COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course deals with both the theory and practice of management. This approach is based on the assumption that, although this is an applied area, and students are preparing for professional positions, a basic understanding of the underlying theories of management is necessary in order to apply correctly the practices which have developed from theory.

Basic management topics, issues, and functions are covered in the course and are interpreted for the information service organization. The ways in which libraries and information centers are different from other types of organizations are considered in the application of management principles and practices.

Topics to be studied include the organizational environment, planning and decision making, staffing, organizing, time management, team building and conflict management, finance and budgeting, leadership and change, and grantsmanship.

The course will be conducted primarily through distance education modes. After an introductory session on campus, we will communicate with each other through email listservs, a discussion board, chat sessions and internet-connected audio lectures. A final on-campus session will provide an opportunity to examine the work of fellow students and to consider how best to continue to learn management skills.

In addition to a few assigned readings -- from internet sites or on reserve in Byrd Library, there is one required textbook:

Montana, Patrick J. and Bruce H. Charnov. Management. 2nd ed. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1993.

Four additional specialized or general management texts are placed on reserve for your use. These are:

Hill, Linda A. Becoming a Manager; Mastery of a New Identity. New York, Penguin Books, 1992.
Miner, Lynn E. and Jerry Griffith. Proposal Planning & Writing. Phoeniz, AR: Oryx, 1993.
Stueart, Robert D. and Barbara B. Moran. Library and Information Center Management. 4th ed. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1993.
Wolf, Thomas. Managing a Nonprofit Organization. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

1. To develop personal managerial skills and a philosophy about management
2. To understand the management task within an organizational setting.
3. To appreciate the complexities of organizational life and the role of the professional within an organization.
4. To write a grant proposl integrating many of the functions of management: planning, objective setting, staffing, budgeting, evaluating and disseminating information.
5. As an integral part of professional life, to develop strategies for continued learning about management and continued development of the skills of leadership.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

Because the course is conducted primarily by distance, it will be important to be a self-directed learner. You will need to expend a bit of extra effort to work with your colleagues and to derive maximum value from the class community. I am also willing to spend some extra effort to make sure you have the guidance you need close to the time you need it. You and I both will be spending a lot of time in email communication. I'm also available by telephone and, if you have plenty of time, by surface mail as well.

Much of your work in this class will be done in groups. The final exam is an individual undertaking. Please see the assignments page for a detailed description of each of the seven parts of the grant proposal assignment.

Evaluation. Grading will be based on class participation and ability to work collegially (25%), a seven-part grant proposal (30%), a poster presentation (15%), and a final exam (30%). Each of the seven parts of the grant proposal --

• organizational context paper
• problem statement and proposed solution
• objectives and action plan
• staffing plan
• space and equipment plan
• budget
• evaluation and dissemination plan.

Incompletes: A grade of incomplete may be taken only because of illness or special circumstances and only with the prior permission of the instructor.

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©: Evelyn Daniel, 1998. All rights reserved.
Page revised 1/13/98.