Ateneo - UPO

The course explores the fundamental principles of organisational operation, focusing on the relationships among structure, processes, and people. It covers both classical and contemporary organisational models, coordination mechanisms, change management, and the design of roles and responsibilities.
Special attention is given to the challenges introduced by sustainability and digital transformation, the evolution of work patterns, and the skills required to function effectively in hybrid and virtual environments. Students will develop a critical understanding of organisational dynamics and managerial levers that foster innovation, inclusion, and responsible management within companies and public institutions.

R. Daft (2020), Organization Theory and Design, Cengage Learning, chapters from 1 to 9.
The slides and scientific articles shared during the lectures will be considered integral material.

The course aims to:
1) provide the fundamental theoretical and analytical tools for understanding the structure, functioning and change within organisations, with particular reference to the main models of organisational design, coordination mechanisms and the definition of roles and responsibilities;
2) develop the ability to analyse and evaluate organisational choices in the light of technological, social and environmental changes, with particular attention to sustainability, digitalisation, innovation and the evolution of working environments;
3) to develop the ability to apply organisational models and concepts to the analysis of real-world cases relating to profit-making enterprises, public organisations and third-sector bodies, formulating reasoned assessments of the relationships between structure, processes, people and performance.

The course combines lecture-based and interactive teaching activities, as detailed in the ‘Teaching Methods’ section, combining asynchronous online activities, synchronous remote activities and face-to-face sessions.

None

The course adopts a blended teaching approach that integrates asynchronous online lectures (3 CFU) with synchronous at-distance (1 CFU) and in-person sessions (2 CFU).
Asynchronous online activities are primarily devoted to the transfer of theoretical knowledge, providing students with key conceptual frameworks, models, and tools for understanding organizational processes and dynamics.
Synchronous and face-to-face sessions are instead focused on the application and critical discussion of these concepts through case studies, simulations, and group work.
Students will engage in practical exercises, collaborative projects, and class debates designed to develop analytical, communicative, and teamwork skills. For this purpose, digital platforms will be used to facilitate interaction, collaborative learning, and the integration between individual and collective learning paths.
The overall teaching strategy aims to combine flexibility and engagement, encouraging active participation and the application of theory to real organisational challenges, particularly in sustainability, innovation, and work environments.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment is based on two components:
1) group project work: 30% of the final grade;
2) individual final written exam: 70% of the final grade.

The project work consists of the analysis of a real or simulated organizational case. Students will be required to apply the models and concepts covered in the course, identify the main organizational problems, and formulate a reasoned evaluation of possible solutions. The project work specifically assesses the ability to apply knowledge and models, independent judgment, collaborative skills, and communication skills.
The project work is evaluated based on the following criteria:
a) correct use of theoretical concepts and models;
b) rigor and depth of analysis;
c) ability to connect theory with the concrete case;
d) quality and consistency of the arguments;
e) clarity of presentation;
f) effectiveness of collaborative work.

The final written exam includes: 10 multiple-choice questions; 1 open-ended question.

The multiple-choice questions mainly assess knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical concepts. The open-ended question assesses the ability to apply knowledge, independent judgment, the ability to draw connections between different topics, and argumentative skills. In the proposed grading scheme, the 10 multiple-choice questions are worth a maximum of 10 points in total, and the open-ended question is worth a maximum of 20 points. Incorrect or unanswered multiple-choice questions do not result in penalties.
The written exam is passed with a score equal to or higher than 18/30.

The final grade is obtained by combining the project work grade (30%) with the final written exam grade (70%). For the purposes of the overall assessment:
18-20: essential knowledge of the content and sufficient ability to apply it to simple situations;
21-23: correct knowledge of the content and adequate analytical and application skills;
24-26: good knowledge, ability to connect theory and cases, and fair independent judgment;
27-29: comprehensive knowledge, considerable analytical and synthesis skills, good independent judgment, and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology;
30-30 cum laude: in-depth knowledge, ability to independently integrate different perspectives, original critical analysis, and rigorous, technically appropriate communication.

