Professionalism in an era of change

Utrecht University

About this Course

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In this course we aim to provide you with an insight into how recent societal and technological developments have changed the work of professionals in a variety of professional domains and how this in turn affects professionalism. The course highlights core themes, discusses main insights and theories, raises questions and presents cases, and links insights to practical challenges in various professional domains. It provides a state of the art assessment of professionalism in transition, by looking back and looking forward. It supports target audiences in dealing with professional services and professionals.  
The programme has an interdisciplinary approach and will focus on different levels:
At macro level the course presents a historical and sociological view on past and future changes in professions, focused on: 
•	how do professional fields develop?
•	how is professionalism promoted and encouraged among professionals?
•	how do professional fields control and empower their members?

At meso level the course presents an organisational view on changes within professional partnerships and institutions, focused on the following questions:
•	how do norms and routines affect professionals and professional work?
•	how do professionals organise and lead professional work?

At micro level a psychological perspective on changing work and a changing work environment of professionals is presented. This part focuses on the following questions:
•	how do professionals deal with work pressure and remain motivated?
•	which competencies do professionals require to be able and capable to deliver?

We invite you to join us and increase your understanding of the topics addressed in this course through lectures, interviews, animations, readings and peer interaction.

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Intermediate Level

Approx. 27 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Skills you will gain

Professional DevelopmentPersonal DevelopmentManaging professionalsLeadership DevelopmentProfessional

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

Approx. 27 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.77/5 (12 Ratings)

Nicole Mastenbroek

Dr.

6,962 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

Utrecht University

Utrecht University is a research university comprising seven faculties which collectively span the entire academic spectrum in teaching and research. Founded in 1636, the University is now a modern, leading institute enjoying a growing international reputation. In the Shanghai Ranking, Utrecht University ranks 1st in the Netherlands, 17th in Europe and 56th worldwide. The research focuses on four main strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. Our motto is: Bright minds, better future.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

4 hours to complete

Professions in transition

4 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 36 min), 7 readings, 3 quizzes

4 videos

1.1.1 Welcome to the course!3m

1.2.2 How to identify a professional8m

1.2.5 Interprofessional competition15m

1.3.2 Patterns of societal change9m

7 readings

1.1.2 An introduction to the MOOC 'Professionalism in an era of change'4m

1.1.3 Week 1: Professionals in transition3m

1.2.1 Introduction3m

1.2.4 The rise of professionalism1h 30m

1.3.1 Introduction3m

1.3.3 Consequences of societal change20m

1.4.3 Wrapping it Up5m

2 practice exercises

1.2.3 Identifying the professional10m

1.2.6 The professionalisation of everyone?15m

Week

Week 2

5 hours to complete

Control and empowerment of professionals

5 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 26 min), 6 readings, 4 quizzes

4 videos

2.1.2 A case study: Meet the professional6m

2.2.2 Inclusion and exclusion3m

2.2.3 Loyalty and identity6m

2.3.3 Bureaucracy and professional autonomy9m

6 readings

2.1.1 Week 2: Control and empowerment of professionals3m

2.2.1 Introduction3m

2.3.1 Introduction3m

2.3.2 Understanding paradoxes1h

2.4.1 Reflection on case study – meet the professional – Merel Langelaar - Veterinarian10m

2.4.4 Wrapping it up5m

2 practice exercises

2.2.4 Becoming a professional10m

2.3.4 Bureaucracy and professional autonomy30m

Week

Week 3

5 hours to complete

Quality control and competence

5 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 20 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes

3 videos

3.2.2. Expertise development8m

3.2.3 Transfer of tacit knowledge1m

3.3.2 Professional norms and work routines9m

6 readings

3.1.1 This week3m

3.2.1 Introduction3m

3.2.4 Embracing dualities by rethinking information processing1h 30m

3.3.1 Introduction3m

3.3.4 Incompatibilities between managerial principles, policies and professional norms and routines - some examples15m

3.4.3 Wrapping it up5m

1 practice exercise

3.2.5 Expertise development and knowledge dialectics15m

Week

Week 4

4 hours to complete

Organisation and leadership of professional work

4 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 38 min), 5 readings, 4 quizzes

5 videos

4.2.4 The clash between organisational and occupational logics: a practical example6m

4.2.5 Balancing conflicting demands11m

4.3.2 Towards a new model of professionalism8m

4.3.4 Hybridisation of professional work3m

4.3.5 The benefits of active coping behaviour7m

5 readings

4.1.1 Week 4: Organisation and leadership of professional work3m

4.2.1 Introduction3m

4.2.2. About managers and professionals when times are changing15m

4.3.1 Introduction3m

4.4.3 Wrapping it up5m

2 practice exercises

4.2.3 New ways of organising professional work10m

4.3.3 Towards a new model of professionalism8m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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Is financial aid available?
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Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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Professionalism in an era of change

Professionalism in an era of change