MOT Courses

An applied research activity, specifically related to the management of technology, usually in cooperation with each participant’s home organization. Students, working with a faculty adviser and work mentor, use the concepts and methods learned in the MOT program to research and develop an industry-based product, project, process, or venture. The capstone project enables students to directly apply their MOT education at work. A formal presentation to the capstone committee is required. (2 credits)

Theory and methods for applying conflict management techniques in organizations. Cooperative and competitive models of conflict, basics of bargaining, conflict strategies, communication styles, listening skills, dispute resolution, third-party mediation, and other tools for conflict mediation. (0.5 credits)

Review of methods and organizational strategies for developing new technology products. Critical organizational interactions between research and development, operations, marketing, and intellectual property strategy in the design and delivery of new technologies. (2 credits)

On-site residency in international locations for up to two weeks. Includes visits to technology-intensive local and U.S.-based companies; also lectures and discussions with company executives, government officials, and university faculty. Comparative analysis of management of technology concepts and issues in an international business context, including social, economic, cultural, and governmental perspectives. (1.5 credits)

Introduction to methods for estimating and analyzing product costs and using cost information to make product mix and pricing decisions. Cases from technology-intensive firms illustrate principles of activity-based costing. Uses of cost data in managerial decision making, budgeting and control, and financial statement analysis. (2 credits)

Managing technology by protecting intellectual property rights. Analysis of various intellectual property areas – patents, copyrights, trade secrets – and the protection afforded by each. Selection of the proper protection for different technologies; licensing of intellectual property; infringement prevention; alternative remedies if infringement occurs. (1.5 credits)

Balancing the demands of work, home, and school with practical tools around applying time management, organizational and stress management skills.

Introduction to the function of marketing strategy in technology-based organizations. Marketing industrial products, product strategy and pricing, promotion, product mix, and sales and distribution decisions. (2 credits)

Overview of operations function. Impact of operations management on a firm’s competitiveness and network of trading partners. Key relationships between operations and other value chain functions. Integrating operations decisions to achieve business objectives. Product-process design, quality management, supply chain management, technology management, and workforce issues. (2 credits)

Application of project and knowledge management and leadership methods for tech-based managers. Project planning, scheduling, and controlling; budgeting, staffing, and task and cost control. Communication, leadership, motivation, and conflict management among team members. Concepts and processes through which an organization’s knowledge assets can be understood, managed, and evaluated. (2 credits)

Formulating managerial strategies for technology and technology-intensive businesses. Industry dynamics; competitive challenges for improving corporate performance and leveraging technological competence. (2 credits)

Technology forecasting, assessment, and strategic foresight tools and techniques and their application in business and government decision making. Technology dynamics, research and development, strategy, portfolio management, and resource allocation. (2 credits)