BUS403 Group Dynamics

About this course

Difficulty: Intermediate
Study hours: 156 hours
Maths: None
Content: Theoretical, case study
Practical work: No

How it is assessed

Assignments
Final Examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of BUS403, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

BUS403 · UNIT 1 THE DEFINITION AND CONCEPT OF GROUP

The above table gives an overview of the course Group Dynamics – the units, the numbers of weeks devoted to each unit and the assignments to be written by you.

Start reading Get the original PDF, if you want it

What you should be able to do

Define and differentiate various types of groups and their dynamics.
Explain the importance of group dynamics in cooperative organizations.
Apply motivational theories to enhance group participation and performance.
Analyze the internal and external factors influencing group behavior.
Evaluate group effectiveness using appropriate techniques.
Understand the phases of group development and growth.

What it prepares you for

Careers

Team Leader
Project Manager
Human Resources Manager
Cooperative Manager
Social Worker

Where it is applied

Cooperative Sector
Non-Profit Organizations
Community Development
Human Resources
Management Consulting

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

Module 3:
Unit 2: Motivation and Blocks to Participation in Groups
Understanding the psychological contract requires grasping abstract concepts of expectations and mutual obligations between individuals and groups.
Module 3:
Unit 3: Adjustments to Frustrations and Blocks to Participation in Groups
Applying adjustment mechanisms to real-world scenarios requires critical thinking and understanding of individual psychology.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 84 hours in total. Yours will differ.

Week 1Module 1:
- Unit 1: The Definition and Concept of Group · 3 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 hours
  Define group dynamics and understand its various usages.. Discuss the properties of group dynamics and their effects on member behavior..
Week 2Module 1:
- Unit 3: Types of Groups · 3 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 hours
  Analyze the impact of group size on social relationships.. Understand the dynamics of dyads, triads, and coalitions within groups..
Week 3Module 1:
- Unit 5: Assumptions in Group Dynamics · 6 hours
  Explain the circumstances under which groups form (deliberate, spontaneous, external designation).. Critically analyze the basic assumptions in group dynamics..
Week 4Module 2:
- Unit 1: The Definition and Concept of Co-operatives · 3 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 hours
  Identify and explain the core values of cooperatives (self-help, equality, equity, democracy, solidarity, honesty, openness, caring for others, social responsibility)..
Week 5Module 2:
- Unit 3: Co-operatives as a Sociological Group · 6 hours
  Explain the meaning of a group and its properties.. Analyze the characteristics of cooperatives as a sociological group..
Week 6Module 2:
- Unit 4: Types of Sociological Groups in Co-Operatives · 3 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 hours
  Define motives and explain the sociological motives for forming or joining existing cooperatives.. Understand intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors..
Week 7Module 2:
- Unit 6: Importance of Group Dynamics in Co-Operatives · 6 hours
  Explain the meaning of group dynamics and its basic concepts.. Discuss the importance of group dynamics to cooperatives..
Week 8Module 3:
- Unit 1: The Place of the Individual in the Group · 6 hours
  Define group and explain its elements.. Discuss the place of the individual in the group and the symbiotic relationship between them..
Week 9Module 3:
- Unit 2: Motivation and Blocks to Participation in Groups · 6 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 10Module 3:
- Unit 3: Adjustments to Frustrations and Blocks to Participation in Groups · 6 hours
  Explain the meaning of frustration and adjustment.. Discuss frustration-induced behavior and adjustment methods to frustrations and blocks to participation in groups..
Week 11Module 3:
- Unit 4: Group Development · 6 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 12Module 3:
- Unit 5: Phases of Group Growth · 6 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 13Module 4:
- Unit 1: Internal and External Dynamics of Group · 6 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 hours
  Review all modules and units.. Prepare for assignments and final examination..

Preparing for the exam

What to do

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
Practice applying group dynamics theories to real-world case studies.
Review all assignments and tutor feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics.
Focus on understanding the characteristics and dynamics of cooperative societies.
Create concept maps linking Units in Module 3 (individual in group, motivation, adjustments).
Practice applying group evaluation techniques from Unit 3 Module 4 to sample scenarios.

Questions students ask about this course

What is BUS403 about?

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.

How many units does BUS403 have?

BUS403, Group Dynamics, has 24 units across 4 modules, over 106 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is BUS403?

BUS403 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Management Sciences.

Is BUS403 hard?

BUS403 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does BUS403 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 24 units.

How is BUS403 assessed?

BUS403 is assessed by Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with BUS403?

Team Leader, Project Manager, Human Resources Manager, Cooperative Manager and Social Worker.

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