Albertus Magnus College

Course Syllabus

Course Code and Title: MB 516 / MOL 506, Organizational Behavior

Course Description: This course examines the theoretical assumptions of organizational behavior and the
issues and challenges that arise when managing and leading. Students will investigate the interrelationships
between the individual, the group, and the organization. The course will emphasize managerial practices
needed in a variety of settings and the application of these methods to realistic situations. Students will be
required to demonstrate effective communication skills throughout the course

PROGRAM AND COURSE OFFERING INFORMATION

Program: Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership / MBA / MPA / MSA

Session (Mod or Semester): Mod 3, 2023

Class Meetings (Days of Week & Times): Online. Each week runs from Monday to Sunday*.
*Note, Week 8 runs from Monday through Wednesday*

Delivery method (On-ground, Blended or Online): Online

Number of Credits: 3

Textbook and Supplementary Readings:

Nelson, D.L & Quick, J.C. ORGB. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. – any edition is acceptable

Supplemental readings provided in eLearning

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name: Howard C. Fero, PhD

College eMail: [email protected]

Contact (phone): 203-773-4424 or 203-983-0983

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Office Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 3:30 – 5:30 and by appointment

Additional contact info: The best way to reach me is via email and we can set up a time to connect on the
phone or in person if need be.

Instructor Biography:

Dr. Howard Fero, The Leadership Doc, is an author, speaker, professor, consultant, and executive coach
who helps people in all walks of life cultivate their leadership skills to become more effective and thus
more valued members of their organizations. He has been recognized as an ‘inspirational, motivational,
and innovative facilitator’, and takes great pride in his ability to inspire his audiences through stories,
exercises, and the application of theory to practice.

Dr. Fero is the Director of Graduate Leadership Programs and a Professor of Management and Leadership
at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. He is a strong believer in giving back to the community
and serves on the Board of Directors of Homes for the Brave. Dr. Fero is the co-author of, Lead Me Out
to the Ballgame: Stories and Strategies to Develop Major League Leadership, which is the culmination of
nearly 3 years of research, and includes leadership strategies garnered from over 100 interviews with
Major League Baseball players, managers, and executives. Through his interactive keynotes and
workshops Dr. Fero inspires and educates his audience to develop their leadership and become more
effective both personally and professionally.

Dr. Fero holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Baruch College, the
City University of New York, and a PhD in Organizational Behavior from Claremont Graduate
University. For more information, please go to www.theleadershipdoc.com.

Tradition of Honor: As a member of the Albertus Magnus College Community, each student taking this
course agrees to uphold the principles of honor set forth by this community, to defend these principles
against abuse or misuse, and to abide by the regulations of the College. To this end, every student must
write and sign the following statement at the end of each examination: “I declare the Honor Pledge.”

Intellectual Honesty: Plagiarism is a serious offense against academic integrity and intellectual honesty.
In completing written assignments, the student must work independently unless the class instructor
indicates otherwise. It is important for students to understand that they must reference the sources for all
direct quotes, for the rephrasing of information from an outside source, and for ideas borrowed from
readings. Students will be required to use APA format when referencing sources. Failure to cite appropriate
references in any of these instances results in an act of plagiarism, intentional or unintentional. If it has been
determined that a student plagiarized a written assignment, the student may be dismissed from the Master
of Arts in Leadership Program. The instructor will report instances of plagiarism to the college
administration.

Writing Guidelines: The writing guidelines for this course will follow the American Psychological
Association’s (APA) style format standards. Referenced pages must be correctly formatted and
alphabetized; sources must be appropriate to the assignment, correctly cited, and traceable; and the number
of citations and sources must be adequate for each paper. Citing your sources properly requires following
the APA style format rules. Please use the documentation guidelines found in the required textbook,
Concise Rules of APA Style.

