Principles of Managing Organizations Course

This course provides an in-depth overview of foundational principles in leadership and management, financial management, human capital management, and workplace technology guidance. Participants build an understanding of key concepts and strategies to lead organizations effectively, manage financial resources, strengthen human capital, and use technology to support organizational success.

What You Will Learn

• Examine foundational principles of leadership and management
• Explain core concepts of financial management
• Assess approaches to managing financial resources
• Analyze methods for effective human capital management

Course Outline

Module 1: Basic Principles of Leadership and Management

• Differentiate leadership and management, and when to employ each to achieve mission objectives.
• Identify characteristics of effective leaders (e.g., adaptability, continuous learning, teamwork, mentoring).
• Identify characteristics of effective management (e.g., setting priorities, engaging employees, organizing work, enabling resources).
• Recognize shared skills and challenges and how blending leadership and management supports accountability and results.

Module 2: Basic Principles of Financial Management

• Define financial management and stewardship, including planning, control, communication, cost-effectiveness, evaluation, and staffing.
• Identify key stakeholders (budget analysts, accountants, economists, financial analysts, auditors) and their roles.
• Apply ethical standards and internal controls (OMB A-123, GAO standards) to promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
• Explain the roles of budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, and financial controls, and reforms stemming from the CFO Act.

Module 3: Approaches to Human Capital Management

• Define human capital management in the federal context and its value in maximizing workforce impact.
• Detail core practices: talent acquisition, onboarding, training and development, performance management, and employee engagement (e.g., FEVS).
• Use OPM’s Human Capital Framework (Strategic Planning & Alignment, Talent Management, Performance Culture, Evaluation) to close competency gaps and plan succession.
• Assess strengths and weaknesses across recruiting/retention, succession and knowledge management, and competition with the private sector.

Module 4: Basic Guidelines for Managing Technology in the Workplace

• Explain how technology improves efficiency, productivity, and service delivery (automation, integrated data, AI/analytics, monitoring).
• Identify challenges and risks: cybersecurity, IT modernization, investment/project management, regulatory requirements, and remote/hybrid work.
• Outline IT governance domains and principles (value, alignment, performance, resources, risk; ISO/IEC 38500).
• Establish and maintain key policies and procedures (acceptable use, data classification, and remote access).

This course is available for 30 days. You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 30 days to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.