Students examine group behavior and how group functioning affects organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the principles of group dynamics, problem solving and decision making, and the diagnosis and resolution of conflict.
Students evaluate their own lives from the perspective of adult development theory through discovering the opportunities and challenges that typically characterize development during the adult years.
Students learn the purpose and value of research as a problem-solving tool in organizations. Approaches for identifying, analyzing, and studying organizational problems are emphasized as students select and analyze appropriate organizational problems for their applied research projects.
Students deal with principles of writing based on analytical and formal research, including form and style, organization, and literature review. Inductive analysis, research and documentation are emphasized while laying the groundwork for the writing requirements in remaining courses.
Students assess and improve their communication skills in order to be more productive in various organizational settings. Key concepts include conflict management, constructive feedback, active listening, power, mentoring, and dysfunctional communication.
Students gain understanding of the integration of the Christian world view in contemporary life and work.
Students explore how data analysis contributes to making decisions and solving organizational problems. Basic methods of summarizing, analyzing, and presenting research data are explained.
Students describe the purpose, setting, history, scope, and importance of their applied research topics.
Students will write a review of the literature using primary sources of information in the social sciences.
Students refine both written and oral presentation skills. Presenting ideas, reports, and proposals clearly and concisely are the primary goals of this course.
Students will examine models of leadership, focusing on the importance of strategic thinking, managing change, and assessment of leadership behaviors and managerial style so as to develop a personal growth plan for improving leadership performance.
Students consider the relationships between culture and the world of work. They discover how the environment, especially the workplace, has been shaped by the value and life experiences of various ethnic and racial groups.
Students discuss ethical theory and social and personal values as they relate to problem solving and decision making.
Students report their research results, draw conclusions, and make recommendations for organizational change. Includes formal presentation of their final Applied Research Project.
