COMMGMT 1001 - Managing Organisations and People

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2022

This course introduces students to the roles and functions of managers. The content includes an introduction to organisations and the need for and nature of management. It examines the evolution of management theory, organisational environments, and corporate social responsibility and ethics. The course also includes a detailed investigation of the four functions of management: planning and decision making, organising, leading and motivating, and controlling.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMMGMT 1001
    Course Managing Organisations and People
    Coordinating Unit Management
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible COMMGMT 2008, COMMGMT 2501, COMMGMT 1001UAC, COMMGMT 1001UACM, COMMGMT 1001AUACM, COMMGMT 1001BUACM, COM1001OUA
    Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/tutorial work as prescribed at first lecture
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ankit Agarwal

    Lecturer/Course Coordinator:
    Name
    : Dr Ayoosha Saleem
    Location: Room 10.45, Nexus 10 Building, 10 Pulteney Street
    Email: ayoosha.saleem@adelaide.edu.au



    Tutors/Workshop Facilitators:
    Name:
    Dr Irfan Tariq
    Email: irfantariq08@gmail.com 

    Name: Ms Karolina Kaczorowska
    Email: karolina.kaczorowska@adelaide.edu.au 

    Name: Ms Syeda Nuzhat E Ibrat
    Email: syedanuzhate.ibrat@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Week Course Content Workshop Notes
    1 Topic 1: Overview of management
    (Chapter 1)
    Preparation Details on MyUni for each topic
    Topic 2: Perspectives of management
    (Appendix to Chapter 1)
    Topic 3: Internal and external environment of management (Chapters 2 & 3) Quiz 1 (Topic 1 & 2)
    Topic 4: Ethics, CSR, and sustainability
    (Chapter 4)
    Quiz 2 (Topic 3)
    2 Topic 5: Plans, goals, and strategies
    (Chapters 5 & 6)
    Quiz 3 (Topic 4)
    Topic 6: Fundamentals of organising
    (Chapter 7)
    Quiz 4 (Topic 5)
    Topic 7: Managing people
    (Chapter 9)
    Quiz 5 (Topic 6)
    Mid-Term Test (Topics 1-3)
    Topic 8: Fundamentals of leadership
    (Chapter 10)
    Quiz 6 (Topic 7)
    3 Topic 9: Motivating employees
    (Chapter 11)
    Quiz 7 (Topic 8)
    Topic 10: Communication in organisations
    (Chapter 12)
    Quiz 8 (Topic 9)
    Group Report Due
    Topic 11: Teamwork in organisations
    (Chapter 13)

    Quiz 9 (Topic 10)

    Exam Revision Workshop Quiz 10 (Topic 11)


  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the nature and purpose of management, while fostering a spirit of critical inquiry and reflection, and the pursuit of personal development and lifelong learning.

    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the diversity of management thinking.
    2. Autonomously and collaboratively analyse, evaluate, synthesise and apply knowledge in a timely fashion from wide inquiry of a variety of sources.
    3. Demonstrate awareness of research as a source of contested and uncertain knowledge.
    4. Effectively communicate their findings independently and as part of a group using an evolving variety of media.


    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1-4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Samson, D. and Daft, R.L. (2018) Fundamentals of Management (6th Asia Pacific Edition) Cengage Learning: Australia.

    Note:
    1. It is required you have continuous access to the nominated text in order to complete the course requirements.
    2. Other editions of the above text are NOT the same as our required text.

    Recommended Resources
    You have access to numerous resources in the library including scholarly journals and alternative contemporary texts on management. You are encouraged to read widely and critically with a focus on recent work (less than 5 years old) in periodicals, refereed academic journals and books.

    The Communication Skills Guide and The University of Adelaide Writing Centre are helpful resources for your academic writing and observance of the protocols and conventions of the Harvard referencing style.
    Online Learning
    This course utilises MyUni as a communication and assessment tool. Students should be actively scanning the MyUni course webpage regularly.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is delivered through 12 online lectures (available only through Echo360 on MyUni) focused on four topics per week for 3 weeks in total, of 1-1.5 hours duration each.

