This module will analyse the link between collaborative working and organisational performance, underpinning critical areas such as teamwork, alliances & partnerships, problem-solving and resolution of conflict and disputes.

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 both internal and external to the organisation.

Content covered:
Team dynamics and formation/evolution
Tensions, conflicts, and their resolution
Innovation and collaboration
Interpersonal skills for managing and leading within groups
Understanding and managing stakeholders
Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
Negotiation and influencing skills

It is also designed to cover the following sections of the Apprenticeship Standard for Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship:

Developing Collaborative Relationships:
Approaches to stakeholder, customer and supplier management, developing engagement, facilitating cross functional working and negotiation.
How to shape common purpose, as well as approaches to conflict management and dispute resolution
Build rapport and trust, develop networks and maintain relationships with people from a range of cultures, backgrounds and levels
Contribute within a team environment
Effectively influence and negotiate, being able to have challenging conversations and give constructive feedback
Work collaboratively with internal and external customers and suppliers

Professional Discussion:
Through discussions about real organisational situations you have been involved in, the professional discussion will ascertain your understanding of approaches to stakeholder, customer and supplier management, how you develop engagement with these groups, how you facilitate cross functional working and how you use influence and negotiation to achieve a successful outcome for all. You will also demonstrate your understanding of shaping a common purpose with a group of stakeholders who have conflicting priorities and will explain your approaches to conflict management and dispute resolution (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)

Evidence Portfolio:
Your evidence portfolio will showcase evidence of the organisational situations discussed in the professional discussion. (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)

Scheduled learning and teaching activities. 32 hours

To consist of:
Face-to-face which will include group work, formal teaching, case study analysis, guest speakers and students will be encouraged to share their workplace experiences with others
On-line live webinars to take the form of tutorials involving opportunities for group discussion and presentation, flipped-classroom opportunities, further group work and case study analysis

Guided independent study: 168 hours

To consist of:
Accessing additional on-line content such as videos and presentations
Independent reading to consolidate knowledge gained in the formal teaching
Undertaking formative tasks set by the tutor to consolidate learning
Assessment preparation and writing and gathering evidence
Portfolio building

1. Understand approaches to stakeholder, customer, and supplier management, engagement development and make sound judgements in relation to your own organisational context - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING

2. Evaluate and interpret appropriate concepts and tools around collaborative activity to the application of internal and external cross-functional working in your organisation - ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS

3. Evaluate the appropriateness of conflict management and dispute resolution techniques using influence and negotiation, and be able to apply these in a real life working environment. - PROBLEM-SOLVING, REFLECTION, APPLICATION, COMMUNICATION

Chartered Management Institute: https://www.managers.org.uk/
Workplace Psychology: https://workplacepsychology.net/
Neurolinguistic Programming: https://www.nlpacademy.co.uk/what_is_nlp/

Buchanan, A, Huczynski, A (2019), Organisational Behaviour, Pearson (eBook)
Freeman, E (2010), Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach, Cambridge University Press
Binder, J (2007), Global Project Management: Communication, Collaboration and Management across Borders, Gower (eBook)
Lewicki, R.J. 2015, Negotiation, 7th (International). edn, McGraw-Hill Education, New York.
Bourne, L (2009) Stakeholder Relationship Management: a maturity model for organisational implementation, Gower
Xenikou, A, Furnham, A (2013) Group dynamics and organisational culture: effective work groups and organisations, Palgrave McMillan

The module is only open to those enrolled on the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme or the BA (Hons) Professional Management

This module will analyse the link between collaborative working and organisational performance, underpinning critical areas such as teamwork, alliances & partnerships, problem-solving and resolution of conflict and disputes. 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 both internal and external to the organisation.