Unit information: Complex Systems: Organisational Learning and Change in 2014/15

Unit name	Complex Systems: Organisational Learning and Change
Unit code	EDUCM5923
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Davis
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will provide students with an understanding of the theory and practice of systems thinking. It will investigate the use of models to explore and make interventions and challenge students to reflect critically on the worldviews underlying these models. Key concepts of purpose process and performance will be demonstrated and exploration will be made of the use of various forms of systems models, including hierarchical process models and systems dynamics to demonstrate how shared understandings of organisations emerge.

Aims:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the world as a highly interconnected set of technical and social entities which are hierarchically organised and produce emergent behaviour

• To promote reflection on and further inquiry into organisational problem solving using complex systems

• To develop academic skills of library research and assignment writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit students will be able to:

• synthesise the contributions made by research to knowledge about complex systems

• analyse critical issues relating to problems in organisations and to formulate developmental interventions by linking process with performance

• evaluate different world views and perception filters prevailing in organisational problems

• create systems models

Teaching Information

The principal method of learning and teaching in this unit will be through dialogue in plenary and group sessions. Examples of artefacts, texts and technology will be used to link theoretical reflection with practical application.

The needs of a wide range of students, including those with disabilities, international students and those from ethnic minority backgrounds have been considered. It is not anticipated that the teaching and assessment methods used will cause disadvantage to any person taking the unit. The Programme Team is happy to address individual support requests as necessary.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment for the unit will be on the basis of a 4,000 word (or equivalent portfolio of evidence) assignment which will assess students critical understanding of the literature and their ability to apply the concepts and theories explored to their own professional practice including the use of models where necessary.

Reading and References

• Blockley, D & Godfrey, P. S. (2000) Doing it Differently: Systems for rethinking construction, London, Thomas Telford.

• Hoverstadt, P. (2008) The Fractal Organisation: Creating sustainable organisations with the Viable System Model London, Wiley

• Jackson, M. C. (2000) A Systems Approach to Management, New York, Kluwer.

• Senge, P. M. (1990) The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, London, Random House.

• Sterman, J. D. (2000) Business Dynamics: Systems thinking and modeling for a complex world, Boston, Mass., Irwin McGraw-Hill.

• Wheatley, M. (2006) Leadership and the New Science 3rd ed. San Francisco, Ca., Berrett-Koehler