MG462-01*
Organization Theory and Design
Instructor Syllabus
Semester: SPRING, 2010
Southeast Missouri State University
Donald L. Harrison College of Business
Department of Management and Marketing
___________________________________________________________
Instructor: Dr. Matt Mardanov
Class Meeting Time
Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM
Class Meeting Room DH 238
Office Number DH 269
Office Hours:
Mondays: 1:30 – 3:30 PM and by appointment
On Campus Mail 5875
E-mail imardanov@semo.edu
Phone: 573-651-2902 (office), 573-332-7838 (home)
Fax: 573-651-2909
Web site:
http://cstl-hcb.semo.edu/mardanov
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION (3 credit hours):
Organizational purpose, design, structure, bureaucracy, power and politics; impact
of external environmental and internal organizational factors on structure and
design (3)
II. PREREQUSITE(s)/COREQUISITE(s): MG301 with a minimum grade of ‘C’.
III. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
A. To gain factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends) in
Organization Theory and Design.
B. To learn theories and fundamental principles of organization and design
C. To demonstrate knowledge of the principles of organization structure and
design.
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D. To develop skills for understanding the impact of environment, strategy,
technology, organizational culture, change, and organizational size on
organizational and inter-organizational relationships.
E. To demonstrate analytical skills in linking design/structure to performance.
F. To develop awareness of the decision making hierarchies, bureaucracy, power
and politics.
G. To demonstrate knowledge of various organization theories which enable
managers to understand, predict, and influence organizational design/structure
and development.
H.
Demonstrate awareness of the complex issues faced by managers in the area
of ethics and social responsibility in organizational development.
I. To link organizational design to global business strategies and practices.
IV. EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Normal expectations, including two hours of time spent outside of class
for each hour in class
Periodic access to a PC and the Internet for performing assigned activities.
Reading the content of the required course materials, participating in class
discussions, performing in- and outclass individual and team assignments,
case analysis, and writing a term paper.
Following all the required procedural rules and regulations of the
University regarding to undergraduate students: attendance, academic
honesty, effectiveness, and performance.
Effective use of technology in class and out of class. Systematic access to
the class web site for assigned activities
Proficiency in written and oral communication
Awareness and understanding of other cultures
Knowledge of the fundamentals of business disciplines
Development of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem
solving skills involving business and ethics.
V. INSTRUCTING – LEARNING STRATEGIES:






Individual readings (textbook and other materials)
Lectures
Case discussions
Quizzes
Team exercises
Term paper
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VI. REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

Baker, Paulson, & Daft (2007). Organization Theory and Design. (9th edition).
Thomson-Southwestern.

