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Explain the role and value of work teams in modern organizations and identify the factors that drive team effectiveness.
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Apply strategies for team development and collaboration, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
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Analyze how leadership styles and diversity influence team dynamics, inclusion, and overall performance.
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Demonstrate ethical and accountable team practices that promote trust, fairness, and integrity.
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Evaluate team performance and recommend improvements to enhance outcomes in real-world settings.
Work Team Concepts and Skills
BUSA-40109
Do you work in groups or teams in your workplace? Learn how to develop effective teams in the context of project management and how to implement communication and conversation strategies that help your team meet its project goals. Discover key factors that distinguish teams and shape team excellence, particularly communication and conversational dynamics. Study theories and models of individual and group conversational dynamics. Learn how to design powerful conversations to produce the results you want to achieve. Explore common team-related issues including: team charter and team contracts, trust, culture, and conflict resolution. You will also have the opportunity to practice diagnosing and dealing with a variety of group dynamics through a team project.
This course provides 30 education hours applicable toward Professional Development Units (PDUs). To request an official university transcript, please contact Student Services or click here for more information.
rmats may be available every quarter.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/18/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Peter Thurman
Throughout his career, Pete has consistently contributed to his organizations by leading highly complex projects, improving efficiency, and managing strategic partnerships. He also demonstrates success in leading cross-functional teams and developing innovative solutions, which generate new sources of revenue. Pete consistently mentors and coaches colleagues in project management, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and trains colleagues and peers in career development.
Pete finds it extremely fulfilling to teach and engage students in practical and interactive discussions about shared experiences and real-world examples that help students apply curriculum quickly. He is very passionate about equipping, training, and supporting students in the discipline of project management and how tools can be applied effectively in one’s professional and personal lives.
Pete holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Southern California. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Pete has been a faculty member at Point Loma Nazarene University since 2015. In the Organizational Management Program at PLNU, he has taught undergraduate courses in principles of management, group and organizational behavior, and interpersonal behavior. In 2019, he earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from UC San Diego Extended Studies.
In his spare time, Pete is a father and enjoys helping other parents build theatrical sets for performing art productions at his daughter’s school. He is also an avid soccer player and sports fan.
Section ID:
Class type:
All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/6/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Schedule:
| Date | Day | Start | End | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/31/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 4/7/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 4/14/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 4/21/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 4/28/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 5/5/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 5/12/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 5/19/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 5/26/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Room 445, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
Instructor:
Peter Thurman
Throughout his career, Pete has consistently contributed to his organizations by leading highly complex projects, improving efficiency, and managing strategic partnerships. He also demonstrates success in leading cross-functional teams and developing innovative solutions, which generate new sources of revenue. Pete consistently mentors and coaches colleagues in project management, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and trains colleagues and peers in career development.
Pete finds it extremely fulfilling to teach and engage students in practical and interactive discussions about shared experiences and real-world examples that help students apply curriculum quickly. He is very passionate about equipping, training, and supporting students in the discipline of project management and how tools can be applied effectively in one’s professional and personal lives.
Pete holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Southern California. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Pete has been a faculty member at Point Loma Nazarene University since 2015. In the Organizational Management Program at PLNU, he has taught undergraduate courses in principles of management, group and organizational behavior, and interpersonal behavior. In 2019, he earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from UC San Diego Extended Studies.
In his spare time, Pete is a father and enjoys helping other parents build theatrical sets for performing art productions at his daughter’s school. He is also an avid soccer player and sports fan.
Section ID:
Class type:
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/13/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Schedule:
| Date | Day | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 4/14/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 4/21/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 4/28/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 5/5/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 5/12/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 5/19/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 5/26/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 6/2/2026 | Tue | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
Instructor:
Parish Jefferson
Throughout his career, he has launched and scaled transformative programs, built high-performing teams, and cultivated strategic partnerships that drive impact and create inclusive environments where individuals and organizations thrive. Recognized as a thought leader, Dr. Jefferson is a sought-after speaker, regularly presenting at national conferences, universities, and corporate leadership forums on topics including inclusive leadership, organizational development, and fostering belonging in the workplace.
Dr. Jefferson earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Inclusion from the University of Arizona Global Campus. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Managerial Economics from UC Davis, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas.
Deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusive leadership, Dr. Jefferson leverages both his academic research and professional expertise to empower leaders, transform organizational culture, and create pathways for meaningful and sustainable change across industries.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/17/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Schedule:
Instructor:
Peter Thurman
Throughout his career, Pete has consistently contributed to his organizations by leading highly complex projects, improving efficiency, and managing strategic partnerships. He also demonstrates success in leading cross-functional teams and developing innovative solutions, which generate new sources of revenue. Pete consistently mentors and coaches colleagues in project management, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and trains colleagues and peers in career development.
Pete finds it extremely fulfilling to teach and engage students in practical and interactive discussions about shared experiences and real-world examples that help students apply curriculum quickly. He is very passionate about equipping, training, and supporting students in the discipline of project management and how tools can be applied effectively in one’s professional and personal lives.
Pete holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Southern California. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Pete has been a faculty member at Point Loma Nazarene University since 2015. In the Organizational Management Program at PLNU, he has taught undergraduate courses in principles of management, group and organizational behavior, and interpersonal behavior. In 2019, he earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from UC San Diego Extended Studies.
In his spare time, Pete is a father and enjoys helping other parents build theatrical sets for performing art productions at his daughter’s school. He is also an avid soccer player and sports fan.