Study Guide

Objective

This study unit will provide the students with foundation on the impact individuals, groups and structures have on human behavior within organizations and their contribution to the company’s success.
The student
- is able to identify trends in the changing business environment and their impact on organizations
- is able to describe the impact of organizational culture and atmosphere at the workplace
- knows the basics of working as a team leader
- is able to work as a team member and effectively contribute to the team results
- can identify and cope with typical problems of the working community
- is able to manage oneself and to find own development areas

Content

- Changing business environment and change management
- Organizational design and culture
- Leading teams and efficient teamwork        
- Self management

Materials

Presentation materials and learning videos
Articles and selected chapters
Provided list of books

Teaching methods

The course emphasizes collaborative and experiental methods.
The course includes online discussions, individual and group assignments.

Individual research and reflection
Interactive online meetings
Team discussions and sharing
Video lectures and reading materials

International connections

Team learning
Work life oriented learning assignments
Task-based assessment

Completion alternatives

Accreditation of Prior Learning based on Competence (not transfer of credits):

Two weeks prior to course start, student submits a video and a written report showcasing expertise in the aforementioned course topics:
Transformation of traditional organisations, organisational culture, basics of teamwork, team performance and typical problems in teams, team leadership and self management.

If the submission fulfils the assessment criteria, student can attain the credits. If the submission does not meet the criteria, student joins the course.

Student workload

5 ECTS = 135 working hours.
5 hours - online discussions
20 hours - preparations for the online discussions, online test
40 hours - team tasks
70 hours - individual tasks & readings, online test

Content scheduling

The course is designed for PINBOS students with own study teams.

Course opens on week 3 with pre-tasks.
All group meeting on 3 Feburary 2022 (week 5)
Small group meeting 1 on 8-9 February 2022 (week 6)
Small group meeting 2 on 15-16 March 2022 (week 11)
Small group meeting 3 on 5-6 April 2022 (week 14)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on the completion of the given tasks, attendance and active participation in online meetings.
All the given assignments need to be completed to be able to pass the course.
The course includes assignments which will not be graded separately, but will be taken into account in the final grade.
If the graded task is returned late, the grade will be reduced by 1.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

All the given assignments are not completed.
The student has not contributed to group work and any online team activities with the small group.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student is able to
•describe how organisational thinking has evolved from traditional organisations to future organisational designs
•understand the importance and critical elements of organisational culture
•understand the basics of teamwork and can identify typical problems in teamwork
•identify the main duties of a team leader and evaluate own leadership skills

Limited communication and contribution to discussions and group assignments.
All assignments returned. The student raises obvious points and arguments are partly irrelevant, confused and remain on a very general level.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student is able to
•understand the reasons why the organisational thinking has changed from traditional organisations to future organisational designs
•can analyse a company's organisational culture using an organisational culture framework
•understand the concept of team; contribute to team results; identify and find solutions typical problems in teamwork
•know the main duties of a team leader; evaluate own performance and leadership skills; and find own development areas.

Communicates and contributes to discussions and group assignments. All assignments returned according to instructions and on time. The outputs focus on key points, but remain on a general level.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to
•show a very good understanding of changing organisational thinking and theory and their application in real-life contexts
•can analyse a company's organisational culture with development suggestions using an organisational culture framework
•understand the concept of teamwork; assess and actively contribute to team results; solve conflicts and find solutions
•analyse own leadership strategies and to identify own development areas

Active communication and contribution to discussions and group assignments. All assignments returned according to the instructions and on time. The outputs show evidence of insight and capacity for argumentation.