2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5398M Understanding and Managing Effective Organisational Systems

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Martyn Griffin
Email: busmgr@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 creation of an ‘effective’ organisation is said to be one of the central aims and purposes of management. Yet, the very nature of what it is to be an ‘effective’ organization is contested. Indicators of effectiveness such as securing profits, satisfying customers, strong leadership and empowering employees can be valued quite differently by organisations. Managers design systems and processes which reflect these values with profound implications on the nature and characteristics of the working environment.

Objectives

The overall aim of this module is to enable students to critically explore the nature of the 'effective’ organisation and the many ways in which managers and employees pursue effectiveness in the workplace. It addresses internal issues that individuals face such as recruitment and decision making but also external influences such as globalisation and business ethics.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
- Apply appropriately and in context knowledge of organisation structure and design, and how they can be utilised to shape the nature and purpose of the working environment
- Critically assess the ways in which OB theory, models and concepts contribute towards understanding effective organisation
- Speculate from an informed perspective on what an effective organisation might look like in terms of its culture, structure and design
- Characterise culture and power and evaluate their implications on decision making
- Apply accurately various decision making tools and complex theories of OB to real world problems in organisations

Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
Transferable
- Apply appropriately skills of analysis and critical thinking
- Express and reflect on their learning in written form
- Plan, organise and present work

Subject Specific
- Critically reflect on and design effective and coherent organisational structures and processes

Syllabus

Indicative content:
Contested nature of effective organisation
Power, politics and conflict
Control in the workplace
Communication and decision making
Organisational structure and design
Organisational culture
Training and learning
Leadership and followership
Globalisation and contemporary challenges
Business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Practical tutorials and case study examples will be integrated with the theoretical teaching to reinforce learning and evaluative skills. The module will use interactive lectures, discussions, individual and group exercises and assessments to encourage students to develop a critically informed perspective on the effective organisation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.50	16.50
Seminar	11	1.50	16.50
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Reading and preparation for lectures, seminars and the examination (to include a mix of independent online learning and private study):

- 3 hours reading for 10 (of 11) lecture (3x10=30)
- 3 hours reading/practical preparation for 10 (of 11) seminars (3x10=30)
- 57 hours for examination revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students’ progress will be monitored via seminar contributions.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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 website

Last updated: 17/05/2017

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