James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

WS2512 - Organisational Practice

Subject Description

Since almost all social welfare work takes place within some organisational context, an understanding of the nature and dynamics of human service organisations (HSOs) is an essential basis for effective social welfare practice. This subject requires students to demonstrate knowledge for practice within an organisational context. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between social welfare work and the environments that human service organisations operate within, and their goals, structure and culture. The subject focuses on workforce and management issues including diversity, service user participation, professional resilience and organisational change.

Learning Outcomes

• illustrate awareness of organisational settings particularly in relation to the environment, purpose, structure and culture of organisations through selecting and researching a human service organisation
• demonstrate knowledge of human service organisations including relevant organisational theory and the interplay between social welfare practice and organisational practice
• investigate and understand frontline work in human service organisations including worker resilience
• examine key workforce and management issues in human service organisations

Subject Assessment

• Written > Case report 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  WS2014 WS3012

Availabilities