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Organisational Behaviour

  • Module code: BH4101
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This is a core module in level 4 for all BSc Business Management students. The module introduces students to core topics and concepts about the behaviour and management of people in work situations. It is organised into three main parts so that there is a traditional progression from the individual to the group and, finally, to the organisational levels of analysis. Based on theoretical understanding of individual and group behaviour in organisations, students are given the opportunity to reflect on and learn from their own and others' experiences and behaviour in the group. Throughout the module students engage in activities that enable them to develop their academic and other relevant skills, which can be applied throughout their time at the university and taken into their future work and organisations.

Aims

  • To introduce students to core topics and concepts relating to individual and group behaviour in organisations
  • To provide students with opportunities to analyse and apply theoretical knowledge and understanding of organisational behaviour topics and concepts
  • To give students opportunities to learn from and reflect on their own and others' behaviour in the group
  • To develop and enhance key academic and other relevant skills, which can be taken into continued studies and future employment

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and understanding of the key organisational behaviour topics and concepts
  • Analyse and apply, with guidance, theoretical knowledge of organisational behaviour
  • Demonstrate the academic skills necessary for successful progress through the degree programme, including access and use of information, accurate referencing, and report and essay writing
  • Demonstrate the key skills necessary for future employment in relation to oral presentation, communication and problem-solving skills

Curriculum content

  • The history, development and importance of organisational behaviour
  •  The individual level:

o Individual differences and diversity

o Perceptions and communication

o Motivation

  • The group level:

o Groups and teams

o The nature of leadership

o The role of management

  • The organisational level:

o Organisational strategy and ethics

o Organisation structure and design

o Organisational control and power

o Organisational culture and change

Teaching and learning strategy

This module is delivered through a variety of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are designed to introduce students to the key organisational behaviour topics and concepts, and to lay the preparatory ground for the application of theoretical knowledge and expanded discussion via the tutorials. The tutorials will follow an interactive and experiential approach, including individual and group work, presentations, case studies, discussions and quizzes. Consequently, the teaching and learning style emphasises engagement between students and tutors as well as between and among fellow students. Students will be encouraged to learn from and reflect on their own and others' behaviour in the group.

Due to the experiential nature of the learning on this degree, and the importance of professional development enabling students to develop practical skills, learn from and interact with others, attendance is compulsory. Any students not attending a minimum of 80% of their timetabled sessions will be at risk of academic failure or termination from the course.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 22 lectures of one-and-a-half hours each 22 tutorials of two hours each 33 44
Guided independent study 223
Study abroad/placement 0
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is through:

  • Group coursework made up of a group report (2,500 words maximum), designed to prompt the students to explore core organisational behaviour concepts and apply them to a real-life case study, worth 30%
  • Individual coursework consisting of a reflective journal on group work, worth 10%
  • A practical exam (group presentation) based on the group report and group reflective journal, worth 10%
  • Two-hour end-of-module individual test consisting of multiple-choice questions covering all topic areas of the module, worth 50%

Formative assessment, set on a weekly basis and undertaken both in class and during independent study, is through:

  • Regular material (such as reading guides and quizzes), provided in advance on StudySpace, and problem sheets, to be covered in class
  • Regular on-line and in-class multiple-choice tests
  • Student presentations

This will provide regular and detailed feedback to students so that they can develop an awareness of their rate and level of progress and of their strengths and weaknesses.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and understanding of the key organisational behaviour topics and concepts Formative: in-class and independent Summative: group report (30%), practical exam (10%) and individual test (50%)
2) Analyse and apply, with guidance, theoretical knowledge of organisational behaviour Formative: in-class and independent Summative: group report (30%), practical exam (10%) and individual test (50%)
3) Demonstrate the academic skills necessary for successful progress through the degree programme, including access and use of information, accurate referencing, and report and essay writing Formative: in-class and independent Summative: group report (30%), group reflective journal (10%), practical exam (10%) and individual test (50%)
4) Demonstrate the key skills necessary for future employment in relation to oral presentation, communication and problem-solving skills Formative: in-class Summative: group report (30%), group reflective journal (10%) and practical exam (10%)

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
In-class MCQ test Written Exam 50%
Group presentation Practical exam 10%
Group report (2,500 words maximum) AND Group reflective journal Coursework 40%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Buchanan, D.A. & Huczynski, A.A. (latest edition - 2010) Organizational Behaviour. Harlow:(Pearson)

Bibliography recommended reading

Butler, M. & Rose, E. (2011) Introduction to Organisational BehaviourChartered Institute of Personnel and Development London: CIPD)

Mullins, L. J. (2011) Essentials of Organisational Behaviour. London Harlow: Prentice Hall)

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