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909 – Organizational Studies – Level I (10 weeks)

Content:

This introductory course in Organizational Studies will provide students with a model and tools to assess organizations and will introduce them to major concepts in the field of organizational behaviour. In this course, students can discover and apply concepts to both explain and influence how their own organizations work. Specific topics will include purpose, structure, change, communication, relationships, leadership, rewards and performance.

Objectives:

The objective of this course is to introduce students to theories, concepts, and themes related to the behaviour of individuals and groups in organizations. This course will provide a theoretical model that students can use to evaluate organizational phenomena and leadership practices.

Format:

Classes will include brief lectures and large group experiential exercises or case studies, which will require a much greater involvement of the student than the traditional lecture method. Readings and presentations will be discussed in small group tutorials to allow students to further explore and analyze organizational functioning and the role and behaviour in their organization. The very nature of this experiential approach will require a high level of attendance, preparation, and participation.

Evaluation:

Written evaluation will be based on completion of two organizational scans (week one and week ten) and weekly personal application assignments, in which students analyze and synthesize learning from weekly concepts to the functioning of their organizations.

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909 — Organizational Studies, Level II (10 weeks)

Criteria for Admission:

Successful completion of Organization Studies Level I

Content:

Building on the concepts, theories and themes introduced in Level 1, students will apply a change management methodology to formulate a planned change project that is relevant and applicable to their workplace.  An organizational change map will be explored in depth as it relates to five key success factors for overall change management success: (1) active and visible senior leader sponsorship, (2) use of a structured change management approach, (3) frequent and open communications around the need for change, (4) dedicated resources for change management, and (5) employee engagement. 

Objectives:

• To identify a particular organizational feature that could be improved and formulate a strategy to interpret and analyze this improvement. To present a final analysis to illustrate the implementation of this strategy.
• To identify a particular individual performance attribute that could be improved and formulate a strategy to interpret and analyze this improvement. To present a final analysis to illustrate the implementation of this strategy.
• To actively use theoretical frameworks and concepts from Level I in formulating goals and implementing strategies.
• To provide students with the opportunity to practice critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making in accomplishing their objectives.
• To improve students understanding of group activities in an organizational context with reference to a tutorial group.

Format:

The course will consist of a small group tutorial, the use of various selected readings and an organizational change project(s). The course schedule is negotiable between the student and tutor(s). Ground rules will be determined by the group at the beginning of the course.

Evaluation:

Written evaluation will be based on:

• Learning plan that includes individual and organizational objectives.
• Development of a project plan.
• Literature review (readings related to project plan).
• Documentation of final project.

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909 — Organizational Studies, Level III (20 weeks)

Criteria for Admission:

Admission to Organization Studies Level III is satisfactory completion of Organization Studies Level I and Level II. A pre-admission interview is required.

Content:

Building upon the concepts and models explored in Level II change projects, students will research the literature to extend and deepen their understanding of the complexities that influence organizations through change. A combination of academic perspectives and personal engagement will provide students with a mentored learning experience to enable them to understand and apply the principles of organizational theory and evaluation to their own organizations. 

Objectives:

• To develop an awareness of the impact of a change initiative on the organization.
• To develop strategies to cope with ambiguity and uncertainty within organizations.
• To develop an awareness of the impact that one organization has on another and the interaction between an organization and the environment.
• To provide an opportunity to develop diagnosis and intervention skills in the organizational elements of leadership, management of change, planning, and human resource development.
• Within the broad objectives above the student is expected to define, negotiate, and achieve specific individual objectives.

Format:

The course will consist of a small group tutorial, the use of selected readings and an organizational project(s). The course schedule is negotiable between the student and tutor(s). Ground rules will be determined by the group at the beginning of the course.

Evaluation:

A written evaluation will be based on:

• Learning plan that includes individual and organizational objectives
• Development of a project plan
• Literature review and annotated bibliography
• Documentation of final project