Understanding organisational context - Claire Capon

Based on the belief that organisational context is best understood by first examining the external environment, this introduction to the subject provides the student with a holistic learning experience - combining taught and self-managed elements. The methodological approach fully integrates the acquisition of knowledge with the development of practical, transferable skills. The text is suitable for students taking a level 1 unit on Business Studies courses, such as BA Business Studies and HND Business Studies, and those studying business as part of a degree course.First, the text analyses the external environment and the transactional dependencies between each organisation and its own particular environment. It then examines the elements of the internal environment, resources, structure and culture, and the functions common to all organisations. Always the link is made to the external environment, via the text, case studies and questions. Finally, in the same manner, the methods that organisations may employ for analysing and managing change are examined.;The book concludes by commenting on the implications of change in the external environment for the future development of organisations and the sectors in which they operate.Features of the text An organisational context diagram at the beginning of every chapter allows students to locate each element of study in the overall environmental model. Learning outcomes for all chapters enable students to assess their own progress. The text is illustrated throughout with relevant, contemporary case studies. Questions accompany the ethical and exit case studies.. Each chapter includes assignment questions and short answer questions. Suggested approaches and/or responses to all the questions are given in the accompanying Lecturer's Guide. About the authorClaire Capon is a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management in the School of Business and Finance at Sheffield Hallam University. She previously worked at Huddersfield Polytechnic and UMIST as a researcher in the areas of strategic management and the use of design by SMEs.