UBO Student Guide

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UBO Student Guide V1.1

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Student Guide


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Modification History

Version Date Revision Description

V1.0 Feb 2011 For Release

V1.1 June 2011 Minor amendments

NCC Education Limited, 2011All Rights Reserved

The copyright in this document is vested in NCC Education Limited. The document must not bereproduced by any means, in whole or in part, or used for manufacturing purposes, except with theprior written permission of NCC Education Limited and then only on condition that this notice isincluded in any such reproduction.

Published by: NCC Education Limited, The Towers, Towers Bus iness Park, Wilmslow Road,Didsbury, Manchester M20 2EZ, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 161 438 6200 Fax: +44 (0) 161 438 6240 Email: [email protected]://www.nccedu.com
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CONTENTS

1. Module Overview and Objectives ......................................................................................... 52. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria .................................................................... 53. Syllabus ................................................................................................................................... 64. Related National Occupational Standards ........................................................................... 75. Resources ............................................................................................................................... 86. Pedagogic Approach ............................................................................................................. 8

6.1 Lectures ........................................................................................................................... 86.2 Tutorials ........................................................................................................................... 86.3 Private Study ................................................................................................................... 8

7. Assessment ............................................................................................................................ 98. Further Reading List .............................................................................................................. 9Topic 2: Different Types of Organisation ................................................................................. 11

Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 11Timings ................................................................................................................................... 11Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 12Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 13

Topic 3: Organisational Structures .......................................................................................... 15Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 15Timings ................................................................................................................................... 15Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 16Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 17

Topic 4: Mechanistic and Organic Forms of Organisational Structure ................................ 19Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 19Timings ................................................................................................................................... 19Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 20Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 21

Topic 5: Human Resource Management .................................................................................. 23Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 23Timings ................................................................................................................................... 23Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 24Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 25

Topic 6: Organisations and the Competitive Environment .................................................... 27Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 27Timings ................................................................................................................................... 27Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 28Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 29


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Topic 7: Change in Organisations ............................................................................................ 31Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 31Timings ................................................................................................................................... 31Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 32Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 33

Topic 8: Implementing and Managing Organisational Change.............................................. 35Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 35Timings ................................................................................................................................... 35Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 36Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 37

Topic 9: Effective Communications in Organisations ............................................................ 39Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 39Timings ................................................................................................................................... 39Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 40Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 41

Topic 10: Monitoring Organisational Performance - Financial and Budgetary Control ........ 43Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 43Timings ................................................................................................................................... 43Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 44Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 45

Topic 11: Optimising Organisational Performance - Quality and Operational Measures ..... 47Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 47Timings ................................................................................................................................... 47Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 48Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 49

Topic 12: The IT Environment within Business ........................................................................ 51Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 51Timings ................................................................................................................................... 51Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 52Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 53

Topic 13: New Organisational Structures and Opportuni ties through IT ............................... 55Learning Objectives ............................................................................................................... 55Timings ................................................................................................................................... 55Private Study .......................................................................................................................... 56Tutorial Exercises ................................................................................................................... 57


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Overview

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1. Module Overview and Objectives

The ability to understand the structure of an organisation and the factors that shape structures is animportant skill in business. Managers need to have a good appreciation of the changes that they canmake in order to improve organisational performance.

This module introduces the objectives, roles, functions and various forms of business organisationas they adapt to a dynamic and changing environment. Students will also look at the role ofinformation and technology within an organisation and how organisational efficiency andperformance can be monitored.

2. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes;

The Learner will:

Assessment Cri ter ia;

The Learner can:

1. Evaluate various types of organisation 1.1 Compare and contrast the form, aims,objectives and operations of businessorganisations across a number of sectors

2. Evaluate various forms oforganisational structure

2.1 Discuss the process of organisationaldevelopment

2.2 Compare and contrast the mechanistic andorganic forms of organisation structure

2.3 Analyse the competitive forces exertinginfluences on an organisation and itsstructure

3. Examine the process oforganisational change

3.1 Compare and contrast types oforganisational change

3.2 Discuss the steps in the change process fororganisations

3.3 Assess the impact of resistance to change onorganisational performance

4. Assess the use of communication inorganisations

4.1 Analyse the barriers to effectivecommunication

4.2 Examine the ways in which communicationprocesses can help or hinder organisationalperformance

5. Examine how organisationalperformance is monitored

5.1 Discuss the control processes put in place inorganisations

5.2 Compare and contrast the use of budgetaryand non-budgetary methods of control


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6. Evaluate the use of IT systems on theperformance and structure of anorganisation

6.1 Assess how the effective use of IT canimpact upon organisational performance

6.2 Explain how the Internet and collaborationtechnologies have enabled new forms oforganisation

3. Syllabus

TopicNo.

