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Managing the Organization

This course is intended to help you become a better manager by helping you more fully understand and deal with the complexities and challenges associated with managerial life in organizations. You will learn theories, principles, and frameworks that will help you more effectively manage and lead your organizations.

You will be able to:

- Analyze common managerial challenges and develop solutions to these challenges

- Use power effectively and strategically to implement organizational change

- Understand the foundations of organizational culture and decision-making

You will be able to:

- Analyze common managerial challenges and develop solutions to these challenges

- Use power effectively and strategically to implement organizational change

- Understand the foundations of organizational culture and decision-making

- Navigate common decision-making pitfalls and ethical challenges

- Apply principles of organization management to common challenges of management

This course is part of Gies College of Business’ suite of online programs, including the iMBA and iMSM. Learn more about admission into these programs and explore how your Coursera work can be leveraged if accepted into a degree program at https://degrees.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/idegrees/.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Informs managers about some common challenges and their solutions

Equipping managers to sharpen their skills in using power strategically

Familiarizes managers with organizational culture in the context of management

Emphasizes decision-making ethics, considering the variety of decision-making methods

Taught by recognized instructors, Michael Bednar and E. Geoffrey Love

Presents leadership in terms of organizational structure, using prior modules as stepping stones

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Reviews summary

Practical management theory overview

learners say this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in management principles, with many finding the concepts clear and well-explained by the knowledgeable instructor. The modules on organizational culture and decision-making are often highlighted as particularly insightful. While generally considered a valuable introduction for those new to management or seeking a structured overview, some students noted a desire for more emphasis on practical application and real-world case studies, suggesting the assignments could sometimes feel abstract. The course structure is logical, but some wished for more interactive elements.

Be prepared for substantial reading material.

"There is a significant amount of reading required each week."

"The assigned readings are extensive but valuable."

"Needed dedicated time just for the readings."

"Plan your time for the volume of required texts."

Excellent for beginners or those transitioning.

"Great introductory course for someone moving into a management role."

"Perfect if you're new to formal management concepts."

"Provided a good overview to get started."

"A solid first course in organizational management."

Module on organizational culture is valuable.

"The module on organizational culture was particularly insightful and relevant."

"I found the section on managing culture very helpful."

"Learning about culture change was a highlight for me."

"The deep dive into culture dynamics was eye-opening."

Concepts are easy to understand and follow.

"Concepts were well explained and easy to grasp."

"The instructor did a great job making complex ideas clear."

"Videos and readings were clear and concise."

"The material was presented in a way that made sense."

Provides a strong base in management concepts.

"The course gave me a solid theoretical foundation in managing organizations."

"Excellent overview of key management principles and theories."

"Good grounding in the fundamental concepts."

"Helped me understand the academic basis of management."

Some assignments felt theoretical.

"The assignments felt a bit abstract and not directly tied to real management tasks."

"Wished the assignments required more practical application."

"Some homework felt like busywork without clear practical relevance."

"The practical relevance of assignments wasn't always clear."

More real-world examples/practice needed.

"Could benefit from more practical examples and case studies."

"Felt a bit too theoretical, wished for more application."

"The concepts are good, but how do I actually *do* this in practice?"

"Needs more focus on applying the theories learned."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing the Organization with these activities:

Review the principles of data analysis

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Strengthen your foundation in data analysis, preparing you to effectively manage and interpret data for decision-making.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Revisit textbooks or online resources on data analysis.
Review fundamental concepts such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and data visualization.
Practice analyzing data using statistical software or online tools.
Engage in exercises or simulations to reinforce your understanding.

Join a study group and engage in collaborative problem-solving

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Foster collaborative learning, enhance your understanding through peer discussions, and build a support network.

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Reach out to classmates through email or discussion forums to form or join a study group.
Set regular meeting times and establish ground rules for the group.
Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and work through assignments collaboratively.
Provide constructive feedback to each other and seek support when needed.

Follow the 'Power and Influence in Organizations' tutorial series by MindTools

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Gain practical insights into the dynamics of power and influence, empowering you to navigate organizational challenges more effectively.

