A new session of each course opens each month, allowing you to enroll whenever your busy schedule permits!
How does it work? Once a session starts, two lessons will be released each week, for the six-week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends.
Keep in mind that the interactive discussion area for each lesson automatically closes 2 weeks after each lesson is released, so you’re encouraged to complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.
The Final Exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the Final Exam has been released, you will have 2 weeks plus 10 days to complete the Final and finish any remaining lessons in your course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.
Week One
Lesson 01 - Introduction to Managerial Work
Wednesday
How has management theory evolved over the last 100 years? This lesson will take you back to the older days of assembly lines and scientific management. You will learn how organizations are structured and describe managerial jobs in terms of the technical and managerial tasks that are performed.
Lesson 02 - Making the Transition Into Management
Friday
It's time to identify the characteristics of a typical supervisor's day and how they handle daily challenges. In this lesson, you will learn how to make the supervisor's path smoother, such as empowerment and communication. How does one begin to think, act, and look like a manager?
Week Two
Lesson 03 - The Tasks of a Manager
Wednesday
Is leadership distinct from management? Do you have what it takes to be a leader, or are you cut out to be just a manager? This lesson covers the evolution of leadership research and begin to discuss the fascinating field of motivation. Believe it or not, a good leader can build motivation right into the design of a job.
Lesson 04 - Managing Tasks, Performance, and Time
Friday
In this lesson, you will learn how a supervisor can handle the challenges of delegation, performance management, and time management. Once you understand the challenges of the typical day, you will understand the importance of time management to a supervisor.
Week Three
Lesson 05 - Introduction to Motivation
Wednesday
It's time to really dig into the topic dear to many managers' hearts-motivation. This lesson clarifies what managers need to understand about human motivation and help you to understand the links between motivation and productivity.
Lesson 06 - The Best-Known Researchers in Motivation
Friday
Motivational theories are great as long as they truly help you to manage people at work every day. This lesson looks closely at four theories: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation, Alderfer's theory on the three levels of human, and the three needs outlined by McClelland.
Week Four
Lesson 07 - Motivation Theories
Wednesday
Do you believe that people naturally want to do a good job? Or are people lazy by nature and need to be watched? In this lesson, find out if you're a Theory X or a Theory Y-type of manager. There are self-fulfilling prophecies to each of those beliefs.
Lesson 08 - Understanding the Theories of Motivation
Friday
This lesson defines two more very practical and influential motivational theories; equity theory and expectancy theory. This lesson wraps up the theoretical about the importance of creating a motivational environment.
Week Five
Lesson 09 - Introduction to Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
Wednesday
Now comes the hard part: when real life doesn't work out the way the theories said it should. What happens when conflict arises? This lesson explores conflict and conflict resolution. You will learn about specific techniques of negotiation, a particular type of conflict management.
Lesson 10 - Models of Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
Friday
This less about conflict and problem-solving in work groups? This lesson identifies means of solving conflict between groups. You will also learn a problem-solving model that is useful in work and in life.
Week Six
Lesson 11 - Working Through Problems
Wednesday
This lesson explores the problem-solving model and talks about the importance of establishing objectives, generating alternatives, and choosing a solution.
Lesson 12 - Implementing Solutions to Problems and Conflicts
Friday
Your final lesson concludes the problem-solving model discussion and gives you the tools you need to carry the plan through to completion. You will explore the conflicts that may arise while solving problems and completing action plans.