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BUS403Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Group Dynamics

This course introduces students to the dynamics of groups, exploring psychological and social forces within them. It examines group definitions, dynamics, and types, including cooperatives as sociological groups. Key topics include motivation, frustration, group development, and internal/external influences. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to effectively manage and participate in cooperative organizations, understanding group behavior and dynamics.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Group DynamicsCo-operativesMotivationSocial GroupsGroup Behavior

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Group Definition and Concepts

2

Group Dynamics Principles

3

Types and Sizes of Groups

4

Cooperative Organizations

5

Motivation and Participation

6

Group Development and Growth

7

Internal and External Group Dynamics

8

Group Evaluation Techniques

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Team Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Human Resources Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cooperative Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Cooperative SectorNon-Profit OrganizationsCommunity DevelopmentHuman ResourcesManagement Consulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: The Definition and Concept of Group

3 study hours
  • •Read the definition of a group and understand the sociological concept.
  • •Differentiate between sociological and objective criteria for a group.
  • •Discuss the importance of groups in society.

Unit 2: The Definition and Concept of Group Dynamics

3 study hours
  • •Define group dynamics and understand its various usages.
  • •Discuss the properties of group dynamics and their effects on member behavior.
Week
2

Module 1:

6h

Unit 3: Types of Groups

3 study hours
  • •Identify and explain different types of groups (primary, secondary, in-groups, out-groups, focus groups, reference groups).
  • •Analyze the normative and comparison functions of reference groups.

Unit 4: Sizes of Group

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the impact of group size on social relationships.
  • •Understand the dynamics of dyads, triads, and coalitions within groups.
Week
3

Module 1:

6h

Unit 5: Assumptions in Group Dynamics

6 study hours
  • •Explain the circumstances under which groups form (deliberate, spontaneous, external designation).
  • •Critically analyze the basic assumptions in group dynamics.
Week
4

Module 2:

6h

Unit 1: The Definition and Concept of Co-operatives

3 study hours
  • •Define cooperatives according to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA, 1995).
  • •Identify and explain various types of cooperatives.

Unit 2: The Values of Co-operatives

3 study hours
  • •Identify and explain the core values of cooperatives (self-help, equality, equity, democracy, solidarity, honesty, openness, caring for others, social responsibility).
Week
5

Module 2:

6h

Unit 3: Co-operatives as a Sociological Group

6 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of a group and its properties.
  • •Analyze the characteristics of cooperatives as a sociological group.
Week
6

Module 2:

6h

Unit 4: Types of Sociological Groups in Co-Operatives

3 study hours
  • •Define a sociological group and explain its properties.
  • •Explain various types of sociological groups in cooperatives (active, centrifugal, oppositional, passive).

Unit 5: Sociological Motives for Forming or Joining Existing Co-Operatives

3 study hours
  • •Define motives and explain the sociological motives for forming or joining existing cooperatives.
  • •Understand intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors.
Week
7

Module 2:

6h

Unit 6: Importance of Group Dynamics in Co-Operatives

6 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of group dynamics and its basic concepts.
  • •Discuss the importance of group dynamics to cooperatives.
Week
8

Module 3:

6h

Unit 1: The Place of the Individual in the Group

6 study hours
  • •Define group and explain its elements.
  • •Discuss the place of the individual in the group and the symbiotic relationship between them.
Week
9

Module 3:

6h

Unit 2: Motivation and Blocks to Participation in Groups

6 study hours
  • •Explain the characteristics underlying motivation.
  • •Discuss the psychological contract of motivation.
  • •Explain the motivational factors for participation in groups and identify blocks to participation.
Week
10

Module 3:

6h

Unit 3: Adjustments to Frustrations and Blocks to Participation in Groups

6 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of frustration and adjustment.
  • •Discuss frustration-induced behavior and adjustment methods to frustrations and blocks to participation in groups.
Week
11

Module 3:

6h

Unit 4: Group Development

6 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of a group and discuss types of work groups.
  • •Explain the reasons for group formation and discuss group cohesiveness and performance.
  • •Outline the steps in group development.
Week
12

Module 3:

6h

Unit 5: Phases of Group Growth

6 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of phases of group growth.
  • •Discuss group values and norms, and factors affecting group growth.
  • •Outline the phases of group growth.
Week
13

Module 4:

12h

Unit 1: Internal and External Dynamics of Group

6 study hours
  • •Discuss internal and external dynamics of a group.
  • •Identify selection features of a group and explain some group techniques.
  • •Understand the importance of group evaluation.

Unit 2: Selection Features and Uses of Some Group Techniques

6 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Prepare for assignments and final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.

2

Practice applying group dynamics theories to real-world case studies.

3

Review all assignments and tutor feedback to identify areas for improvement.

4

Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics.

5

Focus on understanding the characteristics and dynamics of cooperative societies.

6

Create concept maps linking Units in Module 3 (individual in group, motivation, adjustments).

7

Practice applying group evaluation techniques from Unit 3 Module 4 to sample scenarios.

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