Leadership, Strategy and Performance in the Public Sector (10)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4032 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI4032
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module focuses on what public sector organisations do to achieve the best possible performance. It covers a range of organisational features and practices, such as strategic management, leadership, culture. It critically discusses how performance is defined and measured, and what this means for a range of different stakeholders. The module covers organisational learning, change management, and innovation in the public sector. Lectures provide students with an overview of different theories and models of the relevant concepts, whereas group discussions of practice examples and case studies help students develop their abilities of critical discussion and logical argument.
Target Students
Available to all PGT and PGR students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to Postgraduate Exchange students.SOCI4032 cannot be taken if students are taking SOCI4033.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aims of the module are:Present students with a range of concepts and theories relating to performance in the public sector, and discuss how features such as leadership, culture and strategy impact on performance.Facilitate the ability to critically evaluate such concepts and theories and evaluate how they influence practice in public sector organisationsExamine the role of different stakeholders in influencing organisational practices related to performance in the public sector.Discuss the role of knowledge and organisational learning in improving performance of public sector organisations.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Identify major approaches to performance and strategic management, leadership, and culture, and their application in the public sector.
2. Recognise the influence of a range of different stakeholders on organisational practices that are relevant to performance in the public sector.
3. Recognise the specific and complex environment in which public sector organisations operate.
Intellectual Skills
1. Critically discuss the key theoretical concepts discussed in the module.
2. Appraise the challenges of organisational learning, innovation, and change management in public sector organisations.
Professional/Practical Skills
1. Critically assess different styles of leadership and the contexts within which they are most effectively applied.
2. Examine practices from real-life examples of public sector organisations.
3. Reflect on how different strategies are used in the public sector and how useful they are to focus on the success of the organisation.
Transferable (Key) Skills
1. Form and present arguments based on existing and new knowledge, through seminar interaction and independent reading.
2. Appraise contemporary strategies and organisational learning as utilised in the public sector.
3. Reflect on leadership skills appropriate for use in the public sector.