Faculty Contact Information:
Ken J. Kovach, EdD
PSC 37, Box 3414
APO AE 09459
ph/fax: +44 (0)1353 8660671
KJKovach@aol.com | |
Consultation:
Since this is a f2f class, anyone needing consultation can arrange an appointment by contacting the instructor directly, or discuss issues after each class.
Meeting dates: 12/13 June; 27 June; 17/18 July; 31 July & 1 Aug
0900-1600 hrs Room TBA- RAF Mildenhall | |
Required Texts and Readings:
Texts used exclusively in this course--
Dessler, G. (2003). Management: Principles & practices for tomorrow's
leaders, (3rded.). Prentice Hall.
Rabin, J. (1989). Management thought and productivity (Part I). Public
Productivity Review 12(5):279-281. Retrieved June 30, 2003 from
ABI/Inform database at http://www.umuc.edu/library/
Text used in multiple courses--
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington DC:
Author. | |
Supplementary Readings:
| All graduate students should be prepared to utilize the UMUC online library. The library contains a large number of full text academic journals that are free of charge and immediately available. The library homepage also contains a number of links related to improving students' research and writing skills. | |
Recommended Journals:
| A variety of full-text, online, free-of-charge and pay-per-view academic journals are listed on the PA Webboard (http://webboard.ed.umuc.edu/~pa). Public Productivity Review is especially useful in this course. | |
Course Description:
| The focus of the course is on management responsibilities, functions and requirements common to all complex organizations. In addition, students will study the legal, political, and economic environments that contribute to similarities and differences between public and private sector endeavors, the problems with which they are concerned, and the values that influence their decision-making. This course satisfies the undergraduate priniciples of management prerequisite for the M.P.A. and M.S. programs. It does not satisfy M.P.A. graduate degree requirements unless used as an elective in the management concentration. | |
Course Goals:
| As a prerequisite to the M.P.A. and the M.S. in Management Information Systems, this course is designed to provide graduate students with foundational theories and concepts of management. | |
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze case material, web sites, public law, and research articles related to management.
- Investigate the relationship between historical and current issues in management.
- Utilize electronic resources to find primary source documents, data, statements on best practices, and research articles related to issues in management.
- Develop and presentwritten and oral arguments, case studies, and/or research papers on current issues in management that make reference to and build on factual and expert information.
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Grading Information:
Grades for this course will be assigned as follows:
A 90 - 100%
B 80 – 89%
C 70 – 79%
F Below 70%
Please note that Bowie State University does not use "D" for graduate students. The grade F(a) is used to designate academic failure. F(n) is used to designate failure for non-completion. Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC-Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog. Hard copies of the catalog are available in your local Education Center. | |
Course Requirements:
Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society. In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, you are required to:
Participate in classroom discussions 20%
Write graduate level papers or case studies 30%
Orally/visually present prepared material 10%
Complete one or more written examination(s) 40% | |
Description of Course Requirements:
Successful graduate students in American universities dedicate approximately three hours of preparation/study time for every hour spent in the face-to-face classroom. Thus, the following course requirements were developed on the assumption that students would be prepared to spend approximately 150 hours of their own time working on them. In an 8-week term, that is the equivalent of a half-time job. Most 14-week graduate distance education courses require at least 10 hours per week of dedicated time, plus time spent in the virtual classroom.
Participate in classroom discussions: You are expected to come to class prepared to engage in all discussions in a professional and informed manner. Read assigned chapters and review related material to preare for class discussion.
Write graduate level papers or case studies: You are required to conduct professional-level research, including appropriately citing works of others and avoiding plagiarism. A report comparing five distinct characteristics of public and private organizational management will be presented orally and in writing. Specific chapters and APA format presentation will be discussed during the first class.
Orally/visually present prepared material: You are required to present your research in a professional manner. In a face-to-face course, this typically means an oral presentation accompanied by appropriate visual material.
Complete a midterm and final exam-each 20 points value. The examination process in this class will assist you in developing the writing and critical thinking skills necessary to successfully passing the comprehensive exam required of all graduate students. The questions used may either be taken directly from past comprehensive exams or written as though to be included on a comprehensive exam. Additionally, each exam will consist of topical items from the sessions prior to each exam.
Research Report Tasking (MGMT 501)
Each student is to complete a research report to identify five similarities and five differences between a private and a public organizational activity. Any environment can be considered; for example, (a) legal, (b) political, (c) economic, or (d) other. Additionally, an individual case or industry may be used to explain these similarities and differences. In other words, one may use a specific or private company to explain how it differs from a public operation. One may relate an entire industry to a public operation.
To standardize the reporting, the APA Manual will be used as the writing guide, and the following pages/chapters will be presented:
1. Title page. Follow the format on the example attached.
2. Abstract. Complete iaw the APA and include the topic, purpose, sources of information, statistical applications, and summary of findings.
3. Table of Contents. Follow the example attached. Level headings are to be iaw APA 3.31.
4. Chapter I – Introduction. Develop a 3-5 page Introduction that presents your topic to the reader, identifies the direction of your research (issues to be considered), defines necessary terms, and establishes the focus of your research efforts.
5. Chapter II – Review of the Literature. Present a brief review of the pertinent regulations, rules, or other requirements for use in your comparative analysis of the issues chosen. Include any background material useful for topical comparisons. This chapter should not be over 8 pages.
6. Chapter III – Discussion and Analysis. This is the heart of your report. From the selected comparative topics, present your findings and discussion of each. Use Tables or Figures as desired. You are to discuss five similarities and five differences for a private and public organization/industry. Clearly identify these and support your findings with adequate examples and information.
