MMM048-Managing People and Organisations

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MMM074 Advances in Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice
Current from: 2018/9

Email: c.woodrow@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module examines existing knowledge about how people behave in organisational settings, the theories that inform this knowledge and the practical implications for managers. It relies on the tacit knowledge of students and on social and human sciences such as management, philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology.

Aims:

To introduce students and encourage them to reflect on what is known empirically about how people behave in organisational settings, the theories that inform this knowledge and the practical implications for managers.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should have a sound knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary theories of individual and group behaviour, the empirical evidence supporting them, and their relevance and application to business and other organisational settings. They should be familiar with the main areas of challenge in the management of people and organisations, and have an understanding of why these areas are problematic and how they are addressed in practice by managers.

The module aims to enhance students’ critical analytical skills, including both the ability to critically assess theory in the social sciences and the ability to use theory to critically assess the conventional wisdom and inherited perceptions.

Additional outcomes:

Assessment relies on relatively long essays and on group presentations. This should stretch students’ abilities to

1. Analyse complex situations and questions.

2. Develop sound rationales that articulate facts and theory.

3. Deal with contradictory theories.

4. Present their thoughts convincingly, both orally and in writing.

Outline content:

The following is indicative and subject to change from year to year. The definitive list of lectures shall be announced at the first lecture

1. Introduction: What is OB?

2. Essay writing

3. Theories of Motivation

4. Theories of Motivation II: Critical Approaches

5. Organisational Culture

6. Authority

7. Power in Organisations

8. Bureaucracy

9. Post bureaucracy

10. Essay feedback

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures, individual and group exercises and small group and full class discussions. Materials used will include a core text together with readings, videos and web-based materials. Group presentations (weighted at 30%) are subject to individual marks for group members who are found not to have made an adequate contribution to the group

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentations: Three ten-minute group presentations across the term

Essay plan: 1000 words (+/- 10%), due Autumn term week 5

Essay 2: 3500 words (+/- 10%), due Spring term week 1

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on essay plans and general guidance on the essay is given in the week 10 lecture and during the final tutorial session

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Requirements for a pass 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of a coursework essay in August/September of the same year. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 1 May 2018