Appropriate Classroom Conduct: Students are expected to show a respect for order, the rights of others,
and to exemplify a sense of honor and integrity in the classroom. Student conduct is considered an integral
part of the educational process. Therefore, no student should be denied the right to learn as a direct result
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of disruptions in the classroom. Active learning, open inquiry, and the free expression of informed opinion
are the foundations of a liberal education at Albertus Magnus College. However, student behavior that
interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct the class is prohibited. Students are expected to be
considerate and respectful of the rights, views, and interests of other students and faculty. The faculty
member will take appropriate action if students do not abide by these rules.

Accommodations for Special Needs: Please advise the instructor of any special problems at the beginning
of the semester. Those students seeking accommodation based on disabilities should provide a Faculty
Contract Sheet obtained through the Academic Development Center (Room 314) in Aquinas Hall, 203-773-
8564.

Blended and Online Course Etiquette: This course involves use of the Albertus eLearning system online.
It is important to maintain appropriate professional interactions with your classmates and Instructor in the
online environment. Please click the following link to review the Albertus policies regarding proper
etiquette for interaction in all blended and online course work: Link to Albertus’ Netiquette Guide

COURSE GRADING AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to participate in all online class sessions and must complete all course requirements
as assigned. Class attendance will be taken in all classes twice per week. All courses are treated as having
two sessions per week. Penalties for missing class are “no fault” penalties. In other words, it doesn’t
matter why you missed the class; the penalties apply no matter how legitimate or frivolous the reasons for
your absence. In an online class such as this please adhere to the established posting and submission
guidelines and be sure to contact the instructor if there is any confusion.

If you do not post your online “main assignment or post” by the assigned date and time, you will be
marked as “Absent” from that “class.” That absence is equivalent to an absence from an on-ground class.
(In addition, as described below, you will automatically suffer the “late penalty” for any subsequent
submission of that assignment.)

If you miss two classes, whether online or on-ground, your course grade will automatically be penalized
½ a course grade. If you miss three classes, your course grade will automatically be penalized one full
grade. If you miss four classes, your course grade will be penalized two full grades. If you miss five or
more classes, you will not be able to pass the course.

*All Division of Professional and Graduate Studies programs have the following policy: Students who
are absent for the first four sessions of a course and have not officially withdrawn will automatically be
administratively withdrawn from the course. Students who are administratively withdrawn will pay a
$250 registration fee when they next register for courses.

Grading Guidelines:

Students are expected to respond to the Discussion Questions during the week assigned, and before the
deadline, by providing a 200+ word response to each question and citations/references must be included.
Students must respond to a minimum of two of their classmate's posts in EACH discussion question and
challenge their thinking.
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Responses must be more than just an, "I agree" type of response

eLearning Course Room Etiquette:

When responding to the eLearning Assignments, the following are good guidelines to follow:
Never post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that is known to be illegal.
Never post harassing, threatening, or embarrassing comments.
If you disagree with someone, respond to the subject, not the person.
Never post content that is harmful, abusive; racially ethnically, or religiously offensive, vulgar; sexually
explicit; or otherwise potentially offensive.

Grading Policy and Methods of Assessment:

On-Ground Elements: Score or Percentage of Grade

Online Discussion Participation 30%
Short Papers:
Pros and Cons
Theories of Motivation
Conflict Resolution 25%
Best Self Paper 5%
Research Review 10%
My Communication Style Paper 5%
Organizational Analysis Report 15%
Organizational Analysis Presentation and
Discussion 10%

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Objectives:

By the completion of this course, each student will be able to:

• Identify contributors to the origins of management and organizational behavior theory.

• Explain the impact of individual differences on work behaviors.

• Examine content and process theories on workforce motivation.

• Evaluate individual performance issues and reward alternatives.

• Assess the nature of groups and stages of development.

• Summarize causal factors and techniques of conflict resolution.

• Critique personal behavior and situational leadership theories.

