Course Descriptions

EDG 9000 Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice

Course Description:
In this three-credit course, students will examine leading leadership theories, analyze the affordances and limitations of each theory, and apply the theories to a diverse set of real-world leadership challenges and opportunities. Learners will complete this course with a solid grounding in leadership theories that will serve as a foundation for future courses in the program. They will also shift their understanding of leadership theory from popular texts and notions about leadership to a deeper understanding that is rooted in the most robust and current research on the subject. 3 credits

EDG 9010 Exemplary Leadership Case Studies

Course Description:
In this course, participants experience a case-based approach to examining critical and pressing issues related to organizational leadership. Participants study in-depth case studies that challenge learners to analyze complex leadership challenges, apply insights from diverse theories and research, as well as propose and defend decisions related to the case study. In addition to studying existing case studies, learners also have the challenge of researching and writing a relevant leadership case study and using it to facilitate dialogue about relevant issue. 3 credits

EDG 9020 Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership

Course Description:
This course offers learners a grounding in the research on innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset. The diffusion of innovation, disruption innovation, the testable hypothesis approach to innovation, and the role of design thinking in innovation will be among central themes in the class. In addition, research and insights from entrepreneurial studies will be examined and applied to diverse contexts. 3 credits.

EDG 9030 Servant and Ethical Leadership

Course Description:
Central to this course is Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:42-45, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

As such, the course offers learners an in-depth and applied analysis of servant leadership as illustrated in both the Christian scriptures and current scholarly literature. In addition, participants will examine a Christian approach to ethics in leadership and apply these concepts to a variety of real-world case studies and models. While rooted in scholarly literature, this class also challenges learners to engage in self-reflection about core beliefs and values as well as how those inform one’s leadership practice. Participants should conclude the course with a deeper knowledge, skill set, and application experiences in servant and ethical leadership and be even better equipped for leadership in innovation and continuous improvement. 3 credits

EDG 9040 Introduction to Doctoral Program and Research Methods

Course Description:
In this three credit course, students are introduced to the Doctorate of Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI) program and to its foundational educational concentrations (leadership, research, innovation and improvement science, and elective/individual). Students will review program outcomes as a roadmap for successful program completion, and they will also be introduced to the technology associated with program delivery and university and community resources to supplement learning. In addition, they will formulate potential ideas for relevant dissertation research consistent with Concordia’s mission for service to Christ in the Church and the world. This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the research requirements of the program, an introductory overview of research methods and scholarly research in general, and an unpacking of the dissertation process. Students will learn to identify and implement quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The course emphasizes the basics of research planning and design in a practicum setting. 3 credits

EDG 9050 Quantitative Research Seminar

Course Description:

This course is a survey of basic statistical methods including descriptive statistics, z-tests and t-tests of means, chi-square analyses, correlation and regression analyses, and analysis of variance. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will also be used. In this course, students will compare, contrast, and analyze various quantitative research methodologies listed above; and learn how to use them based on context and research question or inquiry. 3 credits.

EDG 9060 Qualitative Research Seminar

Course Description:

Students in this course will focus on identifying and implementing research methodologies such as case study, ethnographic, biographical, historical, content analysis, phenomenological, narrative, constant comparative, and grounded theory. Students will compare, contrast, and analyze the various qualitative research methodologies and learn how to use them based on context and research question or inquiry. 3 credits. 

EDG 9070 Advanced Research and Statistics

Course Description:

This course provides background in statistical techniques building on students’ prior knowledge.  Advanced statistical topics are discussed including a variety of non-parametric tests, bivariate, multiple, and logistic regression, ANOVA with repeated measures, ANCOVA, multivariate tests, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.  It focuses on understanding what a given technique accomplishes statistically, the types of conclusions which can be reached using a technique, and how the results are reported in research articles and dissertations.  Students will also refine their own research practice and skills and come away with a more comprehensive appreciation of the research process. 3 credits.

EDG 9170 Branding Strategy in Education

Course Description:
In every field, strong brands outperform weak brands. The purpose of this course is to help you identify and address problems of practice in the area of strategic brand development that are particularly pertinent in educational contexts. You will discover problem solving ideas and strategies that will positively impact your work and leadership. The course specifically focuses on strategic brand development, that is —the research, planning, and construction necessary either to refresh an existing educational brand or to create a new one. The course covers related topics stemming from this central focus including brand management (pricing, distribution, placement, and partnerships) and brand marketing. We begin by understanding what makes brands strong, through research, case examples, and models. With this foundation, we explore the strategies and tactics that are required to build strong educational brands. An array of active discussion, expert presentations, case studies and research will guide you to recognize and apply key principles of strategic branding, such as brand elements, architecture, visual and written expression, and brand extensions that impact organizational strategy as well as business and cultural outcomes.  3 credits

EDG 9180 Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change

Course Description:

This graduate course introduces students to the fundamentals different theories, principles, and roles that are related to performance, learning, and change at the individual, group, and organization level.   3 credits.

EDG 9185 Futures Thinking in the World of Education

Course Description:
In this course, participants learn to analyze current and emerging trends in education. In addition, they will develop knowledge and skills in scenario planning, forecasting, and related tools used in futures studies, with a special focus upon the factors that influence the growth and adoption of innovations in education. 3 credits.

EDG 9190 Innovation and Design Thinking

Course Description:
Design Thinking enables the designer to become the agent of change in organizations and to act as a lever of transformation in this new way of working, enabling innovation in processes, products, services, communication, and business strategy. In this course, learners will develop a deep understanding of how to use design thinking to lead organizational innovation, solve problems, and pursue promising possibilities. 3 credits.

