Certificate in Fundamentals of Supervision and Management Online Course

Introduction to managerial work
How has management theory evolved over the last 100 years? In this lesson, we'll take a fascinating glimpse back into the days of assembly lines and scientific management. Why did we need managers in the first place? We'll look at the ways organizations are structured and describe managerial jobs in terms of the technical and managerial tasks that are performed.

Making the transition into management
Let’s see if we can identify the characteristics of a typical supervisor's day, as well as ways that we can handle the challenges that day. We’ll talk about ways to make the supervisor’s path smoother, such as empowerment and communication. We'll also go over some helpful hints on managing your image as a supervisor in your organization. How does one begin to think, act, and look like a manager?

The tasks of a manager
Is leadership distinct from management? Do you have what it takes to be a leader, or are you cut out to be just a manager? In this lesson, we'll look at the evolution of leadership research and begin to discuss the fascinating field of motivation. Believe it or not, a good leader can build motivation right into the design of a job.

Managing tasks, performance, and time
In this lesson, we'll look at the ways a supervisor can handle the challenges of delegation, performance management, and time management. Once we understand the challenges of the typical day, we can certainly understand the importance of time management to a supervisor! In this lesson, we'll identify time-wasters and time-savers.

Introduction to motivation
Time to really dig into the topic dear to many managers’ hearts-motivation! In this lesson, we'll clarify what managers need to understand about human motivation, and help you to understand the links between motivation and productivity.

The best-known researchers in motivation
Motivational theories are great as long as they truly help you to manage people at work every day. We'll look closely at four theories that pass that test in this lesson: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation, the three levels of human need in Alderfer's theory, and the three needs outlined by McClelland.

Motivation theories
Do you believe that people naturally want to do a good job? Or are people lazy by nature and need to be watched? In this lesson, find out if you're a Theory X or a Theory Y-type of manager. There self-fulfilling prophecies to each of those beliefs, and we'll go over both in this lesson. We'll also discuss goal-setting theory, management by objectives, and the various types of conflict you may meet when motivating people.

Understanding the theories of motivation
In this lesson, we'll define two more very practical and influential motivational theories; Equity theory and expectancy theory. Then we'll wrap up our theoretical discussion by making sure we understand the importance of creating a motivational environment.

Introduction to conflict resolution and problem-solving
Now comes the hard part-when real life doesn't work out they way the theories told us it should. What happens when conflict arises? We’re going to talk about conflict and conflict resolution in this lesson. We’ll include specific techniques of negotiation, a particular type of conflict management.

Models of conflict resolution and problem-solving
We'll broaden our thinking a bit in this lesson: We’ve been looking a lot at individuals, but what about conflict and problem-solving in work groups? In this lesson, we'll identify means of solving conflict between groups. We'll also learn a problem-solving model that is useful in work and in life!

Working through problems
In this lesson, we'll continue to explore the problem-solving model introduced in Lesson 10 by talking about the importance of establishing objectives, generating alternatives, and choosing a solution.

Implementing solutions to problems and conflicts
Lesson 12 concludes the problem-solving model by explaining the importance of having a plan of action, and giving you the tools you need to carry the plan through to completion. We'll conclude by taking a final look at the conflict that can arise while solving problems and completing action plans, and the appropriate use of power to solve some conflict.