• Identify organizational design and change methods.
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Learning Outcomes:

▪ Be able to creatively apply formal concepts to real world situations

▪ Demonstrate advanced understanding of concepts in functional areas of business

▪ Demonstrate advanced written communication skills.

▪ Be conversant about the ways individuals and groups contribute to the overall effectiveness of an

organization

Week One

Date: 1/16 – 1/22

Topic: Introduction to the study of organizational behavior; contemporary management challenges;

organizational culture.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the important system components of an organization.

• Describe the formal and informal elements of an organization.
• Demonstrate the value of objective knowledge and skill development in organizational
behavior.
• Explain how cultural differences form the basis of work-related attitudes.
• Discuss the role of ethics, character, and personal integrity in the organization.
• Describe the effects of technological advances on today’s workforce.
• Identify the three levels of culture and the roles they play in an organization.
• Explain the relationship between organizational culture and performance.
• Identify the challenges organizations face developing positive, cohesive cultures.

Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 1, 2, and 16 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning. You
are responsible for all posted information.
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Online Discussion Forum Questions:

Discussion Question 1: What is the biggest competitive challenge or change facing the businesses
in your industry today? Will that be different in the next five years? How can the study of
organizational behavior help you to best navigate these challenges? As you respond to others
consider the best practices that can be applied between your industries.

Discussion Question 2: Why is diversity such an important issue? Is the workforce more diverse
today than in the past? What’s been your experience and how does it relate to what you see and
hear about in other organizations and industries?

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Description of Homework Assignment:

1. Syllabus Confirmation

Review the syllabus and confirm review under Week 1.

Due Date and Time: The above confirmation must be completed by Tuesday morning at
7AM or you will be marked absent for our first session.

2. Pros and Cons Paper

Before beginning your reading of this week's chapters, write a 2-3 page paper discussing the
pros and cons of working in your current organization. What are some of the things you feel
are done correctly, and what are some of the things you feel aren't done correctly? Please write
your paper in APA format and include at least two citations with at least one coming from a
scholarly/peer reviewed journal.

Due Date and Time: The Pros and Cons paper should be submitted to eLearning by 11:59PM
on Sunday (the last day of Week 1)

3. Name your final project team and list the names of all team members in the appropriate forum
under Week 1.

Due Date and Time: The naming of the team and listing of team members should be completed
by 8:00PM on Monday (the first day of Week 2).
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Week Two

Date: 1/23 – 1/29

Topic: Individual Differences, stress, and well being

Learning Objective(s):

• Describe individual differences and their importance in understanding behavior.

• Discuss the practical application of personality theories in organizations.

• Explain the attribution process and how attributions affect managerial behavior.

• Identify sources of job satisfaction and commitment.

• Distinguish between organizational citizenship behaviors and workplace deviance behaviors.

• Discuss the definition and importance of emotions at work.

• Compare four different approaches to stress.

• Identify work and nonwork causes of stress.

• Identify the stages and elements of preventative stress management for individuals and

organizations.

Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 3, 4 and 7 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Questions:

Discussion Question 1: Name a leader you think manages organizational culture well. How does
the leader do this? Use Schein’s description of how leaders reinforce culture to analyze the leader’s
behavior and also consider concepts relating to stress and well-being in your response.

Discussion Question 2: Suppose you have an employee whose lack of commitment is affecting
others in the organization. How would you go about persuading the person to change this attitude?
In your response be sure to consider issues of individual differences.

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
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the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Description of Homework Assignment:

Complete the free profile found at the following link, https://www.123test.com/disc-personality-

test/ and also "What About Me?" found in eLearning. Based on your results to these as well as
the results from other assessments you may have completed, write a paper of approximately 3
double spaces pages (Times New Roman, 12pt font, page count does not include cover page,
reference page, or any appendices) discussing how you can be your ‘best self’ to your
organization and in your job. Include the benefits and drawbacks of your personality dimensions
and how you can improve your productivity and other dimensions with an understanding of
personality. Please incorporate research and cite at least 2 scholarly/peer reviewed sources.
Please remember, this, as well as all papers in this class should be formatted according to APA
format. This link will bring you to a good example of the format of a research paper,
http://www.thewritesource.com/apa/apa.pdf.

