OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY
ADVANCE Program

Introduction

Information

Program Features

Admission

Credits Evaluation

Curriculum

Research Project

Finances

The Organizational Management Curriculum

(48 credits)
MAJOR CURRICULUM

(Effective September, 2004)

Group and Organizational Behavior (3 credits)

A study of group behavior and how group functioning affects organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on decision-making and resolving conflict in groups. Students develop strategies for efficient and productive group management and determine which tasks are handled by groups or individuals.

Adult Development and Life Assessment (3 credits)

Career patterns are reviewed and analyzed in light of life-development theory. Future trends are examined in relation to changing careers and life styles. Guidance is given to students in preparation of a portfolio of professional experiences which may represent college-level learning.

Organizational Communication (3 credits)

This course investigates communication and relationships in creating a productive work environment. Effectiveness in personal and social relationships is also covered through readings and exercises involving non-verbal communication, constructive feedback, dealing with anger, and resolving conflict.

Action Research Study (credits listed below)

The student completes an action research project related to his or her employment environment. Statistical analysis concepts and methods presented in the "Methods of Research and Analysis" module assist in the student identifying a topic, collecting data, and measuring results. A Research Project Advisor monitors the progress of the independent study, and on-site contact makes certain that the student devotes at least 200 clock hours to the project. An oral report of project findings is given by each student. Three seminars (Action Research Project Seminars I , II, & III) are conducted to give direction and structure to the development of the project.

Biblical Perspectives (2 credits)

An overview of Biblical content with a focus on significant principles and themes from which personal values and ethics emerge. Special emphasis will be placed on those principles and themes which inform life in today's business world and in the various relationships that are part of contemporary society.

Organizational Concepts (3 credits)

Students examine the formal and informal functions of organizations and analyze an agency or organization based on a systems model. Students will also analyze and solve organizational problems using a step-by-step method. This analysis will be applied to student's work-related independent study projects.

Methods of Research and Analysis (4 credits)

Problem analysis and evaluation techniques are presented. Students are shown methods for defining, researching, analyzing and evaluating a problem in their work or a vocational environment which they have selected for a research project. Specific statistical information covered in the course includes identifying and measuring objectives, collecting data, working with significance levels, analyzing variance and constructing questionnaires.

Action Research Project Seminar I, II (2 credits total)

The research project is a major research effort designed to enhance knowledge in an area related to one's work or community, improve writing skills, improve presentation skills and provide research skills to assist in effective decision-making. In this module, the students will define the topic, locate the sources, begin the research and writing and make the first oral presentation.

Issues in Management (3 credits)

Students examine management control functions, strategic planning, and organizational structure and design. Also examined is motivational theory and its application to individual and group functioning in work and home situations. Leadership styles related to particular circumstances are analyzed. Negotiation concepts and skills are covered through readings and class practice, with an analysis of the effect on productivity. Total Quality Management (TQM) is studied and contrasted to Management by Objectives (MBO).

Integration of Biblical Principles (2 credits)

This module focuses on the principles, problems and process of leadership as illustrated by Biblical accounts, complemented by initial attempts to understand the application of sound Biblical principles to leadership in today's business community.

Managerial Accounting (3 credits)

An overview of accounting basics for non-accountants and the use of accounting data by management as a tool for planning, control, and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and uses of financial statements by management rather than the details of their preparation.

Managerial Finance (3 credits)

An overview of financial tools available to the manager for planning and analysis. Topics include cash flow and financial resources management, short term and long term financial tools, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and optimal capital structure.

Marketing in a Global Economy (3 credits)

A study of the principles of marketing that need to be understood by managers in all areas in order to develop and utilize effective marketing practices. Concepts of our global economy, including major, social, psychological and political influences, will be explored and their marketing implications considered from a manager's perspective.

Business Law (3 credits)

Overview of the history, background, sources, and influences of our modern day law as it pertains to the business activities of individuals, corporations, and other legal entities, with particular emphasis upon business litigation, legal liabilities, and the law covering contracts, creditors' rights, secured transactions, bankruptcy, agency, partnerships, and corporations.

Human Resources Management (3 credits)

Students explore the values and perceptions of selected groups affecting social and economic life through an analysis of policies and practices of recruitment, selection, training, development and compensation of employees. Special attention is given to Equal Opportunity and Office of Safety and Health Administration legislation through a series of case studies and simulations.

Strategic Planning (3 credits)

This course introduces students to various management planning models and techniques and applies to these business cases. It stresses the concepts of strategic planning and strategic management.

Life Applications of Biblical Values (2 credits)

Application of the materials of the studies in Biblical perspectives and integration focused on practical situations, case studies, and identifying specific Biblical principles which inform a chosen course of action.

Action Research Project Seminar III (3 credits)

The research project culminates with a final reporting by the student to include learning in 1) new knowledge gained from the research and synthesis on the chosen topic, 2) higher level skills in presentation of findings and conclusions 3) writing skills as evidenced by the written report due at this time, and 4) improved research skills by which the student can gather data and synthesize that data toward usable conclusions.


Return to Adult Learning Main Page
http://web.ovc.edu/advance/curricul.htm
Last updated July 21, 2005.
Page maintained by David Hamm.