Course list

Management of the international public sector is a growing challenge of the 21st century. International organizations are increasingly charged with taking a major role in solving global problems. Management of international organizations, however, is qualitatively different from managing national institutions or private sector corporations. In this course, Professor Mathiason presents results-based management as the core tool you'll use to do this work.

This course will provide you with an overview of how to define and address complex international problems. This information will help you be more effective working within this complex, historic, and ever-changing industry. You'll practice planning for results-based management (RBM), a management method that focuses on obtaining results that are outside the control of a program or project but which can be achieved through the production of outputs. Accomplishing this requires careful planning, and you'll focus throughout the course experience on how this can be done.

As the world changes and more issues must be handled at the international level, there will need to be more agreements and more international systems to address specific problems. Agreements, especially those that involve consensus, are difficult to achieve even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there is a lot we have learned from history and through research about effectively negotiating an agreement.

In this course, you'll explore what is needed for successful agreement negotiation and how you can participate in creating the required consensus. In addition, you'll think about how can you make sure states do what they say they'll do. Before you close the books on the planning stage, you'll consider a strategy for the enforcement and evaluation of the agreements you're creating.

You are required to have completed the following course or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

  • Addressing Complex Problems Using Results-Based Management

Managing natural and political emergencies is one of the most important areas for international public management. International organizations have to collaborate with governments to anticipate and pre-plan for all types of emergencies. They have to coordinate services and support from donors and member nations in order to mobilize financial and human resources.

Similarly, the international public sector aids the transfer of funds and technology from one country to another. This international development assistance is an important function that must be managed effectively. In this course, you will assess how country-level development assistance can be effective. You'll determine effective ways to provide international investment for development and explore how to collaborate with governments to anticipate and pre-plan for international emergencies. You'll look at how to coordinate services and support in an emergency as well as how to mobilize financial and human resources. You will also examine how to anticipate and address recovery needs in planning for relief.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

  • Addressing Complex Problems Using Results-Based Management
  • Creating and Enforcing International Agreements

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The Leadership Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium in which we’ll discuss the ways that leaders across industries have continued engaging their teams over the past two years while pivoting in strategic ways. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to relevant topics for leaders. Throughout this Symposium, you will examine different areas of leadership, including innovation, strategy, and engagement. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from various industries.

Upcoming Symposium: June 4-6, 2024 from 11am – 1pm ET

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

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