Title Proportion Content

1 Different Types ofOrganisation

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

Non-incorporated organisations, limitedcompanies and other businessorganisations.

Learning Outcome: 12 Organisational

Structures1/12

2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

Alternative forms of organisation structure.

Review advantages and disadvantages ofthe main types.

Learning Outcome: 1

3 Mechanistic andOrganic Forms ofOrganisationalStructure

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

Compare and contrast the features ofmechanistic and organic forms oforganisational structure.

Learning Outcome: 2

4 Human ResourceManagement

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The impact of Human ResourceManagement (HRM) on organisationalperformance, and the key aspects ofHRM.

Learning Outcome: 3

5 Organisationsand theCompetitive

Environment

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The main sets of forces exertinginfluences on organisations.

Tools to analyse the competitiveenvironment.

Learning Outcome: 2

6 Change inOrganisations

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The motivations for organisational change,the types of change that can be introducedand the impact of organisational culture onpotential change.

Learning Outcome: 3


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7 Implementing andManagingOrganisationalChange

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The steps in the change process,resistance to change and managingchange successfully.

Learning Outcome: 38 Effective

Communication inOrganisations

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

Different types of communicationchannels, advantages and disadvantagesof each, and selecting the appropriatecommunication medium.

Learning Outcome: 4

9 MonitoringOrganisationalPerformance Financial &BudgetaryControl

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The importance of financial results andbudgetary control in evaluatingorganisational performance.

Learning Outcome: 5

10 OptimisingOrganisationalPerformance Quality andOperationalMeasures

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The use of quality control, Total QualityManagement (TQM) and operationalsystems.

Learning Outcome: 5

11 The ITEnvironment

Within Business

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The use of technology within theorganisation for enhancing business

activities, decision making and operations.

Learning Outcome: 6

12 NewOrganisationalStructures andOpportunitiesThrough IT

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2 hours of lectures

1 hour of tutorials

The use of evolving networking, e-commerce and social media technologieswithin organisations, and their impact onorganisational structures and ways ofworking.

Learning Outcome: 6

4. Related National Occupational Standards

The UK National Occupational Standards describe the skills that professionals are expected todemonstrate in their jobs in order to carry them out effectively. They are developed by employersand this information can be helpful in explaining the practical skills you have covered in this module.

Related National Occupational Standards (NOS)

Sector Subject Area:

15.3 Business management

Related NOS:


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BAA111 Respond to change in a business environment

BAD122 Manage and evaluate an information system

5. Resources

Lecturer Guide: This guide contains notes for lecturers on the organisation of each topic, andsuggested use of the resources. It also contains all of the suggestedexercises and model answers.

PowerPoint Slides: These are presented for each topic for use in the lectures. They contain manyexamples which can be used to explain the key concepts. Handout versionsof the slides are also available; it is recommended that these are distributed tostudents for revision purposes as it is important that students learn to taketheir own notes during lectures.

Student Guide: This contains the topic overviews and all of the suggested exercises.

6. Pedagogic Approach

Suggested Learning Hours

Lectures: Tutorial: Seminar: Laboratory: Private Study: Total:

24 12 - - 114 150

The teacher-led time for this module is comprised of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions andtutorials. You will need to bring this Student Guide to all classes for this module. The breakdown ofthe hours for each topic is given in the topic notes below. Generally, the order of study should be to

complete private study work before tutorials as your private study work will be reviewed during thetutorial.

6.1 Lectures

Your lecturer will be presenting the basic knowledge and the theoretical concepts required for thetopic during this time. He/she will use PowerPoint slides during the lecture time and you will beexpected to take notes.

You will also be encouraged to be active during this time and discuss and/or practice the conceptscovered. Lectures will include question and answer elements to promote participation and to allowyour lecturer to check whether you understand the concepts they are covering.

6.2 Tutorials

These are designed to deal with the questions arising from the lectures and private study sessions.You should think carefully beforehand about any areas in which you might need additional guidanceand support and use this time to discuss these with your teacher.

