MGMT 300
ORGANIZATION AND BEHAVIOR I: HUMAN RESOURCES

Course Description
This is the first in a sequence of two courses dealing with the interaction between individuals and their employing organizations. This course (MGMT 300) focuses on individuals, their perceptions, motivations, and development. The second course (MGMT 301) will focus on interactions between individuals, and develop skills in communication, team building, conflict management, and leadership.

This course will begin with an overview of the context in which organizations operate including international perspective, environmental awareness, ethics, technology and change, and diversity. Attention will then turn to the individual operating in that context with an exploration of personality, individual differences, motivation and learning. Building on this understanding, we will explore techniques helpful to the management of individuals including job analysis, selection, placement, performance appraisal, compensation, and development.

Course Format
The attached course calendar lists the reading assignments, which are to be completed for the due date. The material will be necessary for class discussion and activities. For each class meeting; there will usually be a presentation of key concepts followed by an exercise, case, or activity that illustrates concepts or facilitates skill building. There may
be unannounced quizzes or case analyses as a check for understanding of course content. You will need to be prepared for each class meeting and attendance is required (except for instances of inclement weather, illness, or family emergency).

Return to top

Course Intent
Our aim in offering this course is to prepare Merrick School of Business students for the challenges of work in the professional arena. You will learn important information and skills, but even more important, your will learn to read the cues in your work environment and to respond appropriately. The next fifteen weeks will be challenging and full of lessons to be learned that will stay with you throughout your career. Keep up, work hard, and have fun!

Course Objectives
1. To develop a better understanding of your own personality in order to become aware of implications for your role as an employee, a co-worker, a professional, and a manager.
2. To develop an understanding of what it means to manage ethically in an organization context comprised of diverse people in team settings and in A global environment.

3. To learn behavioral science theory and concepts that can enhance your effectiveness in organizational practice.
4. To acquire specific skills that can contribute to the effective selection, development, and motivation of human resources.
5. To gain an appreciation for the behavioral and human resource challenges facing managers as they strive for innovation and excellence in today's organizations.

Student Responsibilities
1. Completion of all readings and assignments before each class meeting.
2. Active involvement and participation in the activities of each class meeting.
3. Demonstration of respect for other class members by using their time carefully, listening to others' contributions, engaging in meaningful dialogue.
4. Adherence to the University of Baltimore Academic Integrity Policy detailed in the Student Handbook. "Academic honesty is based on the principle that one's work is one's own ... etc."
5. Completion of exams on the assigned date. Make up exams will be allowed with a medical excuse.

Return to top

Grading
Exams 1, II, and III (Final) each worth l00 points ....... 300 pts.
Exercises and oral Report combined........................... 100 pts.
Total 400 pts.

Examinations will be a combination of multiple choice and essay questions. Reading and lecture material will be covered by the former type of question and applications of concepts will be covered by short cases or essay questions.

You will need to purchase an answer sheet at the bookstore and bring a pencil for each exam.

Oral Report
Working in teams of three, students will select a recent article that relates to course material and builds on it by adding something new. This one article will be presented to the class during a Current Issues session at the end of the term. Through this assignment, students will become familiar with business and academic publications as a means of staying current in the OB/HRM field.

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. To acquaint students with the wealth of information available in periodicals and professional journals.
2. To update the changing world of OB/HRM for all Class participants.
3. To provide an additional opportunity to work on team skills.
4. To provide practice in formal oral communications through the group-report to the class.
Articles must come from one of these sources and must be recent (since 1995). A copy of the article and its full reference citation must be handed in to Dr. Zacur according to the course calendar.

Acceptable Publications:
Business Week, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Academy of Management Executive, HRM Magazine, Training & Development Journal, Sloan Management Review.

The student team will divide their presentation into segments that cover a summary of key points, a discussion of how the chosen article relates to material covered it the course, and how it could be of value to a practicing manager. A word-processed one-page executive summary must be given to each member of the class prior to your presentation. The presentation will be limited to 15 minutes.

Grading for the article presentation will be based on the quality and usefulness of the article selected by the group, the clarity of the oral presentation, the enthusiasm and professionalism exhibited by the presenters, and the quality/usefulness of the Executive Summary.

Return to top

Home