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Dave Nagy

Are you about to enter the workforce? Are you an emerging professional? Are you new to your role in the organization? All prospective new employees benefit from understanding management principles, roles and responsibilities, regardless of position. Now you can acquire an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts and theories of management while exploring the manager's operational role in all types of organizations. Gain insight into the manager's responsibility in planning, organizing, leading, staffing and controlling within the workplace. It’s never too soon to plan your professional path by learning how the best managers manage for success!

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Are you about to enter the workforce? Are you an emerging professional? Are you new to your role in the organization? All prospective new employees benefit from understanding management principles, roles and responsibilities, regardless of position. Now you can acquire an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts and theories of management while exploring the manager's operational role in all types of organizations. Gain insight into the manager's responsibility in planning, organizing, leading, staffing and controlling within the workplace. It’s never too soon to plan your professional path by learning how the best managers manage for success!

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the difference between managers and leaders

2. Explore the focus of a manager’s job

3. Cite the required skills for a new manager’s success

4. Describe the five functions of management

5. Explain the new model management operating philosophy

6. Describe the hierarchy of planning

7. Use the SMART goal setting technique

8. Discuss the concept of evolution of leadership

9. Explain how customer satisfaction is linked to controlling

10. Discuss the power of building a network

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What's inside

Syllabus

Managers vs Leaders
Skills for Today's Manager
Planning
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Management Styles and Networking

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores management fundamentals, which forms the core of most management practice
Suitable for aspiring managers and individuals new to management roles
Covers the five key management functions: planning, organizing, leading, staffing, and controlling
Provides insights into the role of managers in various organizational contexts
Addresses the importance of planning, goal setting, and strategy development
Emphasizes the significance of leadership and networking for effective management

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Reviews summary

Management fundamentals unveiled

Students say this course covers management fundamentals for new and future managers. Learners say the course is easy to understand and engaging. Instructor Dave Nagy presents the material in a clear and concise manner. The examples used are relevant and easy to relate to. Overall, students say this is a well-designed course that is highly recommended for those looking to improve their management skills.
Students highly recommend this course for those looking to improve their management skills.
"I without reservation recommend this Course to all practicing and upcoming managers/leaders."
"I really enjoyed learning this course.It gave me a whole infrastructure of a manager and how a manager deals with the things.I also learnt about how to do organizational planning and implementing it."
"Excellent course! Well designed, structured, clear, concise, communicated well. I would recommend to anybody. Thank you!"
Students say the course is easy to understand.
"Great class very clear and understandable. Dave Nagy uses real world examples to being the material to life."
"first chapter was a bit too informative , wish it is divided into 2 sections instead the rest was easy and good learning material"
"A very well constructed course and is very simple to understand."
The course content is well-organized and covers the fundamentals of management in a comprehensive manner.
"This course is very good as the lecture is very understanding and easy to understand its fundamentals."
"Through the study of this course, my management ability has been improved, my knowledge has been enriched, and it will be of great help to my future work"
"I really enjoyed learning this course.It gave me a whole infrastructure of a manager and how a manager deals with the things.I also learnt about how to do organizational planning and implementing it."
The examples used throughout the course are relevant and easy to understand.
"Excellent information; the examples used are simple but easy to understand and match what you are learning"
"The concepts and techniques were explained thorougly with relevant examples. Great reading resources to followthrough and deepen the learnings in this course."
"The examples given throughout the course are something we all must've come across at one point or another, this makes it quite engaging. Overall, a very essential course for those starting out their careers."
Students praise Dave Nagy for his clear and engaging teaching style.
"Straight-forward, good explanatory method and compact presentation by Mr Dave Nagy of UCI. Awesome course."
"Mr. Nagy presents associate introduction to fundamentals of management which will be utilized by expertise managers as a refresher. He presents the contents in a very clear and epigrammatic manner, with helpful examples that facilitate retain the ideas he's presenting."
"I really enjoyed learning this course.It gave me a whole infrastructure of a manager and how a manager deals with the things.I also learnt about how to do organizational planning and implementing it."

