Outline

Overview

This unit aims to introduce students to the nature and context of management. It explores the functions and processes of management and encourages students to critically reflect on management theory and practice. It can be taken as a standalone unit for students enrolled in various specialist masters programs and also prepares students for further study in strategic management, organisational analysis and strategy and human resource management.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Elly Meredith, elly.meredith@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Management Consultant Advice and Conversation - Interactive Oral Interactive Oral Assessment	35%	Formal exam period	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Group Assignment - Written The group is required to provide a solution to the task set.	15%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Assignment - Presentation Pre-recorded presentation with the facilitation of in-class discussion	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Tutorials preparedness, participation and overall engagement	10%	Progressive	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Written essay	30%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Apr 2026	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group Tutorial Presentation: A pre-recorded group presentation that addresses specific discussion questions and poses questions for the following in-class discussion. Students are required to present it in class and facilitate a class discussion and activities to support their presentation.
Group Tutorial Written: This assessment is due 1 week after the presentation and discussed the solution from class discussion.
Essay: This assessment is designed to extend critical, analytical and research skills and also to allow students to show mastery of central concepts in the field of management studies.
Participation: Students are expected to come to class prepared (having read the required readings) and ready to participate in the class discussion and or activities. Students will be assessed based on their preparation and active participation in class activities during tutorials and online discussion boards/forums.
Final exam: It will be an oral examination requiring the students to show their understanding of the material covered in the unit of study over the course of the semester.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: *Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. *After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Why management and organistions - emergence and development 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Why management and organistions - emergence and development 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Why management and organisation - emergence and development 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Why management and organisation - emergence and development 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Why management and organistions - purpose and goals of management and the use of consultants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Why management and organistions - purpose and goals of management and the use of consultants	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	How - Organising structure	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	How - Organising structure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	How - Managing Control	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	How - Managing Control	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	How - Making decisions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	How - Making decisions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	How - Organising culture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	How - Organising culture	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	How - Power, Politics and Influence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	How - Power, Politics and Influence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	How - Organisation Change	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	How - Organisational Change	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Managing Financial Investors	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Managing Financial Investors	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Sustainable Development Goals and Principles for Responsible Management Education	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Sustainable Development Goals and Principles for Responsible Management Education	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusions and review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Conclusions and review	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the emergence of management as a function within organisations in the 20th century
LO2. evaluate the broad functions performed by managers within organisations, with particular reference to the management of people
LO3. identify the basic elements of organisational structure and analyse how these elements relate to each other and the external context
LO4. critically evaluate arguments about the changing role of management in organisations and assess new management practices and techniques in organisations
LO5. recognise and appraise the competing objectives confronting management and assess different approaches used to negotiate the achievement of these objectives.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I have adjusted the release of the documents for the workshops and lectures to make it easier for students. One area that I have changed in in the assessment for the group work presentation 10% (5% group presentation and 5% individual in answering the comments from the class), this is to ensure that everyone comments and arguments are accounted for and are included in the final mark

Additional information

Please note that in the event that a team member does not contribute to the Group Presentation in a meaningful / reasonable way then the unit coordinator may consider the evidence and adjust the mark for that individual.

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK5003: Management and Organisations

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links