6.3 Private Study

This Student Guide also contains details of the Private Study exercises. You are expected tocomplete these exercises to improve your understanding. Your tutor will set deadlines for the

completion of this work and go over the suggested answers with you. The deadlines will usually bebefore the scheduled tutorials for that topic. Some of the private study tasks may require you to work


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in a small group so you will need to plan your time carefully and ensure that you can meet with yourgroup members to complete the work required before the deadline.

You should also use this time to revise the content of lectures to ensure understanding and conductextra reading (using the supplementary textbooks or other materials available in the library or

online). You should bring any questions to the tutorial for additional guidance and support.

7. Assessment

This module will be assessed by means of an assignment.

8. Further Reading List

A selection of sources of further reading around the content of this module must be available in yourAccredited Partner Centres library. The following list provides suggestions of some suitablesources:

Boddy, D. (2005), Management: An Introduction, 3rd edition, Prentice HallISBN-10: 027369586XISBN-13: 978-0273695868

OR

Boddy (2007), Management: An Introduction, 4th edition, Prentice HallISBN-10: 1405887346ISBN-13: 978-1405887342

Campbell and Craig (2005), Organisations and the Business Environment, 2nd edition. Butterworth-

HeinemannISBN-10: 0750658290ISBN-13: 978-0750658294

Mullins (2010), Management & Organisational Behaviour, 9th edition, Prentice HallISBN-10: 027372861XISBN-13: 978-0273728610


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Topic 1

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Topic 2: Different Types of Organisation

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the various types of business organisation found today, togetherwith a review of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

On completion of the topic, you will be able to:

Describe the different types of non-incorporated organisations

Explain the importance of limited liability when setting up a business organisation

Understand the key differences between a public limited company and a private limited company

Explain how the franchise business model operates

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours

Private Study: 9.5 hours

Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study

The time allocation for private study in this topic is expected to be 9.5 hours.

You are expected to undertake the following work during private study.

Before the lecture:

Research the different types of organisational structures, how they can be classified, the advantagesand disadvantages of each approach, and how an organisation can decide upon which is the bestapproach for its own particular needs.

Af ter the lecture:

The following exercises should be completed before the tutorial. Students should bring all materialsthey have collected as part of these exercises and be prepared to discuss them during the tutorial.

Exercise 1:

Using the Internet, you should research the concept of Limited Liability. You should then write abriefing note of no more than 500 words which explains its historical development and gives theeconomic justifications for its development.

Exercise 2:

Select examples of one public limited company and one private limited company in your region and

briefly explain the processes you would have to go through in order to acquire shares in bothcompanies.

Exercise 3:

Assume that you are interested in becoming a franchisee and are looking for a suitable opportunity.List and briefly describe SIX key factors that you should consider when selecting an appropriatefranchise, explaining why each is important to you.


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Tutorial Exercises

The time allowance for tutorials in this topic is 1 hour.

Exercise 1:

Explain why three business partners establishing up a new business might decide to set up aPartnership rather than a Limited Company.

Exercise 2:

Explain why the structure of a Limited Company shows the shareholders at the head of thestructure.

Private Study Exercise 1:

Using the Internet, you should research the concept of Limited Liability. You should then write abriefing note of no more than 500 words which explains its historical development and gives theeconomic justifications for its development.


Select examples of one public limited company and one private limited company in your region andbriefly explain the processes you would have to go through in order to acquire shares in bothcompanies.


Assume that you are interested in becoming a franchisee and are looking for a suitable opportunity.List and briefly describe SIX key factors that you should consider when selecting an appropriatefranchise, explaining why each is important to you.


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Topic 2

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Topic 3: Organisational Structures

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the alternative forms of organisation structure, and the benefitsand drawbacks of each.


Describe the main purposes of an organisation chart

Understand the five alternative forms of organisation structure

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of functional, divisional and matrix forms

Explain the division of tasks from a vertical and horizontal perspective

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the different types of organisational charts that companies use, and the limitations of eachof these types of chart. In addition you should use the Internet to identify two examples of softwarethat can assist in creating organisational charts and establish the main advantages of using suchsoftware.

Af ter the lecture:

The following exercises should be completed before the tutorial. Students should bring all materials

they have collected as part of these exercises and be prepared to discuss them during the tutorial.

Exercise 1:

Consider the administrative staff of a large college or university. What would be the mostappropriate organisational structure for these staff - functional, divisional or matrix? You should puttogether a short report of no more than 500 words that explains the reasons for your choice andclearly demonstrates the benefits that the structure of your choice would deliver.

