Department of Management

MBA Concentration in Leadership

Nature of the Concentration

The Executive Leadership Concentration is an integrated set of courses that equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead organizations at all levels and in a variety of contexts. The courses provide understanding of the history, values, skills and theory of leadership. Special attention is given to the leadership of change and entrepreneurial ventures and to the ethical dimensions of leadership actions. The concentration encompasses four targeted courses. Advanced Leadership: Skills and Concepts provides innovative experiences, skills, and knowledge in all levels of leadership. Ethical Dimensions of Leadership investigates the moral foundations of ethical leadership decision making and behavior. Entrepreneurial Leadership explores concepts and techniques of the entrepreneurial process in the economy, as well as practical leadership for entrepreneurial initiates in new ventures and established firms. Finally, Managing Change through Leadership addresses one of the most critical of all managerial competencies--helping organizations adapt and thrive in continually changing environments.

Employment opportunities are increasing for MBAs who understand and are skilled in the functions of leadership. Recognition that leadership expertise plays a critical role in organizational success is driving employer interest in graduates with in-depth knowledge of the functions and methods of leadership. The courses offered in the Leadership concentration prepare graduates to contribute to the growth and development of tomorrow's leading organizations.

Course Descriptions

MGT 5384  Ethical Dimensions of Leadership

This course examines conduct in business within the context of moral philosophy.  Emphasis is placed on the relevance of philosophical theories of morality to leadership and decision making in organizations.  (3H, 3C)

MGT 5814  Entrepreneurial Leadership

Concepts and techniques for providing leadership in the entrepreneurial venture.  Provide the theoretical understanding of the entrepreneurial process in the economy as well as the practical leadership, marketing, financial and production considerations for entrepreneurial initiatives for new ventures and established firms. (3H, 3C)

MGT 5824  Advanced Leadership:  Skills & Concepts

Provides innovative experiences, skills, and knowledge in leadership for MBA students.  Within an historical context that balances military, political and business perspectives, four types of leadership will be examined: self-leadership, dyadic leadership, team leadership, and enterprise leadership.  Special emphasis will be placed on the specific skills, such as computer literacy and project management, required for leaders to succeed in modern, technologically oriented organizations. (3H, 3C) II

MGT 5334  Managing Change through Leadership

Examines techniques for successfully managing change in formal organizations through a variety of individual and team based methods.  Both practical techniques and theoretical perspectives for leadership development will be emphasized within the context of improving organizational effectiveness.