About this course: 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.

Who is this class for: This course has been specifically designed for those who are interested in, collaborate with, or work with international organizations. No prior experience or prerequisites are required.

Created by: University of Geneva

Taught by: Gilbert Probst, Professor, Organization and Management
Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences
Taught by: Sebastian Buckup, Visiting professor
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Bruce Jenks, Visiting professor
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Stephan Mergenthaler, Visiting professor
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Cassandra Quintanilla, Teaching and research assistant
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Lea Stadtler, Research Fellow
Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences
Taught by: Claudia Gonzalez Romo, Visiting professor
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Julian Fleet, Visiting professor
International Organizations MBA
Taught by: Tina Ambos, Academic Director of the International Organizations MBA
Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences

Level	Beginner
Commitment	3 hours per week
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

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, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz

Discussion Prompt: What brings you to this course?
Practice Quiz: Test your knowledge before you start (not graded)
Reading: Learn more about the IO-MBA programme
Reading: Course Syllabus

WEEK 2

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, 5 readings

Video: Early examples of international organizations
Reading: Explore the UN System
Video: Historical context of international organizations
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Taxonomy - Different ways to classify organizations
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: The UN Charter and basic principles
Video: The UN governance system
Reading: UN Charter
Video: The UN Security Council
Video: ECOSOC and the Sustainable Development Goals
Reading: Explore the SDGs
Discussion Prompt: Peace, Development and Human Rights
Video: UN Secretariat and Secretary General
Discussion Prompt: Pick an International Organization

Graded: Quiz week 1

WEEK 3

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, 4 readings

Video: Networks and Hierarchies
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Global supply chains and production networks
Video: Regional and plurilateral trade agreements
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Global efforts to address climate change
Video: Practical example - Combating deforestation
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Internet history and cyber-security of nation states
Video: Internet governance and global policy debates
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Conclusion

Graded: Quiz week 2

WEEK 4

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, 5 readings

Video: UN strategic alignment and creating space
Video: Expectations of the Secretary-General
Reading: Strategy and Leadership
Video: Authority of the Secretary-General in the UN Charter
Video: Example: Dag Hammarskjöld on creating space
Reading: Dag Hammarskjöld
Video: UN convening power and high-level panels
Video: UN leadership through setting goals
Video: UN leadership through data and bold visions
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: Introduction to Part 4 and 5
Video: Four scenarios on the future of multilateralism
Reading: Additional Readings
Video: The UN's role in norms and global public goods
Video: Conclusions
Reading: Additional Readings

Graded: Quiz week 3

WEEK 5

Public Private Partnerships

The shifting context for international organizations makes collaboration on global challenges more important, but also more difficult. In addition to collaboration between nation states in traditional international organisations, public private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as an innovative model for collaboration that transcends the conventional boundaries of the public sector, private sector and civil society. In this module, you will learn about the role of cross-sector partnerships in addressing today's complex challenges as well as the unique management approaches that are needed to bring diverse stakeholders together. We will set out theoretical frameworks to assess the opportunities and challenges of partnership, and apply these frameworks to examples of partnerships between international organisations and business, public agencies, and civil society.

9 videos, 6 readings

Video: What do we mean by Public Private Partnerships?
Reading: What is the role of businesses in sustainable development?
Video: Why do international organizations engage in PPPs?
Reading: The complexity of cross-sector relationships
Video: Sectoral strengths and differences in PPPs
Video: Practical examples of PPPs in action
Reading: Are partnerships a panacea?
Video: Partnership life cycle and operational model
Video: Partnership governance structure
Reading: Partnerships in practice: when informal relationships differ from formal
Video: How to prepare and select suitable partners
Reading: The collaborative mindset: managerial styles for partnerships
Video: The role of broker organizations in partnerships
Reading: Case study of brokerage

Graded: Quiz week 4

WEEK 6

Marketing & Fundraising

International organizations are facing increasingly competitive environments in gaining the funding and public support necessary to fulfill their missions. The current economic situation has made it more critical than ever to use effective marketing management to build positive media attention and a strong brand identity. In this last module, we blend together theoretical principles with the practical skill of marketing and fundraising in international organizations. The course is divided into four parts, each with a theoretical framework followed by the application to a real world example.

9 videos, 4 readings

Video: Building a marketing plan
Video: Marketing plan example
Reading: Cause marketing
Video: Managing your brand
Video: Branding - Octagon example
Reading: Global Fund - Identify guide for partners
Video: Fundraising
Video: Fundraising - How to build a case for support
Reading: Dan Pallotta on charity
Video: Media and communications
Video: Media Tools - examples
Reading: Strategic communication plan

Graded: Quiz week 5

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How It Works

Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

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Creators

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.

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 of 18 ratings

Great!

The Course is very good taught me everything i needed to learn, i hope to add to my CV by purchasing the certificate in September as soon as i get fund for it. Introducing me to marketing, communication and fundraising. I find very useful because i can use that to apply for jobs in Market communication, and PR. Can now care out more research, and extensive reading in marketing, communication and PR. As a graduate of International Relation and Politics. Knowledge in International Law and Global Justice which i started for my Masters but withdrawal as a result of financial difficulties. Addition this course; International Organization management has taking me one step closer of my dream of working for International Organizations such as UN, UNICEF, UNDO, World Bank, International Criminal Court etc and NGOs. These and many more course am adding relating to international field to enhance my knowledge and enrich my CV. All i need now is experience to get me all set to my career goals.

This course has simply blown my mind and opened my eyes to the complexities of International Organizations. I have further respect to those people in the field and also want to work towards being a part of their wonderful world.

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.