Prerequisites: Junior standing--though some level of experience in the managerial world would make the experience richer.
Class Format: Campus course supported by the internet and e-mail
Objectives:
The course will also draw materials from the following books:
Unit one: Introduction to management processes
Text-chapters 1-5; Appendix AUnit 2: Individual processes in organizations
Portfolio-behavioral exercises from text chs. 2,3,4,5.
Paper-Case: Bob Allen Rattles the Cages at AT&T
Exam 1.
Week 1 Schedule
Week 2 Schedule
Text-chapters 6-9Unit 3: Group and interpersonal processes
Portfolio-behavioral exercises from text chs. 6,7,8,9
Paper-Robotics at IBM
Exam 2.
Week 3 Schedule
Week 4 Schedule
Text-chapters 10-12Unit 4: Organizational processes-Communication; Decision Making
Portfolio-behavioral exercises from chs. 10,11,12
Paper-Leadership paper-Patton, Gandhi, Lee, Norma Rae, and Lawrence
Exam 3.
Weeks 5 & 6 Schedule
Text-chapters 13-16Unit 5: Design and change in organizations.
Portfolio-behavioral exercises from chs 13,14,15
Paper-- Case: The secret war inside Grace & Co.
Exam 4.
Weeks 7 & 8 Schedule
Text: chapters 17-20Assignment/Exam details:
Portfolio-behavioral exercises from chs 17,18,19,20
Paper-Case: Tony Terracciano
Exam 5.
Weeks 9 & 10 Schedule
1. Personal Portfolio. The student will accumulate a portfolio of materials that will be submitted during the quarter at the time exams are given. These will include materials created as behavioral exercises are completed. Group notes on cases will also be included. These notes must be typed and formal. Abstracts on articles or videos assigned will also be included. Note again that all exercises from a unit must be completed prior to the exam for the unit. They will be handed in at the time of the exam. The portfolio will be returned to the student upon completion of the course. Consider the portfolio to be a formal set of documents--they will be typed and in good form.
2. Cases. Groups will prepare formal cases. All assigned cases will be analyzed using the format on pages 10-11 in the text. It is assumed that you and your group will be very analytical in your assessment of the case. Use the case as an opportunity to review relevant theoretical materials from the text and apply it to the case. Do not, I repeat, do not, simply react to the case on the basis of your experience. You are expected to analyze the case-not react to it. Expected length of a case is 3-5 pages. Some cases include questions that will guide your analysis. Remember that it is expected that the format and analysis scheme noted above will be used in the case. Expect to spend 3-5 hours preparing written cases. Each group will submit a single analysis for each formal case
3. Discussion cases. Discussion cases will also be used occasionally and follow the same format but do not require a formal case write-up. Your group will prepare case notes to guide your analysis of the case. These notes will be included in your portfolio. Discussion will take place over e-mail and you are expected to participate.
4. The leadership paper. In this individual paper, you will view one of the following movies: Patton, Lawrence of Arabia, Gettysburg, Norma Rae, or Gandhi and then analyze the leadership style of the principal character. Again this is an analytical paper and your analysis should include a review of leadership theory. Each was a charismatic leader-but what were the bases of their power over others? Expected length-5 pages. The movies are available at local film rental outlets. Some are available at the library--and your friendly instructors has copies of most. Again, the paper must be submitted prior to the exam on unit 3.
5. The Game. Each student will participate as a member of two groups. The first is their study group within which course materials will be discussed, cases prepaed, e-mail discussion will be prepared, etc. Each of these groups will then be assigned to one side of the term long class activity--The Game. Each wednesday we shall gather in our classroom live to "play" the game. This exercise will be utilized to demonstrate the management issues of communication, leadership, motivation, organization, conflict, strategic planning, group development, centralization, decentralization, authority, responsibility, and many other issues. Bonus points will awarded to the winning team.
6. Articles. The articles listed on the weekly schedules will be reviewed and a short abstract prepared on each. These abstracts will indicate the essential content of the article along with citation information--and will not exceed one page. Articles will be included in your personal portfolio.
7. Video Tapes. A set of video tapes are available in the library either on reserve or in their regular collection. Assigned tapes should be viewed and reviewed. A short abstract of the tapes will be included in your personal portfolio.
8. Participation. Students will be prepared to participate in the activities of the class. Regular participation over e-mail is expected especially on case discussion days. Attendance on game day is absolutely necessary. Readings should be completed prior to the day they are scheduled to be discussed. Always be prepared. You should try to stand out from the class-after all, why do you think business people are promoted and some are not?
Feel free to contact your friendly instructor at any time if you have questions. The most reliable medium is by E-Mail but you may drop by in person if you wish.
Last updated 07/13/09 by RDL