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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Organizational Analysis by Stanford University

4.6
stars
1,447 ratings

About the Course

In this introductory, self-paced course, you will learn multiple theories of organizational behavior and apply them to actual cases of organizational change. Organizations are groups whose members coordinate their behaviors in order to accomplish a shared goal. They can be found nearly everywhere in today’s society: universities, start-ups, classrooms, hospitals, non-profits, government bureaus, corporations, restaurants, grocery stores, and professional associations are some of many examples of organizations. Organizations are as varied and complex as they are ubiquitous: they differ in size and internal structure; they can entail a multiplicity of goals and tasks (some of which are planned and others unplanned!); they are made up of individuals whose goals and motivations may differ from those of the group; and they must interact with other organizations and deal with environmental constraints in order to be successful. This complexity frequently results in a myriad of problems for organizational participants and the organization’s survival. In this course, we will use organizational theories to systematically analyze how an organization operates and can best be managed. Organizational theories highlight certain features of an organization’s structure and environment, as well as its processes of negotiation, production, and change. Each provides a lens for interpreting novel organizational situations and developing a sense for how individual and group behaviors are organized. Theories are valuable for the analyst and manager because most organizational problems are unique to the circumstances and cannot be solved by simple rules of thumb. Armed with a toolset of organizational theories, you will be able to systematically identify important features of an organization and the events transforming it; choose a theoretical framework most applicable to the observed mode of organizing; and use that theory to determine which actions will best redirect the organization in desired directions. In sum, the course has three goals: to become familiar with a series of real-world organizational phenomena; to learn different theoretical perspectives that can elucidate these phenomena; and to apply these different ways of “seeing” and managing organizations to cases. In such a fashion, the course is designed to actively bridge theory and practice, exposing students to a variety of conceptual tools and ways to negotiate novel situations....

Top reviews

AA

Apr 29, 2020

This course provides in-depth analyses of a host of organizational theories and their application in real life. The dissection of each case and the applicability of the theories are really insightful.

AL

Sep 2, 2019

Very challenging yet worth it. If you are in an administrative position in an organization (especially education) you will get some great perspectives/understandings from this course. Take good notes!

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51 - 75 of 426 Reviews for Organizational Analysis

By Neecie P a D E P

Mar 20, 2022

Organizational Analysis course with Stanford provided exceptional processes of theory and application for various type work environments. I learned so much about the strengths and threats in determing successful productivity for high level functioning of different type organizational entities. This course is very engaging, challenging, and I highly recommend this course for those new to organzational analysis, or for those who are looking for reviews of strategies in optimizing organizational effectiveness, regardless of organizational type (education, government, technology, manufacturing, finance, etc.) .

By Kylii W

Oct 29, 2022

I found this course insightful in terms of theories and concepts. A number of case studies related to USA and to educational institutions which, although not relevant to my location and industry, I was able to get some gems from. The Professor is passionate and knowledgeable. At various times, the Professor actually shares with you some of the constraints that he's under in order to provide publicly available videos and slides, I found that helpful given it can be a bit lumpy in terms of structure and presentation.

By Basel A A

May 13, 2020

Excellent course for understanding how organizations work, function, react to problems, change. Very important for managers or business leaders. A large portion of the cases used were from the education field like schools, and universities but the examples can applied to all organizations whether profit or non profit. The lectures were very informative and entertaining. The quizzes were challenging and the final was even more challenging. Thank you Coursera, Stanford, Dr. Dan McFarland for this very beneficial course.

By Oleksandr M

May 8, 2019

I have many years of experience working at various organizations, however, it was very useful and exciting to learn about different and such complicated paths in the process of decision making. This course has allowed me to gain different perspective and start analyzing in absolute new way organizations/decision making groups with which I am working at this moment.

It also helps to make practical steps in order to succeed in the process of decision making.

Thank you

By loida d

Mar 29, 2023

The course has given me understandings and lenses about the dynamics of organizations and the people within the organizations which I would've never gained if I didn't take this course. I recommend this survey course to anyone who is setting up a career in organizational development and also to people taking management and leadership roles for the first time. Understanding organization dynamics will save them from a lot of frustration.

By Caio A V

Nov 30, 2016

For a long time, a dreamt with this kind of course and this level of teaching. I believe that this course represents the magna opus of what Coursera's mission fosters to be. It is enlightening, complete and passionate in so many ways that make this intangible asset almost physical. My only advice is, just take this course and embrace what you will learn because it can actually change you and luckily your environment as well.

By Peggy L

Jun 6, 2022

It took a long while for me to finish this course due to very busy personal schedule. I am so so happy that I've finally completed this as the course presents me challenges and equips me with a lot of theories and tools to explain organisation behaviour. Thanks for putting this course up in Coursera, and the inspiration Prof. McFarland and his team has brought me. I am really very pleased to have done this!!

By Claudio B

Feb 28, 2017

The course is excellent, it covers several theories about organizational analysis with various case studies. The most interesting thing for me is the constant concern to make practical knowledge, identifying when a theory is more applicable and what course of action a manager should take in each case. In the end, we have a series of tools that can be used in whole or in part, depending on the case in question.