    Echo360 online lectures are supported by 12 workshops focused on four topics per week for 3 weeks in total, of 2 hours duration each.

    These activities are important interactive components of your learning. Preparation and active attendance at workshops are necessary.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects students in this three-unit course to listen to Echo360 online lectures (1.5 hours each), attend their allocated workshop class (2 hours) throughout the summer school and do the online quizzes for each topic starting from 20th January 2022 onward. This means you are expected to commit approximately 18 hours a week to private study.

    Students are expected to…

    • Undertake all required reading for the subject
    • Get ready for workshops by completing pre-reading and preparing questions and reflections
    • Listen to all Echo360 online lectures and actively participate in all workshops
    • Complete and submit all items of assessment in a timely fashion
    Learning Activities Summary
    Please refer to Course Outline on MyUni.

    Teaching & Learning Activities Related Learning Outcomes
    Lectures 1-4
    Workshops 1-4
    Group Work 1-4
    Case Studies 1-4
    Specific Course Requirements
    The university expects the students to read the prescribed textbook and prepare for the online quizzes and workshop discussions throughout the summer school. Without the prescribed textbook, it would be challenging to pass this course.

    It is important that the students listen to all the lectures on Echo360 available online and attend workshops 4-days a week for the 3-week period starting 17th January 2022. 

    The lecturer encourages the students to ask questions, clarify doubts and discuss their experiences in the workshops.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Item Description Weight LO
    1 Workshop Attendance and Participation 10% 1,4
    2 Online Quizzes 20% 1,2,3,4
    3 Midterm Test 10% 1,2,3,4
    4 Group Report 20% 1,2,3,4
    5 Final Examination 40% (hurdle requirement) 1,3
    Total 100%



    For specific due dates refer to MyUni (Course Outline).
    Assessment Related Requirements
    • To gain a pass for this course, a mark of at least 45% must be obtained in the final examination as well as an aggregate total for all assessments (assessments + final exam) of at least 50%. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded an aggregate course mark of no more than 49%.
    • Students who receive an aggregate course mark between 45% and 49% may be offered a supplementary examination. Your performance in the replacement assessment will determine whether you are awarded a Pass grade for the course with a maximum aggregate course mark of 50%.
    • Attendance at all workshops is required. Your attendance and participation will be recorded. You are expected to come prepared to discuss and present the questions outlined in the workshop schedule and contribute to all associated activities.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Workshop Participation (10%)
    This assessment is aimed at growing your knowledge of the management discipline and your awareness of academic and management competencies in preparation for assessments 4, 5 and 6. You are required to attend all scheduled workshops and be prepared to discuss your thinking concerning the questions outlined in the workshop timetable (see workshop schedule).

    Although you are expected to attend all scheduled workshops, the 10% grade will be determined by your contribution to the discussions held in the workshops. Attendance is not the criterion to gain 10% marks. This can only be accomplished through the questions/comments you pose in the workshops. The quality of your discussion will also be considered when determining the participation grade. 

    Permission for any absence is generally only given for medical or compassionate reasons. All such requests must be emailed to the workshop facilitator and should be accompanied by documentary evidence from a social service professional (e.g. doctor, counsellor or psychologist). Each request will be assessed on its merits. However, in order to get the participation grade, you would still need to email the preparation for that day(s) to your lecturer.

    Assessment 2: Weekly Quizzes (20%)
    From day 4 of the first week (20th January 2022) MyUni will host 10 text-based multiple-choice online quizzes. Each quiz consists of 25 multiple choice questions and will assess material covered in the associated topic. These quizzes will provide you with the opportunity to test your understanding of core concepts and identify areas that require further study and assistance. You should discuss issues arising from the quiz questions with your lecturer. Attempting online quizzes by the prescribed due dates is essential as the relevant quiz will close after this date.