Exercise 2:

In the slides we suggested that one of the potential drawbacks of working in teams is the fact thattoo much time can be spent in debate rather than in action. List SIX other possible drawbacks ofworking in teams, and for each of these suggest a possible solution.

Exercise 3:

One of the primary ways of ensuring that the work of employees is co-ordinated is to use informationsystems effectively in order to ensure information and knowledge is shared. Using the Internet youshould identify a specific IT system of your choice and state how its main features can help toensure greater co-ordination between employees.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

List FIVE reasons why organisation charts are commonly used in businesses of different sizes andacross different industry sectors.

Exercise 2:

You work for an organisation that has a head office and 10 regional offices, each of which arelocated over 100 kilometres from the head office. A management consultant has undertaken a studyand recommended that all decision making should be undertaken on a decentralised basis, but yourview is that centralised decision making would be more appropriate. Give THREE reasons for your

view that could be presented to the management consultant in an effort to persuade him to changehis mind.


Consider the administrative staff of a large college or university. What would be the mostappropriate organisational structure for these staff - functional, divisional or matrix? You should puttogether a short report of no more than 500 words that explains the reasons for your choice andclearly demonstrates the benefits that the structure of your choice would deliver.


In the slides we suggested that one of the potential drawbacks of working in teams is the fact thattoo much time can be spent in debate rather than in action. List SIX other possible drawbacks ofworking in teams, and for each of these suggest a possible solution.


One of the primary ways of ensuring that the work of employees is co-ordinated is to use informationsystems effectively in order to ensure information and knowledge is shared. Using the Internet youshould identify a specific IT system of your choice and state how its main features can help toensure greater co-ordination between employees.


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Topic 3

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Topic 4: Mechanist ic and Organic Forms of OrganisationalStructure

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the main characteristics of mechanistic and organic forms oforganisation structure and the role of contingencies in choosing the most appropriate form.


Compare and contrast the mechanistic and organic forms of organisation structure

Describe how contingencies play a role in selecting the most appropriate form of structure

Understand the influence of the various contingent factors on organisation structure

Explain why management choice is also a factor in deciding upon an organisation structure

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the formal definitions of mechanistic and organic forms of organisational structures,compare the relative merits of these two approaches and identify a practical example of each type ofapproach.

Af ter the lecture:


Exercise 1:

Using the Internet, or any other approach that is applicable, identify an organisation that adopts anorganic organisational structure (if possible, obtain a copy of the structure as an example). Producea short report of around 400 words that outlines why you believe the organisation opted for this formof structure and the benefits that are likely to result from this decision.

Exercise 2:

Give an example to illustrate each of the contingency factors that might influence an organisation'schoice between a mechanistic or organic structure.

Exercise 3:

Investigate Joan Woodwards Manufacturing Technology Study and briefly describe in no more than400 words the background to the study, how it was undertaken and the main conclusions that aroseout of it.


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Tutorial Exercises

The time allowance for tutorials in this topic is 2 hours.

Exercise 1:

Explain why it is important that an organisational structure supports organisational goals and giveone example of the problems that might be encountered if this was not the case.

Exercise 2:

The example of a Bank was given in the slides to illustrate the concept of Pooled Interdependence.Give THREE other examples and in each case explain why the example selected is a goodillustration of Pooled Interdependence.


Using the Internet, or any other approach that is applicable, identify an organisation that adopts anorganic organisational structure (if possible, obtain a copy of the structure as an example). Producea short report of around 400 words that outlines why you believe the organisation opted for this formof structure and the benefits that are likely to result from this decision.


Give an example to illustrate each of the contingency factors that might influence an organisation's

choice between a mechanistic or organic structure.


Investigate Joan Woodwards Manufacturing Technology Study and briefly describe in no more than400 words the background to the study, how it was undertaken and the main conclusions that aroseout of it.


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Topic 4

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Topic 5: Human Resource Management

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the importance of a human resources department and theactivities it undertakes.


Understand the reasons for the increased interest in human resource management (HRM)

Describe the job analysis process

Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to staff recruitment andselection

Describe the key steps in the performance appraisal process

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the range of activities typically undertaken by a Human Resource Manager within anorganisation. In addition you should identify the key steps in the job analysis process and establishthe main reasons why organisations undertake job analysis within their workforce.

