Online Course Syllabus: BA454/PY456 Organizational Behavior Important Notes: This document provides an overview of expectations for this online course and is subject to change prior to the term start. Changes may also occur during the term due to faculty or SPS Distance Learning course updates. Some links may only be active once the term starts. For this course you must check the Regis Bookstore: http://www.efollett.com for the most current online course material information. Course Description Prerequisites Course Outcomes Required Course Materials Grading Criteria Overview of Graded Activities Assignments Course Description BA454/PY456 Organizational Behavior presents an overview of individual behavior, group behavior and systemic processes and structures that impact the effectiveness of organizations. Specific attention is dedicated to understanding how factors such as an organization's design, culture, leadership, and problem-solving processes influence its ability to manage change. The course emphasizes the importance of reflecting on personal experience and using new and existing knowledge to identify opportunities for improving organizational performance and effectiveness. Prerequisites Although there are no prerequisites to this course, students are assumed to possess some familiarity with basic management principles, and to have present or previous experience being part of an "organization". Course Outcomes
A primary instructional approach is experiential learning where the student is viewed as an active participant in the learning process by relating course content to real work situations, case studies, and field research and by sharing those insights with the class. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Discuss major components of the field of Organizational Behavior and their practical application to organizations of varying sizes and types, ranging from small to large and to for-profit, nonprofit and governmental sectors. Identify and analyze factors that influence the effectiveness of organizations, such as leadership, culture, values, power, conflict management, and decision making. Analyze the impact of various structural designs, including use of teams, to provide a framework for meeting personal and organizational goals. Analyze and identify critical factors that influence organizational change, including ways that each individual can personally contribute to more satisfying and productive outcomes. Required Course Materials Osland, Joyce. S., David A. Kolb, and Irwin M. Rubin. Organizational Behavior: An Experiential Approach, 8th ed. Pearson/Prentice-Hall. 2007. ISBN: 0131441515 NOTE: Because the field of organizational behavior is experienced-based and supports practical application in organizations, the text is a workbook. Each chapter has a section called "premeeting preparation" that suggests how to focus on the featured topic, beginning with theory and concepts and moving to practical application(s). While there are exercises and activities for each chapter, your facilitator will assign which of these will be utilized. Electronic Reserves Refer to the course content for information regarding articles on Electronic Reserves. Grading Criteria
Your performance will be evaluated based on factors that include level of participation, demonstrated understanding of the material, accuracy of information, coherence, clarity of presentation, utilization of research, critical thinking, comprehensiveness, creativity and meeting of deadlines. Additionally, the depth and breadth of knowledge gained and evidence of reflection thereon are important performance criteria. Note: discussions and/or written assignments may involve the disclosure of personal opinions about organizations. It is expected that all participants, students and faculty alike, will respect course confidentiality and hold any such information in confidence. Your understanding of course content will be analyzed using the following activities: Participation = 25% of grade Three s = each 25% of grade Total possible score is 100 points. A letter grade will be assigned according to the University Grading System, described in Regis Policies and Procedures. Overview of Graded Activities Consult the Weekly Activities pages or Assignments Page for more information on each assignment. 1. Participation- 25% of Grade Weekly participation in with students and the facilitator is required. You will be instructed to answer questions or share your perspectives on selected topics through the. It is important to respond to the requests during the designated timeframe. The length of each response will vary depending on the nature of the question. Responses should be brief, yet complete enough to clearly present your thoughts. Students should strive for quality postings that build the discussion and tie-in course concepts in a substantive way. Students are expected to post comments and feedback on the postings of classmates and/or the facilitator on a regular basis. While quantity is an important consideration, but quantity does not substitute for quality. In addition to assigned postings, students may initiate dialogues on current events and other topics relevant to the class. An interesting, lively and fun is definitely an important goal for this class! Active participation by each student is key!
2. s - 75% of Grade Throughout this course, you will be required to submit three written assignments that analyze real or fictional experiences in organizations. These assignments should be emailed to the facilitator, not posted on the. Each paper is an opportunity to apply and analyze concepts and ideas related to organizational behavior. Each assignment is outlined on the Course Assignments page. The three papers, varying from four to eight pages in length, should be typed and doublespaced, with pages numbered. The material should be clearly organized with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Proof-read your papers to ensure correct spelling, grammar, conciseness and clarity. Refer to the Writing Guidelines, under Regis Policies and Procedures, for additional information. Online Course Assignments BA454/PY456 Week: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Course Dynamics This course is organized around an eight-week program. Weekly outcomes, assignments, and critical information are organized week-by-week. Typically, each week includes a reading assignment, forum submittal, e-mail assignment, and work on your final course project. Work on your final project every week and make periodic submittals of your progress as required by your Facilitator. Online weeks correlate to a 7-day work week. Each week's work begins on a Sunday. Week One begins on the first day of the session, which is always a Monday. Prior to the start of each week, before Sunday, complete the reading assignments. Do not complete the Class Preparation and Class Activity in each chapter unless instructed to do so by your facilitator. On Sunday of each week, read your weekly critical information found in the Week-by-Week section. (Note: Your timely understanding of critical information content may be required to complete your weekly assignment or final project.) Generally, by Wednesday of each week, participate in the discussions, read other student postings, and reply, when appropriate, to their postings.
