EnEd 4315
Operations & Management (4 cr)
9-9:50 am MTWTh
SpHC 9
Instructor: Dr. Ken Gilbertson
Office/Hrs: 123 SpHC. By App't
email: kgilbert@d.umn.edu
phone: 726-6258
url: www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert
Fall, 2009

Purpose:
The purpose of this course is to learn the aspects and techniques fundamental to managing a recreation based agency including annual operational management practices and facilities management, often referred to as long range planning.

The goal of this course is to learn an understanding and application of management strategies used by an outdoor recreational agency that is appropriate for a professional focusing mainly on program and educational delivery.

This course will focus on the mechanical aspects of management and will exclude leadership components which are essential in making the total operation run effectively. We will emphasize management skills most likely used in a non-profit agency rather than a commercial agency.

Outcomes: From this course, you should be able to:
1. Articulate the value of recreation programs and services
2. Describe the essential components of managing a recreation based agency.
3. Design and present an annual operational management plan for a simulated recreation agency.
4. Design, recommend, and present a long range management plan for an actual agency using the management components covered in this course.

The above outcomes will be measured by the extent that you demonstrate to following:
A. Identify the steps used to design a plan for recreation facilities.
B. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and application of the concept of public participation appropriate to management planning theories.
C. Demonstrate an understanding of the recreation profession through the design of a recreational management plan.

5. Learn how to work cooperatively with a team of colleagues in managing an agency.
6. Demonstrate presentation skills required of management personnel by presenting a plan to agency professionals and interested community members..

Schedule:
I. Annual Operational Management

II. Land Management: Principles and Practices of Facilities and Lands (Long Range Planning)

Your final exam will be your final presentation and complete written management plan report.

Texts:
Smith, Bucklin & Associates. (2000). The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management. John Wiley & Sons.

(1997). Tettegouche State Park 20-Year Management Plan (Draft). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

(1995). Boulder Lake Management Plan. Minnesota Power Company.

Assignments:
The class will work in a cooperative effort to design a facilities plan and present it to the agency involved. This final presentation will include agency representatives and interested public. It will include your recommendations for the design and layout of the grounds and buildings comprising the agency recreation facilities. Your final product will be a comprehensive paper that includes all of the topics covered in Unit II plus your formal presentation (including handouts, maps, and Powerpoint presentation).

Sustainability Component:
We will strive to make recommendations that involve sustainability of the facilities and grounds; sustainability of the agency (programs and personnel), and sustainability education appropriate to the purpose of the agency.

Grading:
You will be graded on both an individual and group basis. Your active involvement is required. Presentations will be scored in the following criteria:
All work must be formally presented both orally and in writing. All written and oral work must be presented typed and in the following order:

I. Title: Subject to be discussed for this presentation (depending on the scope and sequence of the plan in addition to who the audience is)
II. Team Members:
Date:
III. Introduction: Present a short narrative on the purpose of the subject and how your team will present the subject investigation to that stage in the project.
IV. Background Information: A brief description of the agency type and how this subject fits into the management plan of the agency. Describe briefly what subjects your team has accomplished to date and how this subject ties in with what's been done.
V. The Plan: This is the content of this week's presentation. It should be presented concisely and completely. Follow the format presented in class lectures. That is, use narratives, charts and graphs where appropriate. Always keep in mind that you are presenting this material as if the class were a board of directors. Casual approach is not acceptable.
VI. Conclusion: Conclude your presentation with a synopsis of what was just covered followed by your recommendations for approval.
VII. References: Include a list of professionally based references. Present them in APA format (follow the format used for "texts" below).

VII. Grade of each individual team member.

You are expected to begin the class presentations with submission of peer evaluations and with a written copy of your plan to-date. The written plan (paper) is different from your presentation materials in that it is much more detailed and comprehensive whereas presentation materials are typically presented in outline form.

All work, including peer evaluations are to be typed using double-spacing.

When presenting, you are expected to dress professionally. That is, dress as if you were going to give one of the most important interviews for a very valued job.

Each week a different team member must take a lead role in presenting the assignment. The other team members are welcome to assist in any way they can to make the overall presentation effective. That is, assisting with visual aids (slides, overheads, videos, etc.).

*You are responsible for your equipment needs in your presentations. Also, be prepared before class begins each day of presentation.

At the end of the semester, each team will present a final formal management plan to the class that will include all of the aspects covered during the term. It is expected that all aspects of management planning that were discussed during the term be included in the final presentation.

YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL FINAL GROUP PRESENTATIONS.

Depending on the size of the class, the amount of time per presentation will be divided by class time (50 minutes). On average, each presentation should take approximately 15 minutes.

Grading:

Each assignment will be graded as follows:
•Content (accuracy and thoroughness): 50%
•Presentation (written): 15%
•Presentation (oral): 20%
•References: 15%

In order for this course to work, it is essential that every class member participate to the best of their ability. As in any agency, the success of this "operation" is only as strong as the strength of its members. I will grade you both as a group and individually. Attendance is mandatory