    Assessment 3: Mid-term Test (10%)
    This assessment is aimed at testing your understanding of the course contents (topics 1 to 3) which are delivered in the first week of the course. All materials covered during this period is examinable (topic 1 to 3). More information on the midterm will be provided in the first workshop.

    Assessment 4: Group Report (20%)
    A single case study will be provided in MyUni in the first week itself. There will be multiple ways to interpret this case. The purpose of this assessment is to formulate an argument which identifies what should be done, why it should be done and using ample case evidence (in the form of citation, facts, figures, etc.) to support your argument. This project is about making sense of actual managerial issues, applying the theories and frameworks you have learned in this course, problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations, coping with ambiguities, working in a team, and your academic writing skills, including referencing.

    To produce the report, you need to download and read the case study on MyUni, work with your group, write a maximum 1500 words (Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 lines spacing) business report using the appropriate headings and sub-headings. A key aspect of your grade will also be related to how well your group responds to the challenge of:
    1. including all the relevant information in a well-written, concise 1500 words report.
    2. skillfully applying the appropriate theories and frameworks covered in class.
    3. formulating and presenting an overall argument that is convincing and supported by case evidence.

    Your report should include:
    1. Introduction: Identify the key management issues from the case and identify your audience, i.e., who are you reporting to (shareholders, the board of directors, management, employees, etc.).
    2. Analysis: Conduct a brief analysis using the theories and frameworks from the class to explain the causes and outcomes of the issues you identified in the Introduction.
    3. Alternative solutions: Drawing upon the concepts learned in this course, formulate feasible solutions and identify the pros and cons of each.
    4. Recommendation: Select one single solution that solves the key problem, identify the action plan that should be taken, the risks to your recommendation, and how these risks might be mitigated.
    5. Desired state: From a management perspective, outline the ultimate goals that you wish to achieve and specifically relate these to your recommendation.
    6. Reference list (not included in the 1500 word limit). Each report should contain at least 5 relevant scholarly citations. Please consider the referencing style guide in section 5.5.

    Once your group report is complete, one group member will submit ONE group file electronically through MyUni>4205_COMMGMT_1001>Course Assessment>Assignment 4. Turnitin similarity software will be utilised to indicate potential plagiarism. If your similarity report is greater than 30% (not considering references, headings, subtitles, etc.), your assignment will not be graded and you will have 24 hours to resubmit. If, as a result of this process, your assignment is submitted after the due date, a late submission penalty will be applied (see Section 5.5). Students must retain a copy of all assessments submitted. You can resubmit your assignment multiple times (with the same file name) until the due date: time, but note that it may take several hours for turnitin.com to generate your similarity report.

    Assessment 5: Final Exam (40%)
    This assessment is aimed at testing your understanding of knowledge in the management discipline and capacity for logical, critical, and creative thinking. The examination will be held during the scheduled exam period. The contents of the exam will cover the material discussed in the workshops and the exact form of the exam will be discussed in the third/last week of the summer school 2022.


    Group Collaborations:

    In this class, we utilize Canvas to organize your learning experience. As a result, groups will be required to utilize the group collaborations function in Canvas. The tool is designed to facilitate your collaborations among your team members but also to communicate with your respective workshop facilitator. It is required that all groups setup up a collaborations page for both group assignments in this course (i.e. Team Presentation and Group Report).

    For more information on how to create a collaborations page, please see:
    • How do I create a Group as a student:
    https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10669-421255566
    • How do I join a Group as a student:
    https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10516-421264913
    • Groups: Creation and Interaction: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/courses/24800/pages/collaborating
    • People and Groups (general resources): https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10701#jive_content_id_People_and_Groups
    Submission
    Assignment Guidelines including Referencing Details
    Helpful guides for academic writing and observance of the Harvard referencing style conventions and protocols are provided on The University of Adelaide Writing Centre web page (see Writing Centre) and in The Communication Skills Guide (see Communication Skills Guide). A copy of the Communication Skills Guide will have been given to you at the beginning of your program and can assist you structure your assignments. This publication also provides guidelines on a range of other important communication skills including writing essays and making oral presentations, etc.