7. Chapter IV – Summary and Conclusion. Present a summary of your findings and overall conclusion.
8. References. For any citation, except personal communications, indicate a proper reference iaw APA format.
9. Appendices. Include any appendix (bibliography, Footnote, organizational form, regulatory topic, or other item useful for your research).
Student Presentation: Develop Powerpoint or Overhead transparences or other material useful for presenting your findings. Keep to the four themes (APA, page 329) for oral presentation: (a) what you researched, (b) how you accomplished your research, (c) what were your findings, and (d) what were your implications/conclusions. The time to be planned is between 5-20 minutes. | |
Course Schedule:
This schedule presents 16 units or modules, with each unit corresponding to a regular three-hour weekday meeting, a half-day on weekends, or a full week of DE.
12 June Introduction/Orientation
Modern Management
Cultural & Ethical Concerns
Assignment: Read chapters 1 & 2 of the course text and review related material, especially the latest news items on management. Identify Professional associations and be ready to discuss current issues on management and case studies presented.
Objectives:
1. Discuss specific management tasks.
2. Explain what management means.
3. Discuss environmental influences.
4. Identify ethical and unethical decisions.
5. Discuss ethical planning.
13 June Decision Making
Basic Planning Process
Strategic Management
Assignment: Read chapters 3-5 of the text and be prepared to discuss topical issues and case studies.
Objectives:
1. Specify problem determination.
2. Explain decision making.
3. Express decision process planning.
4. Discuss forecasting tools.
5. Describe strategic management.
6. Develop a mission statement.
27 June Fundamentals of Organizing
Designing Organizational Structures
Assignment: Read all previous chapters and 6 , 7, and 8 of the text. Be prepared to discuss chapter topics. Midterm exam to be provided for turn-in 17 July.
Objectives:
1. Explain organizational development.
2. Demonstrate organizational planning.
3. Discuss authority, delegation, and specialization for managers.
4. Explain conflict management.
5. Discuss organizational change.
6. Demonstrate subject matter knowledge and understanding.
17 July Midterm topics
Human Resource management
Leadership
Assignment: Complete the midterm and be prepared to discuss topic. Read chapters 1-9 of the text and be ready for class discussions.
Objectives:
1. Complete midterm exam.
2. Demonstrate writing skills for management tasks.
3. Discuss employee discipline processes.
4. Explain regulatory requirements for HRM.
18 July Leaders
Motivation
Communications
Assignment: Read chapters 10-12 of the text and be prepared for class discussions. Review final exam for completion.
Objectives:
1. Identify leadership traits and skills.
2. Discuss leadership styles.
3. Analyze motivational processes for managers.
4. Discuss employee performance issues.
5. Explain effective personnel communications.
31 July Managing Groups and Teams
Commitment
Student Presentations
Assignment: Read chapters 13 & 14 of the text and develop report presentation.
Objectives:
1. Analyze group/team effectiveness.
2. Discuss group/team improvement strategies.
3. Specify employee commitment improvement plans.
4. Demonstrate learning and results for individual research.
1 Aug Managing in a Global Environment
Student Presentations
Final Exam topics
Assignment: Complete Final exam and be prepared for discussion. Read chapters 15-17 for topical discussions. Be ready for report presentation.
Objectives:
1. Discuss globalization and management.
2. Demonstrate learning of managerial topics relative to individual research.
3. Discuss final exam topics.
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Academic Policies:
Please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog for information on the following:
Academic Integrity
Exception to Policy
Grade Appeal Process
Make-up Examinations
Nondiscrimination
Students with Disabilities
Hard copies of the catalog are available at your local Education Center. | |
Faculty Bio:
Dr. Ken J. Kovach has been teaching for various colleges and universities since 1981, and mainly instructs for the University of Maryland University College-Europe's graduate programs in Counseling, Public Administration, and Information Technology. His main subjects include statistics, business management, counseling, career development, education, and qualitative and quantitative research, among others. For Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ken focuses on corporate and business aviation and air cargo. He has taught over 470 various courses in different formats, to include distance education, independent study, conference classes, and in-residence.
Ken gained extensive experience while spending 23 years in the U.S. Air Force performing duties in the European Airborne Command Post (EC-135), logistics, plans, transportation, administration, patient care, aerial delivery, air passenger & cargo movements, vehicle management and control, VIP transportation, and others. He served five years in the Air Force's hospital system as psychriatric specialist, then was commissioned through the Airmen's Education & Commissioning Program and appointed as Transportation officer. Ken negotiated civilian contracts, represented management in labor disputes, and accomplished various managerial duties in a variety of command levels. He earned over 30 Department of Defense and Air Force awards during his career, among them the Airman's medal, Air Medal, and Air Force's Outstanding Transportation Officer.
He conducts major research efforts in personnel management, labor relations, teaching, and corporate aviation. His publications include texts in Corporate and Business Aviation and Corporate Aviation Management; three distance education courses for Embry-Riddle; a National Business Aviation Association management certificate program in aircraft selection, outfitting & retrofitting; a research writing guide for the University of Maryland; a Major Applied Research Project; and other educational writings. His doctorate was from Nova University (EdD in higher education), master of arts (MA in guidance & counseling) from Wayne State University, and bachelor of business (BS) from the University of Tennessee. Ken is active in the American Counseling Association, the American Statistical Association, and the Institute of Transport Administration; chairs major graduate research projects; advises in corporate and business aviation; and facilitates career planning for those seeking guidance. He has a British wife and two highly educated daughters. His interests continue to be in sports, research activities, and helping others learn. | |