Collaborative working is a bed rock of modern organisational effectiveness, underpinning critical areas such as team-work, alliances & partnerships, governance and innovation. Understanding how individuals act in groups and how groups act collectively is essential; to the contemporary manager. This module explores issues around the psychology and sociology of groups, as well as looking at more pragmatic and practical matters such as resolving conflict, negotiations, and managing stakeholders.

Issues may include, but not be limited to:
• Team dynamics and formation/evolution
• Tensions, conflicts and their resolution
• Innovation and collaboration
• Interpersonal skills for managing and leading
• Understanding stakeholders
• Negotiation skills

A group activity around a collaborative, conflict resolution, or negotiation task. (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3, 50%)

A reflective piece (1000 words) on participation in the group activity. (Learning outcomes 1 and 3, 50%)

Lewicki, R.J. 2015, Negotiation, 7th (International). edn, McGraw-Hill Education, New York.
Hornickel, J. 2014, Negotiating Success: Tips and Tools for Building Rapport and Dissolving Conflict While Still Getting What You Want, 1st edn, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, US.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities.
Module website
Professional Networking sites like LinkedIn
Institute of Directors

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF TEAMS AND GROUPS.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO APPLY APPROPRIATE CONCEPTS AND TOOLS AROUND COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITY TO THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE
Application
Analysis

3. COMMUNICATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND REFLECTION ON THE APPLICATION OF KEY THEORIES AND MODELS OF GROUP DYNAMICS AND INTERACTIONS, AND THE CHOICES ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. Communication
Reflection
Learning

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 78 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 222 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.