GSZ616 Systems Thinking for Leaders
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
Unit code: | GSZ616 |
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Assumed Knowledge: | Completion of Systems Thinking for Leaders active learning module is assumed knowledge |
Credit points: | 12 |
Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 11A 2024, Online (Start Date: 28 Oct 2024)
Unit code: | GSZ616 |
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Credit points: | 12 |
Assumed Knowledge: | Completion of "Systems Thinking for Leaders" professional development module is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
This unit in the Graduate Certificate (Enterprise Leadership) develops systems thinking skills that enable leaders and managers to work with others on the complex, multi-faceted business problems of today and tomorrow. Leaders and managers of organisations deal with complex problems whose resolution requires holistic approaches and sophisticated thinking.
The aim of this unit is for students to develop systems thinking skills in a reflexive process involving the application of systems methodologies in isolation and in combination as they apply to complex business problems. By completing this unit, students will be equipped with a foundational knowledge related to systems methodologies as well as a toolkit of models and thinking frames that equip and enable them to work with others to intervene thoughtfully in complex organisational systems to address multi-dimensional business problems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of a range of systems concepts in the analysis of complex organisational problem situations.
- Construct a persuasive argument for adopting a systems approach to managing a problem.
- Integrate and apply systems methodologies to enhance the management of complex organisational problem-situations.
- Use holistic thinking to diagnose the real organisational issue to be addressed and make well-justified recommendations, which are professionally communicated in writing to stakeholders.
Content
The topics covered in this unit have been developed to provide students with a broad grasp of the principles of systems thinking. Topics explored will include:
- Systems thinking and responding to the world
- Systems inquiry
- Soft systems methodologies for exploring purpose
- Systems intervention
- Viable systems methodology
- Critical systems heuristics
- Critical systems practice
Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is presented in two components: a professional development module and a credential unit. Both involve online learning and the completion of readings and activities prior to intensive face-to-face workshops and/or virtual classrooms and work applied assessments. Students engage in reflective practice as they apply theories and technical skills to their work, sharing their experience with peers and synthesising these experiences with academic principles. Activities and assessment equip students to apply analytical skills and concepts for investigating and evaluating a range of issues in workplace context.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the teaching period, which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to whole class
Assessment
Overview
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. A breach of academic integrity is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit site. This unit may use content matching software to assist in verifying that original work has been submitted.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case Analysis
The student is required to prepare and deliver a presentation based on their analysis of a case study of a complex problem, applying systems thinking approaches and the tools and methodologies of systems inquiry.
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Diagnostic and Recommendation Report
This assignment builds on the analysis conducted in Assignment One. Students are required to present their diagnostic and recommendations for the complex problem analysed in the case study using the tools of systems intervention.
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Nil
Other
GSZ616 Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit.
You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video here.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: Case Analysis, Diagnostic and Recommendation Report
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: Diagnostic and Recommendation Report
KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: Case Analysis, Diagnostic and Recommendation Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: Case Analysis, Diagnostic and Recommendation Report