James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

WS2512:03

Organisational Practice *

13 hours lectures, 24 hours tutorials. Semester 2.

Staff: Ms D Miles (Townsville and Mackay campus); Dr W Earles (Cairns campus).

Since all social welfare work takes place within some organisational context, an understanding of the nature and dynamics of human service organisations is an essential basis for effective social welfare practice. This subject provides students with the skills to practice within a range of organisational environments.

Learning Objectives:

1. understanding of the nature of human service organisations and relevant organisational theory;
2. increased awareness of the interplay between social welfare practices and diverse organisational settings particularly in relation to the environment, purpose, technology, structure and culture of human service organisations;
3. acquire knowledge of a number of strategies for change and resistance for sustaining and improving social welfare practice within human service;
4. understanding of human service organisations (particularly non-profit organisations), management principles, practices and issues;
5. develop some of the skills required to manage non-profit (community) organisations.

Assessment by written assessment (ie organisational analysis) (50%); oral presentation (eg an analysis of a case study)/class exercises and defence (50%).