Sample Syllabi and Course Outlines
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
Weatherhead School of Management
Negotiation, Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution
Professor P. Gerhart
SYLLABUS
One objective for this course is to enhance the self-confidence of students with
respect to their negotiation skills. An equally important objective is to help students
develop an analytical understanding of negotiations and the management of differences
so they can become more effective problem solvers in the face of conflict.
The need for bargaining and dispute resolution skills arises wherever joint
decision-making is necessary. The context may be bi-lateral, or it may involve
three or more interested parties, each with veto power over any particular
solution. As in most decision-making, the aim of effective negotiation is not
simply to reach an acceptable outcome for all participants, but to create maximum
value in the deal making process.
In that light, individuals with an interest in managing any enterprise, including all
areas of business, non-profits and government, should find the lessons of the course
useful. Although technically advisable solutions for all sorts of problems can be
developed by skilled managers trained in the Weatherhead School, implementation often
requires overcoming, or accommodating, different opinions and interests. Negotiating
skills are therefore as critical as technical skills for effective managers. Moreover,
managers are increasingly confronted with conflicting viewpoints offered by subordinates
as firms emphasize employee participation in the operation of the enterprise. The
effective manager will secure cooperative resolution to such conflict through the use of
mediation skills. “The manager as negotiator and dispute resolver” is therefore the
theme of the course.
The text for the course is Negotiation: Readings, Exercises and Cases, by Roy J.
Lewicki, et al., Fourth Edition (Irwin, 2003) designated LSBM in the syllabus. In addition,
a CWRU Notes packet of readings will be available at the bookstore after the first week
of classes.
ASSIGNMENTS
In addition to the reading, students will participate in a number of simulations.
Most require preparation in advance of class. Thorough preparation is essential for
an adequate learning experience, both for you and the person(s) with whom you
are negotiating. This is a win-win opportunity. The better you prepare and play your
role, the better your negotiating partner’s experience and vice-versa. Half of your class
participation grade will be based on your partners’ assessments of your preparation for
the simulations.
For most exercises, students are asked to prepare a follow-up report and
critique. In general, the length of such papers should be 4-5 pages. A suggested format
for these reports/critiques is attached to this syllabus. Students will also participate in a
negotiation simulation (Global Aeronautical Products) for which the outcome is graded.
Finally, each student will be asked to prepare a final Negotiation Analysis paper (15-20