Organizations

The rapidly changing environment has produced a significant shift in organizational theory and practice. In times of rapid change, the ability of an organization to learn emerges as a primary competency. Students will engage organizational theory to help them identify and understand the unique organizational culture within which they function, and to formulate interventions to enhance learning and innovation. Students will also interact with learning theory to help them develop effective approaches to encouraging and facilitating learning within the organization.

In a fast-paced environment organizations must be able to respond quickly to emerging challenges. Planning processes must keep pace with the changing realities. The ability to think with strategic flexibility in producing effective approaches to fleeting opportunities and imminent crises places a leader in a position to be of great service. This course engages students in applying strategic theory, change theory, and implementation disciplines to real challenges within their organizations.

Organizations are increasingly realizing the need for a team orientation, yet, despite the rhetoric, there remain significant cultural impediments to team development and maintenance. This course leads students in an application of group and team theory for recruiting, developing, mobilizing, and mending teams of employees and volunteers for maximum effectiveness.

Leadership of a non-profit organization presents unique challenges, limitations, and advantages. This course exposes students to theories of governance and administration with a view to helping them interact effectively with all levels of an organization from any position within that organization.

Prudent planning and management of organizational finances is essential to continued success. Financial management challenges in the non-profit organization include planning, fundraising, marketing, oversight, and accountability. Students interact with all aspects of their organization's finances to gain proficiency in the rudiments of financial oversight.