Af ter the lecture:


Exercise 1:

Explain in no more than 250 words why 360 degree feedback is proving increasingly popular as ameans of conducting performance appraisals for members of staff.

Exercise 2:

Locate two e-recruitment websites on the Internet. Evaluate the services that they offer toprospective job seekers and draw up a list of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Select the onethat you would wish to use if you were looking for a job, giving reasons for your choice.

Exercise 3:

You have been asked to interview some job candidates for the company you work for. List TENways in which you can help to ensure that the interviews are a success.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

List what you believe are the FIVE most important functions undertaken by a Human ResourcesDepartment and give reasons for each of your choices.

Exercise 2:

Explain why performance-related pay has become an increasingly popular way for organisations toreward their employees.


Explain in no more than 250 words why 360 degree feedback is proving increasingly popular as ameans of conducting performance appraisals for members of staff.


Locate two e-recruitment websites on the Internet. Evaluate the services that they offer toprospective job seekers and draw up a list of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Select the onethat you would wish to use if you were looking for a job, giving reasons for your choice.


You have been asked to interview some job candidates for the company you for with. List TEN waysin which you can help to ensure that the interviews are a success.


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Topic 5

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Topic 6: Organisations and the Competitive Environment

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the main forces exerting influences on organisations.


Understand the environmental forces that exist at different levels and how they can impact uponorganisational performance

Describe how a PEST analysis can be used to identify environmental influences

Explain how Porters five forces analysis is used to determine the competitive environment

Understand the importance of stakeholder analysis

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Unit 7

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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the main characteristics of a PEST analysis and Porter's Five Forces Model and identifythe key benefits that each are likely to deliver to an organisation.

Af ter the lecture:


Exercise 1:

Select an organisation in your region that you are familiar with. Identify the relative influences ofeach of Porter's five forces on this organisation and report on your results (in no more than 750words).

Exercise 2:

Explain why it is important for an organisation to recognise the relative power of externalstakeholders. Give examples of THREE problems that might potentially arise if full account is notpaid to a powerful external stakeholder.


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Unit 7

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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

Briefly explain why it is important for an organisation to undertake an Environmental Analysis on aregular basis.

Exercise 2:

Select a stakeholder of an organisation (this can be any stakeholder of your choice) and list FIVEexpectations of the organisation which that stakeholder could reasonably have.


Select an organisation in your region that you are familiar with. Identify the relative influences ofeach of Porter's five forces on this organisation and report on your results (in no more than 750words).


Explain why it is important for an organisation to recognise the relative power of externalstakeholders. Give examples of THREE problems that might potentially arise if full account is notpaid to a powerful external stakeholder.


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Unit 7

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Topic 6

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Topic 7: Change in Organisations

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the importance of change within today's organisations, togetherwith the most common types of change.


Understand the context of change

Describe the four common types of change

Explain how the decision to initiate a change project is made

Understand why cultural change and organisational change are bound together

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Topic 7

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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the reasons why organisations need to change. In addition you should seek to define whatis meant by the "culture" of an organisation.

Af ter the lecture:

The following exercises should be completed before the tutorial. Students should bring any materialsthey have collected as part of these exercises and be prepared to discuss them during the tutorial.

Exercise 1:

Undertake some background research on an organisation in your region who you know hasundergone some form of major change in recent years. Produce a short report of no more than 750words that addresses the following points:

What was the motivation for the change (e.g. shrinking market, new opportunity, merger oracquisition etc)?

Over what time period did the change take place?

What were the key characteristics of the change?

How successful has the change exercise been?

Exercise 2:

Two organisations that are frequently cited as paying significant attention to their corporate cultureare IBM and HP. Undertake research on both companies and summarise in no more than 50 wordsfor each the specific culture of both companies.


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Topic 7

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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

Briefly define what is meant by a "Systems Change" and give THREE examples of such a change.

Exercise 2:

Explain why the culture of an organisation is an important factor in implementing changesuccessfully within that organisation.


Undertake some background research on an organisation in your region who you know hasundergone some form of major change in recent years. Produce a short report of no more than 750words that addresses the following points:

What was the motivation for the change (e.g. shrinking market, new opportunity, merger oracquisition etc)?

Over what time period did the change take place?

What were the key characteristics of the change?

How successful has the change exercise been?


