MQM2GDST: Group Dynamics & Systems Thinking

Module code: MQM2GDST

Module provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters Stage 2

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Mrs Verity Hannell, email: v.l.hannell@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: No placement specified

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 28 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module looks at the impact of groups, teams and the organisation on individuals in the context of coaching and behavioural change. The emphasis is on developing understanding of ‘the system’ rather than the individual response, and the dynamic nature of relationships. This module covers the knowledge, understanding and practice of working with individuals within a group, system or organisation. The module consists of two parts and is highly experiential.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. Academic Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Programme members will be able to demonstrate appropriate academic  knowledge of the key concepts and theories within coaching and behaviour change 

2. Academic Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Programme members will be able to apply relevant knowledge and analytical and critical thinking skills in a way that combines academic rigour with practical relevance 

3. Critical Reflection: Programme members will be able to identify critically reflective examples from their own practice that evidence their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within coaching and behaviour change 

4. Critical Reflection: Programme members will be able to effectively synthesize theory and research with their reflective examples to illustrate their understanding of how theory and research applies to their own practice 

Module content

Approaches to understanding interpersonal interactions e.g. transactional analysis 
The psychology of groups 
Models of and approaches to the facilitation of groups 
Group dynamics 
Tools and techniques for working with groups and to facilitate systems thinking

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Tutor input 
Demonstrations 
Practice in groups, triads and pairs 
Plenary and small group discussion 
Peer/tutor/supervisor feedback 
Independent coaching practice is encouraged  
Coaching supervision  
Reading  
Reflective writing  
Learning log

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

This module is subject to the Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes policy, which can be found at:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties to work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar month 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; 
• where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Supervision sessions, feedback from peers, tutors and learning advisors.

Reassessment

Additional costs