ITLS 451 - 700N

The focus of this course is on management and communication skills, with an emphasis on DEI in the workplace and in organizations, and the Jesuit value of cura personalis. Managing relationships, rather than dealing with technology, is often the biggest challenge for those in leadership positions within IT. This course will address the time and processes that are required and how IT leaders can tend to internal and external relationships (sponsors, business partners, etc.) to successfully guide an organization and reach desired outcomes. The course will address the strategies and challenges around managing up and down within and without their organization. The course will also provide the skills needed for navigating change management, such as getting buy-in and support, defining desired outcomes and proactively doing research and removing obstacles, in order to lay the groundwork for an organizational change. This course also provides practice with communication skills, which are essential to effective leadership but often a challenge for technology-oriented professionals.

Prerequisite: Open to students in the MPS in Information Technology Leadership and Strategy program (ITLS-MPS).

Outcomes:
1) Utilize principles of I/O psychology and evidence-based management.
2) Address the challenges for creating and implementing DEI strategies.
3) Describe challenges and apply strategies for successful change management, managing up and down within and without an organization.
4) Define and reach organizational outcomes.
5) Communicate and present information and objectives in a way that makes sense to and resonates with a variety of audiences.