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Program Objective
The Organizational Management and Communication major brings together key ideas and skills useful in working with people. Students achieve an understanding of group behavior and its relation to organizational effectiveness by translating theoretical learning into practical, hands-on experience. By learning to implement ideas in practice, students apply concepts and themes from a variety of disciplines to effective organizational approaches. Students become proficient in understanding change, directing change, and making decisions about the behavior of people within groups.
Students enrolled in the undergraduate Organizational Management and Communication major will develop:
- interpersonal and management skills;
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills;
- written and oral communication skills;
- learner independence and self-image; and
- understanding of research methodology and its applications.
Research Project
Past and present work experiences serve as catalysts in the learning process. Students will be able to apply problem-solving principles to an existing problem or need in your occupational field. The research project, which continues throughout the program, blends study and experiential learning.
The undergraduate research project in Organizational Management and Communication provides a culminating experience designed to integrate learning outcomes from all coursework and link these outcomes to various life roles, particularly the work setting. Working with a project coordinator and an explicit set of guidelines, the student selects a problem to investigate. Then, using models, concepts, and analytical skills, the student identifies (and possibly implements) an appropriate solution(s) to the problem. Drawing on coursework, library resources, and prior experience, the student completes the research project. Finally, the student prepares a written report and presents two oral reports to the project coordinator and classmates.
The undergraduate research project offers the student two options: an applied/action research paper or a policy decision paper.
An essential component in the program, the research project helps students:
- integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired through coursework;
- develop skills in identifying, stating, and solving problems objectively and systematically;
- enhance the ability to read and evaluate research;
- become competent and thorough researchers;
- understand the value of research in business and management;
- improve skills in evaluating proposals for change and their subsequent outcomes;
- refine oral and written presentation techniques; and
- create a positive change in the organization for which the project is designed.
Course Descriptions
OMC 311 Group Dynamics - 3 credits
Students study group behavior and development, especially focusing on relationships of groups within organizations. Students examine organizational complexity, learn to analyze group and individual decision-making techniques, determine various roles within organizational groups, and identify decision-making skills and effective collaborative styles for efficient group management.
OMC 315 Personal Resources: Assessment and Application - 3 credits
Students critically examine their personal history, evaluating strengths and weaknesses in order to understand how best to create and develop a personal and strategic personal learning plan and goals for their future.
OMC 321 Systems Management - 3 credits
This course provides an overview of systems management and systems thinking in organizations. Emphasis is on developing the ability to identify patterns and relationships within the whole system. Students will diagnose organizational problems using standard systems dynamics.
OMC 326 Research Methodologies - 4 credits
Basic research methodologies are explored in the context of organizational management. Professional research articles are evaluated and analyzed with an emphasis on reading and understanding research. Basic statistical terms and concepts are taught and analyzed. Students also focus on the writing tasks of the research process. Many assignments dovetail with the synthesis project.
OMC 330 Effective Interpersonal and Organizational Relationships - 2 credits
Students examine communications and other interpersonal relationship skills that are essential for creating a productive work environment. Effective personal and social relationships are studied through readings and exercises that explore non-verbal communication, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution. Students research and develop a model for effective relationships.
OMC 340 Applied Synthesis Project I - 3 credits
Students learn professional presentation skills and then combine research and theory to develop individualized synthesis projects which examine research problems and answer a particular research question that has specific application in their occupation or avocation. This project is completed more independently than the other courses, synthesizing information from the rest of the program. Students learn significant skills in research and writing, project management, written and oral presentations, and demonstrate skills in applying theoretical constructs to concrete applications. This mid-program course expects that chapters 1-3 of the written project will be turned in for a grade and an oral presentation will provide the instructor and other classmates with a summary and overview of the project and the work completed up to that time.
OMC 360 Personal and Organizational Finance - 3 credits
In this course students explore some of the major elements of personal finances as a foundation for understanding the major principles of organizational finance management. Topics focus on assets and liabilities, credit, value, budgeting, capital spending, and evaluating financial strengths and weaknesses.
OMC 410 Organizational Behavior - 4 credits
Organizational Behavior is an interdisciplinary field of study and practice that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, structure, and environment on work organizations. Students examine motivation, decision making, organizational structure, and processes that shape organizational analysis and change management. Case studies are a primary element of learning.
OMC 415 Biblical Christianity for Thoughtful People - 4 credits
The question, "What is religious thought?" will be explored in the light of American culture. Students wrestle with basic questions of life, such as "What is the meaning of life?" World religions are discussed from the perspective of a Christian belief system. This course satisfies a general education requirement.
OMC 420 Dimensions of Diversity - 3 credits
Students use literature and interviews to explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions represented in various kinds of diversity that affect social and economic life. The obligations and implications of equal opportunity are explored. Concepts of culture, social class, and power are developed.
OMC 425 Principles of Management and Supervision - 3 credits
Students examine management and leadership theories and their application to individual and group functioning in work/home situations. The key elements of Management explored are: Planning, Organizing, Leadership, and Controlling (Accountability). Management and supervision styles and techniques are analyzed to understand the potential solutions to current organizational problems.
OMC 430 Innovative Marketing - 3 credits
The five Ps of marketingÑplace, price, product, promotion, and peopleÑare at the center of this course. Students will examine the building blocks of the five Ps within the context of understanding and researching the customer's needs and wants
OMC 435 Philosophy of Values and Ethics - 3 credits
Students examine issues of accountability in government and business regarding human rights and ethics through readings, classroom discussion, and debates. Students develop a system for making ethical decisions in their personal lives as well as in public and employment situations. Both ethical theory and personal values are explored.
OMC 440 Applied Synthesis Project II - 3 credits
This course is the culmination of the synthesis project that has been developed throughout the program (see OMC 340). Students submit their complete written Synthesis Project and give a formal presentation of the Project's content to the instructor and the learning group.
OMC 450 Organizational Policy and Strategy - 3 credits (4 credits beginning Summer 2005)
Organizational Policy and Strategy is the capstone course in this curriculum. This course explores how leaders make effective decisions that shape organizational policy and strategy. Students will synthesize the material from most of their other modules in this class. The class depends heavily upon a variety of simulations and analysis papers.
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