    In preparing any written piece of assessment for your studies it is important to draw on the relevant ‘literature’ to support critical analysis. Also essential is to reference the literature used. Correct referencing is important because it identifies the source of the ideas and arguments that you present and the source of the actual words you use, helping to avoid the problem of plagiarism (see section 8) The Harvard system is widely used in Business Schools and use of this style of referencing can be found in the Communication Skills Guide. Further assistance with referencing and writing is available from The University of Adelaide Writing Centre and the Faculty’s Learning Support Advisors (or contact the u/g Hub in the first instance).

    You should consistently and appropriately reference your assignments using the Harvard referencing system. You should try to cite peer-reviewed academic journals and specialist books in the area. Your submission should look like something that you would be proud to present in a professional environment (i.e. presented in a professional manner) and be free of grammatical and spelling errors.

    Submission Guidelines
    Please note that students must retain a copy of all assessments submitted. Assignment 4 should be submitted electronically through MyUni>3610_COMMGMT_1001>Course Assessment>Assignment 4. Through this process, your assignment will automatically generate a unique identifier, the relevant Assessment Rubric and a Turnitin similarity report. You can resubmit your assignment multiple times (with the same file name) until the due date: time, but note that it may take several hours for turnitin.com to generate your similarity report.

    Your similarity report will also indicate a colour related to the similarity index. In order for your assignment to be graded, a BLUE or GREEN similarity index must be achieved. The various possibilities and associated treatment of assignments are as follows:

    - Blue (no matching words) = your assignment will be graded accordingly.
    - Green (one matching word - 24% similarity index) = your assignment will be graded accordingly.
    - Yellow (25-49% similarity index) = your assignment will not be graded and you will be able to resubmit within a 24 hour period as long as a blue or green index is realized. If resubmitted, your grade will be reduced by 10%. If not resubmitted, your grade will be 0.
    - Orange (50-74% similarity index) = your assignment will not be graded and you will be able to resubmit within a 24 hour period as long as a blue or green index is realized. If resubmitted, your grade will be reduced by 20%. If not resubmitted, your grade will be 0.
    - Red (75-100% similarity index) = your assignment will receive a grade of 0. There will be no opportunity to resubmit. Repeat offenders will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

    Plagiarism is a serious violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. For more information on plagiarism, see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/plagiarism/.

    To maintain a fair and equitable system for all students, you are expected to submit your work by the due date. Students should start early on assignments so that foreseeable pressures like work or assessment for other courses do not delay you completing assignments for this course on time. A late assignment (without prior arrangement) will be penalised by a mark reduction for each day that it is late. Assignments that are submitted late will be penalised at 5% of the potential grade per day.

    Return of Assignments
    The lecturer will aim to mark and return assignments to students within 3-4 days period from the due date with written feedback. Students will be able to access their marked assignments from their MyUni web site.

    Grade Review / Reconsideration
    Students (or groups) who believe their work should receive a different grade should apply in writing within 48 hours of the publication of the grades. They must write/email directly to their marker, and copy to the course coordinators, an analytical piece, in which they give strong reasons on why they believe they have achieved the requirements. Students who choose to apply for a review or reconsideration must be logical and concise in their appeal, and provide as much detail as possible. Claims like “I believe I have done to the requirements and deserve a better grade” will not be accepted. It is at the marker’s discretion whether the work should be reviewed or reconsidered. If the application is accepted, a different marker will conduct a review/reconsideration independent from the original grade, and the outcome can be a higher grade, no change, or a lower grade, and this new grade will be final.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Exams. A general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level is provided (see Grade Descriptors). Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    The Lecturer aims to mark and return assignments to students within 3-4 days from the due date with written feedback. Students will be able to access their marked assignments from their MyUni web site.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.