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This module will underpin key values of the MSc in Human Resource Management. It will have a strategic focus and will be supported by organisational contexts at a national and international level. This module will investigate organisation design and organisation development. It will enable learners to develop a critical understanding of the theory and conceptual underpinnings of organisation design, and the principles and practices of organisation development, within an international context. The module focuses on decisions that have to be made on the most appropriate organisational structure(s) to ensure delivery of organisational activity. The importance of cultural awareness in managing outcomes of design and development strategies, the practical applications of organisation design and organisation development concepts and the implications for the effective management of organisations and professional practice are considered.  The module requires critical reflection on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

1. Critically analyse the contribution of organisational design and organisational development within an international setting and within an international HR context.  This will enable students to understand the international context in which organizations operate and the role HR may play in supporting the alignment to organizational structure, design, international culture, and change.
2. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the historical and theoretical basis of organisation design and development and their context in terms of value and contribution to organisational life.  The development of organisation theory; different schools of management thinking (with specific reference to scientific management and early attempts at organisational design); different schools of thought and practice surrounding organisation development.
3. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the available design options regarding structures and relationships.  Organisation structures; formal and informal organisations; types of organisation structure; the nature of the employment contract; the economic and environmental context of organisation design and development; internationalisation, globalisation and transnational structures; external and internal factors impacting on choices and decision-making around structures and delivery of services that impact organization design.
4. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the processes and systems that need to be in place to maintain such structures and relationships.  The application of job descriptions and role profiles; the formal and informal structure of working relationships, for example consultative machinery, networks etc.; decision-making complexes and operating procedures; communication systems; methods of evaluating effectiveness.
5. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the methods and procedures of organisation development and review their strategic impact, in particular to organisations who work across international boundaries.  Measuring and managing performance outcomes; setting and managing key performance indicators; data collection through employee surveys and consultation procedures; using outcomes from performance reviews; applications of the balanced scorecard; the links to continuous improvement strategies; the links to learning and development; towards a learning organisation.
6. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate possible change management strategies and activities, through the application of organisation development strategies, which might support organisation design and realignment outcomes.  Working with organisation development as a change methodology; origins and applications of change management; concepts and models of change; the process of change; analysis of the organisation as a precursor to change; environmental scanning; the concept of stakeholder analysis; the role of the change agent; the role of the HR specialist in supporting the introduction of strategic change.
7. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate organisation culture norms and behaviours within an organisational, national and international context.     Measuring and analysing organisational culture;(within an organizational and international context),  identifying and managing resistance to change; determining organisational values and ethics; translating these into strategy; identifying required behaviours; the identification of competencies.
8. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the importance of the HR role in advising on these design and development choices and supporting their implementation.  The HR role in supporting the design and implementation of new ways of working; improving organisational and individual performance through job design, job enlargement and job enrichment; the HR role in organisation development; the use of internal and external consultants; facilitation styles; the concept of business partnering; managing cultural change programmes.

On completion of this module, learners will be able to understand, analyse and critically evaluate:

1. The historical and theoretical basis of organisation design and development and their context in terms of value and contribution to organisational life and relate it effectively to international organisational settings.
2. Available design options regarding organisational structures and relationships.
3. Processes and systems that need to be in place to maintain such structures and relationships, and evaluation of same.
4. Methods and procedures of organisation development and review their strategic impact.
5. Change management strategies and activities through the application of organisation development strategies, which might support organisation design and realignment outcomes.
6. Organisation culture, norms and behaviours within a national and international setting.
7. The importance of the HR role in advising on these design and development choices and supporting their implementation.
8. The relevance of organisation design and development strategies within an international context

Staff/student contact – 30 hours
Student directed learning – 120 hours as directed by tutors/module guide

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.