Semester 2, 2023 Online | |
Units : | 1 |
School or Department : | School of Business |
Grading basis : | Graded |
Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Overview
Administration supports and facilitates the conduct of an organisation’s activities which, in turn, contribute to the achievement of the purpose of the enterprise. Without effective administration, the sustainability of an organisation is jeopardised through: inefficient use of scarce resources; potential failure to comply with legislated and external regulatory requirements; failure to retain mandatory records and the consequent ability to meet reporting obligations to stakeholders; and an inability to provide for some of the basic health and safety needs of its workforce. The provision of utilities and the design and maintenance of the physical environment are also significant considerations. Students will have an understanding of the functions of administration and how these impact on and are influenced by the structure and operation of organisations.
In short, organisational administration may be described as ‘the lubricant which keeps the wheels of industry turning smoothly’.
Effective administration is a key component of successful and sustainable business. In this course, students will learn the about the ways in which we classify and administer the various roles and aspects of the work conducted within the organisation by exploring the diversity of ideas and approaches to the study of work. This exploration includes the examination of the context of work, the ways in which work is carried out and issues pertinent to the management of work. Students will consider the evolution of administrative management as a contemporary manifestation of scientific management, its historical antecedent. All managers, irrespective of their specialist expertise, need a sound understanding of a range of administrative functions and, since most administrative functions are conducted indoors, an appreciation of the required features of an effective office environment including the virtual workplace. The importance of time management, problem solving ability, efficient workflow and an appreciation of cultural diversity are emphasised throughout the course. Having completed this course, students should be able to plan and organise a range of administrative functions in support of an organisation's operations.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- synthesise the principles and theories associated with administering work within organisations;
- think critically and analyse work-related management initiatives and understand current trends;
- develop problem solving skills by understanding and applying relevant concepts and principles in designing an office environment;
- communicate clearly in writing appropriate to the discipline by preparing the assessment and verbally as a participant in various roles in effective business meetings;
- apply knowledge of the organisational administrative function to resolve problems and make ethical decisions across a range of institutional, national and global contexts including emerging administrative services delivery models.
Topics
Description | Weighting(%) | |
---|---|---|
1. | The context of organisational administration and meaning of work | 10.00 |
2. | Structuring the organisational administrative function | 10.00 |
3. | Changing forms of work and managing the organisational administrative function | 10.00 |
4. | The impact of technology on organisational administration: the virtual office and work life balance | 10.00 |
5. | Designing an effective office environment | 30.00 |
6. | Legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to organisational administration | 20.00 |
7. | Organising and conducting effective business meetings | 10.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
---|---|---|---|
Essay | No | 15 | 1,2,4 |
Report | No | 45 | 3,4,5 |
Take home examination | No | 40 | 1,2,5 |