This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
This module enables learners to develop the capacity and knowledge to effect meaningful change in an organisation. In particular, the module focuses on the substance of digital transformation within organisations and facilitate reflection on how successful transformations can occur.
The primary objective of this module is to develop change management knowledge and skills in a digital world and equip students with the tools to manage it. Both macro (organisation) and micro (individual) levels of change will be covered. Special emphasis is to be given to the human/people aspect of change and digital transformation. Through use of case studies and workplace project, students will learn how to lead change through their actions and through others and devise change management plans best suited for organisations and the type of change. Students' leadership styles will be explored from change angle and this course hopes to raise the level of empathy students demonstrate to others during the process of change.
Topics may include:
Process of change
Types of change facing organisations
Current change management tools
Human aspects of change
Kubler-Ross change curve and empathy during change process
Building supportive and open culture
Impact of change on teams and workplace relationships
Diversity, neurodiversity in change
Reflection on past personal experiences with change
Understanding personality and its relevance in the change process
Personal leadership style
Tools to manage change
Application of Kotter's framework
Application of personality and emotions
Project and programme management principles
Stakeholder management techniques
Organisational change
New business models and structures
Power, politics and Influence
Learning Organisation
Digital transformation
Digital transformation and strategy
Integration models
Changing role of data and digitisation
Hybrid working
Emerging and non-linear change management
Open, closed systems, chaos and contingency
Change in complex systems
Leading change in complex systems
Agile leadership and approaches
Applying and integrating the knowledge - team presentations on group case study and individual presentation on workplace project
Interactive seminars and peer discussion 28 hours
Independent study and assignments 230 hours
Mentored workplace project 42 hours
Total 300 hours
Main assessment method:
Group presentation – 15 minutes (20%)
Individual workplace project report – 3000 words (80%)
Students must achieve a pass in both of the assessment elements to ensure all module learning outcomes are achieved.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate systematic and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of principles, concepts, and methods of change management in organisations; understand the change management process and change planning.
Critically apply knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and objectives from a project
Demonstrate the process of building an environment that embraces change and new ways of doing things; understand how to encourage continuous improvement and embrace the concept of a learning organisation.
Devise, present, and defend a change management plan in response to a challenge or issue facing an organisation, with limited information; critically assess change management plans for appropriateness in given situations.
Critically evaluate change management plans for given situations.
Demonstrate an ability to manage the human and cultural side of change: reasons for resistance to change, stakeholder management, and ways to handle and mitigate impact; demonstrate and practice empathy to others during the process of change
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of, and be able to evaluate, the potential impact of disruption, new business models, and globalisation scenarios on an organisation, as well as trends and approaches to digital transformation.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Work as a team on a project, negotiating an agreement for common approach to a given problem and collaboratively create recommendations and make presentation as a team.
Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects.
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