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The Major
The Management degree is designed to prepare well-rounded students for the realities of the changing business world by exploring the dynamics of four major aspects of change as they impact organizations and as organizations react. Social, Political, and Economic Change Management—Courses in this area explore the processes by which the noneconomic interests of stakeholders affect organizations and how organizations respond, with emphasis on understanding the political process of change. Each course examines particular aspects of power and influence from the perspectives of both the organization and the stakeholders. Taking historical or contemporary views, these courses examine how a variety of agents, such as government, unions, and social institutions, interact with organizations and organizations with them. The goal is for students to better understand how managers can anticipate changes in the political economy and incorporate these changes into their organizations. Forming and Transforming Organizations— Management courses in this area examine the dynamics that create organizations as well as how and why organizational structures and processes are altered to maintain internal and external ‘fit’. Courses exploring the creation of organizations examine various aspects of the entrepreneurial process, with emphasis on the formation of new organizations. Courses on the process of adaptation explore such topics as organizational and environmental analyses, how and when organizations detect misalignment, the benefits and detriments of various organizational structures, and the use of systems to encourage continuous adaptation. The goal is for students to better understand how and why organizations come into being and how they can continue to maintain alignment of their structures and processes with the external environment. Understanding Workplaces—This area of management explores the evolving nature of employment in organizations. Courses examine such topics as how change in an organization or its environment affects the employment relationship; what it means to be a member of an organization, and how that meaning can change over time; and how the changing composition of the workforce affects organizations. The goal is for students to recognize the constantly changing nature of the workplace so that as managers they will be able to anticipate and account for the resulting impacts. Globalization Management—Courses in this area explore globalization as an ongoing, sometime contested process with many constituencies. The focus is on the different aspects of the internationalization process, with emphasis on the antecedents and consequences of “going global.” Topics include how global opportunities are identified, how global expansion impacts the need for change in organizational systems, and what the noneconomic impacts can be on the organization and the host country. The goal is for students to better understand that the decision to compete in the global market not only requires numerous changes in the organization but also has consequences for its members at home and abroad. Study in these four areas equips students to analyze the complex issues and conditions involving organizational change. They also learn to conduct dialogues on the possible consequences of change, to consider and develop innovative courses of action, and to evaluate the multiple ramifications within and beyond organizations in a globalizing social system. Overall, the aim is for students to understand the interconnection of the four areas as well as the entire change process. Students majoring in Management are required to take the SOM lower level (ACCOUNTG 221 and 222, MANAGMNT 260, and SCH-MGMT 210), and upper level (MANAGMNT 301, MARKETNG 301, FINOPMGT 301, and SCH-MGMT 310 and 497) core courses. Honors students may major in Management, write an honors thesis, or take Management courses on an honors basis. Management Major Course Requirements Social, Political, and Economic Change Understanding Workplaces Forming and Transforming Organizations Globalization Students must also take three additional courses to further their understanding of the “aspects of change.” These may include any of the courses designated above or any pre-approved upper-level university courses that fit within the “aspects of change” framework. A listing of pre-approved courses (both School of Management courses and university courses from other departments) is available in the department office. Course selections should be discussed with a student’s adviser (or approved by him or her). |
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