Module: Managing Organisational Learning & Knowledge

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Managing Organisational Learning & Knowledge
Module Code	MNA1080 (ITS: HR558)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The importance of knowledge circulation and learning to individual and organisational agility, adaptability and success is well recognised.The aim of this module is to explore the multifaceted and complex concepts and processes of learning and knowledge circulation at individual and organisational level. The module will explore enablers and barriers to these processes. The module will adopt an evidence based approach to identifying effective learning and knowledge sharing interventions. This module explores the competitive advantages obtainable through continuous learning and knowledge sharing cultures and practices.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the concepts of knowledge and learning
2. Evaluate the perspectives and theories on learning
3. Analyse learning at the individual, collective, social and organizational levels
4. Critically analyse the organizational learning versus knowledge management perspectives on learning
5. Understand the tacit knowledge problem
6. Identify the evidence for learning and knowledge based initiatives
7. Analyse the competitive advantages for organisations of organisational learning and knowledge management
8. Operate as an evidence based practitioner

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	30	Reading
Assessment Feedback	30	Preparation and write up of group assignment
Assignment Completion	31	Preparation for, and delivery of individual assignment 2
Assignment Completion	10	Preparation and write up of individual assignment 1
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11079	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Kennedy	Module Teacher	Claire Gubbins

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Individual Assignment 1	20%	Week 2
Assignment	Individual Assignment 2	50%	Week 7
Group assignment	Group Project	30%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Definitions and meanings of knowledge and organisational learning

Learning, training and development

The nature of learning at individual, group and organizational levels

Organisational Learning versus Knowledge Management perspectives

Evidence for learning and knowledge based initiatives

Competitive advantages of organisational learning and knowledge management

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Pedler, M. & Aspinall, K.: 1998, A Concise Guide to the Learning Organisation, Lemon & Crane., London,
Evans, C.: 2003, Managing for Knowledge. HR's Strategic Role., Butterworth Heinemann, London,
McKenzie, J. & van Winklen, C.: 2004, Understanding the Knowledgeable Organization, Thomson, London,
Reid, M., Barrington, H. and Brown, M.: 2004, Human Resource Development: Beyond Training Inverventions, CIPD, London,
Easterby-Smith, M. & Lyles, M.A.: 2005, The Blackwell Handbook of Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management, Wiley Blackwell,
Ichijo, K. and Nonaka, I.: 2006, Knowledge Creation and management: New challenges for managers, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Sadler- Smith, E.: 2012, Learning and Development for Managers, Blackwell,
Rousseau, D.M.: 2014, The Oxford Handbook of Evidence Based Management, Oxford,
Easterby-Smith, M. & Lyles, M.: 2005, The Blackwell handbook of organizational learning and knowledge management, Blackwell,
Rocco, T.S., Poell, R.F., Roth, G.: 2015, The Routledge Companion to Human Resource Development, Thomson Learning,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None