Course Descriptions

Organizational Leadership Program

OLP 300 Effective Communication 3

Develops and enhances general and professional writing skills. Clear, concise, well-edited writing is emphasized. Course content includes selecting appropriate writing formats for specific situations and practicing various writing strategies to promote clear thinking and effective communication. Life-learning essays and professional writing assignments are included in the course requirements. (five weeks)

OLP 301 Individual and Group Dynamics 3

Examines the question: what factors combine to determine individual and group performance in an organization? Individual and group dynamics are examined in the context of the adult learning environment as well as the work environment. The internal and external environment of the worker in modern organizations is explored. Motivation is studied as a consideration of personality, attitudes, perception, roles and environment. (five weeks)

OLP 307 Managerial Accounting 3

The acquisition, analysis and reporting of financial information is important to the individual leader and the organization. Special attention is given to the planning and control responsibilities of practicing managers. Students gain confidence in their ability to interpret and use financial information for more effective decision making. (five weeks)

RELN 305 Enduring Issues in Christian Perspective 3

Examines the biblical heritage and major doctrines of Christian faith. Explores basic issues such as individualism and community, personal decision-making, social justice and relating to other religious traditions. Class members will be challenged to think through their own responses to these issues. (five weeks)

OLP 308 Economic Environment of Organizations 3

Focuses on the role of prices and markets in the modern, mixed free-enterprise economy. Students consider economic tools needed to better understand economic policy debates and make better choices as leaders. (five weeks)

OLP 309 Leading & Serving in a Multicultural World 3

The modern workforce is rapidly becoming a mosaic of colors, languages, cultural traditions and values. This demographic reality poses an immense challenge for both workforce and leaders. The goal of this course is to better understand different cultural values and styles, to recognize one’s own biases and assumptions and to value diversity. (five weeks)

OLP 312 Organizational Theory 3

Humans are immersed in organizations; to a large extent they form our lives. This course introduces the history of organizational development and examines how and why organizations change. It covers organizational task goals of planning, organizing and control. (five weeks)

OLP 401 Organizational Cultures 3

Introduces the concept that organizational culture is the sum total of the written and unwritten assumptions that an organization has learned and used throughout its history. The role of culture in young corporations, mid-life and mature organizations is considered. Consequences to organizational culture in a time of acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures are examined. (five weeks)

OLP 403 Leadership Theory & Development 3

Focuses on providing theoretical foundations and conceptual principles for leadership and skills necessary to practice leadership competently. Activities are designed to enhance leadership self-awareness, encourage development of personal perspectives on leadership and prepare students to address leadership challenges. The course reviews historical and current perspectives on leadership and considers how leaders use influence to direct and coordinate the activities of group members. (five weeks)

OLP 410 Ethical Issues in Leadership and Organizations 3

This capstone course considers the responsibilities of both leaders and organizations. Attention is given to three distinct but related themes: the social responsibility of organizations, public policy toward business organizations and leadership ethics. Students are challenged to make ethical analysis a routine part of their decision-making framework. Case studies explore the reality of the multiple, competing claims placed on the leader and the organization. (five weeks)

OLP 412 Leading & Managing Change 3

Organizations today function within a dynamic environment marked by rapidly changing technologies, globalization of markets, the “knowledge enterprise” and an increasingly diverse workforce. Leaders of organizations must understand the change process, appropriate responses to change, conflict resolution and how to develop strategies for the future. Rethinking competition, leadership and markets is an essential exercise as leaders search for new paradigms that will govern organizations now and in the future. (five weeks)

OLP 420 Strategic Planning, Action, and Measurement 3

This course addresses strategic issues in running a business enterprise. Effective strategy-making and strategy-execution are the key ingredients of company success and the most reliable signs of good leadership. The basic concepts and tools of strategic analysis and business research are presented, utilizing case studies and simulation problems. (five weeks)

OLP 450 Leadership Project 4

This project provides opportunity for students to integrate classroom theory with practical experience by identifying an opportunity to lead through service within an organizational setting – either the student’s workplace or a public benefit organization. Students work with a faculty mentor to structure the learning, coordinate with the cooperating organization and assess the level and significance of their learning. The findings or outcomes of the project will be presented on the last two nights of the program schedule. (12 months)