Aim 1

This module approaches leading and developing people and processesfrom a socio-technical systems perspective. Organisations are viewed as being a set of interacting sub-systems – they employ people with capabilities, working towards goals, processes are designed and followed using technology and operating within a physical infrastructure, all encased by a shared set of cultural assumptions and norms.Socio-technical theory espouses that the design and performance of any organisational system can only be understood and improved if both ‘social’ and ‘technical’ aspects are brought together and treated as interdependent parts of a complex system. Failure of organisational change programmes can occur because they focus on one aspect of the system over others with an accompanying lack of understanding and analysis of the complex interdependencies that exist. The aim is to develop an appreciation of all the interdependent aspects of how complex systems work.This module challenges the students to think about how people, processes, systems and technology can work together to achieve a common set of aims internally and externally to the organisation. It will guide the development of both people and technical (operational/process) knowledge and skills. Analysis of people and processes will occur at the strategic and operational level, looking at how process and workforce planning and design work in tandem.Students’ will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the importance of the design and effective implementation of processes within an operational and organisational context, how different processes are inter-related and the interdependencies that exist between processes that exist both horizontally and vertically in the organisation and how people are placed within the system and the impact of these planning and design decisions on effective and efficient performance.The first part of the module aims to develop a student’s knowledge of processes and systems that can exist within organisations and with external stakeholders. The second part focuses on the design and planning of people within these systems to achieve high performing workplaces.The students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and ability to apply relevant academic theories, tools, and techniques to practical real-world cases in order to appraise their impact and analyse their relevance and value in the workplace. Students will be able to critically appraise how people and processes can contribute to the achievement of organisational strategy and vision.