This course provides an introduction to International Organizations and the United Nations, and explores how business and management tools can be applied in these settings to achieve better, more effective results. With a focus on cross-sector partnerships in a changing world, the course offers you insights into the inner workings of international organizations and the challenges they face today. It will introduce you to effective, state-of-the art management tools and principles to help you lead change in this world – taught by senior staff of international organizations themselves.
This is an introductory course offered by the International Organizations MBA (IO-MBA) of the University of Geneva, an executive program for change-makers in international organizations, NGOs and social ventures.
International Organizations Management
Offered By
University of Geneva
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to this course on International Organizations Management. Over the next five weeks, we will explore the inner workings of International Organizations and the United Nations and learn how business and management tools can be applied in these settings. The course is structured into five modules, each with a focus on a different aspect of international organizations, and includes lectures, discussions and readings to dive deeper into particular topics. To qualify for a course certificate, you must complete and score above 80% on all five of the end of module quizzes. See more details in the course syllabus below, then let's get started with Week 1!
1 video (Total 4 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
2 readings
Learn more about the IO-MBA programme10m
Course Syllabus5m
1 practice exercise
Test your knowledge before you start (not graded)20m
Week
24 hours to complete
Introduction to International Organizations
In the first module of our course on International Organizations Management, we provide an overview of the historical context and different ways of classifying international organizations in today's contemporary world. We will focus in particular on the United Nations – its origins, purposes, mandate, structure and activities – as the most important inter-governmental organization that coordinates global action on peace and security, humanitarian protection, human rights, and economic and social development.
9 videos (Total 84 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
Early examples of international organizations5m
Historical context of international organizations11m
Taxonomy - Different ways to classify organizations15m
The UN Charter and basic principles11m
The UN governance system6m
The UN Security Council6m
ECOSOC and the Sustainable Development Goals10m
UN Secretariat and Secretary General14m
5 readings
Explore the UN System20m
Additional Readings20m
Additional Readings40m
UN Charter10m
Explore the SDGs15m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 120m
Week
33 hours to complete
The Shifting Context for International Organizations
In our second module, we will turn to the practice of international relations to understand how states engage with each other and other actors on the global stage. Today, international relations are about much more than the traditional study of states, security and power. From growing anti-trade sentiments, to the impact of climate change, to cyber-security in a hyper-connected world, most of the security threats of the 21st century will require greater cooperation across borders and collective action from governments, private sector and civil society. These shifts raise important questions for the future functioning of international organizations.
9 videos (Total 59 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
Networks and Hierarchies11m
Global supply chains and production networks6m
Regional and plurilateral trade agreements5m
Global efforts to address climate change6m
Practical example - Combating deforestation3m
Internet history and cyber-security of nation states9m
Internet governance and global policy debates3m
Conclusion 7m
4 readings
Additional Readings15m
Additional Readings20m
Additional Readings20m
Additional Readings20m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 220m
Week
44 hours to complete
Leadership in the UN System
Now that you have a better understanding of the UN system, its shifting context, challenges and opportunities, we move on to explore the concept and practice of leadership in the UN. In this module, we will outline a conceptual framework and key literature on UN leadership. We explore different styles of leadership and examples of the practice of leadership by successive Secretaries General. We analyze several instruments of leadership – leadership through the power of convening, setting goals, marshalling evidence, and what we refer to as visionary leadership. We conclude by examining prospects for future UN leadership and multilateralism in a changing world.
12 videos (Total 111 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
12 videos
UN strategic alignment and creating space10m
Expectations of the Secretary-General10m
Authority of the Secretary-General in the UN Charter11m
Example: Dag Hammarskjöld on creating space15m
UN convening power and high-level panels11m
UN leadership through setting goals7m
UN leadership through data and bold visions11m
Introduction to Part 4 and 553s
Four scenarios on the future of multilateralism7m
The UN's role in norms and global public goods7m
Conclusions 4m
5 readings
Strategy and Leadership20m
Dag Hammarskjöld20m
Additional Readings20m
Additional Readings30m
Additional Readings30m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 320m
4.8
30 Reviews33%
started a new career after completing these courses
43%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
Great introduction to the topic suitable for anyone. I finished quickly because I did not want to stop! Now I want to learn more about this topic.
This is beyond doubt that International Organization Management is five star class and I am proud to complete through coursera.
Instructors
Gilbert Probst
Professor, Organization and ManagementFaculty of Economic and Social Sciences
Sebastian Buckup
Visiting professorInternational Organizations MBA
Bruce Jenks
Visiting professorInternational Organizations MBA
Stephan Mergenthaler
Visiting professorInternational Organizations MBA
Cassandra Quintanilla
Teaching and research assistantInternational Organizations MBA
Lea Stadtler
Research FellowFaculty of Economic and Social Sciences
Claudia Gonzalez Romo
Visiting professorInternational Organizations MBA
Julian Fleet
Visiting professorInternational Organizations MBA
Tina Ambos
Academic Director of the International Organizations MBAFaculty of Economic and Social Sciences
About University of Geneva
Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of Europe's leading universities. Devoted to research, education and dialogue, the UNIGE shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with a venerable cosmopolitan tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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