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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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26 - 50 of 426 Reviews for Organizational Analysis

By Alexander V

Dec 26, 2016

I am impressed and exceptionally satisfied passing the course. Very useful, presents range of theories and points of view, combined with real life cases and in-depth explanations. Thank you!

By Juan C L V

Aug 18, 2017

Absolutely wonderful course. With an amazing professor. Really impressed with the quality of the content, discussion forums, and presentations. Congratulations and thank you

By Adam M

Sep 13, 2018

Content was interesting but lectures were often longer than necessary. Lecturer used good and applicable examples to bring theory to life

By Abdul R

Dec 21, 2019

Excellent course but with some room for improvement in terms of explaining the theories in a more structured manner

By Daniel T T L

Aug 6, 2022

Too bloody expensive, fix ur flawed pricing coursea$$ra

By Jonas H

Aug 11, 2020

First of all I want to thank Prof. McFarland for the very interesting course. It was a very good experience!

My main negative point is that I would have loved to obtain more current theories and studies. Additionally, there appears sometimes a little flickering on the screen and in one video at some occasions a slight interference noise can be heared (probably of a mobile phone). Lastly, some typos in the slides and questions may appear.

Still, there the wealth of case studies, examples and additional material that renders the course additionally enlightening. Even the other participants create value through discussion in the forum (thanks at this point to the voluntaries that moderate it and answer questions!). Not to forget the exstensive screenside chats in which Prof. McFarland answers questions and elaborates on the course material even more!

Further, the quality of the audio/video is good and Prof. McFarland as the presenter comes across as very motivated, engaged and likable, so watching sequences of the course over and over again is not uncomfortable. Put together and considering the affordable price, the pros fully outweigh the cons and 5 stars are fully earned.

By Stephanie F M

Feb 27, 2019

Plataforma incrível, videos aulas com o melhor professor possível, calmo e paciente para explicar de forma que todos entendam o que ele está tentando repassar!!!

By Cynthia L

Jul 11, 2023

Insightful overview of diverse theories analyzing organizations, their behaviours and various dynamics related to ever-green topics of interest: learning, change, legitimacy and practical management. The original course was presented in 2012, reflected in some of the examples but the application of cases remain relevant still. Taking the course this year in 2020, I found there was a lot less interaction and exchange on the discussion forum than what could be noted from earlier periods. Overall, however, the presentation and readings held my interest and regularly provoked further thought and analysis that can be applied and used as a valuable background to real-world situations.

By Fabian F

Dec 28, 2017

Very abstract at times, but overall a great course. Thank you.

By Emily G

Nov 28, 2023

Should be noted that this is a very difficult course. Fully lecture-based so it can drag a little bit. I'm sure I could've understood it better if I was further in my career, but it was far too advanced for me.

By Bart V

Mar 17, 2022

Really dense material presented in a dry academic manner. Unless you are REALLY into the topic - not a strong match. I stopped after week 2.

By Terrance K

Dec 10, 2023

Fascinating information, but not my optimal learning style (hour after hour after hour of straight lecture.)

By Aybüke T

Feb 27, 2022

It was extremely boring, took me half a year to complete! The topics were chosen well but i don't remember much because the delivery was inbalanced when it comes to rationality and enthusiasm or creativity.

By Vitaly V

Jun 19, 2017

Very boring

By Sachin M B

Aug 9, 2022

Pathetic course, final exam has 111 questions to attempt in just 20 mintues! I had answered these questions in each module. Then why you need to conduct final exam. And even if you want to conduct final exam why 111 questions?

By Kryssi B

Aug 9, 2022

Outdated and RIDICULOUSLY boring. Unenrolling after week two. I expected more from Stanford smh

By Rabia K

Dec 26, 2023

too many theories not very practical

By Siraj A ( N R

Mar 29, 2020

Too much difficult course.

By Mohamed U A

Jun 25, 2023

I am thrilled to announce that I have successfully completed the prestigious Organizational Analysis program offered through Coursera! 🎓✅

This intensive course has equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills to analyze complex organizational structures, processes, and behaviors. I am excited to leverage these insights to drive strategic decision-making and foster organizational excellence.

🎯 Course Highlights:

✨ Applying analytical frameworks to assess and optimize organizational performance.

✨ Understanding the impact of organizational culture on employee engagement and productivity.

✨ Identifying and managing organizational change to drive sustainable growth.

✨ Leveraging data analytics to enhance organizational decision-making.

✨ Enhancing leadership and communication skills for effective organizational management.

