This unit of study appraises different forms of organisational structures involved in organising and mobilising for social change in Australia and overseas. These range from service providing government departments and semi-governmental authorities to various types of non-governmental organisations, co-operatives and community businesses. Students critique relevant theories, and through reflective development of their practical skills in selected areas of organisational management, praxis will be enhanced. Further, students engage in futures design of adaptive CSOs, given the current socio-economic dynamics in an uncertain global context.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
ASA5024

Prerequisites

Nil.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Appraise how and why non-governmental organisations have emerged as such powerful types of organisations in different types of societies;  
  2. Interpret theoretical management propositions for implementation in non-government organisations, and through selectively applying some of the theory behind organisational development in simulated practice, exhibit skills that contribute to their own emerging professional management style;  
  3. Recognise the difference between governance and management of an organisation;  
  4. Collaborate with others in creating various contextual scenarios and designing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that would adapt to various local-global socio-economic changes with a view to developing a problem solving praxis with responsibility for personal outcomes and commitment to achieving group outcomes; and  
  5. Demonstrate competent decision-making to address emergent or complex problems in contemporary non-government organisations.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Discuss the external pressures and internal solutions for today's NGOs 30%
Essay Structuring, resourcing and financing today's NGOs 40%
Practicum Portfolio of critical appraisal of CSO structures and leadership in current global socio-economic context 30%
Minimum effective word limit 7000 words. Item Learning Outcome Graduate Capability Assignment LO 2, 3, 4, 5 GC 2,3,6 Essay LO 1, 2, 3 GC1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Practice LO 2, 4, 5 GC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Required reading

NGO management,
Fowler, A & Malunga (eds) 2010,
London: The Earthscan Companion, Earthscan

Can NGOs make a difference: the challenge of development alternatives,
Bebbington, AJ, Hickey, S & Miltin, DC (eds) 2008,
London: Zed Books

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