Online Master's in Leadership

Emphasizes management decision making utilizing accounting and finance concepts. The following subjects are addressed in the course: financial reports and metrics, financial analysis and planning, financial forecasting, financial markets, financial leverage, working capital management, capital budgeting processes, cost of capital and long term financing. The student will apply the knowledge learned by completing a financial strategy report and accomplishing a research report summarizing an application of financial analysis from either the academic or professional literature.

The course analyzes the concepts of leadership versus managerial roles and responsibilities relative to societal expectations for ethical behavior and regulatory scrutiny affecting both leaders and managers in an organization setting. This course also differentiates among ethical decision-making processes and decision problems with ethical implications. Students examine a variety of complex ethical issues confronting industry leaders and professionals as they work with various stakeholders of an organization. Additionally, students explore the code of conduct at work, methods to implement a code of conduct, and issues related to managing conflicts of interest within a decision making process.

Information Technology Management explores the use of information technology to achieve competitive advantage, efficient operations and effective decision-making. This course also analyzes the functions of information technology and its impact on competitive strategy and organizational operations.

The course analyzes the concepts of organizational behavior and how to integrate socio-technical concepts and tools in organizational settings. As part of the course, students consider the cultural norms and behaviors necessary to help the organization succeed. The course also reviews organizational behavior concepts and infrastructure, which includes people, processes, and the technology inherent in contemporary organizations.

Students will master analytical and integrative tools to perform in-depth analyses of industries, firms, and competitors. Course material includes methods to predict competitive behavior and develop and implement strategic plans to achieve and sustain a competitive profile in the emerging global marketplace.

This course emphasizes the application of marketing concepts, tools and decision-making processes middle managers use in developing marketing plans, programs and strategies. Within the marketing strategy framework, it also examines market analysis and measurement, profitability and productivity analysis, product development, promotion and pricing strategies, the logistics systems approach and the marketing plan. The student will apply the knowledge learned by structuring and presenting to the class a practical strategic marketing plan.

This course is an introduction to the foundational discipline of effective project management in any industry. It examines the methods, approaches, processes, skills, tools and techniques, and value delivery system that project managers use to complete their projects on schedule, within budget, within scope, within quality, and customer acceptance. Students will explore and apply elements of the theoretical and operational framework of project management.

In the Management Capstone, students will demonstrate the application of content, concepts, and knowledge developed in previous core and concentration courses in their specific academic program. The course requires the completion of comprehensive research, analysis, and study in either a selected area of interest or a current business issue impacting the learner’s organization or company. Students will complete an in-depth project utilizing discipline-specific strategies. Research methodologies are used to prepare a formal report.

In this course, students analyze concepts of organizational leadership and how it leads to change. By understanding the root cause of organizational problems, leaders can determine appropriate change strategies. Good organizational leadership can be a benefit during a change process and increase an organization’s effectiveness.

In this course, students analyze the methods, models, and processes specifically related to diagnosing and planning for organizational change. The course is designed to help students prepare to become successful strategists as well as more effective managers and leaders of change by taking them through the change management cycle. This cycle analyzes internal and external factors that impact or drive change within an organization.

In this course, students study the differing variations of organizational design and when each type might be a useful and appropriate design that can lead the organization and its leaders to their desired goals. Other concepts/models that the student will be engaged in: integration, environmental complexity and dynamism, decision-making rights, employee commitment, job design as well as different styles of management. Practical action plans will be prepared and obstacles to success will be discussed. At the end of the course, the student will have worked through the important aspects of organizational design and redesign and be able to share work with others in an articulate manner. The outcome of this work could be applied to an organizational situation.

This course includes many aspects of leadership and power within organizations. Critiquing differing styles of leadership is an important part of determining when a certain style or combination of styles might be preferred. The world of organizational power and politics is complex and a knowledge of those concepts can help to improve performance in organizations. In leadership power transitions, it's necessary to have an action plan. As part of proposing a personal definition of leadership, the course requires students to interpret the facets of leadership communication and empowerment.