Computer Science (COMP) 506
Organizational Behaviour in Information Systems (Revision 3)
Revision 3 is closed for registrations, replaced by current version
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Delivery Mode: Grouped Study Online, (with eTextbook)
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Foundation (MScIS) and Core (PBC ITM)
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
Centre: School of Computing and Information Systems
Instructor: Glenn Coltman
glenn.coltman@fb.athabascau.ca
Overview
This course introduces students to the field of organizational behaviour (OB) and explores the connections between organizational behavior and information technology.
OB is the study of the individual, group and organizational influences on behaviour in work settings (McShane and Steen, 2009). OB topics include personality, motivation, creating and maintaining strong work teams, managing organizational change, and understanding how to structure organizations.
For those working in the field of Information Technology, organizational behaviour is a critical topic. It adds to the understanding of IT issues such as technology design, implementation and adoption. It provides theory to better understand IT organizations. Professionals implementing information systems and technology in organizations need to understand how these systems impact on organizational behaviour. These connections and others are explored in this course.
Course Objectives
The course objectives are:
- to explore the foundations of organizational behaviour
- to explore the connections of organizational behaviour and information technology
- to provide learners with the theoretical background and research skills to independently explore additional connections between organizational behavior and information technology
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
- explain the foundational concepts of organizational behaviour
- apply organizational behaviour theory to analyze business problems
- apply organizational behaviour theory to analyze information technology concepts
- explain the influence of information technology on organizational behaviour
- explain how information technology can be used to resolve organizational behaviour issues
- effectively communicate course work in writing
Outline
- Unit 1 Introduction to the Field of Organizational Behaviour
- Unit 2 Individual Behaviour, Personality and Values
- Unit 3 Perception and Learning in Organizations
- Unit 4 Workplace Emotions, Attitudes and Stress
- Unit 5 Employee Motivation and Applied Performance Practices
- Unit 6 Decision Making and Creativity
- Unit 7 Team Dynamics and Communication
- Unit 8 Power and Conflict
- Unit 9 Leadership
- Unit 10 Organizational Structure
- Unit 11 Organizational Culture
- Unit 12 Organizational Change
Evaluation
In order to receive credit for COMP 506, you must achieve a cumulative course grade of "B-" (70 percent) or better, and must achieve an average grade of at least 60 percent on the assignments. Your cumulative course grade will be based on the following assessment.
Assessment | Weight |
---|---|
Discussions | 30% |
Case 1 - analyzed individually | 15% |
Case 2 - analyzed in groups | 25% |
Individual Paper | 30% |
Total | 100% |
Course Materials
Textbooks
Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.
- McShane, S. L. and Steen, S. L. (2012). Canadian Organizational Behaviour 8th edition. McGraw-Hill Ryerson. E-textbook
A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.
Other Resources
The remainder of the learning materials for COMP 506 are delivered through Athabasca University's learning management system (LMS), Moodle. Online course materials include discussion forums, learning materials, and assignments. Assignments will be submitted online.
- Computer Science 506 Study Guide
- Detailed descriptions of the requirements for the individual tutor-marked assignments
- A course evaluation form
- Links to several required readings
Course Workload
This course schedule is based on working approximately 20 to 25 hours per week, so this would best translate into (per week): Readings (7hrs) / Assignments (7 hrs) / Course Discussion (7 hrs)
Special Course Features
Computer Science 506 is offered by computer mediated communications (CMC) mode, and can be completed at the student's workplace or home. It is a recommended course in the MSc IS for students.
Special Note
Students registered in this course will NOT be allowed to take an extension due to the nature of the course activities.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 3, April 8, 2016
View previous syllabus