Due Date and Time: The ‘Best Self’ paper should be submitted to eLearning by 11:59PM on
Sunday (the last day of Week 2)

Week Three

Date: 1/30 – 2/5

Topic: Motivation, Learning, and Performance Management

Learning Objectives:

• Define, discuss, and explain various theories of workplace motivation.

• Describe the cultural differences in motivation.

• Describe behavioral theories of learning.

• Explain how goal-setting can be used to direct learning and performance.

• Explain the importance of performance feedback and how it can be delivered effectively.

• Identify ways managers can reward performance.

• List several strategies for correcting poor performance.

Reading Assignments:
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1. Read Chapters 5 and 6 in ORGB

2. Read On the Folly of Rewarding A, While Hoping for B linked here and found in eLearning as

well.

3. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Questions:

Discussion Question 1: Please react to the article, On the Folly of Rewarding A, While Hoping for
B, and discuss its implications using the concepts/theories that are discussed in the text. Feel free
to include some personal 'follies' in your response where people are not being rewarded for the
desired behaviors.

Discussion Question 2: Which learning approach do you find most appropriate for the workplace?
What are some factors that play into your answer…be specific.

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Description of Homework Assignment:

Theories of Motivation Paper

Write a 2-3 page paper applying one of the theories of motivation from the text or from an outside
scholarly source to a situation you have witnessed or been a part of in your organization. Be sure
to discuss how the theory you selected relates to the situation in a positive or negative way, and if
negative, how the situation could have been handled differently if a different tactic was taken. Use
at least two outside sources with at least one being from a peer reviewed / scholarly journal to
support your contentions

Due Date and Time: The Theories of Motivation paper should be submitted to eLearning prior to
11:59PM on Sunday (the last day of Week 3).

Week Four

Date: 2/6 – 2/12

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Topic: Teams, Groups, Conflict, and Negotiation.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the benefits organizations and individuals derive from working in teams.

• Identify the factors that influence group behavior.

• Describe how groups form and develop.

• Discuss the factors that influence group effectiveness.

• Describe how empowerment relates to self-managed teams.

• Describe the nature of conflicts in organizations.

• Discuss the nature of group conflict in organizations.

• Describe the factors that influence conflict between individuals in organizations.

• Describe effective and ineffective techniques for managing conflict.

Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 9 and 13 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Question:

Discussion Question 1: Discuss the different intragroup, interrole, intrarole, and person–role
conflicts that you experience. How do you deal with the situations? After reading the text for the
week, what (if anything) could you do differently?

Discussion Question 2: What was the most effective group (or team) that you have been a member
of? Using specific references to the topics discussed in the text and outside resources, what made
that group (or team) so effective?

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

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Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Description of Homework Assignment:

Research Review: Organizational Behavior

Please choose two scholarly / peer reviewed articles pertaining to one of the topics from our class
(ie, any topic from the table of contents in our text). After reading the articles please submit an
analysis which includes the following: A summary of the thesis (main argument) of each article
and any supporting evidence for it (from the text, other articles {scholarly or applied}, or your own
experience; the identification and analysis of at least one substantive element from each article,
including a comparison/contrast of the two articles; the identification and discussion of at least one
applicable lesson for organizational performance from each article.

Submit the review through eLearning as either a) a paper (3-4 pages, not including title page,
abstract or references), b) a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation (10-12 slides, not including title slide
and reference slide.). If you choose this option, you should narrate the presentation or use the notes
function to add additional information (for a tutorial on adding audio to a PowerPoint presentation
please click here); c) or a video (10-12 mins.) with a separate reference page. APA citations and
references required.

Due Date and Time: The research review should be submitted to eLearning prior to 11:59PM on
Sunday (the last day of Week 4).

