module specification

The module introduces and explores a range of key topics related to organisation studies. A broad range of organisation theories are drawn upon to encourage students to develop a critical approach towards their understanding and analysis of key issues within contemporary organisations.

The module aims to introduce and explore a range of key topics related to organisation studies. It will enable students to explore and critically analyse a wide range of key issues that impact upon the design, management and operations of contemporary organisations including those related to Organisation Structure, Culture, Power & Surveillance, Management of Change, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.  A critical approach will be developed towards the use and application of organisation theories to analyse the key issues.

Organisation Theories and Perspectives – classical and contemporary approaches.
Managing Work Motivation & The Psychological Contract.
Managing Individuals and Groups.
Management & Organisations: Issues from an International Perspective.
Organisation Metaphors.
Organisation Structure.
Power, Control & Surveillance.
Organisational Culture
Organisational Change & Resistance.
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.

The learning and teaching strategy will draw upon blended learning based upon a combination of tutor-led and tutor-facilitated approaches involving lecture based input, student class discussions. Relevant electronic media and web based resources will be utilised to support and develop student learning. In addition to regular lecture input, students will be expected to engage in guided independent study and learning. Students will be required to complete regular set assessed exercises within their student workbooks which will also enable them to develop and reflect upon their own learning and that of their peers. The student workbook exercises will also provide an opportunity for students to receive regular formative feedback and support from the tutor and in addition students will be encouraged to share and discuss their draft coursework with their peers so as to benefit from peer feedback as well.

On completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of and be able to analyse the key issues related to the design, management and operations of contemporary organisations.
2. Application of a wide range of organisation theories to support and develop the analysis of organisational issues.
3. An understanding of issues related to working and managing effectively within contemporary organisations.
4. Their research, analytical and communication skills.

The assessment strategy has been designed to test the extent of the achievement of the module learning outcomes. The assessment will consist solely of individual based coursework which requires students to complete a written essay (70%) and exercises within a student workbook (30%). The coursework will be based on the critical analysis of issues related to one or more organisations through the use and application of relevant organisation theories. During the module students will be encouraged to draw and reflect upon their own learning and that of their peers including through discussions based on the student workbook exercises. The design of the student workbook exercises also facilitates the provision of regular formative feedback and tutor guidance.

• Bloisi W, Cook CW & Hunsaker PL  (2006) Management and Organisational Behaviour, 2nd ed. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill
• Burnes B (2009) Managing Change, 5th ed, Prentice Hall/FT (e resource)
• Clegg S, Kornberger, M & Pitsis T (2008) Managing & Organizations, Sage.
• Crowther D & Green M (2004) Organisational Theory, London: CIPD
• Francesco AM & Gold BA (2005) International Organizational Behavior London: Prentice Hall.
• Hatch MJ with Cunliffe AL (2006) Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Huczynski A & Buchanan D (2010) Organizational Behaviour, 7th ed. Pearson Education.
• McAuley J, Duberley J & Johnson P (2007) Organization Theory (e resource)
• Morgan, G (2006). Images of Organization, London: Sage.
• Robbins SP (2010) Organizational Behavior, Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.
• Rollinson D (2005) Organisational Behaviour & Analysis, 3rd ed, Prentice Hall/FT (e resource)
• Thompson P and McHugh D (2002) Work Organisations, London:  Macmillan

Selected Journals Available Electronically via the University Library:
• Human Relations
• International Journal of Public Sector Management
• Journal of Management Studies
• Journal of Organizational Change Management
• Organization Studies
• Social Responsibility