ORLD 6200 - Ethics and Leadership (3 credits)

This foundation course for the MAOL fosters personal development as an ethical, effective and enduring leader. Activities supporting this outcome include: analyzing feedback from assessment instruments such as the Leadership Practices Inventory; reflecting on personal leadership experiences and those of others; responding to case studies; reviewing current leadership literature; and creating a credo and metaphor. Major assignments include analyzing data collected from interviews with leaders, participating in a team presentation dealing with ethical challenges in organizations and producing a portfolio documenting personal leadership abilities, experiences and goals. This portfolio is refined and revised in the culminating course of the program, ORLD 8880 Leadership Seminar. Most assignments are done in stages so students can revise their work using feedback on drafts. Note: ORLD 6200 is to be taken as the first course unless it is not offered the term a student begins the program, in which case it is taken the next term. Blackboard technology is introduced in this course.

ORLD 6250 - Organizations: Social and Political Structures (3 credits)

This course examines the theory around organizational functioning: how they are structured, how they behave, and how they can be developed.  It examines the relationship of four frames of thinking about and viewing organization phenomena: structural, human resource, political and symbolic perspectives.  The case is made that no one frame is robust enough to sufficiently explain organizational events, and more importantly, to effectively assist in creating and implementing desired change.  Students are asked to grapple with the idea of reframing, and understanding the implications this has for the idea that there is only one correct version of any event.

The course will focus primarily on the systems or organizational level of behavior, rather than the individual or interpersonal levels. Thinking about "how you think about" organizations will be a continuing theme throughout.

ORLD 6300 - Strategic Communication (3 credits)

This course is a laboratory for written and oral communication activities based on an issue chosen by each student. Assignments throughout the term are designed to simulate the typical process of advocating for change. Recognizing communicator choices vis-à-vis different stakeholders, and then targeting messages effectively toward designated audiences, constitutes the major learning goal. Activities include profiling relevant audiences, searching for data, interviewing stakeholders and decision-makers, preparing fact-finding reports and action plans, producing graphics and working in coaching teams. Oral presentations are videotaped. Oral and written assignments are revised based on feedback. Throughout, emphasis is placed on being both an effective and ethical communicator. Note: It is recommended that ORLD 6300 be taken as one of the first four courses. A data-searching lab and use of PowerPoint are part of this course.

ORLD 6320 - Federal Corporate Taxation (3 credits)

Analysis of the federal taxation of corporations and their shareholders, including the tax treatment of corporate organizations, reorganizations, distributions, liquidations, redemptions, accumulations, consolidated returns and international corporate transactions. Special forms of doing business, e.g. "S" corporations, partnerships, trusts and limited liability corporations are compared. In addition to the application of corporate taxation, the course deals with the ethics of paying tax in a modern society, as well as the ethical questions of tax avoidance versus evasions from an organizational leadership perspective.

Prerequisites
Intermediate Accounting I

ORLD 6350 - Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations (3 credits)

This course covers the basic accounting and reporting issues of not-for-profit organizations, including healthcare and human service, as well as federal, state and local governmental agencies. For non-governmental organizations, the focus is on financial reporting and using accounting information for organizational decision-making. Governmental accounting issues reviewed in the course relate to financing, spending and how different units report their performance. Note: This course is offered infrequently.

ORLD 6400 - Accounting and Finance Skills for Effective Decision Making (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide professionals and non-financial managers the ability to use accounting and financial data in planning and organizational decision-making. The course covers how accounting information is compiled, why financial health is important and ways financial health is measured, how to prepare operational and capital budgets, and how to apply financial strategies to improve operational performance and decision making. Note: No prior accounting course work or experience is required; nor is experience with Microsoft Excel, with which students become familiar during the course.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6200

ORLD 6450 - Accounting Systems (3 credits)

This course introduces you to the use of relational databases and enterprise resource systems in the creation of Accounting Information Systems (AIS). The design of AIS is covered in detail; modeling techniques such as simple Entry Relationship Diagrams (ERD), Data Flow Diagrams (DFD) and flow charts are used to create high-level views and conceptual schemas of AIS. The capture and manipulation of accounting transactions in revenue, purchasing and payroll accounting cycles are covered in detail. MS Visio is used for modeling and MS Access for implementation of models into databases. Great Plains Enterprise Resource Planning (EPR) software is used for exposure to AIS implementation. This course meets 11 weeks in the weekend format.