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 with these activities:
Prepare For Course
Gather required materials in advance of taking course
Show steps
  • Review syllabus and readings
  • Set up reminders for assignments
  • Bookmark relevant resources
Refresh Basic Management Terminology
Review fundamental concepts before the course start
Show steps
  • Review key terms and definitions
Ted Talk on Management
Gain insights from thought leaders
Show steps
  • Watch a Ted Talk on management
  • Summarize the key ideas
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discussion Forum Participation
Engage with peers and instructor in a discussion group
Show steps
  • Share solutions and strategies
  • Ask questions to clarify concepts
Case Study Analysis
Apply management concepts to real-world scenarios
Show steps
  • Read the case study
  • Identify the key management challenges
  • Recommend solutions based on course concepts
Develop Your Own Five Functions of Management Model
Create a framework for understanding managerial functions
Show steps
  • Define the five functions of management
  • Explain each function in the context of real-world examples
Contribute to Open Source Management Projects
Collaborate and learn from experienced practitioners
Show steps
  • Identify open source projects related to management
  • Contribute to code, documentation, or feature requests
Presentation on Management Styles and Success
Research and share insights on managerial leadership styles
Show steps
  • Research different management styles
  • Identify factors that contribute to managerial success
  • Create a presentation that combines your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses. They may develop new products or services, identify market opportunities, and raise capital to fund their ventures. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Entrepreneurs as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively start and manage a successful business.
General Manager
General Managers are responsible for the overall operations and success of an organization or a specific business unit. They oversee all aspects of the business, including finance, marketing, sales, and operations. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become General Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of management principles and practices. By gaining a deep understanding of management concepts, one can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage an organization.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems and improve operational efficiency. They may develop and implement models to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve customer service. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Operations Research Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively apply analytical techniques to solve business problems.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products throughout their lifecycle. They may oversee product research, design, and marketing, as well as customer feedback and support. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Product Managers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage product development and launch successful products.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their performance. They may specialize in a particular area of management, such as finance, marketing, or operations. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Management Consultants as it provides a comprehensive overview of management principles and practices. By gaining a deep understanding of management concepts, one can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively advise and guide organizations.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They may develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve business outcomes and decision-making. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Data Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage data and support organizational goals.
Financial Manager
Financial Managers are responsible for the management of an organization's financial resources. They may oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, as well as financial reporting and analysis. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Financial Managers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage financial resources and support organizational goals.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for the management of human resources within an organization. They may oversee employee recruitment, training, and development, as well as employee relations and benefits. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Human Resources Managers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage human resources and support organizational goals.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects. They manage teams, budgets, and timelines to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can be useful for those interested in a career in Project Management as it provides a comprehensive overview of management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed as a Project Manager.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess and manage risk in various fields, such as insurance, finance, and healthcare. They may develop and implement models to evaluate risk, set premiums, and make informed decisions. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Actuaries as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage risk and support organizational goals.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They may also oversee market research and analysis to identify target audiences and develop effective marketing strategies. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Marketing Managers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively plan and execute marketing campaigns.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They may also develop and implement new systems and processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Business Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively analyze and improve business processes.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams to achieve sales targets. They may also develop and implement sales strategies, as well as monitor and evaluate sales performance. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Sales Managers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively lead and manage sales teams.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new features to fixing bugs to improving performance. This course can be useful for those interested in becoming Software Engineers as it provides a solid foundation in management principles and practices. By understanding the different aspects of management, one can develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage software development projects and teams.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers ensure that business operations run smoothly and efficiently. They may oversee daily operations, manage staff, and implement new processes. This course can be useful for those who aspire to become Operations Managers as it covers essential management concepts such as planning, organizing, leading, staffing, and controlling. By gaining a solid understanding of these principles, one can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field.

Reading list

We've selected 30 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 Fundamentals of Management.
Provides a practical guide to management, covering topics such as setting goals, making decisions, and motivating employees. It valuable resource for managers at all levels who want to improve their effectiveness.
Provides a comprehensive overview of management principles and practices, covering topics such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn more about the fundamentals of management.
Is widely used as a comprehensive textbook for introductory management courses. It covers all the key concepts and theories of management in a clear and accessible way. This book would be an excellent supplementary resource for the course.
This classic book provides practical advice on how to be an effective manager. Drucker covers a wide range of topics, including leadership, decision-making, and communication. It must-read for anyone who wants to improve their management skills.
Provides insights into how some companies are able to consistently outperform their competitors, even in uncertain and chaotic environments. It valuable resource for managers who want to learn how to create a high-performing organization.
Challenges the traditional view of management and argues that the best managers focus on building strengths rather than fixing weaknesses. It valuable read for anyone who wants to create a more positive and productive work environment.
Provides a concise overview of the essential concepts and theories of management. It good choice for students and professionals who want to quickly get up to speed on the basics of management.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to validate their ideas, build a minimum viable product, and scale their business.
Practical guide to the skills and knowledge that new managers need to succeed. It covers topics such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, as well as specific challenges that new managers face. This book would be a valuable resource for the course.
Identifies the key factors that distinguish great companies from good companies. Collins provides a roadmap for how to build a sustainable, high-performing organization.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. Ries advocates for a lean approach, which involves testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and then iterating based on the results.
Explains why large companies often fail to innovate. Christensen argues that successful companies must be willing to disrupt their own businesses in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Provides a contrarian view of innovation. Thiel argues that the best businesses are not built on incremental improvements, but rather on creating something new and unique.
Is about the importance of trust in business and how to build trust quickly. It valuable resource for managers who want to create a more cohesive and productive team. While this book is not specific to management, it would be a valuable addition to the reading list for the course.
Provides a no-nonsense guide to the challenges of running a startup. Horowitz shares his hard-earned wisdom on topics such as hiring, firing, and fundraising.
Is about the importance of leadership and how to create a culture of trust and respect. It valuable resource for managers who want to build a more successful team. While this book is not specific to management, it would be a valuable addition to the reading list for the course.
Provides a practical guide to getting your startup off the ground. Weinberg and Mares cover a wide range of topics, including marketing, sales, and customer service.
Provides a simple and effective way to test your business ideas. Fitzpatrick explains how to ask your customers the right questions to get honest feedback.
Provides a condensed version of the MBA curriculum. Kaufman covers the essential concepts of business, including finance, marketing, and operations.
This classic book of military strategy is also a valuable resource for managers. Sun Tzu provides timeless wisdom on topics such as leadership, decision-making, and negotiation.
This classic work of Hindu philosophy offers insights into the nature of Brahman and the path to moksha. It can provide valuable insights for managers who want to develop their understanding of the world and their place in it.
This classic work of Indian philosophy offers insights into the nature of dharma and the path to enlightenment. It can provide valuable insights for managers who want to develop their spiritual lives.
This classic work of Chinese philosophy offers insights into the nature of reality and the way to live in harmony with the Tao. It can provide valuable insights for managers who want to develop their leadership skills.
This classic work of political philosophy offers insights into the nature of power and leadership. It can be a valuable resource for managers who want to understand the political dynamics of organizations.

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