Organization Development Course Descriptions

OD - 600. Organization Dynamics and Contexts (6)

Explores the relationships among individuals, groups, organizations, and society within the context of a globalized, ever-changing world. A dynamic, holistic, systems approach frames the examination of individual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and organizational processes, structures, and cultures with emphasis on the interdependencies that impact organizational functioning.

OD - 601. Change and Organization Development (3)

Investigates the nature of change, forces for change, and the impact of change on its recipients. Students are introduced to the history and practice of organization development with respect to change efforts in organizations as they examine their own roles and skill sets as leaders of change.

OD - 611. Applied OD Research and Statistics (6)

Introduces research methods-qualitative and quantitative-and statistical methods relevant to the practice of OD. Emphasis is on applied research methods and statistical techniques used in developing research studies and performing data analyses.

OD - 633. Foundations of OD Practice (3)

Reviews emerging issues and topics in the field of organization development. The course focuses on the values and ethics underlying OD as applied to practice, and the essential skills for the OD practitioner, including entering, contracting, developing client capability, and managing unplanned events in the change process.

OD - 634. OD Interventions (3)

Focuses on the design and implementation of various organizational interventions. Students learn to choose between, and then design, appropriate interventions to move an organization from a current to a desired future state.

OD - 645. Organizational Metrics and Outcomes (3)

Incorporates the Balanced Scorecard in the development and evaluation of change initiatives in organizations. Four questions-(1) How do customers see us?; (2) What must we excel at?; (3) Can we continue to improve and create value?; and (4) How do we look to stakeholders/shareholders?-form the foundation for studying critical organizational goals and metrics for effecting change.

OD - 646. Group Process, Communication, and Facilitation (3)

Examines theories of group process and team dynamics, as well as practical techniques for facilitating productivity as a team member or outside facilitator. Topics include group formation and structure, cohesion, power, conflict and negotiation, and decision-making.

OD - 680. Leadership for Organization Development (3)

Engages students in the critique of contemporary leadership theory and practice through personal reflection, assessment and feedback, and case analysis. Students are challenged to develop their own voices as leaders of change by integrating leadership with such topics as ethics, cultural and generational influences, coaching, and complexity science.

OD - 682. Culminating Project in OD (6)

Requires a diagnostic and data-based approach to conducting an applied research project within an existing organization. Students analyze an organization's current state and recommend strategies for change.