Omp Lecture Outline

The University of Nottingham

BUSINESS SCHOOL

A LEVEL 2 MODULE, SPRING SEMESTER 2009-10

ORGANISING AND MANAGING IN PRACTICE

Time allowed TWO hours

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Candidates must NOT start writing their answers until told to do so

Answer TWO Questions

All questions carry equal marks

Where appropriate support your answers with examples that you are familiar with, be it a company, industry sector or country

Dictionaries are not allowed with one exception. Those whose first language is not English may use a standard translation dictionary to translate between that language and English provided that neither language is the subject of this examination. Subject specific translation dictionaries are not permitted.

No electronic devices capable of storing and retrieving text, including electronic dictionaries, may be used.

DO NOT turn examination paper over until instructed to do so

1. With reference to Pragmatist principles for evaluating knowledge, explain what you believe organisation and management theories have got to offer practising managers?

2. Explain what is meant by the claim that a central part of a manager’s work involves their manipulating the implicit contract that exists between the organisation and organisational members.

3. Discuss the relationship between the pressures of organisational contingencies and the choices made in practice by strategic managers in the structural and cultural shaping of organisations.

4. How would you explain the pattern of findings produced by research that has been carried out in organisations on the actual practices in which managers engage?

5. ‘Analysing the culture of an organisation is not easy. But it is possible. And it is something that every manager has to do’. Critically discuss this statement.

6. To what extent do you think it is helpful, from a practical managerial point of view, to appreciate that strategic management is a...