Fundamentals of Management and Organizations from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Fundamentals of Management

In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in management and organizations. You will go through the basic insights of this field, from the pioneering work developed by Taylor in the early 20th century to the modern approach that organizations use to manage processes and tasks.

Managing Projects and Management in Knowledge Intensive Economies

In this module we will go over the basic concepts in project management and how to think about productivity in a knowledge intensive economy. We will see the difference between managing projects and processes and how proper problem identification is the key to succesful project management in organizations.

Organizational Forms and Functions

In this module we will go over some fundamental concepts about organizational forms and functions. All organizations can be understood by analyzing how they structure their operations, what are the different functions they use to organize their work and how their environment influences their structure.

Organizational Design: How to Structure Effective Management Systems

In this module we will understand the fundamentals of environmental analysis and how to understand the relationship between the external environment and organizational structure and design.

New Organizational Forms: The Business Model Approach

In this module we will go over the business model concept and how it can help managers see the bigger picture when analyzing organizations, innovative products and new ventures

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the theory and practice of management, suitable for beginners

Provides basic knowledge and structures in management, making it accessible to learners from diverse fields

Applies practical tools and concepts to self and work management

Covers the management of processes and projects, essential elements of organizational functioning

Analyzes external and internal factors that influence management strategies

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 Fundamentals of Management and Organizations with these activities:

Review Organizational Concepts

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Review foundational management concepts to deepen understanding of course material.

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Read articles and textbooks on basic management principles.
Attend workshops or seminars on management fundamentals.
Engage in discussions about management concepts with peers or mentors.

Read 'Management: A Practical Introduction'

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Gain insights from a comprehensive management textbook that covers key course concepts.

View Fundamentals of Management on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize each chapter's main points in your own words.
Discuss the book's content with classmates or a study group.

Participate in Management Case Study Discussions

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Engage in group discussions to analyze and solve real-world management case studies.

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Review case studies provided by the instructor or from external sources.
Join a study group or online forum for case study discussions.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and perspectives.

Four other activities

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Develop a Project Management Proposal

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Apply course concepts by creating a project management proposal that outlines a hypothetical project.

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Identify a project scope and define project objectives.
Develop a project timeline and budget.
Outline project deliverables and milestones.
Write a formal project management proposal.

Practice Problem Solving in Organizational Design

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Sharpen analytical skills by solving practice problems related to organizational design and structure.

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Obtain practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or the instructor.
Set aside dedicated time for problem-solving practice.
Check solutions with the instructor or a study group to identify areas for improvement.

Explore Management Simulation Software

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Enhance practical understanding through guided tutorials using management simulation software.

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Identify reputable management simulation software platforms.
Follow tutorials to learn the software's features and capabilities.
Apply simulation exercises to real-world business scenarios.

Volunteer in a Management-Related Role

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Gain practical experience and network with professionals by volunteering in a management-related role.

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Identify non-profit organizations or startups in need of management assistance.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Provide support with tasks such as project management, event planning, or marketing.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Management and Organizations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Management Analyst

Management Analysts help organizations solve problems and improve efficiency through analysis and recommendations. This course would help a Management Analyst by teaching them the fundamentals of management, organizational structure, and environmental analysis. This knowledge can help Management Analysts to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement improvements that can help organizations achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes and operations. This course would help a Business Analyst by teaching them the basics of management, process analysis, and organizational design. By understanding the fundamentals of management, Business Analysts are able to help organizations improve their business processes and operations more effectively.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course would help an Operations Manager by providing them with a foundation in management principles, process management, and project management. By understanding the fundamentals of management, Operations Managers can better oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. This course would help a Project Manager by providing them with a foundation in project management, project planning, and project execution. By understanding the fundamentals of project management, Project Managers can effectively plan and execute projects.

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Strategy Manager

Strategy Managers develop and implement strategies for organizations. This course would help a Strategy Manager by providing them with a foundation in strategic planning, environmental analysis, and organizational design. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Strategy Managers are able to help organizations develop and implement strategies that can achieve their goals.

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Management Information Systems Manager

Management Information Systems Managers oversee the development and implementation of information systems for organizations. This course would help a Management Information Systems Manager by providing them with a foundation in information systems management, business analysis, and project management. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Management Information Systems Managers can better oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Consultant

Consultants help organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course would help a Consultant by providing them with a foundation in management, organizational structure, and problem-solving. By understanding the fundamentals of management, Consultants can better help organizations identify and solve problems.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products and services. This course would help a Product Manager by teaching them the fundamentals of product management, business models, and market analysis. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Product Managers are able to take new products and services to market successfully.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of programs. This course would help a Program Manager by providing them with a foundation in program management, project management, and resource management. By understanding the fundamentals of program management, Program Managers can better oversee the activities of their programs.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers oversee the development and implementation of new business initiatives. This course would help a Business Development Manager by providing them with a foundation in business development, market analysis, and strategic planning. By understanding the fundamentals of business development, Business Development Managers are able to help organizations develop and implement new business initiatives that can drive growth.

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Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course would help a Chief Operating Officer by providing them with a foundation in business management, organizational structure, and financial management. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Chief Operating Officers are able to effectively oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers oversee the development and implementation of technology for organizations. This course would help a Chief Technology Officer by providing them with a foundation in technology management, business analysis, and project management. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Chief Technology Officers are able to better oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Chief Risk Officer

Chief Risk Officers oversee the development and implementation of risk management policies and procedures for organizations. This course may be somewhat helpful to a Chief Risk Officer by providing them with a foundation in organizational structure, environmental analysis, and financial management. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Chief Risk Officers may be better able to oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers oversee the overall operations of an organization. This course may be somewhat helpful to a Chief Executive Officer by providing them with a foundation in business management, organizational structure, and environmental analysis. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Chief Executive Officers may be better able to oversee the activities of their organizations.

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Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers oversee the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures for organizations. This course may be somewhat helpful to a Chief Financial Officer by providing them with a foundation in financial management, organizational structure, and environmental analysis. By understanding the fundamentals of these topics, Chief Financial Officers may be better able to oversee the activities of their organizations.

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