Management Skills and Applications BUSA 9000

The goal of this course is to learn formal methods and practices to effectively apply basic 21st century management skills in the workplace. Application of these skills is acquired through a series of readings, case studies, and workplace analysis. The course begins by examining the evolution of management and organizational culture and environment. It proceeds to teach and develop the skills of decision making and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Communicating effectively, teamwork, facilitating change, and applying motivational techniques are also investigated. The course transforms the traditional management functions into 21st century practices that effectively respond to today’s dynamic environment of accelerated change. A case-study group project will investigate the management methods and practices utilized by an engineering or an architectural firm to promote and facilitate one of the following: management, leadership, organizational participation, planning, communication, delegation, decision-making, and teamwork. Possible improvements to these methods and practices will be proposed for that firm. The project will help students understand the roles and interactions of professionals in practice, and help them build confidence to conduct themselves with professionalism in the work place.