Reflecting on a completed module: Managing Systemic Change

What was the module? TU812

Module dates: October18 - April19

Why did I choose it?

This was the module title which caught my attention at a time when I had the desire to do more learning.  The desire was just that - I had some time and was aware that I hadn't invested time recently in my own development and had been looking around to see what was available.  I hadn't particularly been looking for an academic qualification but have always been interested in understand how to make change sustainable.

Was it what I expected?

No! Mainly because my understanding of what change was and how to manage it (very much top down) was so fundamentally different to that taught in the module.

What did I think?

Loved it - totally engaged in spite of finding many of the concepts challenging and difficult to understand.
More importantly it has fundamentally changed how I approach situations and how I, as an individual, engage with those situations.  I have become more comfortable dealing with uncertainty and emergent change.

Reflecting on a completed module: Management Beyond the Mainstream

What was the module? BB847

Module dates:  Nov18-Mar19

Why did I choose it?

At the most basic level, having decided to study for an MSc it was one of the modules offered with would count towards the qualification.  And at a generic level I was interested in studying management / leadership as its been some years since I studied anything in this area so was interested in updating my thinking and understanding how the practice had developed.

Was it what I expected?

All the material was new to me and therefore expanded my knowledge base.  There was more material on management and leadership in third sector/ public sector situations which, while less directly applicable to my work situations, really opened my eyes to the reality of working in that environment.
I found the TMAs challenging as the focus was very much on 'apply the theory to a situation' rather than 'improve a situation using your knowledge' ie academic with a very restricted focus on the specific course material rather than a practical application leading to improvement in real life.

What did I think?

I could never really get my head round why it was called 'beyond the mainstream' as much of the material was very relevant to current work situations which, for me, are mainstream.  However, in the introduction to the the last unit there was mention that all the material was appropriate for use in situations of uncertainty.  Perhaps a more appropriate title for the module would have been 'Management in uncertain situations'