Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module BUSI4X715: Change Management

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4X715: Change Management

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to N2P109
Tied to N2P209
Tied to N2P609
Tied to N2PA09

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with
  • an in-depth understanding, at an advanced level, of the complexities of the theory and practice of change
  • how shaping implementation strategies and managing change can be improved by engaging stakeholders with change.

Content

  • Content
  • Core concepts: the nature of change; theoretical perspectives of change; types of change; critical perspectives of organisational change.
  • Recognising and diagnosing the need for change: recognising the need for change; diagnostic and dialogic models.
  • Managing the people issues: power, politics and stakeholder management and engagement; the role of leadership in change management; communicating change.
  • Designing interventions: types of interventions
  • Shaping implementation strategies and managing the change: effective change strategies; maintaining control.
  • Evaluation of change interventions: measurement and monitoring; identifying benefits; managing risks.
  • Sustaining change: organisational, team and individual influences for ensuring benefits are realised; embedding the change in the organisation..
  • Impact of change on wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students should be able to:
  • critically evaluate the concepts of change and how they apply in different contexts.
  • Apply tools and techniques for effectively implementing change Identify how to manage change so that it has a positive impact on organizational effectiveness and wellbeing.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students should:
  • be able to recognise and diagnose the need for change using appropriate models;
  • be able to shape implementation strategies using appropriate specialist techniques;
  • have a critical awareness of techniques for sustaining change interventions and for managing people during change interventions.
Key Skills:
  • Effective 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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through workshop-based delivery, providing a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned in the context of a specific change intervention.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 10 Weekly 3 Hours 30
Preparation & Reading 120
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment based on a specific change intervention 2500 words (maximum) 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Feedback on participation in discussions and 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