Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
SP50202: Ecology, management & organisational performance |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take SP50123 |
| Description: | Aims: The aim of this unit is to explore global trends in social, political, environmental and ethical thinking. The implications for the role of business will be discussed, especially how organisations come to define and influence their environmental and social responsibilities. Learning Outcomes: Students will understand: * different perspectives applicable to business-society relations; * principles of business and social science analysis, the basic principles of research strategy. These outcomes will include: * an awareness of inter-disciplinary considerations in understanding contemporary business issues; * relevant knowledge of contemporary economic, social and political developments and their relevance for social science and management research in given business areas; * some knowledge of contemporary environmental and social problems relating to business and how they emerge; * understanding of the origins, development, activities, and organisation of relevant business practices. Skills: * Evaluate research and evidence critically to appropriate postgraduate standards using a variety of academic and non-academic sources; * Synthesise information from a variety of academic perspectives and non-academic sources for a relevant understanding of theoretical and practical approaches; * Reflect on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of management and social science theories, perspectives and policy making; * Recognise and understand selected management strategies for environmental and social aspects of business. Content: A series of focussed explorations examining; the changing context of business; sustainable development; management of natural resources; system dynamics; ecological thinking and practices in management; developments in economic and social indicators; the risk society and industry; stakeholders or corporate responsibility; the social construction of organizational morality and whistle-blowing. |