HIVK03032U Cph: Knowledge and Information in Organizations - Elective and constituent C

Volume 2014/2015
Education
Master's Degree Programme in Information Science and Cultural Communication, Copenhagen
Content

Knowledge and information processes are closely connected to structures, processes and the culture in the organizations in which they take place. But organizations also share and produce knowledge between organizations, sectors and businesses. The course revolves around three integrated themes:

1) Organizational theory. This theme discusses contemporary and classic organizational theory. The conceptual basis and epistemological perspectives of organizational theory are introduced and case studies will be used in order to discuss selected theories and their use.

2) Knowledge processes in organizations. This theme has its focus on practice theoretical approaches to the study of information, knowledge and learning processes in organizations. The concepts “knowledge practices” and “information practices” is presented, and both the analytical and methodological considerations related to studying knowledge and information practices in organizations will be discussed.

3) Learning and competence development. This theme take a closer look at different approaches to organizational learning and competence development related to recent trends and developments within society and organizational studies.

Learning Outcome

The objective of the module is to provide the student with:

Knowledge and understanding of:

  • Organisational structure, culture and processes.
  • The scientific-historical and epistemological background of organisational concepts and theories.
  • The interplay between organisations and their cultural and institutional surroundings, as well as organisations' complex interaction with users and stakeholders.

 

Skills in:

  • Describing selected theories, methods and traditions within the organisational theoretical field.
  • Analysing knowledge and information practices in and between organisations.

 

Competences in:

  • Discussing organisation-theoretical concepts and theories ind scientific-historical and epistemological contexts.
  • Contributing to the development of strategies and plans for action concerning an organisation's knowledge and information practice.
  • Analysing knowledge processes, including knowledge management and sharing, both externally and internally.

 Sample literature:

  • Gherardi, S. (2006). Organizational knowledge: the texture of workplace learning. Blackwell Publishing.
  • Hatch, M.J. & Cunliffe, A. (2012). Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives. Oxford University Press.
  • Justesen, L. & Mik Meyer, N. (2012). Qualitative Research Methods in Organisation Studies. Hans Reitzels Forlag.
  • Nicolini, D. (2012). Practice Theory, Work, and Organization. Oxford University Press.
Lectures, student presentations, case-studies/field trips, discussions, group work and workshops.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 45
  • Exam
  • 120
  • Preparation
  • 245,8
  • Total
  • 410,8
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Exam language: English
Extent: 20 standard pages. Extent for group exams: See the following.
Group exam: The exam can be taken individually or as a group with individual assessment. For two students the assignment must be up to 30 standard pages, for three up to 40 standard pages, for four up to 50 standard pages and for five up to 60 standard pages. Each individual’s contribution must constitute a rounded unit that it is possible to identify individually and assess. The joint element must not exceed 50% of the total extent of the assignment.
The student's ability to spell and express himself/herself is included in the overall assessment with a weighting of 10 %.
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period
May / June 2015
Re-exam
Re-examination form is the same as for the ordinary examination in August 2015