Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title UNDERSTANDING ORGANISATIONS AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
Code CKIT551
Coordinator Dr F Grasso
Computer Science
Floriana@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To enable students to assess the roles of individuals and teams within organisations so that they can become proficient information technology leaders and managers. To provide students with an understanding of the skills, experience and managerial techniques that lead to the purposeful implementation and utilisation of information technology for the benefit of organisations and their employees.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A critical understanding of organisational structures and the roles of individuals and teams in an organisation, as well as the roles of their managers.

(LO2) A critical understanding of the role of technology in contemporary organisations.

(LO3) A critical understanding of organisational behaviour in terms of a complex process of adaptation to "never-ending" changes in society.

(LO4) An understanding of what motivates individuals and an ability to relate this to the operation of contemporary organistations.

(LO5) An understanding of the characteristics of effective IT teams and methods of keeping teams active and dynamic.

(LO6) An understanding of the challenge of communication in IT environments.

(LO7) An understanding of the role of leadership in contemporary technology organisations.

(LO8) An understanding of concepts such as the “knowledge organisations” and the “customer-responsive culture”.

(S1) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

(S2) Working in groups and teams - Leadership

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) IT skills

(S5) Communication and collaboration online participating in digital networks for learning and research

(S6) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal


Syllabus

 

Week 1:   I ntroduction to Organisation Behaviour Studies, Basic Notions T he importance of studying Organisational Behaviour (OB) and the methods and methodologies used in its study. Overview of the main components of OB studies.    Week 2:   Individual Behaviour; Values, Attitudes, Job Satisfaction, Personality and Emotions The role of individuals in organisations. Characterisation of individual needs and values and methods for increasing job satisfaction.   Week 3:   Perceptions and Decision Making, Motivation The way that people see and interpret the same thing differently and how such perspectives may affect their decision-making. Life-long learning as a method of personal development.   Week 4:   Foundations of Group Behaviour: Teams and Communication The difference between formal and informal groups, and the characterisation of their effect on their members’ behaviour and decision-making. Methods of keeping teams active and dynamic. Communication within teams and the role of IT.   Week 5:   Leadership, Power and Politics: Conflicts and Negotiations Basic approaches to leadership and their application. How virtual leadership differs from face-to-face leadership. Methods of selecting effective leaders. Reasons for conflict, and methods of conflict-handling and negotiation.   Week 6:   Foundations of Organisational Structure: Organisation System, Organisational Culture Characterisation of organisation structure and the implications of its different designs. Common characteristics of organisational culture and their relationship with the formal structure of organisations.    Week 7:  Human Resource Policies and Practices Designing organisational structures. Knowledge and boundaryless organisations. Customer-responsive culture and the role of IT. Benefits and drawbacks of telecommuting from the employee’s point of view.   W eek 8:   Organisational Dynamics. Change and Stress Management Forces and influencers that act as stimulants for change with emphasis on those derived by IT. Knowledge management in the context of organisations. IT-rich environments and the importance of both change and stress management as appropriate.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Online Learning
Description: Weekly seminar supported by asynchronous discussion in a virtual classroom environment facilitated by an online instructor.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           70

70
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 80
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

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CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
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opportunity
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submission
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Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.