Course coordinator
Associate Professor Severine van Bommel
Consultation is by appointment. To make an appointment, please email.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
The course gives a broad practical understanding of processes of group development and function including understanding team roles, personal interactions in groups, leadership and conflict management. (Minimum enrolment required- 10 for Semester 2 and 25 for Summer Semester). From 2016 this course will replace MGTS2961.
Almost all professions and walks of life require communicating effectively with diverse people, and working well in groups and teams. Industry gives consistent feedback to the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences that your future employers value these skills highly, and want UQ graduates to develop them. This course is designed to build your understanding and practical skills early in your program of study. You will learn how individuals differ with regard to communicating,ﾠprocessing information, and learning, and how these influence contributions to groups. You will learn how groups perform, methods for facilitating groups, ways of managing conflict, and how to foster leadership in groups. As the course is conducted byﾠthe School of Agriculture and Food Sciences it has some focus on agriculture, animal sciences and natural resources.ﾠHowever, the content is generic and students from a wide range of fieldsﾠwill find the course relevant and useful.
Modules
- Module 1: Communication approaches, and how individual differences in values and learning styles shapes effective communication
- Module 2: Group dynamics
- Module 3: Building skillsﾠ - techniques for helping groups work effectively, and preventing and managing conflict
- Module 4: Leadership and influence
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is no assumed background for this course
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CERD2003 or 3002 or MGTS3961 or MGTS2961
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check 4.1 Learning Activities for a suggested week-by-week approach to your study.
External students please note: there is NO Residential School for this course.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to help you in your future career (and current studies) by:
- providing a basic conceptual understanding of the how people communicate, how communication styles vary between people, and how this influences how individuals operate in groups,
- enhancing student understanding of how professional groups function,
- assisting students to gain practical skills to work in, and with, groups in a wide range of settings,
- providing principles and practical skills in managing conflict and fostering leadership in groups and teams.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe factors that influence communication, and how individual differences influence communication outcomes and group collaboration
LO2.
Compare methods available to facilitate group interaction, planning and action.
LO3.
Apply the principles and processes of group development and dynamics
LO4.
Explain group processes and negotiation skills in group problem solving and conflict management situations
LO5.
Appraise what makes an effective group member and leader within diverse team settings
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Individual differences and group involvement | 15% |
23/08/2024 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Group analysis - Applying theory in practice | 30% |
4/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Participation in discussions and group activities | 15% |
22/07/2024 - 14/10/2024
Each week (from week 1 to week 12), submitted in class as per the timetabled class. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Individual differences and group involvement
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
23/08/2024 2:00 pm
Task description
Assignment 1
Word length: 2000 words (not including references)
We recommend using headings for each of the sections. Subheadings may also be used.
Section 1. Select a group that you are familiar with
For this assignment you will be identifying a group that you have been involved with. This could be a professional group (for example, as part of your job), a group you volunteer with, a formal group for recreation (e.g. sports team, a birding group), or something else.
It will be easier to do the assignment if your group involves more than 3 people, and you work with them regularly (or semi-regularly) to achieve the group goals.
Section 2. Describe the group
Provide some initial information about this group, including
- The purpose of the group, its goals and objectives
- The types of activities it promotes or coordinates
- How many people are in the group
- Duration of your involvement
Section 3. Individual differences - values
Thinking about your involvement with the group, what types of values are important for you in this group setting i.e. what things are important to you when you are involved with group activities?
Thinking about other members of the group,
- What types of values do you think are important for them? Explain how you gauge the values of the others in the group.
- What types of values seem to be shared among the group? Are there some differences in values?
- Can you describe an example where differences in group values emerged? What happened and how was this resolved?
- Do differences in values among group members contribute to positive or negative group outcomes?
Section 4. Individual differences - other differences among the group
Think about other characteristics of the group members.
Describe another type of difference that exists among the group members. How does this difference affect group functioning?
Section 5. Group communication
Think about how group members communicate with each other – both formally and informally.
- Describe the different types of ways do your group members communicate with each other?
- What is your personal preference regarding communication approach and why?
- What is the most effective type of communication among the group? Why?
- How do some of the differences among group members influence whether communication is effective?
Section 6. Reflection
Reflecting on your involvement with this group and the coursework so far, provide a reflective response to each of the following:
- Are you someone who finds group activities enjoyable or stressful? Or both?
- How do characteristics of a group affect your enjoyment?
- Have your skills or preferences relating to group involvement changed as you have gotten older? Describe how.
- Describe an example of how the content you have learnt in this course changed the way you interact with someone?
Note: Reference must be made to your course materials and to independent readings - at least 4 citations to refereed literature required, i.e. books or journal articles, in addition to the Learning Guide, and any reports and websites you are citing if you have consulted them.
