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Unit outline_

WORK6026: Organisational Change and Development

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit seeks to develop diagnostic and prescriptive skills in relation to the management of organisational change while also encouraging the adoption of a critical perspective of the field. Part 1 (Organisational Change and the Nature of Organisations) introduces the fields of organisational change, explains its relevance to organisation performance and strategy and examines key change management models. Part 2 (Diagnosis and Intervention) examines the utility of key organisational change models and techniques and identifies factors that may impact on the effectiveness of the change management process. Part 3 (Key Areas of Intervention) analyses the application of organisational change practices and initiatives to a number of specific organisational issues.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Bart de Keyser, bart.dekeyser@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Case Study Presentation
Case Study Presentation
20% Multiple weeks 10' - 20'
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2 LO4 LO5
Participation Participation
Participation
20% Ongoing Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Case Study Report
Case Study Report
30% Week 10
Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59
15 report slides
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2 LO3
Assignment Learning Portfolio Journal
Journal in which students record their learning journey
15% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2024 at 23:59
Max. 2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
Assignment Learning Portfolio Reflection
Reflection video in which students summarize their learning journey
15% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2024 at 23:59
5' - 10'
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The Case Study Group Work offers students the opportunity to delve into one real-world organizational change scenario, drawing upon the perspectives discussed in class to analyze the case and construct actionable recommendations. The assignment entails developing a written report and delivering a presentation. 

The Learning Portfolio offers students the opportunity to critically reflect on lessons learned throughout the unit, and showcase their learning journey. The assignment entails maintaining a learning journal throughout the semester, and developing a reflection video to summarize and evaluate their learning.

Participation involves being an active unit participant. Teachers will assess students' active participation in class and evaluate how they apply knowledge and understanding from the pre-readings. Specifically, students will be assessed based on attendance, frequency of participation, quality of contribution, and respect for others.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Organisational Change and Development Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 02 Pinpointing change: Towards organizational excellence Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 03 The managerial perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 The organic perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 The capability perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 The paradox perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 The tension perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 The reactive perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 The persistence perspective on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Working with perspectives on change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Change @ Work (1) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Change @ Work (2) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Synthesis: Bringing together perspectives on change Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Participation: You will be assessed on your contributions to the weekly tutorials and (guest) lectures. Excellent participation involves regular attendance, thoughtful participation, pre-class preparation and respecting the views of others.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see Canvas for reading list.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain the foundational concepts and theories of organizational change and development.
  • LO2. Analyse real-life organizational change scenarios from different angles.
  • LO3. Compare different perspectives on change.
  • LO4. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with organizational change.
  • LO5. Construct comprehensive strategies for organizational development and transformation.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The curriculum has been updated to reflect the latest advancements in the field, incorporate opportunities for students to integrate their lived experiences into assessments, and place a greater emphasis on the learning process.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.