Opinions on students answers

Student 1

This class has been a great experience. It has given me an opportunity to explore organizations and their problem-solving ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. One does not realize the importance of a manager and the need to understand the process of the management- the need for division of labor, life cycles, principles of organization and the necessity of a formal hierarchy in larger organizations. During the first weeks in this class, I have learned the important role of a manager in an organization. Strong managers are, in my opinion, one the most critical components of a business. Between managing a team, driving results and answering to officials, managers are expected to meet goals and leadership’s expectations. A manager is expected to deal with changes and introduce them to their employees. If a manager resist a change or does not support new ideas in the organization, employees will most likely resist the change. In the class, we learned that managers and supervisors can be both the greatest ally and the greatest obstacle when introducing a new change. Getting managers and employees on board and taking the lead in supporting employee change is crucial. The book has presented new theories that I had not learned in the past. I look forward to learning more about organizations and how they face new demands.

Student 2

This course is helping me better articulate my frustrations regarding the bureaucracy within which I work. Once you are able to understand the concepts behind why something “isn’t working” then you can understand and apply principles that should address the problems being faced. I am hopeful that through this course, obtaining my degree in management will help me eventually get to a position of authority where I can make necessary changes to make my organization run better (Daft, 2013). Until then, through what I’ve learned so far about the structure and life cycle of the organization for which I work, I know I can exert what little power I do have to make some positive changes.

I’m currently running a working group to solve a complex problem at my organization. Understanding the horizontal conflicts that the working group is facing (including goals, differentiation, interdependence [Daft, 2013]) and addressing them up front has been helpful. Through other concepts I’ve learned in the course (how to build collaboration capacity, illustrating my expertise to enhance legitimacy, and exerting more control over decision-making premises), I have been able to build some consensus (Daft, 2013). This is not the first working group I’ve facilitated, and while I think I used some of the skills and concepts before, I do not believe I fully understood them (it was more trial and error). By having these tools in my arsenal and using them from the start, I have already seen more quick progress in getting from the “storming” phase to the “norming and performing” phase of this group’s work (Daft, 2013).

student 3

The course has not only been an eye opener but also a form of validation as well. I started as a green but excited rookie would, and I must say that I have not been disappointed at all.This is also my first online study programme but I can say  ‘ so far so good’.

The material is easy to read and follow. and the occasional  BRIECASE segment drops nuggets which I very much appreciate. The ASSESS YOUR ANSWER and DISCUSSION QUESTIONS allow or stimulate my perception about the topics discussed. 

The topics that interest me the most are those concerning ethics. As the Union Rep, I get  caught up alot with management about ethics and everything I read in that chapter was insightful especially the part about management leading by example when it comes to organizational ethics.