Course Descriptions
Required Courses
All courses are three (3) credits
LSMP 5001 Organizational Leadership
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of organizational leadership. An effective understanding of organizational leadership begins with: (1) knowledge of the rapidly changing external environment in which organizations currently operate; (2) an understanding of the operating environment within organizations that are necessary to respond to these changing external forces; (3) an introduction to the type of leadership that is required in order for our organizations to meet today’s challenges. Syllabus
LSMP 5003 Global Economics
This course focuses on the primary principles that affect the firm’s position in the global marketplace. The salient characteristics of capitalism, the role of government in international trade and finance, and the role of the firm in a global environment are considered. The course covers the basics of capitalism, supply and demand, international trade and finance, money and banking, fiscal and monetary policy and those factors that will influence the economic future. Students will have a strong grasp of domestic and global economic issues and related public policy decisions that are affecting today’s business environment and decisions by business leaders.
LSMP 5004 Leadership and Teams
This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of individual and collective behaviors in an organizational context. It will examine the relationship between teams and leaders both where they are in physical proximity, and when working from afar. More importantly, they will learn how to apply this understanding in leading diverse teams and larger organizational units to higher levels of productivity and effectiveness.
MSCI 5006 Managerial Finance
This course will provide participants with a strong foundation in accounting and finance and give them an ability to understand and analyze financial statements. Annual reports are analyzed, not only for the specific financial information they provide, but also as examples of presenting information on corporate performance. This course will enable them to see the essential issues that are affecting today’s organizational decision making.
LSMP 5007 Strategic and Global Planning for Leaders
An ever-increasing complex and global marketplace demands that the manager and leader develop the planning skills necessary for economic progress. This module is designed to assist business leaders in developing solutions to bridge the gap between domestic and international business responsibilities.
LSMP 5008 Ethics & Social Responsibility
This course will develop a strong foundation regarding how the values of individuals and organizations relate to organizational effectiveness and the larger communities around them. Most importantly, it will focus on the essential ingredients, long overlooked, in the development of organizational leaders, namely personal values and authenticity.
MSCI 5009 Information Technology Management(Alternate to LSMP 5013)
This module is designed for the non-technical decision-maker. It emphasizes managerial decision-making in a technological age, and focuses on critical issues of management where the need for technology is essential. Participants will learn about new developments in information technology and how they affect organizations and their leaders. This module will focus on helping them apply this knowledge to their day-to-day issues.
MSCI 5010 Research Techniques, Writing, and Effective Business Presentations
This module has a three-fold purpose. First, it will serve as a preparatory research for the student’s Final Project. Second, students will have the opportunity to develop methods for improving their writing skills. Third, the course will provide students with concepts, practice and coaching for effective presentations.
MSCI 5015 Entrepreneurship
Exploration of the entrepreneurial process and introduction to problems and issues involved in creating a new business or in taking an existing company to the next level. Consideration is given not only to standalone start-ups, but also to new business ventures within a large corporation. Focus is on identifying promising ideas, developing a business plan and securing financing, as well as on the overall outlook, knowledge and skills required for effective entrepreneurial leadership in today’s highly competitive and global e-commerce marketplace. The team-based case study method is employed, and successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who foster innovations are invited as guest speakers to address key topics.
LSMP 5017 Management in Nonprofit Organizations (Nonprofit Specialty)
Effective management is vital for the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This course explores human resource issues, effective management skills, and legal issues that affect nonprofit organizations. Topics include effective recruitment and retention strategies for paid staff and volunteers, legal, regulatory and policy issues; theories of motivation; problem performance analysis; coaching and counseling; and development of personnel policies.
MSCI 5018 Strategic Negotiations (Alternate to MSCI 5022, MSCI 5025, MSCI 5026, LSMP 5020, or LSMP 5024)
This course provides a survey of the organizational and economic aspects of manager/employee relationships; and examines the changing business climate and conflicting forces organizations face to achieve competitive advantages such as lower costs, increased operational flexibility and improved customer service while employees seek to protect wage and benefit gains and enhance job security. This course is taught through the prism of labor/management relations but is intended to provide negotiation skills that are transferable to all business settings (unionized and non-unionized).