Prerequisites
Intermediate Accounting I

ORLD 6600 - Research and Analytical Skills for Decision Making (3 credits)

This course introduces you to the study the research methods and skills necessary for effective leadership in generating change. The course focuses on providing you with the ability to conduct and evaluate various types of research. The content of the course concentrates on defining research questions, identifying information sources and selecting appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, you analyze and interpret data using both descriptive and inferential statistical concepts. This course offers you the opportunity to review the statistical principles used to establish findings and evaluate research results. Note: Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint technologies are used.

ORLD 6681-6683 - Directed Study (1-3 credits)

Directed Study is limited to a student whose unusual circumstances prohibit the taking of a regularly scheduled course, but who needs the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. The learning experience depends on faculty availability and is restricted to certain courses. Students are limited to one Directed Study in the MAOL.

Prerequisites
Faculty, program director and dean approval.

ORLD 6720 - Spirituality and Leadership (3 credits)

This course is an exploration of the relationship between spirituality and work. Reflecting upon spiritual themes that are core to Christianity as well as other religious traditions, the students will use their own experiences in conversation with readings, lectures and discussions. We will explore the role of work in spiritual formation and creating meaningful lives. The questions of vocation, calling and discernment of purposeful life work will also be engaged to help the students grow in their capacity to integrate their spiritual life and work. Students will identify their beliefs and values and identify practices that support ongoing alignment within their personal and professional lives.

ORLD 6730: Spirituality and Work (3 credits)

This course is a theological investigation of the relationship between spirituality and work. Reflecting upon the themes of co-creation and vocation as expressed in Judeo-Christian scripture and other world religious texts, it focuses on specific areas of work and spirituality in the corporate world, the service professions and the creative arts. The course also examines through readings, lectures and discussions, the experiences, opportunities, obstacles, leadership and mentoring of people at work.

ORLD 6750 - Leading Teams and Projects: Tools and Skills (3 credits)

This course provides a practical approach to teams. Areas of focus include team leadership, team tasks, group dynamics, team processes and the use of self. The course has an experiential component. Team models are introduced and teams are studied in three ways: outside of the classroom, in project teams and in the class as a whole. Learning outcomes include leading responsibly, acting with confidence and communicating effectively. Other outcomes include the ability to work collaboratively and to assess personal and group styles.

ORLD 6800 - Managing a Diverse Workforce (3 credits)

This course gives students the theoretical and practical knowledge they need to lead more effectively across differences. Students will examine how their own experiences shape their ability to effectively lead individuals with generational, racial, ethnic and gender differences and discuss strategies to develop diversity leadership competency. Students will also consider diversity at the organizational and community levels, exploring the business case for diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as how organizations can identify and address disparities that exist both internally and within their local communities.

ORLD 6951-6953 - Independent Study (1-3 credits)

Independent study offers you the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. You work with a faculty adviser to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit to be earned for the study also is included in the learning contract. You are limited to one Independent Study.

Prerequisites
Faculty and program director approval.

ORLD 6993 - Topics: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership (3 credits)

This intensive course is designed for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of leadership and culture and how they influence the functioning of cross-cultural groups and major institutions today. In two weekends, we will clarify these concepts and consider how they can be applied to real world situations. To achieve this goal, the course will use concepts drawn from several academic disciplines and cultural contexts. We will distinguish “leadership” from “management” and focus on distinctions between “leadership” and “functioning of organizations” ranging from simple to complex. Students will be expected to integrate these concepts and learn how to translate them from theory to practice. This course is not a traditional leadership training program, but an academic course designed to produce knowledge and understanding of leadership, organizations and culture. This class will employ a variety of instructional approaches including lectures, critical incidents, case studies, large-group and small-group discussions, a simulation, and problem solving exercises.

