OLS 51000 Foundations of Behavior and Leadership in Organizations, Cr. 3.
P: None
Leadership involves relationships and social influence processes in an interactive relational context. In this survey course, we examine the foundational concepts and theories of human behavior that enable effective leadership. Organizational behavior at the levels of the individual, group and organization are discussed, with the goal of predicting, shaping, and evaluating workplace behavior.
OLS 515 00 Foundations of Human Resource, Cr. 3.
P: None
This is a survey course emphasizing the human resource function (and its development) in the context of the work organization. Human resource development topics include exploration of various training and development techniques, the relation of training to organizational strategies, training needs analysis, evaluation of training, and career development. The strategic approach to human resource management also is covered, including what human resource professionals can and should do to help the organization to succeed.
OLS 52000 Foundations of Organizational Context, Cr. 3.
P: None
The purpose of this course is to introduce the tools of organizational decision-making and for students to learn to integrate functional area knowledge and analysis in the organizational context. A variety of analyses are introduced, including budgeting, audits (i.e., cultural, strategic), planning, classification of core competencies and strategic capabilities, and understanding value chain, industry and competitor analyses and basic project management. Using cases and real organizational problems, students will (1) identify types of organizational reports and understand how to evaluate them (2) demonstrate knowledge of when to request various analyses and (3) understand how to complete some common organizational analyses and reports.
OLS 52500 Organizational Analysis and Action, Cr. 3.
P: None
This course is a survey of key, recent and essential elements of organizational theory and design which provide the foundation for diagnosing, developing and critiquing organizational decisions and forms. Questions and issues to explore include: Why do organizations exist and why do they survive? Why and how do organizations differ? Why and how do organizations change? Multiple frameworks from the social sciences that are useful for understanding organizational processes will be applied.
Research skills course
P: None
One 3 credit-Hour research skills course. Options include either EDUC P503 or COM 58200.
OLS 54500 Compensation and Benefits, Cr. 3
P: None
This course addresses the theoretical and practical issues associated with the design of effective compensation systems. It covers compensation philosophy, strategy, and policy, including topics such as performance-based pay, equity considerations, job evaluation, and benefits.
OLS 55500 Workforce Planning and Employment, Cr. 3.
P:: OLS 515 and a research skills course
This course examines all aspects of the staffing process beginning with workforce planning and applicant recruitment and ending with termination and outplacement. Recruitment and selection methods used by organizations are evaluated using scientific and ethical criteria, and discrepancies between research recommendations and practice are explored.
OLS 56500 Employee Relations, Cr. 3.
P: None
This course explores determinants of employee attitudes and job satisfaction and modification of attitudes and morale. Ways to reduce barriers between management and employees are investigated, as are organizational communication issues, diversity issues, procedures to resolve disputes, employee involvement strategies, and working effectively with unions and maintaining non-union status.
ELECTIVE:
Approved by advisior
OLS 53000 System Change and Organization Development, Cr. 3
P: None
Organization development uses behavior science knowledge to develop, enhance, and reinforce factors that lead to effectiveness in organization systems. This seminar course will explore the theory and practice of change in organizations through organization development. The process of organization development will be explored as well as basic OD interventions. Issues and challenges of organization development also will be discussed.
OLS 54000 Leading Collaborative Projects and Work Teams,
Cr. 3
P: OLS 510
This course focuses on methods of understanding and improving the performance of collaborations and work teams. A holistic view of teams is obtained by combining psychological theories and current practices in contemporary organizations. Topics include task design, team composition, member role structures, member socialization, influence and power, leadership, decision making, and training. Students will be asked to watch and reflect on collaborative work relationships. A heavy emphasis is placed on experiential learning, including case studies and a variety of team-learning exercises.
OLS 58700 Developing a Leadership Philosophy, Cr. 3.
P: OLS 510
This course will focus on affect, motives, attitudes, beliefs, values, ethics, morals, will, commitment, preferences, norms, expectations, responsibilities - and others as they relate to leadership. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the kind of ethical dilemmas they may face in the workplace. A variety of methods such as invited speakers, case studies or readings are used to deepen understanding of these issues and provide practical examples. Students will develop their personal philosophy as well as the skills and confidence needed for ethical leadership in their professional careers
ELECTIVE:
Approved by Advisor
RESEARCH
Addition Requiremnts:
Students finish the program by completing either the capstone class with an approved Elective or the individual research project (OLS 68000).
