Organizations Theory, Structure & Design Course | IIT Roorkee Prof. Usha Lenka
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 433 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Management Studies, Human Resource Management |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Blueprint of Business: A Deep Dive into Organizations Theory, Structure and Design
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the fundamental architecture of organizations is not just an academic exercise—it's a critical competitive advantage. How a company is structured and designed dictates its agility, innovation capacity, and ultimately, its success. The postgraduate course Organizations Theory, Structure and Design, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, provides a masterclass in this essential domain.
Led by the distinguished Prof. Usha Lenka from the Department of Management Studies, this 8-week program distills complex theories into actionable insights for modern managers, leaders, and aspiring executives.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Usha Lenka
Bringing a wealth of experience and academic rigor, Prof. Usha Lenka is a leading authority in Human Resource Management and Organizational Studies. With a PhD from IIT Kharagpur and prior tenure at BITS Pilani, her expertise is grounded in both deep research and practical application. She has extensively taught MBA and Executive MBA students, including guest lectures at IIMs, and has served as a consultant and trainer for senior executives at major corporations like Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL). Her specialization in areas like Change Management, Organizational Development, and Knowledge Management ensures the course content is both theoretically sound and practically relevant.
Who Should Enroll and Why?
This course is meticulously designed for a broad audience seeking to decode organizational complexities.
- Intended Audience: All Graduates, Post Graduates, and PhD scholars, especially those in management, administration, or leadership roles.
- Prerequisites: None. The course is accessible to any graduate, building knowledge from the ground up.
- Industry Support: Universally valued. The principles taught apply to all companies, irrespective of industry—from tech startups and manufacturing giants to non-profits and government agencies.
In a dynamic environment, organizations must adapt unique designs and structures, adopt innovative business models, and remain responsive to stakeholders and society. This course provides the conceptual and analytical toolkit to make that happen.
Course Layout: An 8-Week Journey into Organizational Mastery
The course is structured to take learners from foundational concepts to advanced applications, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction & Evolution: Fundamental definitions, systems perspective, and the evolution of theory from Taylor's Scientific Management to contemporary views like Pfeffer's Organizations as Political Arena. |
| Week 2 | Effectiveness & Structure: Deep dive into approaches to organizational effectiveness and the key dimensions of structure: Complexity and Formalization. |
| Week 3 | Determinants of Structure I: How Strategy (Chandler's thesis, contemporary theory) and Organization Size shape structural choices. |
| Week 4 | Determinants of Structure II: The impact of Technology, Environment (uncertainty), and Power-Control dynamics on organizational design. |
| Week 5 | Organizational Design Options: Exploring standard configurations like Simple Structure, Machine Bureaucracy, and a closer look at the principles and dysfunctions of Bureaucracy. |
| Week 6 | Modern Structural Forms: Continuation of bureaucracy analysis and an in-depth study of Adhocracy, including Matrix, Theory Z, Network, and Collateral structures. |
| Week 7 | Contemporary Applications I: Practical strategies for Managing the Environment, leading Organizational Change, and understanding Organizational Conflict. |
| Week 8 | Contemporary Applications II: Conflict resolution, managing Organizational Culture (creation, transmission, mergers), and steering Organizational Evolution through growth and decline. |
Essential Reading and Reference Materials
The course curriculum is supported by a robust reading list from seminal authors in the field, ensuring learners engage with both classic and contemporary thought leadership.
- Organization Theory: Structure, Design and Applications by Stephen P. Robbins
- Organizational Theory, Design and Change by Gareth R. Jones
- Understanding the Theory & Design of Organizations by Richard L. Daft
- Organization Structure and Design by Mirza Saiyadain & Poornima Gupta
- The Modern Firm by John Roberts
- Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar Schein
Why This Course is Essential for Your Professional Growth
This course moves beyond abstract theory. It equips you with a framework to:
- Diagnose structural strengths and weaknesses in any organization.
- Design structures that align with strategy, technology, and environmental demands.
- Lead Change effectively by understanding the levers of culture, conflict, and evolution.
- Make Informed Decisions on organizational design that enhance agility, innovation, and stakeholder value.
Whether you aim to lead a team, consult for businesses, or drive organizational transformation, Organizations Theory, Structure and Design provides the critical knowledge base to think and act like a strategic architect of the modern enterprise. Enroll to build the foundational expertise that distinguishes a manager from a visionary leader.
Enroll Now →