variety of situations. They develop a vision of themselves as leaders and reflect on ways in which they are and are not moving toward that vision. The second aim of the course is to provide students with a conceptual framework and strategy for altering dysfunctional behavior patterns that are blocking their full effectiveness as leaders. Each student will select one such behavioral pattern and will apply course concepts to clarify the dynamics of the pattern and to develop and implement a more effective response. Students should check the course conference on FirstClass for on-line assignments that will begin prior to the first class meeting.

Section K: Donna Mellen
Time: Saturday & Sunday, September 29 & 30,
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Maximum: 24
Credits: 1

OM 690
SIS: Supervised Independent Study

Credits: variable

Department of Organization & Management - Organization Development Certificate Program

MEETING CANCELLED

OMOD 500
Introduction to Organization Development
Competency Area: Organization Development
Prerequisite: OMS 528 Systems Theories and Organization Environment or written permission of the instructor attached to or on registration form.
Required of and restricted to Organization Development Certificate Students, unless special permission in writing has been given by the program director and is attached to or on registration form.

This five-day residential course lays the foundation for our individual and collective journey through the OD Certificate Program. We give explicit attention to the development of our learning culture and community that guides us through the complete program. Topics include the history and values of the OD profession, models of change and collaborative change practices, the role of OD in today's organizations, challenges and dilemmas within OD consulting, and small group theory and practice as a fundamental OD competency. Effective OD practice requires a number of elements, including solid theory, practical experience, an ability to work with others, and awareness of one&rsquos strengths and less developed areas. You assess your OD knowledge and skills, and communication, conflict and decision-making preferences and styles. You create your unique Professional Development Plan (PDP) for identifying areas that you want to develop while you are engaged in the OD Certificate Program and beyond.

Section A: Patricia Bidol-Padva and Peter Smith
Time: Friday, September. 7, 12:00 - 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 8, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Monday, September 10, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, September 11, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
CANCELLED: Wednesday, September 12, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Maximum: 20
Credits: 2

OMOD 502
Organization Entry, Contracting, and Assessment
Competency Area: Organization Development
Prerequisite: OMOD 500 Introduction to Organization Development or written permission of the instructor attached to or on registration form.
Required of and restricted to Organization Development Certificate Students, unless special permission in writing has been given by the program director and is attached to or on registration form.

In this four-day course we cover key steps in the initial client entry and contracting process, as well as the assessment and discovery phase. Effectively determining client needs requires a number of different tools and skills. Among the most critical key initial steps involves building a work relationship with a client, determining the initial scope of work, and establishing key boundaries. Establishing a strong relationship that enables both the client and the consultant to work together in diagnosing the organizational culture, and issues and to create viable solutions that produce the results the client needs.

The assessment and discovery phase involve a continuation of data collection begun in the entry phase, with a goal of determining what further information is needed, how to seek this information, and who to seek the information from. We cover a range of diagnostic methodologies including interviews, questionnaires, organizational surveys, observation, organizational records, appreciative inquiry, and large group approaches. We discuss appropriate roles for clients and consultants in the data gathering and analysis process. This includes the challenges and ethical issues that can arise and approaches to effectively address.

Section A: Patricia Bidol-Padva and Peter Smith
Time: Saturday, October 6, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, October 7, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 27, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, October 28, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 20
Credits: 2

OMOD 504
Self-Development for Effective OD Practice
Competency Area: Organization Development
Prerequisite: OMOD 502 Organizational Entry, Contracting, and Assessment or written permission of the instructor attached to or on registration form.
Required of and restricted to Organization Development Certificate Students, unless special permission in writing has been given by the program director and is attached to or on registration form.

The overarching objective of this workshop is for you to become a more effective professional and to have increased confidence in your abilities. Self-awareness and ongoing self-development are critical to being an effective OD practitioner. In this two-day workshop you delve more deeply into your strengths and developmental areas that you identified earlier in the program. We explore our purposes, values, skills, personality styles, and reactions to change, power, being challenged, and problem solving. We examine the role our assumptions and biases play in our interactions with others. Based on our insights, we identify and practice our preferred responses in working with others, as well as better understand how less-preferred responses impact our professional effectiveness. Because of the heavy demands of OD work, self-sustainability is a key to professional effectiveness. Boundaries, life balance, self-care, developing a support system, and professional development are discussed. This workshop includes individual self-reflection as well as large and small group activities and feedback opportunities.

Presentation and assessment of client information using methodologies that maximize effective diagnosis and client ownership are covered. Learning methods include the use of simulations to practice the art and skill of entering a system, collecting useful information and helping clients to understand, and make appropriate and effective use of that information.

Section A: Patricia Bidol-Padva and Peter Smith
Time: Saturday, December 8, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, December 9, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 20
Credits: 1