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Coursera

Organizational Design

via Coursera

Overview

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By the end of this course, learners will be able to evaluate organizational structures, design efficient workflows, manage change effectively, and foster a positive organizational culture that drives employee engagement. Learners will develop practical strategies to improve communication, decision-making, and productivity while navigating real-world organizational challenges. This course equips learners with essential skills to analyze how different organizational structures—such as functional, divisional, and matrix—impact efficiency, collaboration, and performance. Learners will gain hands-on experience identifying workflow bottlenecks and redesigning processes to streamline operations and improve clarity. Through focused exploration of change management principles, learners will learn how to plan, implement, and sustain change while addressing resistance and common implementation challenges. What makes this course unique is its integrated, applied approach. Rather than examining organizational design, workflows, change, and culture in isolation, the course connects these elements to show how they work together to shape organizational success. Learners will also explore strategies for building a positive culture and increasing employee engagement, enabling them to create workplaces that are both high-performing and people-centered. This course is ideal for aspiring managers, HR professionals, and organizational leaders seeking practical, transferable skills.

Syllabus

  • Understanding Organizational Structures
    • In this module, learners examine how organizational structures shape collaboration, communication, and decision-making. You will explore common structures—hierarchical, matrix, and flat—and analyze how each affects coordination, innovation, and performance. Through case studies and discussion, you will compare the benefits and trade-offs of different designs and assess their real-world impact on engagement, efficiency, and organizational agility. By the end of the module, you will be able to identify structural strengths and weaknesses and understand how structure influences organizational outcomes.
  • Designing Effective Workflows
    • In this module, learners explore workflow design and how work moves through an organization. You will examine how tasks, people, technologies, and decision points interact, and how poor design can create bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Through real-world examples and workflow mapping exercises, you will identify gaps, redundancies, and misaligned handoffs, and learn strategies for redesigning workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and team effectiveness. By the end of the module, you will be able to design optimized workflows that support organizational goals and operational excellence.
  • Change Management Strategies
    • In this module, learners examine how organizational change unfolds and how to lead individuals and teams through transitions effectively. You will explore core change management principles, common sources of resistance, and strategies for building trust and buy-in. Through scenarios and simulations, you will practice assessing readiness for change, identifying stakeholders, and planning effective communication and support strategies. By the end of the module, you will be able to design a practical change management plan that supports smooth transitions and organizational resilience.
  • Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement
    • In this module, learners explore how organizational culture shapes employee experience, engagement, and performance. You will examine the visible and invisible elements of culture, identify healthy and dysfunctional patterns, and analyze how culture influences collaboration and productivity. Through case studies and applied activities, you will explore key drivers of employee engagement and practical strategies for strengthening inclusion, recognition, and psychological safety. By the end of the module, you will be able to assess organizational culture and propose actionable initiatives that support a positive, people-centered workplace.

Taught by

DeQuindre Spencer, D.B.A., SPHR

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