HSM5304 - Human Services Management: Principles and Process

Leader: TBA

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the principles and processes that shape and determine the internal culture of the human service organisation. Students will engage with topics covering, change management; procedural transparency; the learning organisation; human resource management; the impact and consequences of Government welfare policy; competition and collaboration; and public accountability. The unit offers a practical emphasis on professional skill development and encourages students employed in the field to draw on their own practice experience. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own code of professional ethics and principles.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and awareness in the assessment, development and maintenance of appropriate organisational culture, while maintaining a strategic focus;
2. Knowledge of, and skills in applying ethical principles appropriate to the human services industry in human resource management and the maintenance of professional inter-personal relations;
3. Understanding of the principles of strategic approaches to implementing a social justice framework within a management context;
4. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of change management theory in relation to human services.
5. Students will also be able to identify and develop appropriate approaches to organisational planning, decision-making and policy formulation for human services programs;
6. Critically discuss how external change effects the internal environment and culture of human services organisations;
7. Apply relevant theoretical concepts to a critical analysis of the effects of managerialism on professional values and ethics in the human service organisation;
8. Design and develop an appropriate policy and procedure document for a human service organisation, including a detailed implementation plan.

Assessment

Assignment 1 (4000 words): 40%
Assignment 2 (5000 words): 60%
Students who are employed in the human services industry as managers may negotiate to complete the assessment tasks based on their own work practice.

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Students will be expected to participate for a minimum of one hour per fortnight in on-line discussion.

Prohibitions

HSM4304