International Diploma in Administrative Management
by Institute of Administrative Management
& British University
ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES
SYLLABUS AIM
The aim of this unit is to provide a general introduction to the relevance of the systems approach for the design and conduct of administrative activity. It introduces candidates to the role that systems thinking can play in understanding the contribution administrative processes make to organisational effectiveness.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Discuss the reasons for and the characteristics and ethos of different types of organisations and explain the background to the nature and purpose of administrative processes which have influenced the development of administration within organisations.
Evaluate how the concepts, elements and properties of types of systems can be used to analyse and facilitate the efficient and effective performance of an organisation and its administrative operations.
Describe the role and function of procedures in meeting customer requirements, including types of procedure, their relationship to policy and the conduct of meetings.
Explain the role and purpose of different types of administrative systems in an organisation, and construct process maps of their principal processes and activities and describe the methods for improving their operation.
LEARNING SYLLABUS
The Organisation in Context
The role of organisations in the business environment
Organisational mission, aims and objectives
Types of organisation
New models of work organisation
Professional Administration and Systems
Role of administration and systems in the organisations
Nature of systems theory and concept of systems thinking
The systems approachs
The concept of control
Setting standards
Administrative Procedures
Role and function of procedures
Types of procedures
Policy formulation and procedure
Principal Administrative Functions
Role and purpose of administrative systemss
Types and elements of administrative systemss
Flow diagrams and process mapping
Business re-engineering (BPR) and work flow management
Service level agreements (SALs)
ASSESSMENT
This unit will be assessed by a three hour unseen written paper comprising two sections A and B. Section A will comprise eight compulsory short answer questions designed to test candidates’ knowledge and understanding of concepts and terminology. Section B will comprise a choice of two questions from four designed to assess the candidate’s appreciation of how the systems approach informs elements of administrative practice. A question will be set from each of the four areas of the Learning Syllabus.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will be expected to use the Institute’s Administrative Systems and Processes Study Guide, supported by recommended reading
Recommended Reading
Lucey, T 2004, Management Information Systems, 8 th edn, Thomson Learning[ISBN: 1844801268]
Further Reading
Alter, S 2002, Information Systems, Pearson Education. [ISBN: 0-13-043242-3]
Alter, S 2002, Management and Organisational Behaviour, , 7th edn, Thomson Learning [ISBN: 0-273-68876-6]
Boddy, D 2005, Management an Introduction , 3 rd edn, Prentice Hall[ISBN: 0-273-69586-X]
