The Secret Life of Organisations (MGMT90160)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Winter Term |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines the ‘secret life of organisations’ using a range of disciplinary approaches to the different functions and structures of corporate, government and non-government organisations Students will examine the history of organisations and the nature of work people do within them. They will also consider how distinct types of organisations have reacted and adapted to what the sociologist Richard Sennett has called the ‘new capitalism’—the growth of non-traditional organisational structures, and a broader shift to a knowledge-based service economy. At the same time 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 show leadership within them. Students will develop an understanding of the history and structure of the sociological ‘field’ of modern organisations, and a practical grasp of how best to make their way in the world of work.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, definitions and history of organisational theory
- Differentiate between types of organisations and the varied imperatives that drive decision making across the range of organisational types
- Evaluat challenges facing organisations and their staff in a time of rapid change
- Critique and utilise relevant organisational theory to guide understanding of different workplace settings.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- 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.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-EMA Executive Master of Arts
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Development and presentation of a group project
| During the teaching period | 40% |
Evaluation of an existing organisation
| 4 Weeks after the end of teaching | 60% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of attendance at three out of the four days of scheduled classes. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 3. Participation will be measured through undertaking a minimum of 80% of interactive reading activities (Feedback Fruits or similar). Students are required to respond to at least 80% of the questions/discussion topics posed in online readings and have accessed a minimum of 80% of prescribed reading materials. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Winter Term
Coordinator Anna Kosovac Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours: 1 x 6-hour seminar per week over a 4-week intensive teaching period. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 July 2025 to 25 July 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 July 2025 Census date 11 July 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 18 July 2025 Assessment period ends 1 August 2025 Winter Term contact information
Dr Anna Kosovac: anna.kosovac@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
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- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Please note: Students wishing to enrol in this subject must be admitted to the Executive Master of Arts
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
Last updated: 4 March 2025