Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have a well-developed understanding of the nature of organisations; the capacity to evaluate and assimilate future developments in organisational theory and research; have an understanding of the major conceptual frameworks used to guide organisational research; and have the ability to define and operationalise key concepts relevant to the study of organisations.
Synopsis This subject focuses on the study of complex organization, emphasising the development of intellectual skills needed to analyse organisations. This is achieved through an examination of the use of metaphor as a way to frame and focus organisation research - various images of organisation are explored highlighting the multidimensional nature of complex organization. For example, the subject reviews treatments of the organization as: machine, cybernetic system, organism, decision-making mechanism, political system, culture and a system of control. The subject includes lectures, a seminar series and practical workshop sessions.
Assessment Assignment (2500 words): 50% + Examination: 50%