By Jimmy L 梁

Nov 12, 2022

The beginning says week 1 & 2 are difficult as too much new information, but when I go further step by step, I found it's really great to learn framework and will be connected with ten theories and my long working experience in last. Really great course with information, insight and tips. And the screen-side chats are enjoyable with questions and discussion more on real world. Thanks and strong recommend.

By Yana S

Dec 24, 2016

The content was very insightful, it provided me with some lenses (as promised) to analyse different organizational issues and have deeper understanding of possible strategies for me as a change agent. The two things I've missed were 1) some peer-graded assignment in addition to quizzes and 2) some list for future investigation/reading. Maybe you would consider adding those to future courses. Thank you!

By Cassandra W

Oct 1, 2020

Very impressed with the content and structure of the course. A fair bit of information well layered that articulated a host of experiences we have at the workplace very well with explanations about them and how to manage to them. Also listed a host of theories supported with management strategies to use that I was not familiar with. So overall extremely pleased with the course.

By Vianny M

Sep 1, 2019

I am deeply satisfied with the course! The materials/lectures helped me to understand the basics thoroughly. Particularly the case studies are my real interest. I wish if there was a one big case study as an example where all the theories in this course are covered. I am applying these theories in my current organization and I got a positive feedback..! Thanks Coursera!

By Richard H

Jun 11, 2018

Interesting course. Provides good insights to the way different organizations work. As a result, when I recently was looking at a start-up, it was easy to identify the different players and understand the nature of the organization. Hopefully, I will be able to use some of the skills learned in the course to help move the organization in a successful direction.

By Alejandro D G

Sep 2, 2019

It is an excellent course, with a lot of information that can help you, on your management skills and better comprehension of how organizations can be, apart of what might guide the organization into a new way.

I recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their management abilities and/or those who are willing to comprehend how organizations behave.

By Liselotte T

Nov 6, 2020

Very informative and well structured course for anyone that would like to understand more about the different lenses you can view a company. Not only useful for organisational analysts but also for anyone that want to understand more about what is happening to one's company and what management styles to use to mitigate or enforce certain behaviours.

By shubham A

Jul 16, 2017

This Course is really a good one. A large number of concepts are discussed in this course and moreover the case studies provided are really the USP of this course. This course not only provides with the theoretical knowledge, but also helps to understand the practical applications of the theories. I would love to recommend this course to everyone.

By Anatol K

Aug 28, 2020

One of the best courses I've taken on Coursera! Thanks to the Professor McFarland for preparing great lectures reach of material, real world examples. This gave me a lot insights on organizations and projects I've worked for. Special thanks for extras - the informal screen side chats that kind of helped to grasp the information easier. Thank you!

By Aiganysh I

Aug 9, 2020

It is a great course for anyone who wishes to comprehend a variety of organizational development theories (and their application) and thus hone one's sociological imagination. Huge thank you to our professor - Daniel McFarland and TAs for your dedication! I especially enjoyed screen-side chats and overview lectures - these very extremely helpful.

By Carl A

Jan 18, 2018

In my profession as a general manager of a company I can identify a lot of the theories in this course when dealing with both internals of my organization, and even more our customer organizations, which are both privately owned companies and public organizations. I can definitely recommend this course to any managers out there.

By Abraham K

Nov 14, 2022

Je remercie très sincèrement mes professeurs pour le soin apporté à ce cours, je remercie également coursera pour la création de cet outil formidable de formation contribuant chaque seconde à améliorer la vie d'un individu sur la planète, car j'ai personnellement suivi un cours formidable et très bénéfique à tout point de vue.

By Thomas L

May 29, 2020

Incredible useful course. A detailed breakdown of all the major Organisational Analysis models, how they relate to one another, and which one is the most relevant in any given business sector. Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone looking to understand why the organisation they work for makes the decisions they do.

By Daniel B

Dec 22, 2020

Great course. Gave me a world of new perspectives about how you can analyze an organization and combine different approaches and theories in order to identify what are the core characteristics of the given organization, how it can or should develop further, how it can evaluate and resolve it's problems and many more.

By Ramadoss B

Mar 27, 2017

Great course ! Great teacher !

Good combination of theory as wel as practice through case studies. Students are also exposed to variety of case studies of US Corporates / Universities / Government which provides an opportunity to learn about US Management Systems.

I am lucky to have come across this course.

By John A V G

Dec 14, 2020

Scripted lectures were well-taught and the screen-side chats (supplementary lectures) complemented these too. I appreciated all the different theories and cases presented in this course. It was enlightening and fun to realize how these theories have presented themselves in my own school/work experiences.

By Sangeeta V

Jan 29, 2021

Absolutely enlightening

Dan was fabulous, lectures were well delivered and case studies were very interesting. I also loved the screen side chat modules ;casual yet very relevant. Slides /content is extremely handy. Thnx Coursera for this wonderful course. I have a Stanford stamp on my resume now :)