Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course the student

  • knows how organizations can better adapt to challenges of modern societies in agile ways.
  • can explain, discuss, and use the intervention theories, models and methods.
  • can identify the different levels and scope of OD interventions.
  • has the basic skills to collect and analyze organizational information to diagnose organizational problems and design interventions and plan for implementation.
  • has the communication and facilitation skills needed to bring about change.
  • has a commitment to ethical and inclusive professional practice.

Credits: 7

Schedule: 25.02.2025 - 03.04.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Alexei Koveshnikov, Saija Katila

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course has a dual function. If offers students a good overview of what organizational development is, coupled with the possibility apply the knowledge and skills obtained throughout the programme to address real-world organizational challenges. In the course students are organized into teams and cast in the role of management consultants advising the client company on the actions they should take. The course addresses the core issues, theories and methods associated with organizational development in contemporary organizations. Focus in on how to diagnose, design and implement change in an agile manner in rapidly changing environment. The course further examines how organizations can develop their capabilities in managing strategic, technostructural, people management and human process related interventions. Emphasis will be based on the personal, social and cultural characteristics needed to design and manage change in a just and human centric manner. The course combines academic discussion with a strong practical orientation to give students skills and tools that can be quickly put to use in any organization. For this purpose, a wide range of OD professionals with experiences of OD intervention processes from private, public and non-governmental organizations will be visiting the course.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Participation in lectures

    Assignments

    Group work

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures

    Assignments

    Group work

     

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Cummings, T. G., & Worley, C. G. (2019). Organization development and change. Cengage learning. Other materials assinged by the teachers.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV-V
    2025-2026 Spring IV-V

    Registration:

    Enrolment max 70 students. Students are admitted to the course in the following priority order 1) People Management and Organizational Development students, 2) Other Department of Management Studies students. Students must attend the first lecture to ensure their place in the course. They further need to be present when their group is presenting, overall mandatory lectures 8/12.