OPO5001 · Projects and organisational dynamics

Overview

This unit challenges you to think differently about projects—not just as a process, but as a social construct embedded within organisational environments. You will critically examine how projects require adaptability, sense-making and systems thinking within complex organisational dynamics. You will develop a richer, practice-based understanding of how projects operate as living systems, which requires change management expertise. This unit equips you to move beyond developing your technical abilities, towards more reflective, human-centred and context-based perspectives of project management.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Teaching period 2: demonstrate an understanding of systems thinking and social systems theory, and apply them to the project management context Teaching period 6: critically apply systems thinking and social systems theories to analyse projects in complex organisational contexts
2. Teaching period 2: appraise and evaluate adaptive behaviours between a project and its environment using the theory of sense-making Teaching period 6: evaluate adaptive behaviours between projects and their environments using sense-making theory in complex organisational contexts
3. Teaching period 2: identify and distinguish between a social construct and a technical process when managing projects Teaching period 6: analyse the distinction between social constructs and technical processes in complex technology-driven organisations
4. Teaching period 6: evaluate change management approaches in response to shifting organisational dynamics in complex environments

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.