BSc 39 MC Brona Russel Exam 15
SEMESTER I EXAMINATION – 2012
Academic Year 2011/2012
Bachelor of Science (Singapore) BSc 39 Part Time
BMGT2001S
Managing Change
Professor John Benson
Professor Brian Fynes
Dr. Brona Russell *
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Instructions for Candidates
Answer three (3) questions.
All questions carry equal marks.
1. Change can occur as a process of gradual adjustment (gradualist paradigm) or as a discontinuous process (often called punctuated equilibrium). What are the main differences between the two types of change? Use examples from your own experience to support points made. (50 marks)
And
Most organizations, if they survive long enough, experience change as a pattern of punctuated equilibrium (discontinuous). Explain why this is so. (50 marks)
2. What are the main characteristics of an organization according to Open Systems Theory? (50 marks)
And
Explain why these characteristics make it possible for the organization to survive and prosper, in spite of the challenges it might face from within the organization and from the external environment. (50 marks)
3. You are a change agent and you have been asked to diagnose the problems in an organization. What are the main areas that you will need to analyse in order to make an assessment of the organisation’s internal and external problems? In your answer you should draw on your knowledge of at least one of the diagnostic models covered on the course to justify your choice of areas. (Change agent and models)
4. One of the key tasks for the change agent is to collect data relating to the problems facing the organization, both internal and external. Describe the main methods a change agent might use to collect data and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
5. Stakeholders have the power to facilitate or hinder the change process. Describe how the change agent can assess the relative power of the stakeholders and how, in the context of organizational change, the change
Academic Year 2011/2012
Bachelor of Science (Singapore) BSc 39 Part Time
BMGT2001S
Managing Change
Professor John Benson
Professor Brian Fynes
Dr. Brona Russell *
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Instructions for Candidates
Answer three (3) questions.
All questions carry equal marks.
1. Change can occur as a process of gradual adjustment (gradualist paradigm) or as a discontinuous process (often called punctuated equilibrium). What are the main differences between the two types of change? Use examples from your own experience to support points made. (50 marks)
And
Most organizations, if they survive long enough, experience change as a pattern of punctuated equilibrium (discontinuous). Explain why this is so. (50 marks)
2. What are the main characteristics of an organization according to Open Systems Theory? (50 marks)
And
Explain why these characteristics make it possible for the organization to survive and prosper, in spite of the challenges it might face from within the organization and from the external environment. (50 marks)
3. You are a change agent and you have been asked to diagnose the problems in an organization. What are the main areas that you will need to analyse in order to make an assessment of the organisation’s internal and external problems? In your answer you should draw on your knowledge of at least one of the diagnostic models covered on the course to justify your choice of areas. (Change agent and models)
4. One of the key tasks for the change agent is to collect data relating to the problems facing the organization, both internal and external. Describe the main methods a change agent might use to collect data and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
5. Stakeholders have the power to facilitate or hinder the change process. Describe how the change agent can assess the relative power of the stakeholders and how, in the context of organizational change, the change