Syllabus

Master of Science in Education

EDU 715: Organizational Theory & Strategic Planning – Summer A 2018

Credits - 3

Description

This course will include: an overview of organizational theories and systems; the inclusion of organizational theory in the educational change process; the functions, objectives, development, and assessment of strategic plans; and the relationship between strategic planning and budget development.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the systems approach as applied to human and organizational behavior including educational organizations; PSEL 2, 7, 9
• Students will explore and expand on the systems thinking and visioning processes; PSEL 2, 6, 7, 9
• Students will deepen their understanding of the connections between organizations and their challenges as well as review their own educational setting; PSEL 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Students will deepen understanding of the Senge principles about organizations; PSEL 6, 7, 9. 10
• Students will use skills to analyze and improve school structures that will result in a forum of an effective system; PSEL 9, 10
• Students will begin the design of an effective strategic plan based on schools issues; PSEL 9, 10
• Students will apply Senge’s theory to a practical situation; PSEL 10
• Students will reflect on their work and share what they have learned about strategic planning and other elements of the course; PSEL 9, 10

Assignments

Threaded Discussion

Post a response to a question or problem presented in the weekly whole class or small group threaded discussion forum. This initial post must be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday. The initial post must include at least one in-text citation and reference in APA format. Replies must be submitted by the end of the day on Sundays of each week.

Strategic Plan with Issues Analysis

Too often people tend to describe the symptoms of a problem rather than the problem itself. For Part I of the Strategic  Plan, students will identify a problem that is real to their classrooms, schools and/or districts. Students will present evidence (data) of the existence of the problem, and will analyze the problem using at least three of the five disciplines presented in the class text.  

SWOT Analysis

SWOT is an acronym that stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. A SWOT analysis is an organized list of an organization’s greatest strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T). Doing a SWOT analysis can enable an organization to develop effective strategies to resolve problems and, at the same time, recognize the strengths inherent to the organization as well. For this assignment, students will complete a SWOT analysis related to the problem identified in their Strategic Plan with Issues Analysis assignment.

SMART Goals

SMART, most commonly defined as Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, is an acronym that defines criteria for goal-setting. It is a useful tool that individuals or organizations can use to create realistic and achievable goals. Using the SMART criteria, students will develop three goals in order to address the problem that they identified in their Strategic Plan.

Estimated Cost Worksheet

For this assignment students will create an “Estimated Cost Worksheet” that addresses each of their stated SMART goals and the anticipated initiatives that support each goal.  The items, resources and expenditures needed for each initiative will be listed and an estimated cost for each will be included on the worksheet.

Strategic Plan

This final assignment is a compilation of the work completed in Weeks 3, 6 and 7, resulting in a comprehensive “Strategic Plan.” Students will include their Issues Analysis, SWOT analysis, SMART goals and their Estimated Cost Worksheet.

 

**The University of New England provides students, staff and faculty with free access to RefWorks, a fantastic tool for collecting and managing references and making style-correct citations. Access the tool through the link on the left navigation bar. For instructions and tutorials in setting up your account and getting started, visit http://success.une.edu/blackboard-support/refworks/.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignments	100 Total Points
8 Discussion Boards (2.5 pts. each)	20 points
Strategic Plan with Issues Analysis	25 points
SWOT Analysis	15 points
SMART Goals and Cost Worksheet	25 points
Strategic Plan	15 points

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00