ORG502: Effective Organizations: Theory and Practice
Credit Hours: / 3Contact Hours: / This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research.
Faculty Information
Name:
Phone:
CSU-GC Email:
Virtual Office Hours:
Course Description and Outcomes
Organization 502 is an overview of leadership and management and the structures and functions of organizations. The course provides a contemporary understanding of managing operational and strategic issues in public and private organizations. In the face of accelerating social, economic, and technological changes, you will examine organizational theory, strategic thinking and management, theories of decision-making, leadership, organizational culture, and change management in a postindustrial society. You will use your solving, application, and evaluation skills to analyze the theories and practices of organizational challenges and opportunities.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Discuss and apply leadership and management theories to identified business problems.
2. Identify the structures and functions of businesses, operating in a global economy and illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each.
3. Describe the relationship between effective leadership, strategy, culture, management and organizational success.
4. Identify and apply the core principles, processes, and paradigms of effective management including organizational culture, ethics, operations management, and the dynamic global marketplace.
5. Synthesize and explain the importance of ethics and social responsibility within the context of a local and global business environment.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of strategy and strategic thinking practices that drive organizational focus and competitive advantage.
7. Synthesize the role of management control and its contribution to organizational success.
8. Utilize decision models and process in identifying and exploring business problems as well as apply problem solving strategies to applied business problems.
9. Demonstrate professionally crafted, business savvy, academic writing that accurately applies APA format.
Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor.
Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible.
Course Materials
Required:
Plano Clark, V. L., & Creswell, J. W. (2010). Understanding Research: A Consumer’s Guide. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN-13: 9780131583894 (This book is required for all courses in the MS Org Leadership and MS Mgt programs.)
Colorado State University-Global Campus. (2013). CSU-Global guide to writing and APA requirements. Greenwood Village, CO: Author.
**All non-textbook required readings and materials necessary to complete assignments, discussions, and/or supplemental or required exercises will be provided within the course itself. Please read through each course module carefully.
Course Schedule
Due Dates
The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.
Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 12 midnight MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 12 midnight MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.
Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire.
Critical Thinking Activities: Assignments are due Sunday at 12 midnight MT.
Week # / Readings / Assignments1 / · Eikenberry, K. (n.d.). Seven reasons organizational culture matters. Retrieved from: http://www.businessperform.com/articles/organizational-culture/organizational_culture_matters.html
· The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. (2009). Making an ethical decision. Retrieved from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/making.pdf
· Lozano, J. (1998). Ethics and corporate culture: A critical relationship. Ethical Perspectives, 5(1), 53-70. / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (20 points)
2 / · Purdue OWL. (2013). APA style workshop. Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/664/1/ (Read all sections up to the “APA Citations and Reference List”) / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (80 points)
3 / · Chapters 1 & 2 in Understanding Research: A Consumer's Guide. / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (80 points)
4 / · Chapters 1 & 2 in Understanding Research: A Consumer's Guide. / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (30 points)
5 / · Purdue OWL. (2013). APA style workshop. Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/664/1/ (Read all sections after and including “APA Citations and Reference List”) / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (80 points)
6 / · Chapter 3 in Understanding Research: A Consumer's Guide. / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Critical Thinking (80 points)
7 / · Taylor, W. (2012, March 3). Change the game: Transform your company. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from
· http://stream.krm.com/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=4034b35d8025459287deeaefcaae4b37 / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
8 / · Taylor, W. (2012, March 3). Change the game: Transform your company. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from
· http://stream.krm.com/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=4034b35d8025459287deeaefcaae4b37 / · Discussion (25 points)
· Mastery (10 points)
· Portfolio Project (350 points)
Assignment Details
This course includes the following assignments/projects:
Module 1
CRITICAL THINKING: Correcting APA Errors (20 points)
Click on the link below to download the Word document. Read the document carefully and correct any APA errors. Save the document once you have corrected all APA errors and upload the document file to the Module 1 Critical Thinking area for review and grading. *Link provided on the Week 1 Assignment page*
Module 2
CRITICAL THINKING: JBL Enterprises: Managing Performance (80 points)
JLB Enterprises is a computer manufacturer that is experiencing low employee motivation. Evidence shows that efficiency has decreased 15% over the last two years while other factors, including number of employees, have remained the same, and the process to assemble computers has remained the same as well (Thompson Report to Board of Directors, 2012).
Additionally, the 2011 annual employee survey shows that employee satisfaction and morale have decreased significantly (a 20% decline) over the last three years. A recent survey of employees conducted by an outside consulting firm confirmed that employees do not feel motivated (Massey & Associates Report, 2012). On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “not motivated” to 10 being “very motivated,” the average of all reported results was 5.5.
Bruce (2012) and Thomas (2011) are recent examples of research studies that have demonstrated a link between motivation and performance. JLB Enterprises has a problem in that employee performance has declined over time (JLB Enterprises Annual Report, 2012). This is a problem because lower performance means fewer products built for the same amount of time and money. Therefore, efficiency has declined and costs have increased (JLB Enterprises Annual Report, 2012).
List and define one of the leadership theories that may serve as a lens to view JLB Enterprises’s current problem.
Then, using the components of the theory, show how the characteristics of the theory may potentially inform strategies for improving this performance problem.