EDG 9200 Six Sigma Process and Application

Course Description:

The Six Sigma Process and Application course employs a method that organizes an operational improvement project into five components: define, measure, analyze, implement and control (DMAIC).  Similar to a scientific research project, students will learn the Six Sigma process and how to use measures and statistics to make the right decisions to improve the effectiveness of organizational operations. This is an “application project course” and the project will be the most significant mediator of success and the final grade. 3 credits.

EDG 9210 Lean Systems Analysis

Course Description:

EDG 9210 Lean Systems Analysis utilizes a series of concepts and practices directed toward improving customer value and reducing waste. Lean means creating more value to the customer with fewer resources.  The course will focus on how to systematically expose unneeded processes, materials, and effort to make operations processes more effective and customer focused.  3 credits. 

EDG 9220 Operations and Supply Chain Management

Course Description:
EDG 9220 Operations and Supply Chain Management studies the structure and functioning of modern production systems within a manufacturing context. The complexity of international business operations is also studied. Topics include: the use of statistical process control and control charts, plant location and operation, sustainable procurement, forecasting and inventory management, transportation and distribution, technology acquisition (CAD/CAM), work flow planning, JIT concepts and lean systems. Also covered is how sales and operations cooperate to meet customer demand. 3 credits.

EDG 9230 Applications of Management Science and Analytics

Course Description:

This course introduces techniques and methods used in business management to analyze and solve business problems. The course will also explore the reasoning behind the use of management science techniques. We will explore various practices from the field of management science that can be applied in spreadsheet models to help in the decision-analysis and decision making process. The course will also present techniques to assist managers with planning, organizing, leading and controlling projects. 3 credits.

EDG 9240 Special Topics in Business and Industry 

Course Description:

Special Topics in Business and Industry: The main purpose of the research methods, data analysis, and reporting in this course is to introduce graduate students to quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. They will gain an overview of research intent and design, methodology and technique, format and presentation, and data management and analysis informed by commonly used statistical methods. The course will develop each student’s ability to use this knowledge to become more effective researcher and decision maker. These tasks include:

  • Developing a hypothesis, a research problem and related questions
  • Framing the problem with the correct research methodology
  • Collecting data that accurately addresses the research problem
  • Using data to make decisions
  • Providing technical guidance
  • Evaluating feasibility of research proposals
  • Presenting data to support decision makers

The course will provide an overview of the important concepts of research design, data collection, statistical and interpretative analysis, and final reporting presentation. The focus of this course is not on only the mastery of statistics but more so on the ability to create original research.

Each week students will work through lessons that present specific readings and research and/or statistics-related concepts and analysis that brings to life examples of how the weekly topic applies to real life. This will allow students to clearly understand how the course material relates to their jobs as professionals in research and other occupations. 3 credits.

EDG 9250 Leading Non-Profit Organizations

Course Description:

Leading Non-Profit Organizations provides broad coverage of major elements and issues critical to the success of a nonprofit organization including: historical and current context; leadership; strategic planning; operational planning; financial planning; funding; promotion; and accountability and social impact. 3 credits.

EDG 9260 Special Topics in Healthcare: The Business of Healthcare

Course Description:
EDG 9260 Special Topics in Healthcare: The Business of Healthcare offers students the opportunity to explore many of the issues that are confronted in health care today. Health care has been moving in the direction that finds the public and businesses more concerned with the costs, quality of life, and the increasing role of government leading to the beginning of the debates to resolve these issues. 3 credits.

EDG 9270 Business Informatics

Course Description: 
This course provides the learner with a skill-set in the use of analytical tools used in business. These skills enable the informatics professional to effectively communicate business needs and successfully manage projects across an organization. The course will focus on the analysis of big-data for internal and external analysis of an organization and its use in long-range planning, and managing by objectives. Monte Carlo Simulation and the use of Artificial Intelligence will be integrated into the course for real-time application. The course culminates in a comprehensive project in data-mining and analysis for application in a continuous improvement project. 3 credits.

EDG 9280: The Business of Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

Course Description:
The adoption of the tenets of Sustainability in all sectors of the economy continues to gain traction. EDG 9280: The Business of Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship introduces the graduate student to the triple bottom line of Sustainability (People, Planet and Profit) as related to the development of products; and, to Social Entrepreneurship concepts that guide how such a business is run.  The course is designed to provide a student from any discipline a foundation on the key competencies embedded in sustainability and sustainable development. The focus of the course is on balancing a company’s need to maximize profits, while also minimizing negative impact on the environment, and maximizing positive social impact. Industry-relevant examples from the areas of healthcare and natural sciences are used, to illustrate these concepts in a practical way. 3 credits.

EDG 9290 Diversity and Culturally Responsible Leadership

Course Description:
EDG 9290 Diversity and Culturally Responsible Leadership is designed to prepare emerging leadership scholars with evidence-based knowledge and skills for assessing, developing, and managing a culturally diverse workplace. The course will provide innovative strategies for the effective and responsible leadership, management, and improvement of diverse organizations. 3 credits.

EDG 9310 Evaluation and Testing in Higher Education

Course Description: Students develop the theoretical basis for assessing learning in the classroom, laboratory, online environment, and practicum settings. Students gain experience in preparing assessment and evaluation methods including the construction of test items measuring higher level learning, development of written assignments and rubrics, planning and constructing tests, and analyzing test results.  Ethical and legal principles, research and other evidence are applied to the evaluation of learning.  This course is applicable for teachers in educational, healthcare, and business settings. 3 credits.

EDG 9320 Professional Practice to Higher Education

Course Description:
This course is designed to prepare the student for employment in higher education.  What it means to be an effective teacher will be identified and discussed.  Accreditation bodies, policies, and issues related to higher education will be explored.  General expectations of entry level faculty at public and private institutions will be identified.  This course will review innovative curriculum development, strategic planning, and program evaluation including quality improvement processes. 3 credits.