Professional Development for Business Leaders

Organizational Communication

Studies the formal and informal channels of the message movement (up, down, and lateral) in modern profit and nonprofit organizations. Examines the role of communication in different theoretical approaches (e.g., classical, cultural, systems, and human resources) and organizational processes (e.g., assimilation, leadership, and decision making).

Organizational Leadership

Based on a wide range of research and literature, this course includes an overview of major theories, approaches, and themes of leadership along with practical self-assessments to allow each student to explore how each leadership approach applies to respective situations. A major emphasis will be the application of the field of emotional intelligence to the study of leadership.

Accounting for Managers

This course focuses on the theory and practice of accounting and financial management for for-profit organizations. Course assignments help students learn about the nature and responsibilities of financial management in the for-profit sectors. Students study accrual and cash-basis accounting systems, as well as accounting analytical tools. Course work emphasizes understanding and interpretation of for-profit financial statements, risk management, and the importance of financials in managing an organization.  

Group Dynamics

Involves experiential exercises designed to give students an opportunity to learn and gain thinking skills. Topics and exercises cover the development and assessment of creativity; the roles of learning styles, communication, assumptions, inferences, and hypotheses in creativity; the impact of groups on creativity; and various strategies for enhancing creativity.  

Conflict Management

Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution and assists them in developing the basic skills and knowledge for productively managing their own and intervening in others’ disputes. Class time consists primarily of practice and roleplay, as well as lecture, and lecture-discussion.  Instructor:  Erica Knotts

Management Information Systems

Applies information science to business problem topics, including basic information system design and database concepts, information economics and decision making, systems management, and strategic issues. The case method is used to develop analytical and presentation skills in information systems topics. Participants should be familiar with basic computer applications.