2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
LUBS5385M Systems Thinking and Consulting Practice
15 creditsClass Size: 55
Module manager: Dr. Matthew Davis
Email: M.Davis@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of systems thinking across a wide range of problem domains, including IT systems, pro-environmental behaviour, workspace design, tele-health and crowds. The module will last for 3.5 days and will include practical examples and case studies. It will be assessed by group assignment that requires you to work in multi-disciplinary teams to analyse a business problem or event. Throughout the module, you will be challenged to apply the theories and concepts to practical problems and to identify the practical insights this affords consulting practice.Objectives
The aim of this module is to introduce students to key ideas, theories and concepts in the domain of systems thinking. The module aims to use practical tasks, group case study analysis, discussion and case examples to support students in applying a socio-technical systems framework to a variety of application domains. The module also aims to provide an insight into how organizational practice and consulting can be improved with systems thinking. This module offers students the opportunity to develop skills in applying systems thinking to contemporary business problems.Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to critically evaluate:
- Key ideas, theories and concepts in the domain of systems thinking
- Linkages between human factors, psychology, management and technical aspects of complex systems
- How organizational practice and consulting can be improved with systems thinking
Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
Subject specific
- Apply systems theory as part of consulting practice, to diagnose a range of problems
Transferable
- Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Syllabus
Indicative content, the syllabus comprises:
- History of systems thinking
- Socio-Technical Systems Thinking
- Benefits of a systems framework for organizational practice and consulting
- Systems thinking applied to a range of domains, including:
New Technology and Organizational Change
Pro-Environmental Behaviour
Workspace Design
Crowd Behaviour and Management
Tele-health
- Group Presentations
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Workshop | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
Lecture | 6 | 1.50 | 9.00 |
Private study hours | 126.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 24.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
The contact hours will include taught lectures, group learning and discussions, and interactive case study examples. The non-contact hours will comprise students’ private study and independent learning, including: subject matter readings, both prior to and during the module; preparation for the plenary discussions and case studies; research and collaboration for the group assignment; independent research of the business context and problem for the individual assignment (15 credit version only); and additional private study to further their own knowledge and understanding of the topics.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The module team will facilitate and monitor all group learning sessions (i.e., case studies, group work and discussions), enabling the progress of both the groups and the individual students to be assessed. The interspersed presentation of the case studies and accompanying plenary discussions will also enable feedback to be provided throughout the module (both by the module team and by the students themselves), helping the students to continually enhance their performance over the course of the module.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Group Project | Written report and PowerPoint presentation | 35.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 35.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 65.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 65.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 12/08/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD