Managing and Developing People and Teams in Education, Training and Professional Contexts

Managing and Developing People and Teams in Education, Training and Professional Contexts

DHJ 1820

This case study is to identify whether a Change in Manager can affect the way in which a Team works

Abstract

The subject college is a general further education (FE) college which was formed by the merger of 2 colleges, one coast and one market town, in March 2002. Some 65% of the college's activity takes place at these two centres. There are smaller sites in two other locations. In addition, a programme of courses is taught at 34 venues within other market towns and villages in the county. The college draws its students from a wide variety of backgrounds, including three main urban areas, and the dispersed rural and seaside communities of the from the same county and the neighbouring one. It provides courses in most vocational areas.

Information on my areaÐ'...Ð'...Ð'...Type a few lines on the background of my actual group ie age type of learners when they start why they start why they don't attend school etcÐ'...Ð'... emotional needs.

The green paper 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards (February 2002) highlighted the Government's strategy for the education of 14-19 children and young people. The 14-16 curriculum offers flexibility to young people to enable them to tailor their learning to their needs and aptitudes and they can now develop at a pace consistent with their abilities. The main aim of the DfES is to help young people in alternative provision to fulfil their potential and enable them to take appropriate exams or achieve national accreditation.

Where I fit in the organisationÐ'...Ð'...Ð'.....

Ð'* explain your role ie what I am employed to do with the kids, with outside agencies, within the organisation,

Ð'* how I am supported (supposed to happen)

Ð'* this para should complete the picture given at the beginning of para 2

Where I included the current position of the organisation (peter putting them all in mainstream) Ð'- and some background to the team ie team composition

Effects league tables.

Brief description of where I work , the environment in which I operate

Ð'* see mission statement and any resent govermenet legislation

The context of this assignment will assess the feelings and beliefs experienced by team members in maintaining a focus on what is required of them. It will measure the impact that this change experience has had and its varying aspects affecting team roles, as informed by theoretical and professionally associated literature. It will evaluate individual and team behaviours of the leader and the team members. The aim of the study will be developmental for the team/organisation as well as my self.

Significant Event

The instance of working in a team to be analysed is the result of a change in the management structure which resulted in a different line manger taking responsibility for this area of provision. Prior to the restructuring this provision was part of a cross college sector covering key and basic skills which was managed by a sector head based at a site 25 miles away. This sector manager (manager A) took full responsibility for staffing resources and strategic planning, the manager also made regular visits to this site during which she would meet both staff and students. A second manager based at this site (manager B) took responsibility for day to day management for the provision. This included general advice, support to staff and students, dealing with behaviour, attendance and disciplinary issues and liaison with outside agencies.

Following the restructuring a third manager (manager C) became responsible for foundation programmes which includes this provision. This manager is based at the distant site and has taken over both the roles previously performed by managers A an B. In practice all of the day to day duties described above have become the responsibility of the course tutor. The manager has not made regular visits unless the course tutor has requested a visit for a specific purpose. Contact between the manager C and course tutor is mainly by e-mail.

Other individuals that have been affected by the change are Learning Support Assistants (LSA) who work regularly with the group, and the learners themselves. The relationship between the organisation and outside agencies has also been affected as manager C is the main point of contact between the two bodies.

i Methodology

The researcher intends to examine the roles of managers A, B and C before the restructure of the organisation then the researcher will consider the impact of the changes made by restructuring on the organisation, the team and learners.

Throughout the analysis and evaluation, relevant appropriate theories will be consulted and measured in conjunction with behaviours and beliefs, to determine factors within the team representing both the team assumptions and beliefs in individual and team goals.

Research will include a range of references sourced from publications, the internet, literature produced by the organisation and views and opinions of team members including those of the author.

In order to analyse and evaluate this case study the researcher intends to firstly, examine what leadership is before discussing how it impacts upon the organisation and its employees. This will then be applied to the three leaders (A, B and C). Next, how teams operate and communicate with one another will be considered and applied to this scenario along with relevant theoretical literature.

Ii Case Study Analysis an Evaluation

In measuring and analysing the behaviour of the leader it is significant to say that leadership approach can impact upon the team and ultimately upon the organisation. Leaders are people, who are able to express themselves fully, says Warren Bennis. 'They also know what they want', he continues, 'why they want it, and how to communicate what they want to others, in order to gain their co-operation and support.' Lastly, Ð''they know how to achieve their goals' (Bennis ,W 1998: page 3). Essential to the role of successful leadership is the ability to motivate and inspire

According to a study