Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
5. School
C11SL
2. Course
Title
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Sem 2
Sem….
Sem………..
Sem…
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
8. Pre-requisites
None
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
None
Systems Thinking and Analysis
11. Replacement Courses
13. The course may be
delivered to:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
3. SCQF 11
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Professor Umit Bititci
Co-ordinator
Approved Learning Partner
15
Name …………………………………Sem………..
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management with
Business Performance
MSc Operations Management
MSc Managing Business Performance
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims
The objective of this course is to introduce the participants to the theories and principles behind systems thinking, modelling and analysis. The module will also introduce the
participants to the methods, tools and techniques for modelling, analysing, improving and designing technical and social systems in a variety of organisations, including
industrial, commercial and public sector.
16. Syllabus
The syllabus will cover a range of issues concerning the course topic. An indicative syllabus is as follows:
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Systems theory and systems concepts
Hard and soft systems
Peter Checkland’s soft systems methodology
Beer’s viable systems model
Theory of constraints
Deming’s theory of profound knowledge
Organisational learning
Understanding and managing processes
Seddon’s systems thinking concepts - Purpose-Measure-Method
Purposive and transactional systems
Understanding systems boundaries
Structured systems analysis and design methodology
Systems dynamics
Understanding and modelling the concepts of value, variation, time and constraints
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Discuss and critically evaluate various organisational and
engineering systems across a variety of organisations, including
industrial, commercial and public sector.
 Model, analyse and design various organisational and engineering
systems across a range of organisations.
 Carry out systems based forms of organisational analysis and
intervention in a complex organisational problem situation.
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Show clearer understanding and knowledge of hard and soft
approaches and how they can be used to deal with complexity and
system behaviour in a business context.
 Develop a clear understanding of fundamental cybernetic principles that
form the foundations of Checkland’s Soft System Methodology and
Beer’s Viable System Model.
 To develop knowledge and skills in systems analysis and business
process modelling.
 Critically evaluate the most appropriate methodology to model, analyse
and design engineering/business systems across a range of
organisations.
 Demonstrate an understanding of how to model a business system and
to develop a solution to solve a business system problem
 Develop an awareness of the importance of system approaches in
management interventions.
Industrial, Commercial & Professional
Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with
Others
On completion of the course the student will be
able to critically analyse technical and socials
systems using appropriate modelling and
analysis methods
On completion of the course the student will be
able use systems modelling/mapping tools to
engage various stakeholders in workshops
facilitating systems mapping and analysis
workshops.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
On completion of the course the student will be
able use systems modelling/mapping tools to
communicate with various stakeholders.
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
50%
Group project presentation and
report
20. Date and Version
50%
03 November 2013
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
Learning diary
Date of Proposal
Duration of Exam
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Resubmission of the
learning diary
Resubmission of the
report
Date of
Implementation
September 2014
Version
Number
2/2
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