Two organisations that are frequently cited as paying significant attention to their corporate cultureare IBM and HP. Undertake research on both companies and summarise in no more than 50 wordsfor each the specific culture of both companies.


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Topic 7

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Topic 8: Implementing and Managing Organisational Change

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the strategies for successfully implementing change within anorganisation.


Describe the four models of change

Explain how a change project can change internal elements within an organisation

Understand the reasons for resistance to change and how such resistance can be overcome Describe a process for the successful management of change

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the strategies that can be adopted for implementing organisational change and identifythe role that effective project management can play in ensuring that organisational change issuccessful.

Af ter the lecture:

The following exercises should be completed before the tutorial. Students should bring anymaterials they have collected as part of these exercises and be prepared to discuss them during the

tutorial.

Exercise 1:

Undertake further research of Kurt Lewin's three-step model. Taking the results of your research, puttogether practical guidance on how to use the framework, using bullet points to illustrate theindividual activities within each of the three steps.

Exercise 2:

Describe a situation where you have encountered some resistance to a change that you wereplanning to introduce (in your work, college or home life) and explain the measures you took in orderto overcome this resistance.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

The major themes of a change project are:

Define objectives

Allocate responsibilities

Fix deadlines and milestones

Set budgets

Monitor and control

Briefly explain the importance of each of these themes in ensuring that the project is a success.

Exercise 2:

Explain why internal "politics" are an important factor in ensuring that organisational change isimplemented successfully.


Undertake further research of Kurt Lewin's three-step model. Taking the results of your research, puttogether practical guidance on how to use the framework, using bullet points to illustrate theindividual activities within each of the three steps.


Describe a situation where you have encountered some resistance to a change that you wereplanning to introduce (in your work, college or home life) and explain the measures you took in orderto overcome this resistance.


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Topic 8

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Topic 9: Effective Communications in Organisations

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the different types of communication channels used in today'sorganisations, together with the advantages and disadvantages of each.


Explain the difference between informal and formal communication

Describe the key components of the communication process

Understand the main factors in achieving effective communication Explain the concepts of micro- and macro-barriers to communication

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Research the key factors in effective communication and the main barriers to achieving effectivecommunication. In addition, you should use the Internet to gain an understanding of the concept of"media richness".

Af ter the lecture:


tutorial.

Exercise 1:

You are the manager of a department with 25 staff. As part of a cost cutting exercise you have beenadvised that five of the staff will need to be made redundant. How should you communicate thedecision to the five staff involved and to the rest of the staff within the department? Give the reasonsfor your decision.

Exercise 2:

Explain why non-verbal communication is an important part of the communication process. Give anexample of how poor non-verbal communication could cause problems in an interview situation.

Exercise 3:

List six potential problems of using email as a communication medium. Suggest a practical solutionfor each of the problems you have identified.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

Explain why effective communicators need to understand the importance of two-waycommunications.

Exercise 2:

Define what is meant by informal communication systems within an organisation and give THREEexamples of such communications.


You are the manager of a department with 25 staff. As part of a cost cutting exercise you have beenadvised that five of the staff will need to be made redundant. How should you communicate thedecision to the five staff involved and to the rest of the staff within the department? Give the reasonsfor your decision.


Explain why non-verbal communication is an important part of the communication process. Givethree examples of how poor non-verbal communication could cause problems in an interview

situation.


List six potential problems of using email as a communication medium. Suggest a practical solutionfor each of the problems you have identified.


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Topic 9

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Topic 10: Monitoring Organisational Performance - Financial

and Budgetary Control

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the use of financial results and budgetary control for evaluatingorganisational performance.


Describe the role of the finance function within an organisation

Understand the basic types of financial reports Understand the importance of financial results to evaluate performance

Explain the role of budgeting in ensuring internal activities are controlled

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Private Study



Before the lecture:

Undertake research in order to gain an understanding of the following terms: cash flow, profit & lossaccount, and balance sheet. Identify one practical example of each of these.

Af ter the lecture:

The following exercises should be completed before the tutorial. Students should bring anymaterials they have collected as part of these exercises and be prepared to discuss them during thetutorial.

Exercise 1:

Imagine a scenario where you are a self employed management consultant. Prepare an annualbudget for your business, clearly showing the income you expect to receive together with theprojected levels of expenditure, both in terms of your own salary and all associated businessexpenses. You should make the budget as realistic as possible by breaking down your expenditureinto a number of different categories (e.g. marketing, travel, subsistence, accountancy fees, websitecosts etc.). Explain briefly how you intend to monitor your performance against this budget.

