Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

There have been increasing demands from statuary bodies and other stakeholders for all organisations, whether schools, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, businesses or government departments, to be effective, efficient and managed in a transparently responsible way. This has come at a time when most organisations face external environments that are increasingly chaotic - such instability being driven by such forces as increasing government legislation, legal challenges, changing technology, information growing exponentially, reduced time frames and demands for improved quality.

This unit will look at the strategic management of an organisation, including a complex systems view using general systems theory, chaos theory and synergistics to analyse the processes educational organisations and other organisational settings use to maintain their strategic intent and to harness the continuous and discontinuous innovation required to sustain organisations in these challenging times.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and skills in strategic management so that the legitimate and shadow systems of management complement and support each other. The emphasis will be on the need for leaders to strategically manage the basic resources of human capital, time, money and knowledge innovatively, efficiently and effectively.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1) Discuss the various techniques used to identify, develop and implement appropriate strategies; GC: A, B

2) Analyse or create a strategic plan for an organisation that clearly articulates policies (external factors) and communicates the intended strategic direction and targets; GC: A, C

3) Identify the appropriate resources required to enact the strategic plan and (b) where these resources will be sourced (i.e. alignment of targets, strategies, resources and timelines); GC: B

4) Explain and analyse how emergent strategic plans are developed, created and enacted; GC: A, C, G

5) Describe how an organisation can manage and encourage continuous and discontinuous innovation; GC: A, B, C

Content

This unit cover the following topics: analysing the internal and external environment, interpreting data and directions from both the internal and external environments, SWOT analysis, components of an intended strategic plan, tactical planning, operational planning and control systems, involving monitoring and reporting, emergent strategic planning, extraordinary management, risk management, dissipative systems, workplace learning, networking, designing supportive organisational cultures, continuous and discontinuous innovation, embedding new knowledge and processes and organisational defense mechanisms.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Contemporary and innovative approaches are used employing written resource materials, on-line support and face-to-face facilitation of learning. Student-centred, self-directed learning is encouraged with a strong focus on the application of theory for a deeper understanding of, and improvement in, professional practice. Your active participation in the seminars/workshops and/or on-line discussions is a critical part of this unit. In line with adult learning theory, your own experiences, expertise and current challenges are the focus of learning and reflection. You are strongly encouraged to relate your assessment tasks to your own areas of interest and expertise.

Assessment

There are two pieces of written assessment for this unit. Assessment is both formative and summative.Formative assessment is undertaken during discussions and class or on-line activities. The first assignment will be both formative and summative. Students will be encouraged to analyse specific scenarios, as examples, during interactions with their peers and the lecturer.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Analyse the strategic plan of an organisation (or part of an organisation) and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of its intended strategic plan. The discussion should culminate with some carefully rationalised recommendations for improvement, with appropriate examples.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Analyse the processes used by an organisation to implement the strategic plan. Describe in detail the extraordinary management process used to support the process and ensure that continuous and discontinuous innovation occurs. Include detailed recommendations for improvement.
Relates to objectives: 4 & 5
Weight: 50%
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.. The textbook is:

Delahaye, B.L. (2011). Human Resource Development: Managing Learning and Knowledge Capital. (3rd ed.). Prahran, Vic: Tilde University Press.

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