CIPS-Graduate Diploma - Foundation Stage Syllabus - Business Organisation and Process


	Graduate Diploma Foundation Stage Syllabus

	Business Organisation and Process AIM To provide an understanding of the way in which organisations configure structurally to best fit with the changing external competitive environment in which they operate, and the role of ICT in this process. To provide a review of various theories of organizations and their relevance to the understanding, prediction and control of organizational behaviour. RATIONALE Organisations are in a continuous state of change as they seek to adapt to external pressure to become more responsive to their customers and constituencies. The ability to manage an organisation and its processes effectively contributes greatly to organizational survival and improved performance. Those responsible for purchasing need be aware of the implications of organisational structure and processes, at both the strategic and functional levels, on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their own activity and that of the organisation in which they are located. They also need to have an understanding of current management theory, practices and the implications of technology. 1. Types of Organisation Reasons for organisations. The legal framework of organisations in the private sector. Characteristics of organisations in the public and 'not for profit' sectors. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: identify the reasons why organisations exist compare and contrast the different legal forms of private sector organisation. identify the financial structure of organisations in all sectors. (weighting 20%) 2. Organisation Structures The use of metaphor in understanding organisational behaviour. Classical, modern and post-modern organisational configurations. Aspects of internal structuring and functioning: Span of control; Delegation; Communication. Centralisation vs. decentralisation. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: describe their own and other organisations using appropriate metaphors compare and contrast different organisational structural forms analyse factors affecting span of control identify the benefits and problems of effective delegation evaluate the problems of the formal organisational structure as a communications network identify the relative merits of centralisation and decentralisation. (weighting 10%) 3. Factors Affecting Organisational Design Influence of the external environment. The use of technology. The life cycle. Power and Authority. Mission, Aims and Objectives. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: analyse the impact of external environmental circumstances on organizational structure describe how different technologies constrain or determine organisational design describe how different stages of the life cycle of an organisation affects its configuration evaluate the influence of power, authority, mission and objectives on structure. (weighting 20%) 4. Communication Systems and Information Technology Communication channels and flow in and between organisations. Communication media and barriers to communication. Technological influences on Communication and Information systems. Information Technology (IT) systems and their role in Purchasing and Supply chain management. Managing information flows, issues of performance and planning. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: identify channels of communication and media used internally and externally by organisations demonstrate an understanding of the possible barriers to effective communication identify opportunities for the use of Information and Communication Technology systems in Purchasing and Supply chain management explain the application and usefulness of Information and Communication Technology systems in organisational performance; in particular Purchasing and Supply Chain management. (weighting 30%) 5. Quality Management Introduction to Quality Management issues. Influences on business processes. Sharing best practice. Benchmarking performance internationally. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: demonstrate an understanding of Quality Management issues describe the impact of applying Quality Management to business processes explain the use of world-class concepts in benchmarking. (weighting 10%) 6. The Management of Change Managing change and overcoming resistance to change. Delegation and empowerment. Implementing organisational development. In the assessment the candidate may be required to: demonstrate an understanding of factors affecting change and how individuals respond to change demonstrate an understanding of how managers manage change. (weighting 10%)