Exercise 2:

Define what is meant by depreciation and explain briefly, with the aid of an example, why it isimportant to take account of depreciation in a company's financial figures,

Exercise 3:

Explain briefly (in no more than 100 words) what is meant by double-entry bookkeeping.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

Briefly explain the key differences between a cash flow statement and a profit & loss account.

Exercise 2:

List FIVE components of a corporate budget.


Imagine a scenario where you are a self employed management consultant. Prepare an annualbudget for your business, clearly showing the income you expect to receive together with theprojected levels of expenditure, both in terms of your own salary and all associated businessexpenses. You should make the budget as realistic as possible by breaking down your expenditureinto a number of different categories (e.g. marketing, travel, subsistence, accountancy fees, websitecosts etc.). Explain briefly how you intend to monitor your performance against this budget.


Define what is meant by depreciation and explain briefly, with the aid of an example, why it isimportant to take account of depreciation in a company's financial figures,


Explain briefly (in no more than 100 words) what is meant by double-entry bookkeeping.


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Topic 10

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Topic 11: Optimising Organisational Performance - Quality and

Operational Measures

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the role of quality management and quality systems withinorganisations.


Describe what is meant by quality and why it is important to an organisation and its customers

Understand the role of service level agreements (SLAs) in the customer-supplier relationship

Explain the principles of total quality management (TQM)

Understand the features and benefits of just-in-time (JIT)

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Before the lecture:

Undertake research in order to obtain an understanding of the following terms: quality management,Total Quality Management (TQM) and Just in Time (JIT) production.

Af ter the lecture:


Exercise 1:

Service level agreements (SLAs) are a common form of agreement between a customer and asupplier. Summarise in no more than 250 words the potential benefits of SLAs to both customersand suppliers. Locate two examples of SLAs on the Internet and compare and contrast their content- what are the common features and in what way do they differ. Which one would you opt for if youwere a prospective customer?

Exercise 2:

Assume that you are a consultant trying to persuade a client to implement Total QualityManagement (TQM). List SIX benefits of TQM that you believe would convince them that it is a goodidea to proceed.

Exercise 3:

Many organisations become accredited to the ISO 9000 quality standard. Explain in no more than300 words why an organisation might seek such accreditation. Locate the website of a company thathas become accredited and is displaying the ISO certification log. Briefly describe any ways in whichthey are seeking to use the accreditation as either a marketing tool or a differentiator from their

competitors.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

You are the newly appointed Quality Manager within an organisation and have been asked to give apresentation to the senior management on why quality is important to their business. List the FOURmain reasons which you will include in your presentation.

Exercise 2:

Briefly explain how the PDCA cycle helps to ensure continuous improvement.


Service level agreements (SLAs) are a common form of agreement between a customer and asupplier. Summarise in no more than 250 words the potential benefits of SLAs to both customersand suppliers. Locate two examples of SLAs on the Internet and compare and contrast their content- what are the common features and in what way do they differ. Which one would you opt for if youwere a prospective customer?


Assume that you are a consultant trying to persuade a client to implement Total Quality

Management (TQM). List SIX benefits of TQM that you believe would convince them that it is a goodidea to proceed.


Many organisations become accredited to the ISO 9000 quality standard. Explain in no more than300 words why an organisation might seek such accreditation. Locate the website of a company thathas become accredited and is displaying the ISO certification log. Briefly describe any ways in whichthey are seeking to use the accreditation as either a marketing tool or a differentiator from theircompetitors.


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Topic 11

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Topic 12: The IT Environment within Business

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the use of technology within organisations for enhancingbusiness activities.


Understand why the quality of information is important within an organisation

Explain how technology can enhance the way in which an organisation conducts its business

Describe the role of technology in operational activities Explain how the Internet enables radical changes in organisations

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Before the lecture:

Undertake research to identify the ways in which Information technology can be used byorganisations for administration, business communications and information gathering, and thebenefits that it can deliver in these areas.

Af ter the lecture:


tutorial.

Exercise 1:

McFarlan & McKenneys IT grid focuses upon four different ways in which organisations use andrely on technology - strategic, turnaround, factory and support. Describe the characteristics of eachof these categories, using up to 100 words for each. You should also give on example of a practicalway in which the McFarlan & McKenney grid could be used within an organisation.

