Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

to consider organisational design options and their
impact on the effective implementation of strategies;
to place the skills and themes of the MBA into a human
and organisational context;
to develop the skills of managing people.
The unit is designed so that the many facets of the
behaviour of people in organisations can be explored
without losing sight of the essential interdependence of the
sub parts. Within this framework will be included topics such
as:
the concept of organisation design, and its implications
for structure, job design and the interface between
people, technology, and the organisation;
the role of management, including: varied leadership
styles and their likely consequences, the management of
effective work groups, working with the communication
process, managing conflict and developing a positive
self-image;
the impact of the local and international environment on
Australian business; comparisons with the management
of people in other countries and cultures (especially
Asian);
an introduction to the practical role of the personnel
function in organisations.
Texts or references
Adler, N.J. lntemational Dimensions of Organisational Behaviour. 2nd
ed, Boston: Kent, 1991
Bedeian, A.G. Organisations, Theory and Analysis. 2nd Edition,
Chicago: Dryden Press, 1984
French, W.L. et al. Undemanding Human Behaviour in Organisations.
New York: Harper & Ranr, 1985
Kast, F.E. and Rosenzweig, J.E. Organisation and Management. 4th
ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1985
Mintzberg, H. Structure in Fives: Designing Effective Oganisations.
Englavood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1983
Robbins, S.P and BamwII. N.S. Organisation Theory in Australia.
Sydney: Prentice-Hall, 1989
Schuler, R.S. et al. Human Resource Management in Australia. 2nd
ed, Sydney: Harper & Row, 1991
~ ~ 7 0 8 Processes of lnquiry and Research
Organisation Behaviour, Part 1
(Intercultural Understanding)
Prerequisites: nil
Assessment: essay 50% and research project
50%
Instruction: seminars, presentations, simulations
and research
Subject aims
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'.
Subject description
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.
Reference
Sue, D.W. Counseling the Culturally Different. 2nd ed. New York:
Wiley, 1990
BH709 Processes of Inquiry and Resea~h in
Organisation Behaviour, Part 2 (Senior
Management Responsibilities)
Prerequisites: nil
Assessment: critique of three research based
papers 40%, dewlopment of questionnaire 40%
and test and waluation of questionnaire 20%
Instruction: classes, seminars, practice
Subject aims
To inquire into the responsibilities of senior management
with regard to the strategic direction of their organisation
using a personal questionnaire designed by the student.
Subject description
The conceptualisation of corporate policy and strategic
planning and the development of a testable questionnaire
instrument to research these activities with senior managers.
Reference
Judd. C.M., Smith, E.R., Kidder, L.N. Research Method in Social
Relations. 6th ed, Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 1991
BH710 Processes of lnquiry and Research in
Organisation Behaviour, Part 3
(Organisational Learning)
Prerequisites: nil
Assessment: by essay
Subject aims
To explore the concept of organisational learning as a
dimension of organisational survival, evolution and
transformation.
Subject description
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, intewiewing, field studies and action
research.
Reference
Senge, P. The Fifth Discipline. Landon: Century Business, 1992
BH711 Processes of lnquiry and Resea~h in
Organisational Behaviour, Part 4
(Consultancy in Organisations)
Prerequisites: nil
Subject aims
To explore and understand the role of organisation
consultant and the way that organisations manage the
process gf using consultants.
subject disciplines
Qualitative and "clinical" research methods will be explored
in researching the consultation process.
Organisational consultants will be invited to present issues to
course members and to explore with them their particular
methods of consultative work.
References
To be provided in class
BLl 10 Legal Environment of Business
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: nil
Instruction: lectureltutorial
Assessment: to be advised
Subject aims and description
This unit introduces students to our legal system. The
general objectives are:
to introduce students to basic legal concepts;