This course introduces students to a broad range of current change literature and with the problems and key issues relating to managing change in organisations. Specifically, the course will focus on concepts, frameworks, and practical steps for managing organisational change. It will introduce students to a general model of planned change and the specific processes of planned change including contracting; diagnosing organisations, groups and jobs; collecting, analysing and feeding back diagnostic information; designing interventions; and leading and managing change. In addition, the course will focus on specific organisational development interventions at the human process, structure-team, and strategic/culture levels.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. identify issues and problems arising out of organisational change initiatives grounded in evidence-based management (EBM) approaches
2. critically discuss theories of planned change, including their relevant foundations, strengths and weaknesses
3. develop plans/options for implementation of effective change strategies based on a critical understanding of theories of planned change
4. recommend advice on organisational change based on the application of appropriate models and concepts to change issues at the organisational, group and individual levels
5. communicate both orally and in writing, either individually or in group settings, their critical understanding of organisational change theory and practice
6. propose theoretically-based solutions to likely problems that they may encounter in the work place
7. develop a portfolio of evidence (against various assessment items) of their understanding of organisational change.

Research-Led Teaching

This course takes an evidence-based approach to leading people and change, drawing on current research on organisational change. Teaching methods, activities, and assessments are grounded in pedagogical research and focus on helping students connect theory with real-world practice through applied learning and critical reflection.

Field Trips

There are no field trips.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs.

Required Resources

All required resources will be supplied.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Each week, recommended readings are provided in the reading list. These high-quality academic sources are strongly advised to support your understanding of course content and preparation for assessments.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on individual assessment tasks
• Generalised feedback posted to Canvas following marking of assessment tasks
• Verbal comments in seminars and consultation
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Publication of Final Results

The release of final grades may change before the end of the semester. The last return of assessment date (4th Dec 2025) provided in the Assessment Summary table is the latest expected. If results are released earlier, then the assessment item(s) will also be returned earlier.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Understanding Change	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
2	Understanding Change in Organisations	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
3	Understanding Stakeholders in Organisational Change	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
4	Understanding the Psychology of Change and Resistance	Readings will be provided on Canvas. Assessment task 1 due.
5	Diagnosing Change in Organisations	Readings will be provided on Canvas. Assessment 1 due.
6	Implementing Change in Organisations	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
7	Communicating Change in Organisations	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
8	The Politics of Organisational Change	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
9	Ethics and Social Responsibility in Organisational Change	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
10	Learning from Failure and Change	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
11	Change from the Margins	Readings will be provided on Canvas.
12	Team Presentations	Readings will be provided on Canvas. Assessment task 2 and 3 due.
13	Non-teaching Week	Assessment task 4 due.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

This course offering has no tutorials, with classes being held as weekly seminars using dual-delivery. In the event that seminars fall on a public holiday, a recorded lecture will be uploaded via Echo onto Canvas to ensure no loss of learning momentum or venue rescheduling is required.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Individual Video Reflection (Individual - 20%)	20 %	22/08/2025	29/08/2025	1, 2, 5
Team Presentation (Group - 30%)	30 %	*	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Individual Stakeholder Response (Individual - 10%)	10 %	*	*	1, 4, 5, 6
Individual Essay (Individual - 40%)	40 %	31/10/2025	04/12/2025	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at all classes while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Knowledge gained through in class activities will assist students in preparing for assessment items.

Assessment 2 requires all group members to contribute to their assessment. In instances where group members do not contribute equally, individual marks may be adjusted to reflect contribution in consultation with the lecturer.

Please note that failure to submit any one item will not trigger a FAIL grade, but it is advised that it is difficult hard to achieve a Pass grade in the course unless all assessment items are attempted and submitted.

Assessment Task 1

Individual Video Reflection (Individual - 20%)

In this assessment, you will produce a 10-minute video (max. length) reflecting on a personal experience of change. You will connect this experience to key organisational change concepts introduced in the course. The goal is to encourage critical reflection on how individuals engage with change and to deepen your understanding by applying theory to lived experience.

You may present your reflection in any format that suits your style and story. This could include, but is not limited to: 

• Speaking directly to the camera (self-tape style)
• Using images, animation, drawings, text, or other visual storytelling elements
• A mix of media (e.g., narrated visuals, filmed monologue, annotated sequences). 

Submission: Please submit the video and reference list on Canvas by the published due date and time.

Time limits:  Any portion in excess of the 10-minute time limit will not be watched and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• The use of AI voice generators is prohibited for this task. 

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided one week after submission. 

Assessment Task 2

Team Presentation (Group - 30%)

Your team will deliver a professional presentation (20 minutes max. length + Q&A) based on a real-world organisation depicted in a case study. The organisation is undergoing substantial change, and your task is to identify a crucial issue or opportunity and propose a targeted, actionable intervention to address it.

Your presentation must communicate a clear diagnosis of the issue, outline a realistic and theoretically grounded intervention, explain how you will manage responses to the change, and describe an effective communication strategy. You should also consider the ethical dimensions of your proposal.

This is a simulation of a real organisational consultation. As such, you are expected to engage critically and persuasively with the audience, including responding effectively to stakeholder questions posed by classmates acting in role.

You will have an opportunity to form teams early in the semester. Marks will be awarded for individual contributions towards the team deliverable. Further information about the requirements for this will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1. Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy).

Submission: Please submit your presentation materials and reference list on Canvas 24 hours before your presentation. 

Time limits: Any portion in excess of the 20-minute time limit will not be marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1. There will be marks allocated for both individual contributions and the ability to demonstrate effective teamwork.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• The use of AI voice generators is prohibited for this task. 

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided two weeks after submission. 

Assessment Task 3

Individual Stakeholder Response (Individual - 10%)

This assessment simulates a real-world change consultation process commonly used in Australian organisations. You will take on the role of a specific stakeholder affected by a proposed organisational change (presented by a peer group), and respond through two components:

1. In-class: Pose a role-informed, evidence-based question during the live presentation.
2. Written: Submit a 500-word (max) stakeholder response memo to the change leadership team.

This task builds professional skills in stakeholder analysis, active listening, and the application of change and power theory to complex, real-life scenarios.

 

Submission: Part A (in-class) will be submitted during presentations in class. Part B (written) will be submitted one week after the presentations on Canvas by the published due date and time.

Word limits: Any portion in excess of the 500-word limit will not be read and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• The use of AI voice generators is prohibited for this task. 

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided two weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 4

Individual Essay (Individual - 40%)

This assessment invites you to critically examine a change management tool introduced in the course. You will analyse how the tool operates in practice and consider the kinds of assumptions, priorities, and power dynamics it reflects or reinforces in organisational settings.

Your analysis should explore both the strengths and limitations of the tool, drawing on relevant theory, case material, and your own critical perspective. You are encouraged to consider how the tool shapes what is seen, valued, or excluded in change processes.

Alongside your critique, you will offer practical recommendations for how the tool might be used more thoughtfully, adapted to specific contexts, or supported by complementary approaches. The aim is to engage seriously with the role of tools in framing how change is understood and enacted.

Submission: Friday, the first week of the examination period on Canvas by the published due date and time.

Word limits: Any portion in excess of the 2,000-word limit will not be read and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided with the release of final results.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Requests for Assessment Adjustment (Assessment Extension and Extenuating Circumstances Application) should be submitted via ANUHub.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided either:

• on the assessment tasks themselves;
• in class;
• in person by appointment with the course lecturer; and/or
• via the course Canvas site - including generalised feedback on the major assessment tasks.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students