1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

BH708 Processes of lnquiry and Research
Organisation Behaviour, Part
l (Intercultural Understanding)
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: essay 50% and research project 50%
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Objectives
To develop within participants an understanding of
their cultural identity and how this influences the way
they manage and research.
To research 'Australian-ness' as a cultural identity in
management using a team based 'inter-view'.
Content
Drawn from studies in psychology, sociology and social
anthropology it provides a starting point for the
conceptualism of cultural identity. Concepts include gender,
authority, religion, and race.
Recommended reading
Sue, D.W., Counseling the Culturally Different. 2nd edn, New
York, Wiley, 1990
BH709 Processes of lnquiry and Research
in Organisation Behaviour, Part 2
(Senior Management
Responsibilities)
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: critique of three research based papers 40%,
development of questionnaire 40% and test and evaluation of
questionnaire 20%
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Objective
To inquire into the responsibilities of senior management
with rkgard to the strategic direction of their organ:sation
using a personal questionnaire designed by the student.
Content
The conceptualisation of corporate policy and strategic
planning and the development of a testable questionnaire
instrument to research these activities with senior managers.
Recommended reading
Judd, C.M., Smith, E.R., Kidder, L.N., Research Method in Social
Relations. 6th edn, Holt, Fort Worth, Texas, Rinehart, Winston,
1991
BH710 Processes of lnquiry and Research
in Organisation Behaviour, Part 3
(Organisational Learning)
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: by essay
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Objective
To explore the concept of organisational learning as a
dimension of organisational survival, evolution and
transformation.
Content
The 'organisation' will be explored as a system capable
of adaptation, learning, change, development, resistance,
defence and subject to forces of stasis and flux.
Qualitative methods of research will be examined as
methods suitable to study the organisation as system.
For example observation, interviewing, field studies and
action research.
Recommended reading
Senge, P. The F$h Discipline The Art and Practice of the Learning
Organizations. London, Century Business, 1992
BH711 Processes of Inquiry and Research
in Organisation Behaviour, Part 4
(Managing Oneself in Role)
2 hoursper week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: role analysis report
A subject in the Masters in Organisation Behaviour
Objectives
To explore and understand the process, risks and
judgements required in finding, making and taking an
organisational role.
Content
The concepts of role, system and unconscious defences are
explored as a basis for understanding role performance in
organisations. The technique of organisational Role Analysis
is practised and developed.
Recommended reading
To be provided in class
B171 1
Foundations of International
Business
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: Assignments /Final Examination
A subject in the Masters of International Business
Objectives
This unit provides an introduction to the Masters
program and a framework for the study of international
. .
business.
It looks at the development of international business
from an historical perspective up until the present day,
and outlines the key challenges facing international
business managers into the 21st Century. Whilst
eclectic and global in coverage the unit also seeks to
focus on the topic from the context of Australia's
international outlook and perspectives.
Content
International business; historical development; macro -
economic factors; international trade; balance of payments
accounts and international monetary systems; global
investment factors; international organisational, cultural,
political and technological environment; competition and
competitive advantage; managing international business;
strategic decisions and implementation issues; Australia's