Overview
Organizational analysis examines the behavioural and structural aspects of organizations. Although both levels of analysis are needed to understand organizations, the field is usually divided into two specific areas of study: organizational behaviour and organization theory. The former comprises the interpersonal (micro) aspects of organizations, while the latter includes the structural (macro) aspects.
This course focuses primarily on the structural aspects of organizations, though it also reflects on the relationship between structure and behaviour. If you are interested in learning more about the behavioural aspects of organizations, you are encouraged to take ORGB 364: Organizational Behaviour. In this course, you will learn about the ways in which managers seek to promote organizational effectiveness through internal structures and processes. To do that, you will analyze
- how organizations are structured within the context of their larger social, political, and economic environments;
- why systems of control and coordination vary across organizations and change over time; and
- how organizational theory can contribute towards improving the design and management of organizations.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Analyze how organizations are structured within the context of the larger social, political, and economic environment.
- Analyze why systems of control and coordination vary across organizations and change over time.
- Analyze how organizational theory may contribute towards improving the design and management of organizations.
- Analyze how the larger social environment affects organizational cultures and processes.
Evaluation
Credit activities for ORGB 326 consist of 13 quizzes and three assignments. Your final grade is determined by a weighted average of the grades you receive on these activities. To receive credit for this course, you must achieve an average grade of at least D (50 percent or better) on the three assignments and an overall composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The following chart summarizes the evaluation activities:
| Activity | Weight | Complete by |
| Quizzes 1–13 | 39% (3% each) | After each lesson |
| Assignment 1 | 21% | After Lesson 4 |
| Assignment 2 | 20% | After Lesson 8 |
| Assignment 3 | 20% | After Lesson 13 |
| Total | 100% | |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Daft, R. L. (2021). Organization theory and design (13th ed.). Cengage learning. ISBN: 978-0-357-44514-3
Other Materials
Students will access all course materials online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the ORGB 326 challenge registration, you must submit three assignments and achieve receive an average grade of D (50 percent) or better on the assignments.
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
Challenge for credit course registration form