UMUC-Europe Syllabus

BMGT 464 Organizational Behavior (3) Prerequisites: BMGT 110 (or at least two years of business and management experience) and BMGT 364 or equivalent. An examination of research and theory on the forces underlying the way members of an organization behave. Reviewed are the behaviors of the individual, work groups, and the organization. Topics include employees' attitudes and goals, problems in communication, intergroup relations, conflict, the circumstances of organizational change, and the goals and design of an organization.

Course Goals/Objectives:

* Discuss the scientific foundations of organization behavior, especially as relating to individuals, groups, and organizations. * Describe the challenges of organizational diversity, individual differences, communications effectiveness, and organizational change. * Explain the attributes of effective groups, teams, and organizations. * Discuss the issues of leadership, power, negotiations, and reward systems in organizations. * Describe the basic steps involved in systematic decision making. * Discuss the impact of globalization, cross-cultural business, and technology on behavior and performance in the organization. * State the challenges for organizational diversity, individual differences, communications effectiveness, and organizational change.

Course Introduction:

This course is organized into five modules, each of which focuses on a particular area of business operations. However, as you become familiar with how businesses function, you will find that these areas are interconnected. Also, keep in mind that although the focus of the course is on businesses, many of these concepts apply to other types of organizations as well. The course consists of the following five modules: Module 1: Contemporary Organizational Behavior In this first module we lay the groundwork for understanding the environment in which businesses operate. The business environment has economic, technological, social, competitive, and global characteristics that have an impact on how businesses function. Businesses also operate according to ethical standards that are an important determinant of the success of the business. Module 2: Group Behavior Now that we understand the context in which businesses operate, we need to look more closely at business groups themselves. How do business groups get started? What are the options for organizing groups within a business? Module 3: Organizational System People are the key ingredients in any organization or business. Leaders must know how to motivate employees effectively. Employees must have a stake in the successful operation of the business. Customers are increasingly being seen as partners in the operation of the business rather than simply as recipients of goods and services. These human resources must be combined with other resources to create a product or service. Module 4: Organizational Change Organizational change is a proces that begins by determining that there is a new opportunity, or need to change organizational operations. These changes may impact certain characteristics of the firm's product or service, how it will be priced, where it will be sold, and how it will be promoted. Module 5: Stress Management In today's business world, the effective use of stress management techniques to collect, process, and distribute information is important. Decision making that meets deadlines with minimal sress is a critical element of any business or organization.

Grading Information and Criteria:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F(a) below 60% Participation & In-Class Exercises: 15% Written Case Studies: 25% Midterm Exam: 30% Final Exam: 30%

Other Information:

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include: * General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class * Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers * Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs) * Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics) * Optional activities such as study groups

Project Descriptions:

* This class will place emphasis on group activities and experiential, in-class exercises. * Seven written case studies will be assigned, length to be 1 - 2 pages. Each of these short writing assignments will allow the student to apply theoretical knowledge gained in a practical, if hypothetical, setting.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Meeting 1 Intro to Organizational Behavior (OB) Course Administration Meeting 2 Environmental Context & Effects of Globalization on OB Meeting 3 Diversity and OB Case Study Meeting 4 Perception and Attribution Meeting 5 Motivation, Case Study Meeting 6 Human Resource Management Job Design, Case Study Meeting 7 Groups and Teamwork, Meeting 8 Review, Midterm Exam Meeting 9 Organizational Attributes & Structure Information Technology & Organizations Case Study Meeting 10 Organizational Culture Meeting 11 Leadership Case Study Meeting 12 Power & Politics in Organizations Organizational Communication Case Study Meeting 13 Decision Making Meeting 14 Organizational Conflict and Negotiation Case Study Meeting 15 Managing Change & Stress Management Meeting 16 Review Final Exam