Course coordinator
Dr Luna Luan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course discusses relevant issues in the management of people, including motivation, groups and teams, emotions and stress, individual differences, leadership and organisation change.
Organisations are complex and dynamic. This course provides you with analytical skills and tools to help you understand human behaviour at the individual, group, and organisation levels. Theories, ideas, and research will be discussed and applied through seminars and assignments, as well as through reflection on work experience. Each topic has been selected to help you better manage yourself, other people, groups and organisations.
Students should actively engage with the learning resources, including this course profile, the course Blackboard page, and communications from the course staff, to keep up with course content on a weekly basis, to be aware of assessment requirements, and to be aware of key dates, including deadlines for assignments. Do not rely on fellow students to pass on information.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
- Adjusted the assessment distribution.
- Included interactive simulations to mimic real-world experiences.
- Included new case studies to facilitate discussion.
- Included buddy check for group presentation.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS1601
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Luna Luan
Tutor
Dr Luna Luan
Miss Agata Maria Bialkowski
Ms Laura Budding
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course examines research on the management of people, at the individual, interpersonal, and organisational levels. A major focus of the course is to introduce different perspectives for managing people, understanding the nature of organisations, and the determinants of of productive and unproductive behaviour in organisations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify prominent theories and models about human behaviour in organisations, and critically discuss their application to management.
LO2.
Identify prominent theories and models of group functioning in organisations, and critically discuss their significance in workplaces.
LO3.
As an individual and in groups, explain how organisations function as institutions including issues of structure, power, politics, and change.
LO4.
Critically examine your own behaviour as a manager, and identify strategies for improving your skills in people management.
LO5.
Reflect on the ethical and social impact of managing people within organisations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Group Presentation
|
30% |
Week 7 Tue - Week 8 Fri
Presentation will be during your workshop on your scheduled presentation date. Presentation slides are due 5:00pm the day before your presentation workshop (e.g., your presentation is on Tuesday Week 7, your slides are due 5:00pm Monday Week 7). |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Individual Reflection Essay
|
35% |
8/05/2026 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Group Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Week 7 Tue - Week 8 Fri
Presentation will be during your workshop on your scheduled presentation date. Presentation slides are due 5:00pm the day before your presentation workshop (e.g., your presentation is on Tuesday Week 7, your slides are due 5:00pm Monday Week 7).
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
This group presentation aims to demonstrate your ability to work in a small team to apply key organisational behaviour theories to a real-world organisational problem/opportunity of the team’s own choice.
It consists of a 10-minute oral presentation using no more than five (5) PowerPoint slides (excluding title page and references).
Groups will be created randomly by the Course Coordinator/Tutor. Each workshop will be divided into groups of 4-5 students, and presentation dates will be allocated randomly by the Course Coordinator/Tutor. Each group member will be required to participate in a presentation on organisational issue/s relating to the course topics during workshop time in Weeks 7 and 8.
To complete this assignment:
- Review the key concepts/theories from the lecture topics from Week 2 to Week 6.
- Select an organisation and problem/opportunity that has recently appeared in the media (i.e., within the last twelve months).
- As a group, prepare a 10-minute presentation covering the following:
- Identify the organisation and its problem/opportunity. Ensure your team has identified important and interesting issues in the organisation, addressing the OB-related topic.
- Analyse and explain the key issues using two (2) or more concepts/theories from the five lecture topics. Analysis of issues, examples, and facts should be given to support reasons, with peer-reviewed references.
- Provide recommendations based on your chosen concepts/theories to address the identified key issues. Recommendations require justifications with literature evidence.
- Remember to use academic research evidence to support your argument. As a team, at least 7 peer-reviewed references should be used. Please use APA 7th style for your references. If you do not reference properly, it may be interpreted as plagiarism.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ Policy.
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission guidelines:
- As a group, you must submit (only one copy) your group presentation slides before the presentation as an electronic file via Blackboard in a PowerPoint and/or PDF document file. If not submitted on the due date, a late penalty will be applied.
- One submission per group for presentation.
- Please include your group number and workshop session in the file name (e.g., “Assessment1_Group6_Tue8am.pptx”)
- Your marker will not mark your assessment if it is not submitted through Blackboard.
- During your presentation, the presenter may use brief notes only; do not read to the class
- After your presentation, each member will need to complete Buddycheck on Blackboard. This peer evaluation will be used to adjust individual group assignment results if needed.
Additional details are on the course Blackboard site, under the "Assessment" folder. Please also refer to the regular announcements on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are not available for an in-class presentations. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
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.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Individual Reflection Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
8/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In this assessment, you are required to write a reflection essay that identifies at least three (3) critical incidents or events that occurred during the preparation and delivery of Assessment 1 Group Presentation. Each incident should be explained using relevant Organisational Behaviour (OB) topics covered in the Week 2 to Week 10 lectures.
Your reflection should extend beyond merely describing events. It should demonstrate your ability to evaluate relationships within the team and context, showing how elements/actors were interconnected and interdependent, and why those relationships mattered. Your essay should critically analyse both your individual and team contributions to the group presentation, supported by evidence such as specific examples, behaviours, decisions, feedback, or observable outcomes.
For each critical incident:
- Describe and justify significance: Clearly describe the incident and justify its significance in shaping your personal actions or responses.
- Relational evaluation: Evaluate the relationships involved by explaining the relevant interconnections and interdependencies between people/roles/tasks/context, and how these influenced decisions, behaviours, and outcomes.
- Apply OB theory: Apply one OB theory or concept (a different one for each incident) to explain your behaviour or response and the team dynamics.
You will conclude your essay with a reflective statement summarising what you have learned about yourself and your role as a team performer through your participation in the group presentation. You will need to identify at least two relevant developmental activities that you will undertake to improve your performance as both an individual and a team member.
Ensure that the in-text citations and the references list at the end of the essay use APA 7th style. You should also include a brief paragraph on AI use after your reference list (see AI Statement section for more details).
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission guidelines:
- This is an individual assignment.
- Please submit via the Blackboard Turnitin submission link.
- Please include a cover page specifying the title of the assessment, your name and student ID, your tutor’s name, and word count.
- Use headings and subheadings. Number all pages.
- DO NOT include a table of contents page.
- The word limit is 1,500 words, +/- 10% (excluding cover page, references, appendices, tables).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This is an In-person written examination.
You will undertake an exam during the exam period at the end of the semester. The exam will take the form of MCQs, fill-in-the-blank questions, and short essay questions based on all materials covered in the course from Weeks 2 to 12. This is not an open-book exam.
Additional details are on the course Blackboard site, under the "Assessment" folder. Please also refer to the regular announcements on Blackboard.
AI Statement
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators 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 | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Introduction to Managing Organisational Behaviour Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Individual Behaviour, Personality, and Values Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Workshop |
Individual Behaviour, Personality, and Values Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Emotions, Attitudes, and Stress Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Workshop |
Emotions, Attitudes, and Stress Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Motivation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Workshop |
Motivation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Groups and Teams Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Groups and Teams Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Decision Making Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Workshop |
Decision Making Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 3rd April 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Creativity and Innovation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Creativity and Innovation Assessment 1: Group Presentation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Power, Influence, and Ethics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Workshop |
Power, Influence, & Ethics Assessment 1: Group Presentation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Conflict and Negotiation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Conflict and Negotiation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Leadership Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 4th May 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Leadership Assignment 2 due this week Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Organisational Culture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Organisational Culture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Organisational Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Organisational Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Course Summary & Final Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Workshop |
Course Summary & Final Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.