Please save a copy of your work, in case of upload failures.
Note: Reference must be made to your course materials and to independent readings - at least 4 citations to refereed literature required, i.e. books
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Students must submit their assignment, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. When results and feedback are available, students will be advised by email or via an announcement on the course Blackboard site. Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Group analysis - Applying theory in practice
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
Task description
Assignment 2
Word length: 3000 (not including references)
For this assignment, the class will be interviewing a person who works or volunteers with a group or organisation that is active in areas related to agriculture and natural resource management (this interview will happen in class at the end of Module 2).
Based on this interview, you will be required to prepare a REPORT. Please use and respond to each of the following questions, using headings.
1. Introduction - describe the group
- Describe the selected group – general information (historical perspective of the group, functions, objectives, etc.
- Make the readers want to hear more about the group
- Tell the readers how your report is going to be organised
- Set the stage for the conclusion.
2. Analytical discussion (body of the report) (use of subheadings is recommended)
- Describe the structure of the group
- Describe typical communication processes that the group engage in - within the group, and to others outside of the group
- Describe any challenges that the group experiences with communication and strategies that they apply to tackle these challenges
- Describe the stages of development of this group
- Discuss the task behaviour and maintenance behaviour within the group
- Discuss the leadership structure and roles played by different group members
- Analyse how this group deals with differences among group members
- Analyse how this group deals with challenges
- Assess the effectiveness of this group
3. Conclusions and recommendations
- Summarise your findings about how the group demonstrated group processes, leadership and conflict management.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of this group.
- Suggest as what could be done (by group members) to improve the functioning of this group.
4. Reflection
Personal learning: What have you learnt from conducting this analysis? How has this shaped your view of professional groups?
5. References – at least six references to refereed literature required in addition to the learning guide and other supplied course materials.
Reference MUST be made to your course materials and to your independent readings. Read the referencing systems carefully and cite the references in the appropriate place and manner in your report. Use Harvard Gatton (see UQ website) for your referencing. Note: the 6 or more references should be refereed works, i.e. books or journal articles, not websites. (i.e. even if you cite some other works, we will be looking for at least 6 refereed works in your reference list and cited in the text).
Please demonstrate your professionalism in analysing and preparing this report. Be tactful in your discussion about any challenges the group member describes. When describing any challenges experienced by the group, ensure you describe this in a respectful manner, and if necessary, protects the confidentiality of those involved.
Please save a copy of your work, in case of upload failures.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Post on Blackboard, in a space provided under Assessment. We recommend checking through Turnitin first, and allowing enough time to solve originality problems.
Keep a copy in case of problems.
Legal Declaration
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Participation in discussions and group activities
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 14/10/2024
Each week (from week 1 to week 12), submitted in class as per the timetabled class.
Task description
Each week (from week 1 to week 11), there will be a series of activities within the ‘workshop style’ integrated lectures and tutorials. The topic of each activity will be based on the content of each weeks’ lecture. Activities may involve small group work, personal reflection, quizzes, and/or large group discussions. For students unable to attend an in-person session, an essay-style option will be provided.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
For those that cannot attend, written submissions need to be submitted within 7 days after the workshop.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in Internal delivery must attend the exam in person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional Grading Information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35 - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Students must pass the end of semester exam, to obtain a passing grade in this course, in addition to achieving 50% or greater in the overall assessment in this course.
Students who obtain less than a passing mark for the of semester exam, and have achieved greater than 50% or greater in the overall assessment for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assignment writing
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
- You are encouraged to:
- read the instructions for assignments carefully and ensure that you address all the requirements,
- refer to references both in the readings and beyond, and cite references in the appropriate manner,
- reflect on your own experience and provide insight and critical thinking,
- write clearly and concisely.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
Students are not permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT or text-to-speech (voice over) generators to produce any assessment material, including graphs, unless instructed to do so by the Course Coordinator. ﾠAll submitted written assessment must be your own work and all oral assessment (including presentations or narration) must use your own voice unless an alternative has been arranged as part of a Student Access Plan (SAP).
Turnitin Assignments
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. ﾠIf you submit any version of your assessment item to any other Turnitin link, this is considered cheating, and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Where there is an end-of-semester exam in the course:
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. ﾠFor items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. ﾠResults and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility.
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback.
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid.
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your Course Co-ordinator.
Information for students can be found at : https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on the my.UQ website
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| MGTS1982 Course Profile | provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weightings and due dates. | |
| MGTS1982 Blackboard site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. https://learn.uq.edu.au/ |
Additional learning resources information
A list of recommended readings are provided relating to the topic of each module of the course. Students are strongly encouraged to read this material.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
In-semester break There is no residential school for this course. |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Course conclusions |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.