LSMP 5019 Executive Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations (Nonprofit Specialty)
This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the strategic management process and the nature of strategic decision-making. Topics, include the executive role in nonprofit organizations, strategic planning, board development, board governance, ethical issues, and community relations.
LSMP 5020 Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations (Nonprofit Specialty)
Aspects of the fundraising process in nonprofit organizations are covered, including an overview of the philanthropic sector, basic elements of government relations, fundraising plan development, structuring grants, social entrepreneurship strategies and techniques, and strategies for assessing potential sources of support.
LSMP 5021 Advanced Philanthropy/Fundraising (Prerequisite: LSMP 5020) (Nonprofit Specialty) This course provides an intensive exploration of resource development concepts, principles and trends, discussed through the application of practical case studies. Students—new to the field or experienced—will gain an understanding of the historical roots of philanthropy in the United States as well as learn to apply practical skills adaptable to various fundraising situations. The course will concentrate on the elements of the development process, the structure of annual, capital and major gifts campaigns, and the diversification of funding streams for nonprofit organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of board development as it relates to fundraising. Also addressed will be the integration of strategic planning, public/private partnership opportunities, planning giving programs, foundation grants, corporate contributions, sponsorships, and special events—all leading to a comprehensive resource development program.
MSCI 5022 Creativity & Critical Thinking in Organizations (Alternative to MSCI 5018, MSCI 5025, MSCI 5026, LSMP 5020, or LSMP 5024)
This course examines creativity and innovation in organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on work environments. Interwoven components focus upon self-management strategies, critical thinking, learning styles, and motivation of oneself and others. A variety of teaching strategies are employed, including class discussions, exercises, films, videos, and written analyses of workplace situations. The development of a personal life management plan and a Current Learning Assessment (CLA) portfolio are important components/outcomes of the course.
MSCI 5023 Leading Change
This course examines the critical success factors for managing organizational change successfully, that is, to become more productive and competitive. Topics to be discussed include: driving forces for change, common approaches to change initiatives, the competencies required to be effective change leaders and managers, the effect of change on an organization’s shareholders, and the measurement of results. Case studies will be used and there will be a heavy reliance on student experience with change initiatives in their own organizations.
LSMP 5024 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (Alternate to LSMP 5022, LSMP 5018, LSMP 5025, LSMP5026, or LSMP 5020)
This course investigates human behavior at work and how leaders can facilitate or hinder effective individual and organizational performance and fulfillment. Topics include organizational design and development, team and network dynamics, motivation, communication, biogenic and psychogenic satisfaction, and the influence of politics and culture. Students will learn to align the organization behind its strategic vision and motivate employees to achieve organizational objectives.
MSCI 5025 Employee Relations (Alternate to MSCI 5018, MSCI 5022, MSCI 5026, LSMP 5020, or LSMP 5024)
This course explores the individual and organizational employee relation’s issues that management may encounter. Discussion ranges from dealing with the brilliant technical leader who regularly antagonizes subordinates to addressing internal salary equity when the labor market demands extraordinary compensation for certain critical skills. Emphasis is given the roles played by various levels of management as well as Human Resources in assuring that human capital issues are resolved in a way that balances the needs of employees and the needs of the business. Processes such as coaching and outplacement are featured.
LSMP 5027 Fundamentals of Marketing (Alternate to LSMP 5009)
This course provides a general introduction and overview to the topics, concepts and principles of marketing. The course looks at the role that the marketing system plays within a company and for the company. The course also provides a working, practical understanding and application of marketing concepts. Topics include market analysis, competitive analysis, the “4 Ps” of marketing (product, price, place, promotion), the value proposition, brand / image, and strategy.
MSCI 5028 Communications & Effective Leadership
Language provides the vehicle to align leaders with the various stakeholders of the corporation. Given the velocity of change in today’s world, what leaders are trying to say and how their messages are being received often vary. This module will provide students with the awareness and skills necessary to communicate effectively in a global economy and to open new and deeper relationships with the various stakeholders of the firm.
MSCI 5099 FINAL PROJECT
To culminate the Master of Science in Leadership and Strategic Management, the student will:
- do research on an organizational issue of importance to his or her work;
- prepare a written essay summarizing their investigation; and
- make an oral presentation to faculty reporting on what was learned.