Remember, your thoughts, feelings, and opinions must be supported with facts, statistics, testimonials, examples, cases and other references in critical thinking. Research and facts support critical thinking efforts.
1. Your essay should be approximately 500 words (two typed, double-spaced, APA-formatted pages), well written, and documented per CSU-Global graduate guidelines for APA Style. (Please see page 6 of this module for graduate APA guidelines.)
2. A cover page and References page are required.
3. Be sure to use proper punctuation, spelling and grammar; points will be deducted accordingly.
4. Support your analysis by referencing and citing sources when needed. It is suggested that you cite at least three credible sources. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find credible sources. Sources must be cited according to APA guidelines.
Module 3
CRITICAL THINKING: Management Theory Analysis (80 points)
Provide a detailed overview of a particular theory used by managers to inform practice and review alternatives, or solutions. Please be sure to choose a specific theory – not a theory group.
As part of the detailed overview, include the definition of the theory, the major thought leaders/theorists who have contributed to the development of the theory, and areas of business and management where the theory is often applied. Lastly, provide a scenario where the theory might inform management practice within an organization or the organization to which you belong.
As with all your Critical Thinking assignments you should have a cover page and a reference page, and follow APA guidelines.
The body of the paper should be 2 pages in length. Please cite at least three library articles in your paper. Include a reference page and in-text citations. Remember, your thoughts, feelings, and opinions are not applicable in Critical Thinking assignments. Research and facts support critical thinking efforts.
Module 4
CRITICAL THINKING: Research Evaluation Table (30 points)
Click here to download the Module 4 Critical Thinking Evaluation Table. *Link provided on the Week 4 Assignment page*
This Critical Thinking Assignment has five steps:
1. Read Chapters 1 & 2 in Understanding Research: A Consumer's Guide.
2. Using the CSU-GC Library, identify a professional journal that is relevant to this course’s field of study.
3. Select a current (2010-2012) research article related to one of the topics we have covered in the last four weeks. Read the article carefully and complete the Critical Thinking Research Evaluation Table.
4. Submit the Critical Thinking Research Evaluation Table by Sunday, midnight as this week’s assignment. Also, post the completed table to the Discussion Board for others to review, in addition to this week’s discussion.
5. Consider creating a personal Journal of Relevant Research Studies for your academic files using the articles presented in the Discussion Board. Add to your Journal in this course and subsequent classes to develop a rich collection of academic resources. Your Journal will not be submitted for this assignment; it is yours to create and develop as you wish. You will be using research studies throughout your tenure with CSU-GC. We highly recommend you begin collecting research studies now.
Things to remember when completing the Critical Thinking Research Evaluation Table:
a. Use academic writing style, clear and concise language, and well-constructed paragraphs (a minimum of three sentences are required to develop a paragraph).
b. Ensure complete adherence to the CSU-GC graduate APA formatting standards.
c. Limit the length to 400 to 600 words. Include a title page and reference page with the Critical Thinking Research Evaluation Table.
Module 5
CRITICAL THINKING: New Managerial Tools and Technologies (80 points)
Identify an area in the global marketplace that has been impacted by new tools and technologies to advance managerial control and increase the performance of organizations. Then provide a detailed overview (2-3 pages) of the tools and/or technologies that have advanced managerial control and increased possible performance.
As with all your Critical Thinking assignments you should have a cover page and a reference page, and follow APA guidelines. For this assignment, the body of the paper should be approximately two pages in length. Please use at least three library articles to substantiate your points. Include reference page and in-text citations as needed. Research and facts support critical thinking efforts and your full synthesis and comparison of the various new technologies and tools.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT: Outline (0 points)
By the end of the week, please submit an outline of your Portfolio Project paper with detailed headings and subheadings.
Module 6
CRITICAL THINKING: Decision-Making Skills Test (80 Points)
Take the decision-making skills test at http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_79.htm.
Record your score and/or areas where you want to improve. Then prepare a 2-page plan on how you will improve your decision-making skills. Include a minimum of three outside professional references that provide information and guidance in improving your decision-making processes and skills.
As always, use correct APA formatting and style. Include a title and reference pages. Outside sources mean academic and research other than the textbook, course materials, or other information provided as part of the course materials. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find credible sources.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT: Present Your Problem: (0 points)
Continue to research information associated with business problems you have identified. Use the discussion activity this week to present your proposed business problem with evidence that shows that the business problem or issue does exist. Your instructor will work with you to refine the business problem and provide both local and/or industrial evidence that the problem does indeed exist.
Module 8
PORTFOLIO PROJECT: (350 points)
For your portfolio project, you will be applying the knowledge gained from each module of the course to a typical workplace problem.
Using the knowledge and insights that you have gained in the course, prepare a proposal for your workplace or other organization you are involved with, such as college, church, or a club, that details a current organizational problem or issue and the solution you propose to eliminate or minimize the problem. Be specific in what you present. Use the outline below to guide the writing of your Portfolio Project.
1. Provide an overview of the problem that you are attempting to solve.
2. List several solutions suggested by research.
3. Propose the best solution (and state why it is the best—your thesis) to the problem with academic research that supports your proposed solution.
4. Supply a time and cost analysis for implementing your proposed solution.
5. List the benefits to the organization and how benefits will be measured (metrics) in the areas of time, efficiencies, quality, and/or cost savings.