DM1005-Work-based Project: Assessing Organisational Effectiveness

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Stephen Simister

Email: stephen.simister@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module requires students to appraise and understand the effectiveness of their workplace. Through a work-based assignment, students will apply learning from the module to gain a better understanding of their organisation’s project management capability, its context and its ability to perform effectively within its context.  Students will be required to assess an element of organisational effectiveness.

Aims:

The module aims to develop the students’ understanding of their organisations project management capability and consider how effective it is by applying learning gained from the module.  In addition, they will acquire an understanding of the nature of evidence and the characteristics of valid data.

 

The module also aims to prepare students to:

1. Develop a knowledge and awareness of how a project moves through key stages of planning, design, development, deployment and evaluation.


2. Evidence-based assessment of organisational context and effectiveness.


3. Develop the enquiry and reporting skills that students need when conducting enquiries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will:

1. Have an awareness of academic theory and current techniques relating to project management practice.


2. Be able to identify and select sources of data and information about their organisation and its context.


3. Be able to collect, analyse and present information to support decision making and conclusions.


4. Be able to create a robust argument supporting conclusions.


5. Be able to communicate information developed through a workplace investigation.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able demonstrate how they have:

1. Gained an awareness of each step of the project management process.


2. Ensured engagement with relevant stakeholders in a professional and inclusive manner.


3. Demonstrated adaptability and agility to changing organisational needs.


4. Engaged with colleagues and stakeholders within their organisation and developed communications skills.

Outline content:

The module we will introduce students to project management and provide an opportunity to try out the various tools and techniques used in the discipline.  The various facets of project management will be explored and consideration given as to how sector specific issues change the shape of the discipline.  A parallel strand to the module is the ability to make evidence based decisions and how data needs to be collected to support such decisions.  The module will support students in appraising and understanding the effectiveness of their workplace so they can propose improvements.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module content is delivered through a combination of taught sessions, supported by key reading from texts and other sources, practical activities for each topic with group and cohort discussion. In addition, on-line support material will also be provided.  The student will be required to prepare a reflective commentary on their personal learning and implications for future practice.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops	14
Work-based learning	80
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	70
Essay preparation	36
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An individual written assignment of 2,500 words.  To be submitted once module study is complete.

Formative assessment methods:

Will be embedded in the learning path and workshop activities.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The assignment must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to achieve a pass.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of the same assignment based on formative feedback.  One re-submission allowed, capped at 40%.  Resubmission period is in accordance with the arrangements laid out in the programme guide issued to each student.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019