Week Five

Date: 2/13 – 2/19

Topic: Leadership, Followership, Power, and Politics

Learning Objective(s):

• Discuss the differences between leadership and management and between leaders and

managers.

• Discuss how issues of emotional intelligence, trust, gender, and servant leadership are

informing today’s leadership models.

• Define followership and identify different types of followers.

• Synthesize historical leadership research into key guidelines for leaders.

• Identify forms and sources of power in organizations.

• Define organizational politics and understand the role of political skill and influence tactics.

• Identify ways to manage political behavior in organizations.

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Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 11 and 12 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Question:

Discussion Question 1: Identify a person that you consider to be a leader. What types of power
does this person use to accomplish their goals (cite specific examples based on the week’s
readings)? How can you use these same types of power in your life?

Discussion Question 2: Using specific examples from your personal / professional life as well as
specific theories from the text, please react to Peter Drucker's article, Managing Knowledge Means
Managing Oneself. What can you take from this article to use in your own world? What do you
consider your most significant leadership trait?

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.
Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Description of Homework Assignment:

Conflict Resolution Paper

Identify a conflict from your workplace. Write a 2-3 page paper discussing the conflict, the
technique(s) utilized (based on the the text as well as outside research), along with alternative
resolution techniques based on the five styles of conflict management described in the text. Please
include at least two sources with one being from a scholarly / peer reviewed journal.

Due Date and Time: The conflict resolution paper should be submitted to eLearning prior to
11:59PM on Sunday (the last day of Week 5).

Week Six

Date: 2/20 – 2/26

Topic: Communication and Decision Making

Learning Objective(s):

• Describe the interpersonal communication process and the role of listening in the process.
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• Describe the five communication skills of effective supervisors.

• Explain five communication barriers and gateways through them.

• Explain the impact of nonverbal communication.

• Explain positive, healthy communication.

• Identify communication technologies and how they affect the communication process.

• Identify the steps in the decision-making process.

• Describe various models of decision making.

• Discuss the individual influences that affect decision making.

• Explain how groups make decisions.

• Explain how organizations can improve the quality of decisions through participation.

Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 8 and 10 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Questions:

Discussion Question 1: Discuss some of the issues (positive and negative) that you have found in
group decision making. What are some of the pros and cons and how, in your personal experiences,
have you handled them?

Discussion Question 2: What does it take to be an effective communicator? Citing specific

examples from the readings and your own experiences, who is the best communicator you know?
Why do you consider that person to be so?

Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.
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Description of Homework Assignment:

Please review the link below (in addition to the resources within the courseroom), and identify your
primary communication style. In a 2-3 page paper (can be written in the first person), discuss how
your communication style has impacted your successes and or failures. Consider your style and
the way you can develop your skills moving forward based on the material you have studied. Please
include at least one scholarly source to support your contentions.

https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/39841409-quiz-whats-your-communication-
style

Due Date and Time: The Case Study should be submitted to eLearning prior to 11:59PM on Sunday
(the last day of Week 6).

Week Seven

Date: 2/27 – 3/5

Topic: Organizational Design and Structure; Jobs and the Design of Work

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between job and work.

• Discuss the traditional approaches to job design.

• Identify and describe alternative approaches to job design

• Identify and describe contemporary issues facing organizations in the design of work.

• Discuss the basic design dimensions managers must consider in structuring an organization.

• Identify and describe emerging organizational structures.

• Identify factors that can adversely affect organizational structure.

