Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music from Coursera

How can exploring and analysing music and metaphors help us to better understand management, work organisations, working lives, and ultimately ourselves too? As you set out on your journey through this innovative course, the answers to these questions will be revealed. Through the lens of metaphor and music, you will be introduced to core managerial and organisational concepts and theories. You will explore issues related to, for example: organisational and work design; motivation and productivity; employee voice; careers; and management and leadership styles. You will research and analyse contemporary management dilemmas and challenges and gain new insights into the lived experience of work. You will explore the power of music to creatively engage and motivate employees, boost their morale, and give voice to workers who might otherwise remain unheard.

The course has been designed to be highly interactive and creative with lots of opportunities for you to share your ideas and engage in discussion and debate with your fellow students. You will develop your own original organisational metaphors, write lyrics to your own company song, write and record your own short radio play, and develop your own motivational music playlist. By the end of the course, your understanding of management, organisations and the lived experience of work will have increased considerably. You will develop new skills in research and creative writing and will have lots of new ideas to take away with you and apply in your own organisation and your own working life.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to management, metaphor and music

This week includes: management and organisational metaphors, musical management metaphors, classical management theory and the machine metaphor and McDonaldization.

Management, metaphor, music and the lived experience of work

This week includes: career metaphors, the concept of the McJob, the lived experience of work through the eyes and musical performances of workers.

Music, motivation, metaphor and management maestros

This week includes: music and its impact on productivity and motivation, company songs and corporate anthems, leadership and musical management metaphors.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the relevance of music and metaphors in understanding management and work organizations, fostering creativity and engagement

Taught by Dr. Amal El-Sawad, a renowned expert in the field of management and organizational studies

Provides opportunities for hands-on learning through projects like creating organizational metaphors, writing company songs, and developing motivational music playlists

Examines the lived experiences of work through the eyes and musical performances of workers, highlighting diverse perspectives and challenges

Course materials include a mix of readings, videos, and interactive discussions, enhancing the learning experience

May require students to conduct additional research and analysis for project assignments

Reviews summary

Metaphors, music, and management

According to students, Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music is a well-received course that delivers on its promise of teaching management concepts through music and metaphor. Students especially appreciate how applicable the material is in the workplace and praise the instructor's expertise.

The instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.

"Thank you immensely for offering such an exceptional course."

"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from you."

"Thank you Dr Amal El-Sawad"

Learners find this course highly applicable in their roles.

"After compleeting this cours I know more about ... leadership."

"I now have gained knowledge that can increase my performance at work."

"I learnt both music and management tips .. amazing course"

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 Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music with these activities:

Review prior knowledge of management theories

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Reviewing prior knowledge of management theories will help you refresh your understanding of the foundational concepts that will be built upon throughout the course.

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous management courses.
Read articles or books on management theories.
Attend a workshop or webinar on management theories.

Read 'Metaphors We Live By' by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

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Reading 'Metaphors We Live By' will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role of metaphors in shaping our language, thought, and behavior, including in organizational contexts.

View Ten Lectures on Cognitive Linguistics on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Apply the concepts to your own experiences and observations of organizational life.
Discuss the book with peers or a mentor.

Analyze organizational metaphors

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Analyzing organizational metaphors will help you develop your critical thinking skills and ability to interpret the underlying meanings and implications of metaphors used in organizational contexts.

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Identify and collect organizational metaphors from various sources (e.g., company websites, annual reports, speeches).
Analyze the metaphors using a structured framework (e.g., tenor, vehicle, implications).
Discuss your analysis with peers or a mentor.

Three other activities

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Take an online course on music and motivation

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Taking an online course on music and motivation will help you explore the scientific evidence and practical applications of using music to enhance employee engagement and productivity.

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Research and identify reputable online courses on music and motivation.
Enroll in a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Complete the course modules, participate in discussions, and apply the techniques in your own workplace.

Write a song or poem about a management concept

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Writing a song or poem about a management concept will help you engage with the material in a creative way and deepen your understanding of its key elements.

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Choose a management concept that you find interesting or challenging.
Brainstorm metaphors or analogies that can represent the concept.
Write lyrics or a poem that conveys the concept in a creative and engaging way.

Develop a music-based intervention for a specific organizational challenge

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Developing a music-based intervention for a specific organizational challenge will allow you to apply your knowledge of music and motivation to a real-world problem and create a meaningful impact.

Browse courses on Employee Engagement

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Identify a specific organizational challenge (e.g., low employee morale, lack of creativity).
Research the use of music in addressing similar challenges.
Design and implement a music-based intervention tailored to the specific challenge.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention using appropriate metrics.

Career center

Learners who complete Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Supervisor

Music Supervisors select and license music for use in films, television shows, and other media. They may also be responsible for negotiating contracts with musicians and publishers. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Music Supervisors better understand the business side of the music industry and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to find and select the right music for a project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Supervisor

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They may be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. They may also be responsible for employee relations and benefits. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Human Resources Managers better understand the organizational structure of their companies and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to motivate and engage employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and completion of projects. They may be responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and staff. They may also be responsible for communicating with stakeholders and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Project Managers better understand the logistical challenges of managing a project and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to motivate and engage stakeholders.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including management, marketing, and finance. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing new strategies. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Consultants better understand the challenges faced by their clients and how to develop effective solutions. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the development and implementation of programs. They may be responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and staff. They may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of programs. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Program Managers better understand the organizational structure of their companies and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to motivate and engage stakeholders.

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Event Planner

Event Planners organize and manage events, such as conferences, weddings, and corporate functions. They may also be responsible for booking venues, vendors, and entertainment. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Event Planners better understand the logistical challenges of planning events and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create memorable and engaging events.

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Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of museums, theaters, and other arts organizations. They may also be responsible for fundraising, marketing, and public relations. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Arts Administrators better understand the organizational structure of their institutions and how to effectively manage staff. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to motivate and engage employees.

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Producer

Producers oversee the production of films, television shows, and other media. They may be responsible for managing the budget, hiring the crew, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Producers better understand the logistical challenges of producing a project and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create emotionally resonant content.

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Talent Manager

Talent Managers oversee the careers of actors, musicians, and other entertainers. They may be responsible for managing their clients' finances, scheduling, and public relations. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Talent Managers better understand the business side of the entertainment industry and how to effectively manage their clients' careers. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to develop and promote artists.

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Talent Agent

Talent Agents represent actors, musicians, and other entertainers. They may be responsible for negotiating contracts, booking gigs, and managing their clients' careers. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Talent Agents better understand the business side of the entertainment industry and how to effectively manage their clients' careers. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to develop and promote artists.

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Marketer

Marketers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They may also be responsible for market research and analysis. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Marketers better understand the consumer market and how to effectively target their campaigns. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create emotionally resonant marketing content.

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Brand Strategist

Brand Strategists develop and implement marketing campaigns that build brand awareness and loyalty. They may also be responsible for managing brand reputation and developing new products and services. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Brand Strategists understand how to position their brands in the marketplace and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create emotional connections with consumers.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as articles, blog posts, books, and scripts. They may also be responsible for editing and proofreading their work. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Writers better understand the structure of a story and how to effectively communicate their ideas. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create emotionally resonant content.

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Creative Director

Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a company or organization. They may be responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns, designing products, and managing creative teams. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Creative Directors better understand the business side of their organizations and how to effectively manage their teams. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to create emotionally resonant creative content.

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Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from preschool to university. They may also be responsible for developing curriculum and lesson plans. The course's focus on management concepts and metaphors can help Educators better understand the organizational structure of schools and how to effectively manage their classrooms. The course's exploration of music can also provide insights into how to motivate and engage students.

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