Preparation for the final exam will be based on the assigned textbook, the slides, and the scientific articles included in the course materials. For the project work, students will also use the cases, materials, and operational guidelines made available through the course platform.

The course explores how organisations are structured, managed, and transformed in response to environmental, technological, and social changes. It is structured across three levels of analysis – macro, meso, and micro – to provide an integrated understanding of organisational processes, systems, and behaviours.
The course begins by defining the concept of organisation and examining the main organisational design choices, from mechanistic to organic design.
It then introduces the major organisational theories, from classical schools to modern and postmodern perspectives, highlighting how each has shaped our understanding of coordination, control, and innovation.
Subsequently, attention is devoted to organisational structures, including roles, positions, and competencies, as well as an introduction to organisational behaviour, focusing on individual and group dynamics within the workplace.
A specific section is dedicated to organisational change, analysing its drivers, processes, and resistance mechanisms, along with the strategies managers adopt to foster adaptability and resilience.
The final part of the course addresses emerging organisational challenges, such as diversity and inclusion management, and the evolution of work settings in hybrid, remote, and virtual forms. The implications of these transformations on communication, collaboration, leadership, and employee wellbeing will be critically examined.
The subjects addressed in the course are presented with reference to different organisational contexts, including for-profit companies, public companies, and third sector/non-profit organisations.
Gender mainstreaming: as part of the topics covered, discussions will, where relevant, address the role of gender stereotypes and biases in organisational structures, decision-making processes, leadership and communication, as well as practices designed to promote inclusion and equal opportunities.

Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

know and understand the main concepts of organizational theory and design;
distinguish between mechanistic and organic structures and recognize the main classical and contemporary organizational models;
understand the main mechanisms of division of labor, coordination, control, and the allocation of roles and responsibilities;
understand the main processes of organizational change and forms of resistance to change;
understand how sustainability, innovation, digitalization, and hybrid and virtual forms of work affect organizational structures and processes.

Applying knowledge and understanding. Students will be able to:

apply organizational concepts and models to the analysis of real or simulated cases;
identify the main structural and procedural characteristics of an organization;
relate organizational design choices, coordination systems, ways of working, and organizational outcomes;
compare different organizational solutions, assessing their advantages, limitations, and suitability to the context;
use the acquired tools to analyze for-profit, public, and third-sector organizations.

Making judgments. Students will be able to:

critically evaluate the main organizational design choices;
formulate reasoned judgments on the trade-offs between efficiency, innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and organizational well-being;
identify organizational issues and propose possible solutions consistent with the characteristics of the context;
consider the ethical, social, and environmental implications of organizational decisions.

Communication skills. Students will be able to:

present an organizational analysis orally and in writing in a clear, structured, and well-argued manner;
correctly use disciplinary terminology in English;
discuss and justify organizational proposals within group work;
communicate effectively in collaborative contexts, including hybrid and virtual ones.

Learning skills. Students will be able to:

independently deepen their knowledge of organizational theory and design topics;
integrate theoretical sources, empirical cases, and scientific materials;
transfer the concepts and tools learned to new organizational contexts;
independently update their skills in line with the evolution of organizational and work forms.

Minimum expected learning level

To achieve a passing grade, students must demonstrate that they know and understand the fundamental concepts of the course and are able to apply them, with an adequate degree of autonomy, to the analysis of relatively simple organizational cases, presenting their considerations clearly and using substantially correct disciplinary terminology.

Advanced expected learning level

To achieve an advanced level, students must demonstrate the ability to critically integrate different models and perspectives, apply them autonomously to complex organizational cases, formulate well-reasoned evaluations, and propose solutions consistent with objectives of sustainability, innovation, and organizational responsibility, communicating their conclusions with rigor and linguistic precision.