This is not available as a Single Subject.This is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management subject.

Main Aim(s) of the Unit:

This unit exposes the student to the theories that have created advances in the field of Organisational Behaviour (OB) by considering examples and cases that relate to theories and practices in exploiting and enhancing competitive advantage.

The unit focuses on three areas of analysis: the individual, the group and the organisation and considers these in terms of the ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ perspectives and their roots in behavioural and social sciences.

Main Topics of Study:

1. This unit takes three perspectives of analysis: the individual, the group and the organisation and breaks these down into two areas, the ‘Micro’ and the ‘Macro’.
2. The unit starts with an analysis of the individual and the group and takes a ‘Micro’ approach to the field of OB. Here it explores areas such as personality, individual differences, employee attitudes and behaviour motivation, group formation and group decision-making.
3. The unit is completed by analysing the ‘Macro’ or big-picture approach addresses the organisation as the primary area of analysis. Topics included are organisational structures, design, culture, climate and change management.
   
   

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

At the end of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically examine and explore the micro and macro levels in order to understand behaviours in organisations
2. Critically evaluate the characteristics and processes of an organisation.
3. Examine and evaluate the visible social aspects of organisational life
4. Examine and evaluate the organisation both at the intra-personal and individual levels

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Students will be directed and encouraged to undertake research to enable them to critically evaluate a relevant range of theories and practices that a business could consider to support and underpin both short-term and long-term aspects related to the management of people. Each unit topic will be directed towards proposing research based practical recommendations on people related problems that could be case study, professional or work based.

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Unit:

Written assignment : 100% (4,000 words)
Assignments should be typed, page numbered and bound. Please find below, the accepted binding methods:

• Tape bound
• Coil bound
• Comb bound
• Spiral bound

Indicative Reading for this Unit:

Main Text:

Bratton J., (2007) Work and Organisational Behaviour. Palgrave

Alternative texts

Robbins S (2005) Organisational Behaviour, Pearson
Rollinson D., (2008) Organisational Behaviour and Analysis 4th edition FT Prentice Hall

Suggested journals include:

Management Today
Human Resource Management
Personnel Management
British Journal of Management
Journal of Management Studies

Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit)

50 hours: Lectures / Seminars / Tutorials / Workshops
These interactive sessions will be used to discuss concepts and allow students to present findings

50 hours: Directed learning
Advance reading and preparation / Background research / individual and group preparation for seminars

100 hours: Self managed learning
Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.