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

Organisations are composed of people. The study of human behaviour is, therefore, fundamental to understanding organisations and organisational effectiveness. However, just as important is an understanding of organisations and their ability to achieve goals and adapt to their environment. In this unit you will examine both micro and macro perspectives on organisations. Organisational behaviour is the study of how individuals and teams behave in the workplace. In contrast, organisation theory takes a more macro perspective on organisational effectiveness and includes the study of the structure and design of organisations, and the influence of factors such as the environment, culture, and power on organisations.

Organisational behaviour and theory provide the foundation for further studies in Management and Human Resource Management. Not only is an understanding of human behaviour and organisations fascinating, it is also necessary to succeed in today's fast-paced environment, as it can help improve organisational, managerial and personal effectiveness.

Aims

Understanding how people behave in the workplace is a key element for organisational success. This unit introduces you to the key concepts and ideas of organisational behaviour and situates these in the context of theories about how organisations work. The content covered in this unit provides the theoretical underpinnings for the practices taught in human resources and management units completed later in your degree. Further, the unit materials provide you opportunities to develop the analytical skills necessary for understanding complex organisational issues, and thus provide a foundation for further study in the human resources and management majors.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and ideas relevant to a foundational understanding of organisational behaviour.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and ideas relevant to a foundational understanding of organisational theory.
3. Develop and use the skill of critical reading and critical analysis in the context of organisational behaviour and organisational theory.
4. Apply theoretical knowledge to selected real world contexts to provide recommendations in workplace situations.

The specific course learning goals that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

The content of this unit integrates key concepts and ideas relevant to a foundational understanding of organisational behaviour and theory. The topic areas covered include: perception, motivation, attitudes, leadership, organisational culture and change, knowledge management, job design, and ethical considerations in decision making.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A wide range of strategies are utilised in teaching this unit. While the structure is a 2 hour lecture and tutorial a range of approaches are utilised to create interactive learning experiences. Lectures involve the use of videos, discussion, case analysis, and the analysis of theory. Tutorials utilise experiential exercises, case analysis, group and small group discussions, presentations and other activities.

This unit uses the SafeAssign tool in BlackBoard. SafeAssign is a text matching tool that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations and determine possible instances of plagiarism. You will be expected to submit draft and/or final versions of one or more assignments using SafeAssign. Your Unit Coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Essay
Description: This essay requires you to review a theory, apply the theory to gain insight into a personal work example, and then provide recommendations based on the theory on how to improve the situation described in your example. The criteria sheet for the essay and the theories you can choose from are available on blackboard.
Length/Duration: 2,000 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Final Exam
Description: A final exam will assess your understanding of the theories and research relating to the topics covered over the semester, and your ability to apply these theories to understand workplace issues.
Length/Duration: 2 hours
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

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

Prescribed Text
McShane, S., Olekalns, M., & Travaglione, T. (2010). Organisational Behaviour on the Pacific rim (3rd ed.), Sydney: McGraw-Hill.

References
A wide range of useful materials have been placed on the Course Materials Database on the unit's Blackboard site. These materials are recommended reading.

Other Resources
There are no other resource costs associated with this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

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: 17-Jan-2013