Reading Assignments:

1. Read Chapters 14 and 15 in ORGB

2. Review any readings, presentations, or resources posted under this week in eLearning.

Online Discussion Forum Questions:

Discussion Question 1: How would you describe the organization you work for (or one you are
familiar with) on each of the basic design dimensions? For example, is it a very formal organization
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or an informal organization? Do the size, technology, and mission of your organization directly
affect you? How?
Discussion Question 2: What issues have you encountered in completing your Organizational
Analysis? What have you done to overcome them? Use the concepts from our course and at least
one outside scholarly / peer reviewed source to substantiate your answer here, be specific!
Due Dates and Times for Initial Post:

Initial Posts in each discussion must be posted by Thursday morning at 7AM. If the post is not
submitted by this time the student will be marked ‘absent’ and penalties will apply as detailed in
the syllabus. Please note, you will not see your classmates’ posts until 30 minutes after you make
your initial post in each discussion.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

Response posts in each discussion must be posted by Monday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.

Week Eight

Date: 3/6 – Wednesday 3/8

Topic: Analyzing Organizations and Applying what we’ve Learned

Learning Objective(s):

1. Applying the theoretical concepts we have discussed and applied throughout our course to real
world organizations, situations, and problems.
2. Presenting of creative, informative, and well-designed presentations that will interest, intrigue,
and educate the class.

Online Discussion Forum:

Discussion Question: Please post your Organizational Analysis presentation by 8:00PM on

Monday night. We will discuss this presentation from Monday until Thursday morning at 7AM.

Due Dates and Times for Response Posts:

From Monday through Thursday morning at 7AM please review the presentations of at least two
classmates and engage in meaningful and substantive conversations with them pertaining to their
presentation. Please also respond to any posts made to your presentation during this time. The
discussion forums as well as our class will close on Thursday morning at 7AM. Late discussion
posts will not be reviewed or graded.
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Description of Homework Assignment:

Organizational Analysis and Recommendations Paper (Group or Individual Project)

Your research project for this course is to choose an organization and do a thorough analysis of it.
You may choose an organization that a Team member works for, a religious organization, or any
organization, as long as you have personal access to it. You must do the analysis of the organization
first hand, meaning, do not buy a book on G.E and do an analysis unless you plan on visiting the
headquarters and speaking with some of the employees. This analysis must include at least 6 topics
from the course material which will appear in the paper as subheadings and should include a
minimum of 8 scholarly / peer reviewed references in addition to the resources you access about
the organization specifically. The sources you utilize should offer support or contradictory
information towards the organization’s practices. The paper should be no less than 14 pages and
should include an introduction as well as a conclusion. The paper should be analytical and critical,
and not simply a discussion of the practices employed by the organization. Most importantly, the
analysis should be thorough, and give the reader a vivid picture of the organization you are
studying. Your paper should conclude with recommendations which you make to improve their
practices based on the material we have studied in our course as well as the outside research you
have conducted. In addition to the scholarly sources you should use printed material from the
organization as well as interviews with people within the organization to achieve your objective.
Please remember to format the analysis in APA format using appropriate citations, references,
subheadings, etc.

If you choose to work in a group, groups will not be assigned, it is up to you to form a group on
your own and use the material from our course to manage it effectively. If any issues arise please
reach out to me ASAP.

If you wish to join the team of other classmates who are taking the class in the blended format you
may do that on the condition that you attend the final class session in person and participate in the
team presentation.

Due Date and Time: The organizational analysis should be submitted to eLearning prior to
11:59PM on Monday (the first day of Week 8).

Organizational Analysis Presentation

Each individual or group will create an online presentation of your Organizational Analysis. The
presentation should be created using PowerPoint or Prezi and should be narrated; alternatively, you
can create a video or audio presentation. The presentation should be framed as if you are presenting
the findings from your organizational analysis to the board of directors of the organization you
studied. The presentation should not teach the theories you studied but rather should discuss how
the organization succeeds or fails (well, could do better) in the areas your paper discussed.
Remember, you are not presenting to a class but to the board of directors who has a strong and
vested interest in what you are saying. You are encouraged to be creative with your presentation
as you share with your classmates the research that you’ve done. For a tutorial on adding audio to
a PowerPoint presentation please click here.

Due Date and Time:

The presentation should be posted to the Week 8 discussion forum no later than 8PM on Monday
night.