A pioneering course at the University of La Verne is giving MBA students a unique opportunity to apply organizational theory and behavior concepts in a real-world setting. Professor of Management Loren Dyck is teaching BUS 551: Seminar in Organization Theory and Behavior, where students are divided into groups of four to five and tasked with bartering a small $1 item from the La Verne community for something of much greater value.
This project allows students to apply their course concepts and theories beyond traditional case studies. They learn essential skills such as negotiation, analyzing decision-making processes, understanding emotional intelligence in the workplace, and improving communication methods within a group dynamic. According to Professor Dyck, the assignment was designed to give students a hands-on experience that would help them apply their knowledge in practical situations.
Over time, students came up with the idea to donate the items they bartered to local charities. Professor Dyck approved of this initiative and redesigned the assignment to require each student team to find a local charitable organization to donate their final item. He was impressed by the students’ commitment to the university’s values of community and civic engagement, as well as their ability to learn and apply course concepts and theories creatively.
In its tenth year, BUS 551 has collected over $8,000 worth of items for local charities through bartering activities. This year alone, students collectively bartered over $300 worth of items that were donated to various organizations on campus. It is clear that this class has contributed significantly towards fostering a community of changemakers at the University of La Verne who are committed towards social responsibility and making an impact on society.
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