Browse courses on Power and Influence

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Access the MindTools website and locate the 'Power and Influence in Organizations' tutorial series.
Complete the tutorials in order, taking notes and applying the concepts to your own experiences.
Engage in the interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
Reflect on how the lessons learned can enhance your leadership and interpersonal skills.

Four other activities

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Read and summarize 'The Biological Basis of Managerial Behavior' by Gary Yukl

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Provide a comprehensive overview of the biological underpinnings of managerial behavior, enhancing your understanding of human behavior in organizational settings.

View Organizational Behavior and Personnel Psychology on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book and set aside time for reading.
Read the book, taking notes as you go to identify key concepts.
Summarize the main points of each chapter, focusing on key theories, research, and implications for managerial practice.
Identify areas where the book's insights align with or challenge your own observations and experiences.

Participate in online discussions about case studies related to organizational leadership

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Enhance your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and understanding of leadership challenges in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Organizational Leadership

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Identify reputable online forums or discussion groups dedicated to organizational leadership.
Select a case study that resonates with you.
Analyze the case study, identify key issues, and develop potential solutions.
Engage in discussions, sharing your perspectives, responding to others, and seeking diverse viewpoints.
Reflect on the discussions,笔记ing key takeaways and areas for growth.

Develop a training module on 'Managing Cultural Diversity in Organizations'

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Solidify your understanding of cultural diversity and enable you to create inclusive and effective workplace environments.

Browse courses on Cultural Diversity

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Research best practices for managing cultural diversity in organizations.
Design the training module, including content, activities, and assessments.
Develop materials, such as handouts and presentations.
Pilot the training module with a small group to gather feedback.
Finalize and deliver the training module.

Contribute to the 'OrgManager' project on GitHub

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Gain hands-on experience with organizational management tools, contribute to the open-source community, and enhance your technical skills.

Browse courses on Organizational Management

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Familiarize yourself with the 'OrgManager' project on GitHub.
Identify areas where you can make meaningful contributions, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
Fork the repository and create a branch for your contributions.
Make your changes and write clear documentation.
Submit a pull request and engage with the community to address feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Managing the Organization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers will need a bachelor's degree, and sometimes may have a master's degree. They will need to know how to analyze common managerial challenges and develop solutions to these challenges. This course can help build that foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts typically have a bachelor's or master's degree. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would both be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Operations Manager

Operations Managers will usually have a bachelor's degree and may need an MBA. This course will be particularly helpful for them because it teaches how to analyze common managerial challenges and develop solutions to these challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers will need at a minimum a bachelor's degree, and often need a master's degree. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would both be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree. This course may be helpful to them because it teaches how to analyze common managerial challenges and develop solutions to these challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree. This course can help build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers typically need a bachelor's degree. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would both be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers typically need a bachelor's degree. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would both be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers typically have a master's degree, like an MBA. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers typically need a master's degree, like an MBA. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers typically need a master's degree, like an MBA. This course can help them to understand how to use power effectively to implement organizational change, which is a necessary skill for this role. This course also helps build a foundation of organizational culture and decision-making, which would both be highly beneficial to this kind of professional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers may have a bachelor's or a master's degree. They will find this course useful in developing their understanding of organizational culture and decision-making, which are essential to the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree. This course may be helpful to them because it teaches foundational theories in management, including models of organizational change, decision-making processes, and effective leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Program Manager

Program Managers are typically required to have a bachelor's degree. This course may be helpful to them because it teaches foundational theories in management, including models of organizational change, decision-making processes, and effective leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Management Analyst

Management Analysts, who typically need a master's degree, may find the “Managing the Organization” course helpful. This course provides an overview of foundational theories in management, including models of organizational change, decision-making processes, and effective leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Managing the Organization.

Organizational Behavior, Global Edition

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Provides a comprehensive overview of organizational behavior, covering topics such as motivation, leadership, and group dynamics. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the human side of organizations.

Managing the Organization

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical management theory overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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