Bachelor of Science Leadership and Organizational Studies
Bachelor of Science Leadership and Organizational Studies
Brief course descriptions for the Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Organizational Studies follow:
Foundational Courses:
- Principles of Management - An examination of the basic functions of management, including planning, organizing, leading, staffing and controlling - and how these functions can be utilized to strengthen management, employee and organizational performance.
- Perspectives on Organizational Behavior - Overview of attitudes, behavior and performance of individuals and groups and how they shape organizations. A review of individual differences, decision-making, power, motivation and change helps learners understand the various aspects of organizational life and culture.
- Modern Organizational Theory - A study of organizational theories and how they relate to an organization's environment, structure and design in influencing its strategic and operational effectiveness. Focus includes the roles of individuals and groups operating in contemporary organizational systems.
- Applied Organizational Psychology - A focus on how managers can utilize their understanding of individual and group psychology to fulfill the organization's mission and objectives. An analysis of motivational strategies and tactics is included.
- Communication Strategies for Leaders - A practical review of leadership communication strategies for transmitting, receiving and understanding information in the workplace. Emphasis is on equipping leaders with the knowledge of how to overcome communication barriers by utilizing appropriate strategies and methods.
- Business Policy and Strategy - A review of how business policies and strategies are formulated, implemented and evaluated. The course includes discussion of the role business strategy plays in establishing a company's position within its industry, as well as a discussion of competitor strategies.
- The Legal Environment of Business - An introduction to the legal influences upon and within businesses, including statutory, executive, administrative and court law. Included are the roles and influences of contracts and regulations upon business operations.
- Project Management - Overview of important aspects of managing both small and large projects, including assessment of needs, development of specifications, acquisition of labor and materials, optimization of schedules, controlling costs, and ensuring outcomes and deliverables. Utilization of software tools providing efficient and effective processes is emphasized.
- Organizational Innovation and Change - Analysis of the dynamics of change and the importance of innovation within modern organizations. Emphasis is placed on how managers can develop a culture receptive to new ideas, products, processes and systems for improving organizational performance.
- Conflict Management and Negotiation - Identification and analysis of management strategies for dealing with both functional and dysfunctional conflict in the workplace. Included is a study of conflict management styles of avoidance, accommodation, collaboration, negotiation, mediation and domination.
Business Management Specialization:
- Principles of Finance for the Private Sector - A study of financial aspects of businesses, including the cost of capital, fund acquisition sources, time value of money, efficient management of assets, and investment decisions. Particular emphasis is on determining the optimal capital structure between utilization of debt and equity financing.
- Business Policy Development and Implementation - An analysis of the roles and responsibilities of leaders in developing governance and operational policies within the corporate world. Focus includes how policy development and implementation influence and determine the business's strategic direction.
- Human Resource Development & Management - Introduction to the development and management of an organization's human resources, with emphasis on planning for the screening, selection, orientation and training of employees. Additional topics include performance appraisal, compensation, benefits, equal employment opportunity, incentives and rewards.
- Marketing Strategy Development - The formulation of strategies for marketing an organization's products and services, taking into consideration pricing, product, promotion and placement factors and issues. Emphasis is on creating product distinction and consumer demand in a competitive environment.
- Information Systems Design and Management - Overview of issues, processes and technology utilized in the design and management of information systems. Analysis includes needs assessment, database management, software capacity, security features, and decision-making applications.
Public and Nonprofit Management Specialization:
- Principles of Finance for the Public Sector - Introduction to financing of and budgeting within public sector institutions, including the history and trends of funds acquisition and distribution. Accountability to governing bodies and taxpayers for the use of public fiscal resources will be examined.
- Public Administration - An overview of issues related to leading and managing public organizations and government agencies. Focus includes policy development, strategic planning, agency operations, civil service systems, legal framework and ethical considerations.
- Public Policy and Strategy - An analysis of the development, implementation and evaluation of public policy and strategy. Study includes influences of administrative, legislative and judicial legal perspectives, as well as accountability to citizens and governing boards.
- Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations - A practical examination of strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations. Emphasis on understanding the nonprofit sector, creating effective leadership in the planning process, generating internal and external support, and plan implementation.
- Public Relations - Provides a review of essential elements and strategies for conducting effective public relations efforts, including communication skills, information and message management, audience targeting, media relations and press releases, and campaign development and operations.
