The module introduces students to organisational theories. In particular, we will cover the modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives. We will conduct an in depth exploration of the modernist perspective and examine how certain concepts have informed the practice of OR. The main topics of study include organisation-environment relations; organisational social structure; technology; organisational culture; organisations physical structure; organisational power, control, and conflict. Students will also learn about recent developments in the field of OR, such as Problem Structuring Methods, Facilitation, Behavioural OR, & Community OR.
Private Study: 134
Contact Hours: 2-hour lecture/seminar blocks for 8 weeks across 2 terms (16 hours total)
Total: 150
Main assessment methods:
Individual Reflective essay (1500 words) - 40%
Individual Case study report (2500 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods:
100% Coursework
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Critically assess the role of the Operational Research (OR) Specialist within a contemporary organisational and work context.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect clients and OR analyses.
- Appraise the principles of organisation theory and demonstrate understanding how organisations work, change and behave, with particular focus on how this impacts on OR practice, modelling and uptake of findings.
- Demonstrate systematic understanding of ethical principles and processes that relate to OR and how to ensure compliance.
- Effectively balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal and regulatory, commercial, codes of practice and funding requirements.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the importance and value using expertise from one's own internal/external networks when considering an OR question.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to plan, work and study independently.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and use relevant source material to provide persuasive arguments that are objective and unbiased.
- Demonstrate personal effectiveness, including self-awareness and time management skills.
- Demonstrate greater awareness of one's role within an organisation and how this is shaped by different internal and external factors.
- Evaluate and deploy a range of soft skills required to successfully engage in analytical work and develop competencies valued by employers to enhance employability prospects.
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