International Security Management from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

An introduction to the international security landscape

Welcome to the first week of our MOOC! During this week you will be introduced to the international security landscape, it's actors and why this landscape concerns us all.

Managing security

Welcome to week 2 of our MOOC! During this week we will take a closer look into the concept of security management as well as the underlying challenges. The week concludes with an exercise in which you can conduct your own risk assessment.

Internet Intelligence and Investigation

This week focuses on Internet Intelligence and Investigation (the three "I's"). This concept is sometimes also referred to as Open Source Intelligence or OSINT. In addition to learning how the Internet contributes to the management of security, you will also learn how technological developments have influenced security management over the past decades.

Serious Organised Crime

You are past the half-way point of our MOOC! During week 4 you will learn more about the concept of serious organised crime. Where does terrorism fit into serious organised crime and what are some of the treats emerging on the horizon? Read on to learn more...

Leadership in security management

This week takes a step back from the various facts and figures provided in the previous weeks and examines why leadership is an important element when addressing global challenges, including safety and security.

Illicit trade

Welcome to the penultimate week of our MOOC! This week provides a very detailed overview of illicit trade. What are the consequences of illicit trade, why does it concerns everyone, and what can you do yourself? These questions and more will be answered!

A positive lens on safety

You have made it to the final week of our MOOC! Let's take a look at safety from a more positive angle. What makes you feel safe in your day-to-day life and can taking a calculated amount of risk also be a positive approach to safety? In addition to covering these questions, we will also ask you to re-evaluate whether your definition of safety has changed following the completion of our MOOC.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores serious organized crime, terrorism, and illicit trade, offering insights into contemporary security challenges

Examines Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Internet Intelligence, and Investigation, which are highly relevant to security management

Taught by a team of experts representing different backgrounds and sectors, providing diverse perspectives on international security

Multi-modal with a mix of videos, readings, and discussions, creating an engaging learning experience

Assumes little to no prior knowledge, making it accessible to beginners interested in international security

Requires learners to conduct a risk assessment exercise, providing hands-on experience in security management

Reviews summary

Understanding international security management

Learners say this course on international security management is largely positive and engrossing. It provides engaging assignments and eye-opening content on current security challenges. Weekly lessons explore various aspects of international security including topics like illicit trade, terrorism, and organized crime. However, some learners note that accents from non-native English speakers can sometimes be difficult to understand.

Interviews with experts in the field provide real-world insights.

"Interviews are great for sharing real-life experiences and applicable knowledge."

Interactive assignments and discussions keep learners engaged.

"This course equipped me with skills that made my job easier and enjoyable , also encouraging me to learn more."

Course content provides valuable insights into current security issues.

"Very informative course. It covers a lot of topics that security practitioners should know."

Instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in the field.

"Well defined instructors with all quality of teaching online by giving processes lectures."

Concepts and theories are presented clearly.

"All the concepts were very well explained."

"Everything mentioned and explained properly"

Some learners may have preferred more frequent quizzes or tests to reinforce learning.

"Very informative, great instructors who know their stuff, but minimal opportunity to test knowledge attained."

Accents from non-native English speakers can sometimes be difficult to understand.

"Some guests were very hard to follow because of their [bad] English pronunciation."

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 International Security Management with these activities:

Review course syllabus

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Familiarize yourself with the course structure and requirements to set realistic expectations.

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Read 'Introduction to International Security' by D. Intriligator

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Gain foundational knowledge on the principles and theories of international security, which will be crucial for understanding the course content.

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Read chapters 1-3 to grasp the core concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and theories presented in each chapter.

Follow online tutorials on Illicit Trade

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Expand your knowledge on the complexities and consequences of illicit trade through guided online tutorials.

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Identify reputable websites or platforms that offer tutorials on illicit trade.
Select tutorials that cover specific aspects of the topic that interest you or require further clarification.
Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and engaging in interactive exercises.

Five other activities

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Complete online quiz on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

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Test your understanding of OSINT techniques and their application in security management.

Browse courses on OSINT

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Access the quiz provided by the course instructors or reputable sources.
Answer all questions to the best of your ability.
Review your results and identify areas for improvement.

Engage in group discussion on Leadership in Security Management

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Exchange perspectives and insights with peers on the role of leadership in effectively addressing global security challenges.

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Join a study group or discussion forum dedicated to the course.
Prepare questions and talking points based on the course materials.
Actively participate in the discussion, sharing your views and listening to others' perspectives.

Develop a presentation on Serious Organised Crime

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Deepen your understanding of the nature, impact, and challenges posed by serious organised crime by creating a comprehensive presentation.

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Research various aspects of serious organised crime, including its structure, activities, and global reach.
Create a storyboard or outline for your presentation, ensuring logical flow and clear messaging.
Develop slides that effectively convey your research findings, using visuals, data, and examples.
Practice delivering your presentation to gain confidence and improve clarity.

Conduct a literature review on A Positive Lens on Safety

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Develop a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of safety by conducting a comprehensive literature review.

Browse courses on Safety

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Identify relevant academic databases and search engines to gather research papers and articles.
Develop search terms and keywords to optimize your search results.
Read and analyze selected literature, extracting key findings and insights.
Synthesize your findings into a concise report or presentation.

Contribute to an open-source project related to Internet Intelligence

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Gain practical experience in Internet Intelligence by contributing to open-source projects that advance the field.

Browse courses on Open Source Intelligence

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Identify open-source projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
Familiarize yourself with the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills, such as code development, documentation writing, or issue reporting.
Submit your contributions and engage with the project community.

Career center

Learners who complete International Security Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Intelligence Officer

Intelligence Officers collect, analyze, and interpret information to provide insights to decision-makers. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Intelligence Officers in understanding the threats their countries face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Officer

Counterterrorism Analyst

Counterterrorism Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to provide insights to decision-makers on how to prevent and respond to terrorism. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Counterterrorism Analysts in understanding the threats their countries face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counterterrorism Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to provide insights to decision-makers. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Intelligence Analysts in understanding the threats their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to manage security risks. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Security Consultants in understanding the threats their clients face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks to organizations. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Risk Managers in understanding the risks their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. The course also provides insights into the role of leadership in security management, which is essential for Risk Managers in effectively leading their teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Security Analyst

Security Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to identify and assess security threats. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Security Analysts in understanding the threats their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Security Manager

Security Managers are responsible for protecting organizations from security risks, including those that could lead to financial loss or damage to reputation. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Security Managers in understanding the threats their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats. The course also provides insights into the role of leadership in security management, which is essential for Security Managers in effectively leading their teams.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Information Security Analysts in understanding the threats their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Policy Analysts in understanding the threats their countries face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts collect and analyze evidence to solve crimes. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Forensic Analysts in understanding the threats their communities face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Cybersecurity Analysts in understanding the threats their organizations face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign affairs. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Diplomats in understanding the threats their countries face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Homeland Security Agent

Homeland Security Agents protect the United States from terrorism and other threats. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Homeland Security Agents in understanding the threats their country faces and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Military Officer

Military Officers lead and manage military forces. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Military Officers in understanding the threats their countries face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and protect the public. The International Security Management course provides an overview of the international security landscape and the challenges organizations face in managing security risks. The course covers topics such as open source intelligence, serious organized crime, and illicit trade. This knowledge can be helpful for Law Enforcement Officers in understanding the threats their communities face and developing strategies to mitigate those threats.

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