Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module BUSI41015: MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE (ONLINE)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI41015: MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap
Tied to N1KS17
Tied to N1KR17
Tied to N1N317
Tied to N1N417

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The essence of an effective organization is how well it adapts and changes to match its changing environment. The essence of a successful manager is the way in which he or she can handle change at an intellectual and personal level as well as equipping others in the organization to do the same. This module seeks to help you in that process.

Content

  • Introduction to Management of Change
  • The Elements of Change
  • Understanding Organisational Change - Some Theoretical Perspectives
  • Organisational Culture
  • Management Orientation: Manager’s Skills and Attitudes
  • Effecting Change
  • Reacting to Change
  • Implementation

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To critically appreciate the broader context of organizational change.
  • To critically appreciate the underlying political, environmental, social and technological reasons that are driving change within organizations.
  • To understand the organizational change process and critically appreciate the different intellectual streams that help us to do so.
  • To understand the necessary managerial skills that will help them to address change factors within their working life and develop a critical awareness of the extent to which they are equipped to handle these.
  • To critically appreciate different forms of intervention within organizations that may help to facilitate change.
  • To critically appreciate the different elements that contribute to defining organizational culture and the climate within an organization.
  • To critically appreciate the different elements involved in the process of implementing change within organizations.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have:
  • advanced skills in, and a critical understanding of the management of change.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

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

  • The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written report 4,000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


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