University of St. Francis

SYLLABUS 

MBAD 651 – MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR - Fall 2005
 4 Semester hours
University of St. Francis
Online format
14 weeks
Dates: August 22nd – December 5th, 2005

INSTRUCTOR:
 Donald Maier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management

OFFICE:
 Universityof St. Francis, S – 455 (Tower Hall)
500 N. Wilcox Street
Joliet, Illinois60435

CONTACT INFORMATION:
(815) 740- 3666; Dr. Maier's office
Email – dmaier@stfrancis.edu

(800) 726-2600; Graduate Studies Office
(815) 740-3478; Graduate Studies Office

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
 Provides an overview of the management skills and principles used in today's business environment. It also examines the impact that groups, individuals, and hierarchical structures have on behavior within organizations. Presented are organizational structures, successful strategies for leadership and decision making, motivation, interpersonal communications, and group structure and process.

OBJECTIVE:            

  1. Define the term Organizational Behavior, and explain its' importance in the realm of business.
  2. Review and discuss the historical trend of OB theory by examining not only the major OB thinkers but also in the context of time.
  3. Critique and discuss OB philosophy and theories provided in the literature.
  4. Analyze current OB topics such as but not limited to: Culture, Motivation, Ethics, Self-management, Engagement/Empowerment, Group Dynamics, Teams, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Change Management, Emotional Intelligence, International OB, and the Learning Organization
  5. Determine the feasibility and effectiveness of OB strategies in a contemporary corporate environment.

REQUIRED TEXTS: 
Kreitner, R. & Kinicki, A. (2004) Organizational Behavior (6 th ed.). McGraw-Hill Publishing

Annual Editions in Management 05/06 Dushkin/McGraw-Hill Publishing ISBN # 05-06 is 0-07-310210-5.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED:
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) (5 th edition).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:            
1. History of Organizational Behavior Paper (20%)
Every student in the master's candidacy program will select a historical organizational behavior theorist and write a short paper on the theorists' theory. Prior approval from instructor is required. The paper must consist of the idea behind the theory, application of the theory/idea, the historical context the theory was written in (if significant), and a brief critique of the theory/idea. The paper is intended as a review of the theory/idea from the theorist's perspective – not yours, except for the brief critique. Reference citations and APA style formatting are required.

2. Article Critique (30%)
Each student will be assigned OBarticles to review from the Annual Editions 05/06. Students will be required to write a one-two page opinion/critique paper on each A/E article reviewed. In addition, each student will be randomly chosen to post their critique online for others to review. The student chosen to post their critique will also be required to "lead" the virtual discussion for that given week. Every student will have the opportunity to post and critique at least one article.

3. Organizational Behavior Topic Term Paper (40%)
Each student will prepare a term paper on a major organizational behavior topic of interest to the student. Subject approval is required by instructor.

4. Participation:
Even though we are not physically meeting in a classroom, we are meeting "virtually". The discussion that would normally occur in a traditional classroom is replicated through our weekly discussions based on the article critiques that are posted. As such, you are required to post your thoughts, opinions, and experience regarding that weeks article. In essence, your participation grade will be determined from the quality and quantity of the discussion postings. A simple comment such as "I agree" will not suffice. This is a graduate level course and as such graduate level responses/comments/opinions is not only required but expected. We are all adults who have made a commitment to lifelong learning. As such, you are responsible for your success or failure.

GRADING:             

History of Organizational Behavior Paper

20%

Article Critique's  

30%

Topic Term Paper   

30%

Participation   

20%

 

Total 100% 

From the Universityof St. Francis Graduate Studies Catalogue

A

Excellent: The student performs in a consistently active, accurate, creative, and independent manner. An ability is demonstrated not only to master the course material, but to synthesize and evaluate what was learned. Communication skills are commensurate with the student's ability.

B

Very Good: The student is able to master the course content and often demonstrates creative thought and independence, but does not give evidence of a consistency in excellence.

C

Satisfactory: The student meets the basic expectations of the instructor, usually shows little initiative in attacking new problems, and indicates some progress in personal development.

F

Failure: The student fails to meet the minimum course requirements.

I

Incomplete: The incomplete grade may be given only upon agreement between the student, the instructor, and the Graduate Dean. This grade is given when the student has, for a reason beyond the student's control, been unable to complete the required course work. The student must then complete the requirements by the end of the sixth week of the following semester at which time a final grade will be recorded. If the student fails to complete the requirements at this time, the final grade will be recorded as an "F".

W

Withdrawal

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Students in this course will be expected to comply with the University Policies and Procedures regarding academic integrity that appear in the university catalog. Honesty in all academic work is expected of every student. This means giving one's own answers in all class work, quizzes, and examinations without help from any source not approved by the instructor. Written material is to be the student's original composition. Appropriate credit must be given for outside sources from which ideas, language, or quotations are derived. You are expected to do your own work in this course.

ADASTATEMENT:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact your instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. Reasonable accommodations, as arranged through the disabilities coordinator, Pat Vivio, will be provided for students with documented disabilities. Contact Pat Vivio at (815) 740-3864 in Tower Hall room S 210 to coordinate accommodations.

MISSION STATEMENT: 
As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking.   We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Collegeof Business is to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are career oriented and focus on academic excellence.  Undergraduate programs are designed for traditional and nontraditional students providing a blend of professional studies and a strong liberal arts curriculum. Graduate programs are designed for working professionals and are practitioner based. All programs in the College of Business are driven by the University's Catholic Franciscan mission. The College seeks to inspire in its students a love of knowledge and truth and to instill the Franciscan values of respect, compassion, integrity and service.

Course Schedule:

Week One – August 29: Chapter 1, Learning Supplement A, B, and C

Week Two – September 5: Chapter 2

Week Three – September 12: Chapter 3

Week Four – September 19: Chapter 4

Week Five – September 26: Chapter 5 & Chapter 7

Week Six – October 3: Chapter 6 History of Organizational Behavior Paper Due

Week Seven – October 10: Chapter 8 & Chapter 9

Week Eight – October 17: Chapter 10

Week Nine – October 24: Chapter 11 & Chapter 12

Week Ten – October 31: Chapter 13

Week Eleven – November 7: Chapter 14 & Chapter 19

Week Twelve – November 14: Chapter 15 & Chapter 16

Week Thirteen – November 21: Chapter 17 & 18

Week Fourteen –  December 5:  OBTopic Paper Due