I used to run an MBA Management Skills Programs in Hong Kong a few
years ago and was the module leader.
The program is skill based with an objective of developing the
participants' competency in dealing with practical management
situations. Whilst it is skill oriented, there is an academic
requirement for them to review literature and theories underpinning a
particular technique. This module requires:
a.the participants' self-assessment of the management skills they need
b.list out their areas for study
c.prioritize their needs area by the nominal group technique
d.forming small study group with people sharing similar interest
e.groups doing literature study to give framework
f.designing simulation for role playing
g.involving others to learn in the sessions
h.the assessment is done by the whole group with me as the modulator
i.everyone will keep a log, and present a paper of their reflection,
what they tried out in class and at work, materials they read. They
also evaluate their own learning.
The areas identified are fairly specific e.g. instead of
communication, they worked out "speaking in front of the camera" and
"parliamentary skills in the board room". The areas identified vary
from one year to another but there seem to have common areas such as
negotiation, disciplinary interviewing techniques...
As the course leader, I also provide my experience at the end of
"their sessions" and begin each session with a some experiential
exercises on some generic skills such as influencing, politicking,
feedback giving, assertiveness... that can enhance their competency in
handling specific situations.
I believe skills can only be learnt by actual practice. The practice have to be
situation specific and be given feedback. The application is necessary to
enhance the learning by their trying out in daily life which should be reflected
in the log. This an approach combining self development and action learning.
If you wish to have resources on the content, the following may help:
Training in Interpersonal Skills, Stephen Robbins
Interpersonal Skills at Work, Maureen Guirdham
Developing Managerial Skills in Organizational Behavior, Mainiero and Tromley
Skills for Managers and Leaders by Gary Yukl
It so happen that they are all published by Prentice Hall. Of course, there are
many packages in the market, some of which were suggested by other list members
here will be useful. The text that I suggest provide some framework and quick
reference. Some have good instruments and exercises as well. In any case, the
best exercise are those worked out by the "students". I have students who are
senior managers in the program and have found it to be most helpful. There
external examiner also found the approach practical yet meeting the academic
requirements.
Aaron Pun EdD DPhil
Sr. OD and Training Consultant
City of Toronto
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Help
Author: Management Education and Development Discussion
<
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU> at MTMETM04
Date: 1/26/98 11:52 AM
We are in the process of developing a new required MBA Managment Skills
course.
We need your help. If you teach anything like this, we would appreciate a
copy of your syllabus, or ideas of sources for materials.
In our early thinking, we envision modules covering: Team building,
assessment center, negotiation and conflict resolution, decision making,
leadership, written and oral communications, career planning, ethics.
We think this course would use variety of pedagogies, e.g., outward bound
like exercises for team building; in basket, leaderless group, self
assessment, etc.
We would appreciate feedback on topics to cover, pedagogies, sources. You
may reach me at:
Kim Boal
College of Business
Texas Tech University
15th & Flint Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-2150
(806) 742-3848 FAX
Thanks for your help.