Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the theories, processes, and practices of leading successful change in organizations. Topics include the problem with change and its solution, the eight-stage process for effective change, what the organization of the future will look like, and the importance of change for lifelong learning.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The rate of change in organizations, whether private, public, or nonprofit, is a challenge for leaders and managers at all levels. The purpose of this course is to examine methods of making changes to organizations. The course is designed to blend theory and research with practical application. Change management is a systemic function that can be seen in every aspect of leadership. Mastery of this skill is supportive of all leadership styles and practices.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Assess the effectiveness of organizational change initiatives.
2. Contrast current change practice with the established change processes.
3. Evaluate an organization’s deficiency in order to prescribe change.
4. Develop strategies to execute change

Course Assignment Detail

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes :

Course Requirements Checklist :

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3) :

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided promptly for each discussion in the current APA format.
• Each thread must be 600–800 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge.
• At least 4 scholarly articles and a course text are required to support the post.
• The journal article must have been published within the past 3 years.
• In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates threads.
• Each reply must be 200–300 words. At least 2 scholarly articles are required to support each reply.
• The journal article must have been published within the past 3 years.
• References must be cited using APA format.

Change Scenario Research Paper Assignment :

The student will write a 5–6-page analysis in the current APA format that addresses an organization’s need for change. The paper must include a title page and an abstract, and the content of the paper must include an introduction and a conclusion. The paper must also include a Reference section with at least 5 references (scholarly, peer-reviewed journals, or respected trade publications) in addition to Kotter’s text, the Merida text, and the Bible (at least 8 total references).

Quiz: Self Selected Project: Topic Submission :

The student will select either the PowerPoint or the Literature Critique. If the student selects the  PowerPoint presentation, he or she must submit a brief description of the change idea/industry to be approved. If the student selects the Literature Critique, he or she must submit the book he or she wishes to critique for approval.

Self-Selected Project: PowerPoint Assignment or Self-Selected Project: Literature Critique Assignment :

The student will select a project of interest to further his or her understanding of organizational change. For the PowerPoint presentation, the student will develop a presentation that simulates a change implementation meeting, in which the presenter’s organization is about to undergo change. The presentation must be created in PowerPoint, must include at least 15 slides, and must include 5 citations from selected literature.

The second option is a literature critique of a book of the student’s choice. For the Literature Critique, the student will read and analyze a substantive book that explores organizational change. The student will develop a 6–7-page critique of this text, evaluating the content in light of personal experience, current research, the course texts, as well as the Christian worldview. The paper will require a title page, abstract, and reference page. A minimum of 8 scholarly references must be included.

Case Study in Change Research Paper Assignment :

The student will write a 10–12-page research-based paper in the current APA format that examines current research and case studies focusing on organizational change. The paper will present the current best practices for organizational change and will present at least 3 real-world cases that demonstrate organization-level change. The paper must include a title page and an abstract, and the content of the paper must include an introduction and a conclusion.

The paper must also include a Reference section with at least 10 references (5 of which must be from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals within the last five years) in addition to the course texts (including Merida) and the Bible (at least 14 total references).