Periodicals and Other Sources:
1.
Academy of Management Journal
2.
Academy of Management Review
3.
Administrative Science Quarterly
4.
Business Week
5.
Decision Sciences
6.
Fortune
7.
Harvard Business Review
8.
Human Resource Management
9.
International journal of organization theory and behavior
10.
Journal of Management
11.
Strategic Management Journal
12.
Wall Street Journal
Articles from other journals can also be used for the term paper.
VII. TERM PAPER
Each student is expected to write a term paper on a selected topic. Term paper
topics must be on one of the theories of organization. Analyzing these theories you have
to link their utilization in contemporary organizations. Are they applicable to
management practices in today’s organizations?
Theories of Organization:
1.
Classical School: Adam Smith, Fredrick Taylor, Henry Fayol, Max Weber, and
Gulick
2.
Systems Perspective: Bertalanffy (1972), Boulding, Katz, Khan, Kast, Rosenweig,
and others.
3.
Transaction Cost Perspective: Williamson (1975) and Ouchi (1980)
4.
Technology: Hatch, Woodward, Thompson, Perrow, Keller, and Adler
5.
Contingency Theory: Lawrence, Lorsch, Burns, Stalker, Woodward, Thompson,
and others.
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6.
Institutional Theory: Meyer, Rowan, DiMaggio, Powell, Scortt, Salznick,
Greenwood & Hinings, and others
7.
Population Ecology: Hannan & Freeman; McKelvie & Aldridge, Astley, Langton,
Schilz, and others.
8.
Resource Dependence Theory: Salancik, Barney, and others.
9.
Symbolic Interpretive view and Enactment Theory: Weick, Smircich, Stubbartr,
Schein, and others.
10.
Political Perspective: Salancik, Pfeffer, and others.
11.
Change: Nystorm, Starbuck, Gersick, Isabella.
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Strategic Choice: Child (1972)
13.
Postmodern Theory: Kilduff, Mehra, and others
It is important to structure the paper (divide into sections). You can structure the
paper as the following. First section must be an Introduction. Put here 1-2 paragraphs
stating the importance of the subject. Next several sections must comprise the body of the
paper. You must describe the issue (analysis and literature review – a section), identify
problems in that issue (another section), and suggest solutions to those problems – a new
section. You must review the relevant literature to that particular theory. The conclusion
must include a summary and brief description of your contribution to the field (problems
identified and solutions suggested). Non-structured (not divided into sections with
subheadings) papers will not be graded. The title page must be designed as shown on
the class web site (CLASS CONTENT page).
Size: not less than 10 double spaced pages. Use the APA citing format. At least
five journal articles must be cited. See section V for a journal listing. Additionally, any
other materials (magazine and internet articles and books) may be used.
A sample structure of the term paper titled: Postmodern Theory and its Application in
Contemporary Management Practice.
I.
Introduction
II.
The Postmodern Theory
III.
IV.
Advantages and disadvantages of Application of the Postmodern Theory in
Contemporary Management Practice
Neutralizing Disadvantages of the Postmodern Theory: Theory Development.
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V.
VI.
Utilizing Advantages of the Postmodern Theory
Conclusion
There may be many other ways to name the sections of the term paper.
VIII. DISCUSSIONS
Each student is expected to make a significant contribution to online (FORUM)
discussions. The best formula is to contribute regularly (several times in each discussion)
and make your contributions count by asking incisive questions, raising important points
on the subject area covered, and bringing in experience or knowledge that will facilitate
understanding of the concepts being covered. Remember, the first principle of
participation is to read assigned material and perform the project. The second is to be
active, and the third is to make your ideas heard.
IX. EXAM and QUIZZES
One quiz will be given on each of the chapters. The final exam will pertain to the material
covered in the text and instructional materials.
X. MAKEUP QUIZZES and FINAL EXAM
Makeup quizzes will be given before the exams week of the semester. Makeup final
exam will be given before the last day of grade submissions (TBA) – additional
information will be provided for those students who missed scheduled exam quizzes and
the final exam due to circumstances beyond their control.
XI. GRADING
Final course grades will be determined by a weighted average of the student’s grade on
the various course activities. The weights that will be used are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Course Activities/Assignments
Regularly Scheduled Quizzes
Online Case Discussions
Exercises
Presentation on Exercise 5
Term Paper
Case Presentations
Video Case Summaries
Possible total points
Points
1300
1300
1100
100
100
100
800
Weight, %
30
15
10
10
15
10
10
4800
100
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The course grading scale is: A = 90 and above, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69,
F = below 60.
XII. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Note: Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary sanctions consistent
with the rules and regulations of the Southeast Missouri State University (Undergraduate
Bulletin, pp. 16-17).
See the Tentative Class Schedule on the “ASSIGNMENTS” page. Do not print out that
page at least at the beginning of the semester. It will be live assignments page and may
change. Every time look up this page before you start doing homework. Every change
will be announced in advance.
*THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO make additions and changes in
the syllabus according to the university policies and ANY CHANGES TO THE CLASS
SCHEDULE THAT ARE DEEMED NECESSARY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MIGHT ARISE DURING THE
SEMESTER.
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