Business and Change Management Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course offers learners an opportunity to apply the principles, tools, and methods needed to successfully implement change and innovation within organisations. Learners on the course adopt multiple perspectives to assess organisational performance which ensures that they are not trapped by a “one-best-way” approach to change management. The course examines strategies to design, implement, communicate, and sustain change; techniques for mapping and assessing when and where change is needed in an organisation; the value of quality assurance techniques; organisational development techniques; and barriers and enablers to foster an environment conducive to change and innovation, including a careful consideration of personalities, working styles, capabilities and neurodivergent needs
This course offers learners instruction in the principles, tools, and methodologies employed in implementing organisational change. Learners will understand the importance of considering diverse perspectives when evaluating organisational performance. Additionally, the course familiarises learners with strategies to communicate changes to stakeholders. It exposes learners to both barriers and enablers that foster change.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, student will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• On-line learning
• On-line discussion groups
• On-line assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Students are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Students will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Students will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Mentor. These reviews will monitor and evaluate the student’s progress.

Feedback is provided on summative assessment and is made available to the student either via email, the VLE or another appropriate method.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books 

• Thompson, J.L., (2017), Strategic management: awareness and change, Andover : Cengage Learning
• Carnall, C.A., (2003), The change management toolkit, London: Thomson

Journals

Students are encouraged to consult relevant journals on change management. 

Electronic Resources

Studentsare encouraged to consult relevant electronic resources on change management.

Indicative Topics

• Collecting data and insights that direct innovation efforts
• Communicating changes to internal stakeholders
• Involving and motivating people in the process of change

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