OLS 59000 OLS Capstone Cr. 3
P: Completion of core courses, research skills class, majority of required courses and approval of instructor/advisor.
this course is a culminating "capstone" academic experience for students completing their OLS master's degree. It is intended to generate critical thought, reflection, and to provide the opportunity for the practical application of leadership development that draws upon the theories, concepts, and research learned throughout the OLS graduate study. The course will require that the student offer special attention to the practice of personal reflection, especially with regards to their leadership style, philosophies, and skills. The student will explore how they have developed, and will continue to develop, their leadership 'persons', and the impact it will have in their careers, on communities, and the overall enrichment of their lives.
The class will include a team based project that requires diagnosing and addressing organizational problems. Written assignments will be designed to foster synthesis of learning and practice.
OLS 68000 Research in OLS, variable course Cr. 3 and/or 6
P: Completion of core courses and instructor/advisor permission.
This course focuses on the planning and executing of research designs after identifying a real organizational challenge or problem. While some guidance is provided, students will develop their own methods for uncovering and diagnosing organizational problems, reviewing relevant literature, formulating solution models and recommendations, and helping client organizations implement changes. Students are required to prepare and present an action learning project, with an emphasis on documenting ways they have and can make a difference in an organization.
OLS 55700 Creativity and Innovation in Organizations and Industry, Cr. 3.
P: None
The course will provide students with a deeper understanding of the process of creativity and design and its role in modern organizations. Students should develop sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about innovation-related issues, to participate on design teams, and to work on developing the cross-functional skills essential for developing and/or commercializing product, process, or service innovations in traditional and in start-up environments.
OLS 56000 Leadership of Virtual Teams, Cr. 3
P: None
This course will introduce students to contemporary theories, concepts and applications of virtual teamwork. Students will explicitly examine the differences in virtual and collocated team development, and use emerging theories (e.g., team identity theory) and perspectives (e.g., online community development) to predict and explain virtual team behavior and leadership decisions. This course requires internet connection and completion of some collaborative tasks while maintaining only computer and technological linkages to widely dispersed team members.
OLS 57000 Leadership Across Cultural Boundaries, Cr. 3.
P: OLS 51000
This course will enhance the student's ability to harness the talents of diverse members in organizations, and take full advantage of cultural similarities and differences. Various activities will link theory and experience, and help students predict and understand the worldly context of organizations.
OLS 57500 Contemporary Employment Practices and the Law, Cr. 3.
P: None
A survey and analysis of the law governing human resources. Students will strengthen their understanding of the legal framework in which human resource administration takes place by studying employment discrimination, compensation laws and regulations, employee selection guidelines, and other topics.
OLS 57700 Organization and Administration of Training and Development, Cr. 3.
P: OLS 475 or permission of instructor
The function and administration of training and development in the world of work.
OLS 58400 Constructive and Destructive Conflict and Cooperation, Cr. 3.
P: OLS 510
This course is designed to provide students from all functional backgrounds with skills needed to approach interdependent relationships and negotiations with confidence. Included will be an examination of how leadership and influence is gained, maintained, used, abused, and lost in the pursuit of interpersonal and organizational objectives that are often in conflict. Students in the course will develop a framework for analysis, gain knowledge about one's own tendencies in negotiation, and have a chance to experiment with negotiating techniques in various contexts. Topics include: integrative and distributive negotiations, individual differences in bargaining styles, coalitions, team negotiations, negotiating through agents, and ethical issues in negotiation.
OLS 58500 Health, Safety, and Security, Cr. 3.
P: None
This is a seminar course covering safety promotion, human factors considerations, contingency planning and crisis management, theft and misuse of organizational resources, and investigations and preventive measures. Other topics covered include promoting employee health and creating psychosocially healthy organizations.
OLS 59000 Special topics, Cr. 3
P: graduate-student status.
Opportunity to study specific problems in the field of leadership and human resource under the guidance of a qualified faculty member within the department. Does include thesis work.
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
