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 ā 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.
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5,320 already enrolled!
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 ā its origins, purposes, mandate, structure and activities ā 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 ā 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 Hammarskjƶld 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 Hammarskjƶld20m
Additional Readings20m
Additional Readings30m
Additional Readings30m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 320m
Week
54 hours to complete
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 (Total 82 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
What do we mean by Public Private Partnerships?11m
Why do international organizations engage in PPPs?13m
Sectoral strengths and differences in PPPs8m
Practical examples of PPPs in action6m
Partnership life cycle and operational model10m
Partnership governance structure11m
How to prepare and select suitable partners7m
The role of broker organizations in partnerships10m
6 readings
What is the role of businesses in sustainable development?20m
The complexity of cross-sector relationships10m
Are partnerships a panacea?30m
Partnerships in practice: when informal relationships differ from formal35m
The collaborative mindset: managerial styles for partnerships15m
Case study of brokerage10m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 420m
Week
62 hours to complete
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 (Total 63 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
Building a marketing plan10m
Marketing plan example5m
Managing your brand9m
Branding - Octagon example5m
Fundraising6m
Fundraising - How to build a case for support5m
Media and communications9m
Media Tools - examples5m
4 readings
Cause marketing10m
Global Fund - Identify guide for partners10m
Dan Pallotta on charity10m
Strategic communication plan10m
1 practice exercise
Quiz week 520m
4.8
48 Reviews44%
started a new career after completing these courses
50%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
This was one of the best mind bungling course. its was short and quite interesting. i liked my professor Claudia Gonzalez with her wide experience in Diplomacy and Marketing .
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.
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, youāll 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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