THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FACULTY OF ARTS

MGMT 90160 The Secret Life of Organisations Subject Guide 2013

The website for this subject is available through the Learning Management System (LMS) at: http://www.lms.unimelb.edu.au/login/ The LMS is an important source of information for this subject. Useful resources such as lecture / seminar notes, lecture recordings and subject announcements will be available through the website. It is your responsibility to regularly check in with the LMS for subject announcements and updates. You will require a university email account (username and password) to access the Learning Management System. You can activate your university email account at: http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/email/student/activating.html

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TEACHING STAFF
Professor Bill Harley
Room 9.062 Level 9 Building 110 (The Spot) 198 Berkeley St (Corner of Berkeley and Pelham Streets) Consultation hours: By Appointment Only Email: bharley@unimelb.edu.au Telephone: 8344 4214

Professor Peter Gahan
Room 9.057 Level 9 Building 110 (The Spot) 198 Berkeley St (Corner of Berkeley and Pelham Streets) Consultation hours: By Appointment Only Email: pgahan@unimelb.edu.au Telephone: 9905 9740

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SUBJECT OVERVIEW
This subject looks at the ‘secret life of organisations’ using a range of disciplinary approaches to analyse the different functions and structures of private enterprises, government and nongovernment organisations. Throughout the subject, students will examine the history of organisations, and the nature of work people do within them. We will also consider how distinct types of organisations have reacted and adapted to ‘new capitalism’; the growth of non-traditional organisational structures; and, a broader shift to a knowledge-based service economy. Conversely, students will grapple with the practicalities of how to work in such organisations by considering the strategies managers use to pursue organisational goals, and how such organisations are best negotiated by workers to exert influence and demonstrate leadership within them.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this subject students will:
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Critically examine the key concepts, definitions and history of organisational theory; Analyse key differences between organisational types, and the varying imperatives that drive decision-making across a range of organisational types; Foster an understanding of the challenges facing organisations, and their staff in a time of rapid change; and, Develop a practical capacity to apply organisational theory in different workplace settings.

Generic Skills: Students who complete this subject should develop:
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High-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments. A capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and assignments. Skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online and print-based materials. Skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements. A capacity for critical thinking and theoretical analysis through readings, discussion and class exercises.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES
Dates: This subject is taught as an intensive program over four consecutive Fridays: Class times: Venue: 31 May, 7 June, 14 June and 21 June. Peter Gahan will teach Days 1 & 2 and Bill Harley will teach Days 3 & 4.

Each day, class will commence at 9.00am and end at 4.00pm. All 4 days will be conducted in: Old Arts-263 (Collaborative Learning Space 1).

SOME USEFUL REFERENCES
Readings for individual topics are listed in the Schedule of Classes below. These readings are available from the LMS site for this subject. In addition to readings for individual topics, there are a number of general texts