21129 Managing People and Organisations

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject introduces the fundamentals of management and organisational behaviour in the context of today's contemporary global business environment. It examines the major theories and models in areas of communication, group dynamics, individual behaviour and motivation, decision making, leadership, power and politics, and ethics and social responsibility. It places particular emphasis on the application of theory to dilemmas and issues likely to confront managers today and in the future.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand management and organisational processes and issues relevant to organisations operating in a global and diverse workplace;
2. Understand the principles of individual and collective behaviour in organisations;
3. Apply critical and analytical thinking, a capacity to question and challenge existing frameworks and ideas to the study of management and organisations;
4. Apply information and internet technologies to the retrieval of information for the purpose of research in management and organisations.
5. Understand the theoretical foundations of the field of management and organisational behaviour and new managerial practices in organisations.

Contribution to graduate profile

Managing People and Organisations is designed to develop in students an understanding of the fundamental principles of management and organisational behaviour in a complex and rapidly changing business environment. The subject contributes to the aims of the Bachelor of Business through its focus on a wide range of critical concepts and issues concerning the management of people across a variety of organisational settings. The subject places a strong emphasis on ensuring students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The subject also assures students are able to effectively communicate and maintain collaborative relationships with peers through a group assessment task.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered through a variety of face-to-face and online teaching strategies. Lectures involve face-to-face content delivery, employing the use of media and electronic resources to enhance the theoretical delivery of the subject. An intensive tutorial program utilises case studies and experiential exercises to link theory and application. Group leadership and team skills are developed in class through peer learning activities. Students are further supported through the use of UTS Online offering subject material and information and moderation with the subject coordinator.

Content

• Making sense of management- perspectives on the history of management thinking and new forms of management, examining the challenges and opportunities of information technology and a global marketplace.
• Managing organisations – understanding individual and group behaviour in organisations, theories of motivation, models of leadership, bases and sources of power and organisation politics.
• Managing change- the management of knowledge to foster innovation and change, principles of competition, cooperation and collaboration in strategy.

Assessment

The assignment requires students to write an essay based on the fundamental principles of management. It addresses objectives 1, 2 and 5.

Students are required to collaborate with team members in an online debate. It requires students to effectively communicate and maintain relationships to work collaboratively. The text associated with the on-line debate will form the basis of the assessment. It tests objectives 3, 4 and 5.

The examination will be in a multiple choice format. It assures objectives 1, 2 and 5.

Examinations will be conducted under University Examination conditions, and hence thoroughly address secure assessment concerns. Group assessment online is subject to restricted access and monitored by the subject coordinator. Individual essay assessment is subjected to plagiarism detection software.

Recommended text(s)

Clegg, S., Kornberger, M., and Pitsis, T. (2005) Managing and Organizations. London: Sage Publications

Indicative references

George, J., and Jones, G. (2001) Understanding and Managing Organizational Behaviour, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Giddens, A. (2000) Runaway World: How Globalisation is Reshaping our Lives, London: Routledge.