Generally, by Friday of each week, save a copy of your assignments for yourself and e- mail them to your Facilitator. Week 1 On the first day of the course: familiarize yourself with the website, including syllabus, Week-by-Week activities, Assignment Page, and Week 1 in the Week-by-Week link Chapter 1 The Psychological Contract and Committment Chapter 16 Organizational Cultures Post a personal Introduction by Wednesday that includes: Your name City where you live Email address Occupation/professional interests and aspirations Why you are taking the course Additional comments as desired. Check the for opening messages Respond to Week 1 discussion topics and postings as instructed #1, Field Research on Organizational Culture Prepare a 4-5 page paper that describes your field research on organizational culture. Describe the type and size of the business, person interviewed, organizational culture findings, and your analysis per the full instructions outlined in Week 1.8. This assignment is due on or before Sunday at the end of Week 2. Week 2
Chapter 2: Theories of Managing People Chapter 6: Values and Workplace Ethics Chapter 5: Individual and Organizational Motivation Chapter 19: Empowerment and Coaching Respond to Week 2 discussion topics and postings as instructed. #1 is due at the end of week 2. Week 3 Chapter 8, Interpersonal Communication Chapter 9, Perception and Attribution Chapter 21, Organization Design Chapter 10, Group Dynamics and Work Teams Electronic Reserve Read Tannen, D. (1995, September/October). "The Power of Talk: Who Gets Heard and Why". Harvard Business Review, 138-148. http://130.253.4.143/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=31 Respond to Week 3 discussion topics and postings as instructed.
#2, Organization Structure and Design Analysis Using concepts discussed in Chapters 10 and 21, describe an organization's structure, design, and communication flow. Secure a copy of an organizational chart for an organization that you have some familiarity with so you can discuss its style and structure. Additional instructions are contained in section 3.10. Assignment #2 will be due at the end of week 4. Week 4 Chapter 15: Leadership Chapter 14, Managing Diversity Optional: Cohen and Tichy, Operation Leadership, Fast Company, September 1999. Respond to Week 4 discussion topics and postings as instructed. Consultant for a Week Activity Part 1 Select a real life experience that is related to one of the questions and is having a negative impact on behavior in an organization or a work group. Write a case study about the situation you selected. Use the case study guidelines posted in the forum as the framework for your assignment. Post your case study by Wednesday unless your facilitator instructs you to do otherwise. Part 2 Select two posts from two of your classmates. Pretend you are a consultant and provide your expertise on the cases you selected.
#2 is due at the end of week 4. Week 5 Chapter 3: Individual and Organizational Learning Chapter 11: Problem Solving Chapter 12: Managing Creativity Chapter 17: Decision Making Electronic Reserve Senge, Peter, "The Leader s New Work: Building Learning Organizations", Sloan Management Review, Fall 1990. http://130.253.4.143/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=31 Respond to Week 5 discussion topics and postings as instructed. None Week 6
Chapter 13, Conflict and Negotiation Chapter 18, Power and Influence Electronic Reserve: "How Management Teams Can Have a Good Fight" article http://130.253.4.143/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=31 Respond to Week 6 discussion topics and postings as instructed. s None Week 7 Chapter 22: Managing Change Respond to Week 7 discussion topics and postings as instructed. #3, Bestfoods Case Study The Bestfoods case study is an opportunity to determine your understanding of the concepts discussed throughout this course with a particular emphasis on leadership, diversity, and change management. Read the Bestfoods case on pages 700-723 of the text. Prepare a written case study analysis as described in Week by
Week section 7.7 Email your case study to the facilitator by the assigned date in week 8. Week 8 Post your Maxims Formulate a concise maxim for at least one idea or concept discussed in this class that caused you to think about organizations in general or your personal approach, role, or goals in a new way. Course Evaluation Complete the online course evaluation form located at the bottom of the content in the Week by Week.. Please contact techsupport@regis.edu if you need assistance or to report any problems. 2001, 2005 Regis University. All Rights Reserved.