ORLD 6993 - Topics: Introduction to Legal Process (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to teach legal reasoning skills for professionals who need such skills in her or his chosen career or to prepare non JD student for taking JD courses at Hamline University School of Law. The course focuses on the structure of the legal system, case reading and synthesis, statutory reading, course outlining and exam-taking skills. Some limited legal research skills are taught as well. Note: This course is limited to students not currently enrolled in the JD program at Hamline University School of Law and will be offered in an online format.

ORLD 6993 - Topics: Economics of Social Policy (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide a logical development of basic economic concepts and to reinforce understanding of these concepts through repeated use of application. Through discussion of current important issues, you master a set of concepts that help you think logically and consistently about the wide range of social problems that economic theory illuminates. The role of women is emphasized.

ORLD 6993 - Topics: Small Business Finance (3 credits)

This course is a practical approach to small business financial management and entrepreneurship that will strengthen your self-concept, increase your leadership capacity, improve project management skills, and expand your intellectual curiosity regarding numbers. The mastery of basic elements of personal and small business financial management are introduced and practiced throughout the course. You will create a personal financial plan and a venture financial plan for a small business entity projecting out three years. An 80-question comprehensive exam covering the key points of the course will be given during the last class session.

ORLD 6993 - Topics: Strategic Sales Leadership (3 credits)

In today’s economy, it is more important than ever that an organization’s development and sales initiatives are customer centric, strategic and proactive. This course focuses on the need for the organization’s sales leadership to develop a sales strategy that is integrated with the overall mission and capabilities of the organization, rooted in the values of the customer and positioned to provide a competitive advantage to the organization.

Strategic sales leadership requires developing and executing a strategic message of uniqueness, an integrated sales plan and attention to the sales process. Students will use a combination of cases, readings, discussions exercises and examples from their current organization to develop an understanding of how to lead their sales or business development organization, whether for-profit or non-profit, to a higher, more effective level.

ORLD 7070 - Public Policy and Current Issues (3 credits)

In this course, students will explore leadership practices and decision-making in the government, non-profit and advocacy sectors.  Students will learn effective ways to create, shape, influence and advocate for public policy issues at all levels of government in the context of current events. The instructor will share with the students what she has learned from her own life-experience, which includes fourteen years in the Minnesota Legislature and students will learn from the experiences of the various guest speakers and resources that this class will put students in touch with. Students will have the opportunity to work on a current public policy issue of their choice; learn the many ways that students can engage your government; and help make a difference on issues that matter to you.

This will be an experiential class composed of guest speakers, multi-media presentations, interactive activities and class discussions. One of the class sessions will take place in the State Capitol.

ORLD 7100 - Professional and Organizational Ethics (3 credits)

In this course, you approach ethical issues in professional and organizational life by examining historical and current perspectives on ethical systems, the role and utility of codes of ethics in various settings, and the strategic application of ethical decision-making tools to organizational problems. Attention is given throughout the course to strengthening personal moral courage and making judicious choices about why, when, how and with whom to address ethical challenges. Organizational ethics is examined through readings, case studies and coaching on real-time dilemmas confronting class participants. Guest speakers reflect on how they have dealt with ethical challenges. You assess your own ethical systems and the ethical climate of your organizations/professions. You do team and individual analyses of ethical problems. Work from this course, including a personal ethical leadership code, is added to your Leadership Portfolio. Note: It is recommended that you take this course about halfway through your degree program because it bridges the leadership core begun in ORLD 6200 and completed in ORLD 8880 Leadership Seminar.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6200 and completion of 12 credits.

