Overview

Throughout the course, students will analyze an issue that they have observed in a higher education environment (either in a current position or in previous positions). Students will submit portions of the paper as the course progresses by using the four frames to analyze the problem.

Paper Structure

Description of the problem and organization (2-3 pages) – Be careful in developing your problem.

Defining a problem may end up being much more difficult than you might expect. You need to make sure you note your problem as a statement not just a listing of a situation. Please narrow in on one problem, not a list of issues and ensure that it is an organizational problem; for instance, something like parking is not an organization problem – it is probably more architectural.  As part of your problem description, you need to provide evidence or symptoms of the problem.  Your problem should be something that has not yet been addressed (especially by you) and should not be something that you are very personally connected to; you need to be able to be objective when analyzing a problem. However, if you really want to select an issue you have a personal connection to, you’ll need to include a section where you identify your biases.

Issue analysis through each lens (2-3 pages each frame)

Data and a detailed analysis of the issue through the structural, human resource, political and symbolic lenses. Identify key systemic issues and elements (people, policies, structures, routines, etc.) that affect the issue.

Please be sure to focus on the problem and not on the organization in this section. You may not be able to describe every concept that relates to your problem so just select the most significant 2-3 per lens/frame.

Action Plans

Write short and long-term action plans that address the systemic issues and elements underlying the issue, and includes all stakeholders. Include a description of key stakeholders and how you could involve them in the buy-in process of recognizing the issue as a “problem,” and in the long-term action plan as a facilitative leader committed to shared decision making.

Examples of possible topics: attrition rates, campus-wide discipline issues, supporting new staff, aligning courses to general education outcomes, lack of collaboration, staff morale issues, culture, etc.

Draft Due Dates

DRAFT PART I

• Description of the problem and organization (2-3 pages)
• Issue analysis through structural, human resource and symbolic lenses.

DRAFT PART 2

• Issue analysis through political lenses.
• Action Plans

Final Paper Presentation

Develop a presentation based on the paper, explaining the problem you analyzed, your analysis of the issue (with reference to the frames), and some possible resolutions or next steps toward addressing the problem. Presentations should be in a professional manner using a presentation aid. Material will need to be condensed down into 10 minutes (I will cut you off if you go over and this will impact your grade, so practice). Some tips:

1. Make sure to spend enough time for analysis (avoid spending too much time discussing the organization and problem).
2. Focus on the lenses that helped you understand the problem (you don’t need to discuss all).
3. Practice and time yourself.

Rubrics

Draft Part 1

Draft Part 2

Final Paper

Final Presentation

* Presentation should be NO more than 10 minutes