💡 Empowering Organizational Success:

I am immensely grateful to the esteemed faculty at Coursera and Stanford University for their guidance and expertise, which have been instrumental in deepening my understanding of organizational analysis. The knowledge and skills I have gained from this program will undoubtedly help me drive positive change and contribute to the success of organizations.

Together, let's shape a future where organizations thrive and achieve remarkable success.

#OrganizationalAnalysis #DataDrivenDecisions #StrategicPlanning #StanfordUniversityGraduate

By Tony S

Jan 5, 2017

Professor Daniel McFarland of Stanford University, deliver here an inspiring and attention-grabbing course about how to find structured keys and solutions for an environment where most organizational problems are distinctive to the circumstances and cannot be elucidated by simple click.

The eleven weeks of materials was indeed long and personally very difficult to absorb, but the final reward is 100% worth it!!

I am highly thankful to Professor Daniel McFarland, for allowing me to be part of his class and sharing us (students) generously his extensive knowledge, theories and thoughts about new ways to enlighten work environment, and understand in a systematic, practical manner & the behind-the-curtain; the industrialized world we are living.

For geographical reasons, it will be technically impossible for me to attend Professor Daniel McFarland classes at Stanford University and thanks to his generous patience, engagement and priceless time to prepare this exceptional course,

I am really honored and proud to have joined this outstanding and must learn course here on coursera!!!

Definitively a stellar 5 Star rating!!!

By Robert S

Jul 4, 2018

Found this to be an exceptional course which introduced me to theories for analyzing organizations. The material was challenging, thought-provoking, and highly practical. As an educator in the public school system, I could see how decisions were influenced by many factors. I would like to meet with Professor McFarland one day. I have a few other personal experienced based theories relatinging to analysis of organization , nuances of some presented, that I would like to share with him. I am especially interested in the impact of the consumer on shaping organizations. But I sense the consumer is just lumped in as a member of the environment. The information age empowers the consumer providing greater choice and opportunities for disruptive innovations. I would like to see students wield this influence to bring education into the 21st Century.Professor McFarland, Thank you for your fine work and willingness to share.Robert Schenker: Robert.schenker@gmail.com

By Dimitrios K

Nov 9, 2016

An excellent introduction and analysis on the the very essence of organizations. The course is well structured and presented. One may argue that there is lots of theory and material, especially if references and external information are followed and researched. This, in my point of view, is not a minus (however, I'm am used to such an approach given a PhD background). One point of improvement: all theory is accompanied by case-studies and practical examples. Most of them, however, are drawn from the US experience and reality - none really from an international perspective (with the exceptions of the Cuba missile crisis and of Google - an international "icon" anyhow). More intenationally-drawn examples would have been a plus, given the very cultural and nationality-wise mix of students who sign up for MOOCs. Thank you. Dimitris, Athens, Greece.

By Mark F

Jan 1, 2018

Well-paced and genuinely personable delivery of course content. Highly relevant theories and models; indeed, I most appreciated the inter- and cross-disciplinary approach used to better understand human and organizational relationships (in organizations and within and between markets and sub-sectors of the economy). This course met its goal of provided learners with a very wide range of theories and models to understand what can sometimes be a complex web of interactions between supporters and detractors, competitors and collaborators. Truly well worth the investment and as long as one takes good notes throughout each lecture and invaluable resource to draw on for understanding and managing the various relationships that exist within and between organizations.

By tamajyoti d

Oct 8, 2023

Exceptionally meticulously planned and well-conducted course. Course content was extremely relevant to today's organizational and corporate realities. The Case applications were very helpful in understanding and assimilating the Organizational Theories. Prof Daniel A McFarland was selfless in sharing his vast knowledge and varied experiences with us during the course. His style of teaching was very balanced, with a poised mix of formal and informal discussions, screen side chats and humor. He conducted the course in an extremely professional manner and covered all the topics in depth. His way of teaching and imparting knowledge has left a lasting impression on me and strengthened my resolve to acquire more knowledge and experiences from such courses.

By Rahat S

Jul 9, 2021

Amazing!! I enjoyed this course a lot especially the flexibility with time stipulation. Being the MOOC this course was well interactive and informative to fit the practitioners' choice as well the beginners. The technical aspects of this course were fantastic and nicely equipped with any disruption. I hope this type, of course, would open doors for the people who have limited access to the professional development process. There could be group assignments for evaluations which could give a go for more interactive and simulative. Cheers to all graduates off course including me. Thanks to Daniel A. McFarland and his great team including Stanford University and Coursera. Best, Dr. Rahat Sikdar, International Consultant and Development Specialist