Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

As leaders you will play a significant role in leading and managing changes imposed by educational policies. An understanding of systemic and organizational change processes and the challenges posed by the process of policy form the critical knowledge base for leaders to achieve quality outcomes in a competing global environment. The unit presents the theories and processes of educational change; organizational cultures and values and their influence on change; policy processes (development, implementation and evaluation); policy trends and change in educational contexts.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enhance your leadership capacity for managing changes brought about by policy processes.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1) Analyse the dimensions of organizational cultures and understand the importance of vision, shared values and ethics in managing change; GC: A, B, D, F

2) Identify and analyse the complexities of change processes, risks and possibilities associated with planning and implementing change in an organization; GC: A, B, D, G

3) Apply skills in policy processes (development, implementation and evaluation); GC: A, B

4) Analyse policy trends and apply your understandings of leadership and change for managing organizational change through policy processes; GC: A, B, D, E, F, G

Content

This unit will cover the following topics:

Leadership for Change
This topic focuses on the theories and processes of educational change, organizational cultures and values, and their influence on change. This topic will help you appreciate and better understand the relationship and interactions between three fundamental and critical concepts of change, organisational culture and leadership, and the challenges these pose for leaders. Evaluation and reflection on the performance of change will also be considered.

Policy Processes
This topic covers theories and approaches to policy analysis, development, implementation and evaluation. It provides knowledge and understanding to develop skills in analysing policy documents and trends, and in considering principles for constructively responding to policies within schools and other contexts.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Adult learning principles and approaches will underpin all aspects of facilitation using written resource materials, on-line support and face-to-face lectures and/or tutorials. There will be a strong emphasis on learner-centred approach which expects a high level of self-directed learning. You will be encouraged to draw upon your own experiences and expertise and relate your learning in the context of your workplace.

Assessment

There are two pieces of written assessment for this unit. Assessment is both formative and summative.Formative assessment will be provided through feedback on initial assignment work and in electronic communication or in class as appropriate. Feedback will be provided on the two summative tasks.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Identify a policy that needs development in your workplace or another organization with which you are familiar. Give a brief description of the organizational vision, values and cultures. Describe the nature of the policy and then state how you will conduct the analysis, development, implementation and evaluation processes. Support the various stages of your plan with literature.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Professional Plans
Description: Use the understandings gained from this unit to develop an action plan for a change initiated through policy. Clearly define the nature of the change, identify the factors that may impact on the change management process and state how you will address these. Support the various stages of your plan with literature.
Relates to objectives: 3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Relevant resource materials will be available on the CMD and other references can be found in the library and on-line.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Oct-2012