People and Organisations

The aims of this unit of study are to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of organisational behaviour and management theory and to apply these theories to management practices in Australia. Students begin to evaluate the underlying values of management theories and their effectiveness in affecting productivity, leadership and motivation in the workplace. The unit concentrates on Australian case studies and incorporates a consideration of issues of gender, ethnicity and age. The learning and teaching in the unit prepares students for further study and the workplace by supporting them to develop research, essay and report writing skills as well as the ability to work as part of a self-managing team. By analysing various management approaches in classes that simulate contemporary workplaces, students will gain applicable insights into the:

• impact of teamwork on organisational effectiveness
• nature and importance of 21st-century skills in virtual and physical work environments
• significance of leadership in organisational success.

We will also explore the future of work by viewing current organisational structures through the lens of emerging issues such a sustainability and social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Analyse and review management theories and practices in the Australasian context;
2. Categorise and assess relevant knowledge with regard to individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations and their environment and how this is used to achieve organisational goals;
3. Articulate an understanding of ethical issues and social responsibility in contemporary business and how they relate to the individual in a work and societal context, and;
4. Formulate and discuss a knowledge and understanding of management theory and practice.
5. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.