ORLD 7400 - Marketing Strategically (3 credits)

Strategic marketing management requires the integration of plans and processes across all functions of the organization guided by customer/consumer focus (marketing concept) and market orientation. The process involves addressing critical questions. What business are we in (or considering)? Is the opportunity real? Who are the customers? What are their needs (what do they value)? How good are we at developing and delivering unique value propositions? Who are our competitors? How can we organize and design processes to develop and deliver value to our customers/consumers better than our competitors? How do we achieve successfully implementing the marketing strategy? Does the financial return justify investing?

Prerequisites
ORLD 6400

ORLD 7410 - Healthcare Policy: Ethical, Financial and Quality Issues (3 credits)

This course examines United States and Minnesota approaches to funding healthcare, explores their impacts and includes comparative analyses. Our study is grounded in a discussion of the nature of health and the role of healthcare in human flourishing; our individual and collective expectations of healthcare; ethical tensions inherent in societal efforts to finance healthcare; fundamentals of health economics; and comparative systems, examining how the United States and Minnesota approaches have evolved, how Minnesota differs from national norms and how the United States differs from other countries. Community experts provide insightful perspectives on federal and state government healthcare programs; tribal healthcare financing and healthcare ethics and role-play exercises increase understanding tensions surrounding healthcare resource allocation. This course makes extensive use of readings available on the Worldwide Web.

Prerequisites
Internet Access.

ORLD 7450 - Strategic Finance (3 credits)

This class develops your knowledge and application of financial principles to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. It is essential for leaders within an organization to understand the role that finance plays in carrying out the organization's role and mission. The course covers the following subjects: how to construct and integrate a "financial plan" as part of a broader business plan; types and uses of bank finances; how to finance assets; how to prepare cash and operating budgets; and entrepreneurial finance issues in starting and growing a new or developing business. This course is designed to provide leaders the necessary financial tools in order to plan, finance, evaluate and financially manage an organization. You gain an understanding of key finance concepts and issues, financing methods and sources, and exposure to common financial measures and calculations. The class also provides you experience in evaluating a financial forecast utilizing a spreadsheet-based financial model.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6400.

ORLD 7480 - International Trade and the Global Economy (3 credits)

This course promotes discussion about the relationships between local and global concerns with regard to international economic policies and dynamics, as well as providing an integrated treatment of international economic theory, policy and institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), World Trade Organization (WTO) and others. Emphasis is given to the role governments (United States and others) play in their efforts to regulate, restrict, promote or otherwise influence international economics and politics. A basic understanding of theories of international trade and economic development not only helps explain the actions already taken by government officials, it also provides insight into what they plan to do. Ethical issues involved in decision-making in the conduct of international business receive particular attention throughout the course.

ORLD 7490 - Topics: Power and Leadership (3 credits)

This course will help you better understand and use personal and organizational power within the context of organizations as political systems. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating between gender-stereotyped leadership skills and assisting you in identifying your leadership style in terms of masculine/feminine uses of power. The course will increase your comfort in using such arguably masculine skills as negotiating, influencing, and building coalitions; using chits, competition, and team roles; and developing change strategies that include a political element to them. Grounded in the theories surrounding thses concepts, the course focuses on your awareness of, and ability to use, the types of power available to you, and to build political skills as a complement to your other leadership abilities. The issues of ethical and unethical uses of power and politics within organizations will be addressed. You will identify whether and when you would use certain types of power and political skill, based on your personal ethics, leadership style, and case study situations.

ORLD 7500 - Leading Organizational Change (3 credits)

This course focuses on leading and facilitating organizational change processes in the context of a highly competitive and evolving global economy. Through action research, systems theory and other models, participants learn about and apply change processes to organizations. Subject areas include the five disciplines of learning organizations, the types of leadership required, the topics of empowerment and employee involvement and various models for change.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6200.

