Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI2121: Organisational Behaviour

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI2121: Organisational Behaviour

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Management

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module builds upon the material contained within the Level 1 module: Introduction to Management.
  • The module introduces students to theories, models and research relevant to the behaviour of individuals, groups and organisations and encourages them to apply and critically assess these in the context of contemporary business and society.
  • To develop an awareness and understanding of contemporary debates/issues around the relationship between the organization and individual.

Content

  • Explanations of individual attributes, attitudes and behaviour eg personality, learning
  • Motivation, orientation, satisfaction, commitment
  • Meaning and experience of work
  • Groups and team processes
  • Approaches to understanding organisation
  • Organisational forms (eg: hierarchy, network, market)
  • Forms of organising (eg: Taylorism, Fordism, Post-Fordism)
  • Authority, power, obedience, conflict
  • Leadership and decision making
  • Culture and organisation
  • Critical approaches to organisation, nature of exploitation, alienation
  • International and diversity issues

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Analysis of individuals as members of organisations and of group and team processes in organisational contexts
  • Understand the main features and practices that characterise contemporary organisation
  • Develop in-depth knowledge of the form and functioning of at least one contemporary organisation, evaluated in the light of theory.
  • Develop the ability to critically assess and deal with the managerial and organisational implications of OB issues at the individual, interpersonal/group and organisational levels of analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Assess and critique business practices from a range of theoretical and positional perspectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to think independently, work individually and as part of a group to locate, assess and use information
  • Reflect on and understand ones own styles, preferences and values in relation to issues discussed in the course
Key Skills:
  • Written communication: through summative assessment
  • Computer literacy: word-processing and layout of summative essay, interrogation of electronic and web-based academic databases

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars.
  • Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study.
  • Formative assessment is by means of one group presentation, poster and short written report.
  • Summative assessment is by means of a written examination plus one written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 per week 1.5 hours 30
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8
Student preparation and reading time 162
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 1 hour 30 mins 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 1500 words max 100% An individual assignment

Formative Assessment:

One group presentation, poster and short written report


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University