School of Business and Management Science

Management of People in Organizations (M542-01)

Spring 2001

Meeting

Wednesdays 6pm; NF B27

Instructor

Dr. Ali Mir, 340L, Neff Hall; Phone: 481-6495; Fax: 481-6879; internet: mirali@ipfw.edu; www.ipfw.edu/nf1/mirali

Text

Ancona, D., Kochan, K., Scully, M., Van Maanen, J., & Westney, D. E. 1999. Managing for the Future: Organizational Behavior and Processes. Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College Publishing.

Course description

It is widely accepted among management scholars and practitioners that we are witnessing a period of change that is redefining the nature of work in contemporary organizations. It is further believed that the change is paradigmatic in nature and is resulting in the creation of both new kinds of organizations and new managerial practices. It is the intention of this course to examine these contentions and to subject them to critical scrutiny.

The “new” organizations are characterized by their flat organizational structure, their flexibility, their interconnections with other organizations in their “network,” their embeddedness in a global economy, and their diversity. In this course, we shall be examining contemporary organizations and organizational phenomena in the context of the above characterization. We shall use the tools of organizational behavior and theory to gain a better understanding of the nature of the transformation of work and its implications in these changing times.

Course objectives

Understand and appreciate the issues underlying organizational behavior, particularly in the context of contemporary organizational practices.

Learn about organizational processes in the age of a globalized economy and a diverse workforce.

Investigate the changing nature of work in modern organizations.

Apply theories to understand real organizational situations and problems.

Develop the ability to think, read and write critically while examining organizational issues.

Grading

Your grade shall be determined as follows:

7 weekly assignments 15%

2 research papers 40%

Group project 25%

Group presentation 15%

Class participation 10%

You will be expected to turn in a one-page write-up on the readings for the week. The write-up should not be a summary of the readings but must reflect a critical engagement with the material . It can take the shape of a commentary and/or a series of questions that the readings raised for you. Seven such write-ups will be required during the course of the semester.

You will also have to submit 2 writing assignments. These will involve independent research and reading on your part. Details will be given later.

You will also work on a project in small groups which will culminate in a presentation before the class on the final meeting of the semester. Again, details later.

Class participation shall be graded on the basis of your attendance and your contribution to the class discussions and exercises.