ORLD 7601-7603 - MAOL Practicum (1-3 credits)

The objective of the MAOL Practicum is to develop effective leadership skills via hands-on application in the workplace. The practicum learning contract specifies learning and workplace objectives based on application of curriculum concepts. Students can choose “stretch” projects in their current workplace or explore an alternative work environment. Practicums are supervised by a faculty member and a site supervisor and may be paid or unpaid. Work schedule and format are flexible and may be self-scheduled. Approval of the MAOL Program Director is required to initiate a practicum. You are encouraged to register early for the practicum option. Academic credit is received for this course. (1 credit = 40 hours of work; 2 credits = 80 hours of work; 3 credits = 120 hours of work).

Prerequisites
Approval of the learning contract by the site supervisor and the faculty member advising the project.

ORLD 7650 - Modern Accounting Theory and Practice (3 credits)

This course will expand your understanding of the theoretical foundations of modern accounting theory. The course covers the historical basis of accounting, beginning with the publication of Summa de arithmetica, geometria et proportionalita by Luca Paccioli up to and including the theoretical foundations (or lack thereof) which culminated in the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Law in 2004 regarding corporate governance.

Prerequisites
Intermediate Accounting II.

ORLD 7983 - Leaders of a New Millennium: Cultivating the Potential of Emerging Women Leaders (3 credits )

This course combines the work completed in the Leadership Institute seminars, Leaders of the New Millennium, with academic assignments. Through in-depth research and analysis you explore a relevant leadership topic that applies to organizational leadership and your own personal and professional development. Leaders of the New Millennium begins with an intensive two-day session followed by six monthly four-hour classes. Using the Refirement model, assessment tools and instructor advising, you develop you individual strategic leadership action plan with measurable outcome-based personal and professional goals. To complete the course you attend all the seminars, keep a journal and write an in-depth paper. The work is advised and evaluated by a MAOL faculty member. Note: This is an eight-month Leadership Institute program with a graduate credit option. You must first sign up for the Leadership Institute program (receive an enrollment form by contacting leadership@stkate.edu or calling 651-690-6819).

ORLD 7983 - Executive Women's Round Table (3 credits )

This course combines work done for the International Institute of Women Entrepreneurs program “Executive Women’s Round Table,” with academic assignments including an analysis of a related topic of special interest to you. To complete the course you attend all the seminars, keep a journal and write an in-depth paper. The work is advised and evaluated by a MAOL faculty member. You must first sign up for the Leadership Institute program. To receive an enrollment form, contact leadership@stkate.edu or call 651-690-6819.

ORLD 7991-7993 - Credit for Academically Relevant Learning (CARL) (1-3 credits)

The CARL program provides an opportunity for students to earn credit for prior learning experience that took place outside of the classroom. You develop a portfolio that describes and documents a relevant, college-level learning experience. The experience should be the equivalent to that in a graduate-level course applicable to the MAOL program. A faculty adviser assesses the portfolio that describes and documents the learning experience. “S/U” grading only. Students are limited to one CARL.

Prerequisites
Completion of nine credits. Faculty adviser, Program Director and Dean of Professional Studies approval.

ORLD 8200 - Strategic Management (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide you with both a theoretical foundation for and hands-on practice in analyzing, formulating and implementing organizational strategy. A premium is placed on developing a capability to both think strategically and act tactically. The course revolves around students working individually, in pairs and in small groups to analyze complex written cases. The cases describe strategic situations of business and non-profit organizations operating in today's highly competitive, rapidly changing, increasingly diverse, global context and e-connected environment. Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint technologies are used.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6400 and completion of 21 credits. Recommended: ORLD 6250 and/or 7500.

ORLD 8880 - Leadership Seminar (3 credits)

This culminating course has two primary goals: 1) to help you reflect on what you have learned throughout the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program; and 2) to prepare you to address current leadership challenges in today's rapidly changing organizations. The reflection portion involves revising and adding to the Leadership Portfolio. Specific activities include consulting with mentors to assess personal abilities and goals, and presenting a leadership philosophy statement to off-campus colleagues. Additionally, the class identifies cutting edge issues. Then, teams set up guided discussions to explore how to address them effectively, ethically and enduringly.