Exercise 2:

The slides for this topic contained details of five main reasons why IT projects fail. These were:

User needs were not fully understood

Greater emphasis was placed on emerging technologies rather than user requirements

Business changes during development period were not reflected in the system that wasdelivered

Time and money needed to develop and implement the system was underestimated

Politics and conflicts emerged which protected the old system

Identify a further four reasons yourself of why IT projects fail. For each of the four reasons you

should briefly explain why this would result in the IT project failing.

Exercise 3:

Briefly describe three real-life examples of how data in an organisation could be turned intoinformation that would assist managers in their decision making.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

Explain why the following factors are likely to lead to the failure of new IT systems:



Exercise 2:

Briefly describe how an electronic point-of sale (EPOS) system can be used to collect informationthat will be of benefit to an organisation.


McFarlan & McKenneys IT grid focuses upon four different ways in which organisations use andrely on technology - strategic, turnaround, factory and support. Describe the characteristics of eachof these categories, using up to 100 words for each. You should also give on example of a practicalway in which the McFarlan & McKenney grid could be used within an organisation.


The slides for this topic contained details of five main reasons why IT projects fail. These were:



Business changes during development period were not reflected in the system that wasdelivered

Time and money needed to develop and implement the system was underestimated

Politics and conflicts emerged which protected the old system

Identify a further four reasons yourself of why IT projects fail. For each of the four reasons youshould briefly explain why this would result in the IT project failing.


Briefly describe three real-life examples of how data in an organisation could be turned intoinformation that would assist managers in their decision making.


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Topic 12

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Topic 13: New Organisational Structures and Opportunities

through IT

Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of the impact of Internet-related technologies upon organisationsand their structures.


Describe the different types of e-business models

Understand how collaborative technologies can facilitate new ways of working in organisations

Explain how Internet-based technologies have enabled remote working and virtual teams

Understand the key issues associated with managing a dispersed workforce effectively

Timings

Lectures: 2 hours


Tutorials: 1 hour


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Before the lecture:

Undertake research to gain an understanding of the following terms: eCommerce, eBusiness,intranets, extranets and virtual teams.

Af ter the lecture:


Exercise 1:

Microsoft SharePoint is a leading collaborative software product. You should undertake someresearch on SharePoint and then address the following points:

Identify three case studies for SharePoint and summarise the main points of each, using up to200 words per study.

Compare the results of the three cases studies and identify the organisation that you believe hasachieved the most significant benefits, explaining the reasons for your choice.

Identify a business sector that you feel is particularly well suited to the use of SharePoint, once

again giving reasons for your selection.

Exercise 2:

The organisation you work for has decided to move to a virtual team environment for a number ofactivities that it undertakes. As a result you have been informed that you will be working from homein future and reporting directly to a manager in Canada. The company will supply all of thenecessary IT equipment and provide the communications infrastructure. Briefly describe the FOURmain concerns you would have about this new way of working and, for each concern, suggest anaction that organisation could take to address it.

Exercise 3:

Briefly describe (in no more than 150 words) three examples of information security threats thatcould be posed to an organisation as a result of employees working remotely.


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Tutorial Exercises


Exercise 1:

List FOUR financial benefits that an organisation might achieve through the adoption of remoteworking for employees.

Exercise 2:

Define what is meant by the term Groupware and list THREE benefits of using this type oftechnology.


Microsoft SharePoint is a leading collaborative software product. You should undertake someresearch on SharePoint and then address the following points:

Identify three case studies for SharePoint and summarise the main points of each, with up to 200words per study.

Compare the results of the three cases studies and identify the organisation that you believe hasachieved the most significant benefits, explaining the reasons for your choice.

Identify a business sector that you feel is particularly well suited to the use of SharePoint, onceagain giving reasons for your selection.


The organisation you work for has decided to move to a virtual team environment for a number ofactivities that it undertakes. As a result you have been informed that you will be working from homein future and reporting directly to a manager in Canada. The company will supply all of thenecessary IT equipment and provide the communications infrastructure. Briefly describe the FOURmain concerns you would have about this new way of working and, for each concern, suggest anaction that organisation could take to address it.


Briefly describe (in no more than 150 words) three examples of information security threats thatcould be posed to an organisation as a result of employees working remotely.

UBO Student Guide

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Transcript of UBO Student Guide