This course explores current approaches, models and methods that managers use to influence individuals and groups. Assuming a managerial role, students prepare oral and written presentations for study groups and faculty. Students also learn through feedback from individual reports, cases, letters, requests and memos. In addition, first-year study teams will participate in the Integrative Exercise in which students fill the roles of executives in a dynamic environment. Using the tools learned in other core courses, they gain experience in a competitive arena requiring integration of marketing, finance and production concepts.
Evaluation is made of team performance and individual contribution.
Leadership is a complex dynamic. Managers who hope to lead must identify, articulate and understand the ethical and legal dimensions of important decisions. This course combines business ethics and the legal environment of business. Students examine the current literature and have substantial opportunity to sharpen their skills through the calisthenics of case analysis and other class exercises. Joint sessions of the course will be held with other first-year courses.