Prerequisites
ORLD 7100, ORLD 8901/02 and completion of 27 credits.

ORLD 8901 - Action Project Research Proposal (2 credits)

The outcome of the course is a completed research proposal approved by the adviser, ORLD 8901 instructor and MAOL director. During the term you identify your topic, select an adviser and interact with the instructor and other students to test out ideas and receive feedback on drafts of your work. Other activities include reading completed MAOL theses or action project papers, attending presentations by those completing their program and meeting with the proposed adviser. You are assessed on your abilities to do research, synthesize materials, develop a feasible research design, complete a persuasive and logical research proposal using MAOL guidelines, develop a partnership with an adviser, coach others on their research ideas, and integrate leadership and ethics into the research approach. S/U grading. You must register for ORLD8980 Leadership Action Project the following term. Note: Because of the credits and the extensive use of Blackboard technology, the course is comprised of 5 required sessions and 2 optional sessions. Consult the syllabus for dates.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6200, ORLD 7100, completion of 27 credits.

ORLD 8902 - Thesis Research Proposal (3 credits)

The outcome of the course is a completed research proposal approved by the adviser, ORLD 8902 instructor and MAOL director. During the term you identify your topic, select an adviser and interact with the instructor and other students to test out ideas and receive feedback on drafts of your work. Other activities include reading completed MAOL theses or action project papers, attending presentations by those completing their program and meeting with the proposed adviser. You are assessed on your abilities to do research, synthesize materials, develop a feasible research design, complete a persuasive and logical research proposal using MAOL guidelines, develop a partnership with an adviser, coach others on their research ideas, and integrate leadership and ethics into the research approach. S/U grading. You must register for ORLD 8990 Leadership Thesis the following term. Note: Because of the credits and the extensive use of Blackboard technology, the course is comprised of 5 required sessions and 2 optional sessions. Consult the syllabus for dates.

Prerequisites
ORLD 6200, ORLD 7100, completion of 27 credits and program approval.

ORLD 8980 - Leadership Action Project (1 credits)

In the Leadership Action Project, a leadership topic or issue is addressed. The project can be undertaken by an individual or team and presented as written work or through another medium. Project results are submitted to the adviser and publicly presented. The project is assessed by how well it demonstrates your ability to research and analyze a significant leadership topic and reach conclusions, as well as the overall quality of the written work. The presentation is assessed as to how well it demonstrates your ability to present the findings effectively and persuasively. You have up to two consecutive terms to complete the work for this course as indicated by an “X” grade until an “S/U” grade is given by the end of the second term. If the work is not completed after two terms, you receive a “U” and must reregister for the course. Mandatory three session workshop. Call the MAOL office to register.

Prerequisites
Departmental approval based on completion of 27 credits with a GPA of 3.0 or better and completion of ORLD 8901, including submission of the signed proposal to the MAOL office.

ORLD 8990 - Leadership Thesis (3 credits)

In the Leadership Thesis, a leadership issue is analyzed in depth. An individual or team can write the thesis. The research results are defended in front of the thesis committee and are publicly presented. The thesis is assessed by how well it demonstrates your ability to research and analyze a significant leadership topic and reach conclusions, as well as the overall quality of the written work. The defense and presentation are assessed as to how well they demonstrate your ability to present the findings effectively and persuasively. You have up to two consecutive terms to complete the work for this course as indicated by an “X” grade until an “S/U” grade is given by the end of the second term. If the work is not completed after two terms, you receive a "U" and must reregister for the course. Mandatory three session workshop. Call the MAOL office to register.

Prerequisites
Departmental approval based on completion of 27 credits with a GPA of 3.6 or better and completion of ORLD 8902, including submission of the signed proposal to the MAOL office.