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

The application of effective management techniques has become increasingly important in all types of organisations. Accordingly, organisations depend on managers to help ensure that the work experiences of others are both productive and satisfying, that the organisation can measure and evaluate how effectively it is meeting client needs and that it can adequately plan for its future. Moreover, employees need to recognize what constitutes best practice in their organisations and where individual effort is expected to contribute value to the organisation. This subject has wide appeal to both IT and other students seeking an introduction to contemporary management practices.

Aims

The overall aim is to enable you to identify and resolve selected key management issues within a particular type of organisation of your choice. Using an integrated approach, the subject draws from the field of organisational behaviour, business management literature, IT-management, and other readings appropriate to your interest. A further emphasis will be on case studies of actual practices in the type of organisation or enterprise environment setting that you have chosen to investigate.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Critically discuss contemporary management principles and practices (ie HR, quality management, innovation, change management etc) as they relate to the particular type of organisation or enterprise environment you have chosen to study. (GC1, GC2)


2. Critically discuss the many issues and challenges (ie ethical, legal, technological, social, political etc) that impact upon the administration and leadership of contemporary organisations. (GC1, GC2, GC6, GC7)


3. Discuss and apply basic research methodologies to evaluate how well the organisation is functioning in meeting internal and external stakeholders' needs. (GC1, GC2, GC4))


4. Engage in professional oral and written communication (GC 3)


5. Work productively independently (GC5)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

Underscored is the role of management highlighting, in particular, ways in which organisations need to respond to changes in their work environment. Actual topics covered include planning (strategic planning, human resource planning, information planning and technological planning). As well, contemporary leadership theory (and practices) are analysed to determine the role of leaders in motivating their employees, encourage entrepreneurial team-building, and institute effective organisational communication. Contemporary marketing approaches are also addressed, along with other techniques, as well as an introduction to both qualitative and quantitative methods, to evaluate service delivery. Change management is another important aspect the subject addresses.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is offered in a blended or multi-modal delivery mode. The unit can be undertaken internally, externally or a combination of both. Students may switch between study modes during the course of the semester. The unit has been designed to provide a quality learning experience regardless of the learning mode. The pedagogy in this unit is based on the concept of a community of learners. Emphasis is placed on group discussion so you can explore and share key ideas. Reflective practice is introduced as a professional attribute. Dialogue between staff and students is encouraged through ongoing discussion and consultation. This is achieved face to face and through web 2.0 technologies. The Blackboard site is the primary tool used for information exchange and communication. Unit material and readings provide concepts and stimulate your thinking concerning principles, the philosophy and the theoretical insight into the management practice. Guest lecturers will discuss their management experience and practices within information contexts. Assignments have been designed to allow you to report on, and develop an understanding of management issues of your choice as well as link them to current work practices. You are expected to participate in the learning experience by attending, interacting and reflecting in all classes, and by undertaking a wide variety of reading.

Assessment

You will submit your written assessments through the unit Blackboard site - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.

QUT Library has developed a Subject Guide to assist students to understand academic integrity and to avoid plagiarism: http://libguides.library.qut.edu.au/honestyYou can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:

-ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during class sessions or request a consultation to clarify assignment requirements and to assist with your understanding of unit content
-feedback on assignments will be provided throughout the semester, comments will focus on both the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your work
-teaching staff will also regularly reply to email enquiries.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Report and reflection of an interview with an industry professional.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: You are required to identify and research a contemporary management issue for an organisation of interest to you. The results of your research will be presented as an oral presentation and written report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Weeks 6-8

Assessment name: Report
Description: Professional management proposal to resolve existing management issue in a topic area of your choice.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
There is no required textbook for the unit. You will be expected to read widely as part of your studies in the unit. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted weekly. The following resources may be of assistance to your study in the unit:

Recommended Readings

Bryson, J. (2006). Managing information services: A sustainable approach (2nd ed). Farnham: Ashgate Publishing.

Davidson, P. (2008). Management: Core concepts and applications (2nd ed). Milton, Q'ld: John Wiley & Sons.

De Cieri, H., & Kramar, R. (2005). Human resource management in Australia: Strategy, people, performance (2nd ed.MacQuarie Park, NSW: McGraw Hill.

Evans, G.E., Ward, P.L., & Rugaas, B. (2000). Management basics for information professionals. New York: Neal Schuman.

Farmer, M., Yellowley, W., Smith, P. (2012). Organizational Behaviour. London: Hodder Education

Mckenna, E. (2006). Business psychology and organisational behaviour: A student's handbook (4th ed.). Hove, East Sussex.

Pearlson, K., & Saunders, C.S. (2010). Managing and using information systems: A strategic approach (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.

Shimizu, K. (2012). The Cores of Strategic Management. Hoboken: Routledge.

Wood, J., Chapman, J., Fromholtz, M. (2003). Organisational behaviour: A global perspective. (3rd ed.). Milton, Q'ld: Wiley.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

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: 12-Oct-2012