Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership - College of Business and Organizational Leadership
Program Objective
The Organizational Management and Leadership major brings together key ideas and skills useful in working with people. Students achieve an understanding of group behavior and its relation to organizational effectiveness by translating theoretical learning into practical, hands-on experience. By learning to implement ideas in practice, students apply concepts and themes from a variety of disciplines to effective organizational approaches. Students become proficient in understanding change, directing change, and making decisions about the behavior of people within groups.
Students enrolled in the undergraduate Organizational Management and Leadershp major will develop:
- interpersonal and management skills;
- problem-solving and decision-making skills;
- written and oral communication skills;
- learner independence and self-image; and
- understanding of research methodology and its applications.
Research Project
Past and present work experiences serve as catalysts in the learning process. Students will be able to apply problem-solving principles to an existing problem or need in your occupational field. The research project, which continues throughout the program, blends study and experiential learning. The undergraduate research project in Organizational Management and Leadership provides a culminating experience designed to integrate learning outcomes from all coursework and link these outcomes to various life roles, particularly the work setting. Working with a project coordinator and an explicit set of guidelines, the student selects a problem to investigate. Then, using models, concepts, and analytical skills, the student identifies (and possibly implements) an appropriate solution(s) to the problem. Drawing on coursework, library resources, and prior experience, the student completes the research project. Finally, the student prepares a written report and presents two oral reports to the project coordinator and classmates.
The undergraduate research project offers the student two options: an applied/action research paper or a policy decision paper. An essential component in the program, the research project helps students:
- integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired through coursework;
- develop skills in identifying, stating, and solving problems objectively and systematically;
- enhance the ability to read and evaluate research;
- become competent and thorough researchers;
- understand the value of research in business and management;
- improve skills in evaluating proposals for change and their subsequent outcomes;
- refine oral and written presentation techniques; and
- create a positive change in the organization for which the project is designed.
Course Descriptions
OML 311 Group Dynamics - 3 credits
Students study group behavior and development, especially focusing on relationships of groups within organizations. Students examine organizational complexity, learn to analyze group and individual decision-making techniques, determine various roles within organizational groups, and identify decision-making skills and effective collaborative styles for efficient group management.
OML 315 Personal Leadership: Assessment and Application - 3 credits
Students critically examine life experiences within the context of a learning model, identify personal and professional traits and skills, and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses. This foundation is used to develop learning strategies, identify and understand the implementation of personal goals, and anticipate professional opportunities.
OML 321 Systems Management - 3 credits
This course provides an overview of systems management and systems thinking in organizations with an emphasis on identifying patterns and relationships within the system as a whole. Systems concepts are used to discuss the analysis of organizations, facilitation of change, and solutions to organizational problems.
OML 326 Research Methodologies - 4 credits
Basic research methodologies are explored in the context of organizational management. Professional research articles are evaluated and analyzed with an emphasis on reading and understanding research. Basic statistical terms and concepts are taught and analyzed. Students also focus on the writing tasks of the research process. Many assignments dovetail with the synthesis project.
OML 330 Interpersonal and Organizational Communication - 2 credits
Students examine communications and other interpersonal relationship skills that are essential for creating a productive work environment. Organizational communication and relationships are studied through readings and exercises that explore non-verbal communication, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution. Students research and develop a model for effective communication.
OML 340 Applied Synthesis Project I - 3 credits
Students learn professional presentation skills and then combine research and theory to develop individualized synthesis projects which examine research problems and answer a particular research question that has specific application in their occupation or avocation. This project is completed more independently than the other courses, synthesizing information from the rest of the program. Students learn significant skills in research and writing, project management, written and oral presentations, and demonstrate skills in applying theoretical constructs to concrete applications. This mid-program course expects that chapters 1-3 of the written project will be turned in for a grade and an oral presentation will provide the instructor and other classmates with a summary and overview of the project and the work completed up to that time.
OML 360 Financial Decision Making - 3 credits
Students explore major elements of coporate finance within an organizational context, including basic accounting terms, budgeting, time value of money, and global considerations. Students learn to use standard financial tools to make business assessments and financial decisions important for managers in any organization.
OML 410 Organizational Behavior - 4 credits
Organizational Behavior is an interdisciplinary field of study and practice that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, structure, and environment on work organizations. Students examine motivation, decision making, organizational structure, and processes that shape organizational analysis and change management. Case studies are a primary element of learning.
OML 415 Biblical Christianity for Thoughtful People - 4 credits
Students study selected Old and New Testament texts and explore the historical Biblical perspective of Christianity in the context of grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students learn how religious issues have been addressed and incorporated in different eras of history. Students learn how Christianity has shaped elements of culture and organizational life, how Biblical principles can shape individuals for strong leadership roles, and how to better understand Christians in the workplace within a Judeo-Christian culture.
OML 420 Diversity and Global Issues - 3 credits
Students use literature interviews, and class discussion to explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions represented in various kinds of diversity that affect social and economic life. Students explore the obligations and implications of equal opportunity in organizations while they develop organizational strategies to benefit from diversity in the U.S. and abroad.
OML 425 Management and Organizational Leadership - 3 credits
Students examine key elements of management and leadership theory, including planning, organizaing, leadership, and controlling (accountability). Students will analyze management and supervision styles and techniques to understand the potential solutions to current organizational problems.
OML 430 Innovative Marketing - 3 credits
Students will use the five P's of marketing - (place, price, product, promotion, and people)as the context for understanding and researching customer needs and wants.
OML 435 Philosophy of Values and Ethics - 3 credits
Students examine issues of accountability in government and business regarding human rights and ethics through readings, classroom discussion, and debates. Students develop a system for making ethical decisions in their personal lives as well as in public and employment situations. Exploring both ethical theory and personal values, students develop a system for making ethical decisions in their personal, public and work lives.
OML 440 Applied Synthesis Project II - 3 credits
This course is the culmination of the synthesis project that has been developed throughout the program (see OML 340). Students submit their complete written Synthesis Project and give a formal presentation of the Project's content to the instructor and the cohort.
OML 450 Organizational Policy and Strategy - 4 credits
Organizational Policy and Strategy is the capstone course in the program, exploring how leaders make effective decisions that shape organizational policy and strategy.
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