2006 Handbooks

This subject examines contemporary change management theory and how it can be applied in practice. From the perspective of change, archetype theory is examined in some detail and students will be able to explore how various industries display different archetypal patterns. Change processes will be examined in the light of these. From the perspective of learning, students will explore how both individual and organisation worldviews restrict and filter out signals from the environment, and how the degree of cognitive complexity determines the strategic thinking capacity of the firm. Various organisational learning theories and processes will be analysed in the context of a particular archetype and need for change. From an innovation perspective, students will determine how organisational culture fosters and restricts innovation, and why learning methodologies are required. Further, the subject focuses on the techniques and practices necessary to develop a learning organisation. Students will be able to recognise what competency types are useful to firms and link them to learning routines. An emphasis will be placed on how organisations learn and unlearn. This subject builds on Human Resource Development in Year 2.