Macquarie University

Managing Change - MGSM866

This unit is subject to a quota. Limited places are available. Please refer to the Faculty for further information

Managing change is the discipline (in thought, word and deed) of influencing yourself and others to achieve a purpose . The unit provides an intellectual understanding of the dynamics and leadership of change, and techniques for mapping out and addressing the challenges these create. It fosters an awareness of and ability to handle the emotions that change arouses in yourselves and others. Finally, it stimulates an ability to act intelligently in practice, to understand and influence change in uncertain, complex, demanding and often confronting situations.

The unit aims to achieve these objectives in the content, form of delivery and method of examination employed. It introduces students to an open, comprehensible, practical and reflective 5M Action Framework, using emotive and provoking images, films and simulations. Students create Learning Diaries and conduct Action Projects involving real-world action and reflection.

This subject is for students interested in self-reflection, increasing their ability to undertake crucial conversations and handle people in ambiguous, confronting and conflictual situations, and have aspirations for senior leadership. It is not recommended for students seeking ‘plug and play’ methodologies or middle management toolkit as they will find the content and methods disruptive and challenging.