Master of Management Studies (M.M.S) Organization Theory Structure and Design Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

Course objectives

• 1 To introduce foundational concepts and theories underlying organizational structures and designs.
• 2 To enable critical analysis of various organizational structures and their impacts on business performance.
• 3 To develop skills in evaluating and designing effective organizational processes and systems.
• 4 To cultivate understanding of contemporary trends in organizational theory, including agile and flat structures.
• 5 To foster practical insights into managing organizational change and structural realignment.

Course outcomes

• CO1: To understand the fundamental principles, theories, and models of organizational design and structure.
• CO2: To analyze and apply organizational design theories to create effective and efficient organizational structures.
• CO3: To evaluate the impact of different organizational structures on business performance, strategy, and HR practices.
• CO4: To analyse the influence of technology, culture, and external environments on organizational design and structure.
• CO5: To create and implement organizational structures that align with strategic objectives and enhance organizational performance.

Unit 1 CO1 · 2 hours

Introduction to Organization Design and Structure • Key concepts in organizational design and structure • Relationship between organizational structure, performance, and strategy • Role of organization design in HR practices • Introduction to Classical and Modern Organizational Design Theories

Unit 2 CO1 · 3 hours

Theoretical Foundations of Organization Design • Classical organizational theory: Taylor, Weber, and Fayol • Neoclassical theories: Human Relations, Contingency Theory • Modern organizational theories: Systems Theory, Chaos Theory • Debate on the relevance of Classical vs. Modern theories • Application of these theories in current organizational settings

Unit 3 CO1, CO3 · 3 hours

Organizational Structure Fundamentals and Types • Types of organizational structures: Functional, Divisional, Matrix, Virtual, Ad hoc and Network Structures • Design of Organizational Structures: Key considerations and strategic alignment • Relationship between Organizational Structure and HR Functions • Comparative Analysis of Structure Types and their Impact on Organizational Outcomes

Unit 4 CO3 · 3 hours

Strategic Alignment of Organization Structure • Mintzberg’s Configurations of Organizational Structures • Chandler’s Strategy-Structure Relationship • Organizational Design and Structural Transformations in National and International Contexts • Role of HR to align Organizational Structure with Organizational Strategy

Unit 5 CO3 · 4 hours

Organizational Design and Performance • Linking Organizational Design with Organizational Performance • Continuous Improvement through Organizational Design • Impact of Design on Innovation, Productivity, and Employee Engagement • Role of HR in improving Organizational Design and Performance

Unit 6 CO4 · 3 hours

Technology and Organizational Design • Role of Technology in shaping Organizational Design • Impact of Digital Transformation, AI, and Automation on Organizational Structures • Rise of Platform-based Organizations and Remote Work Models • Influence of Technology on HR Processes and Structures • Future Trends in Technology - driven Organizational Design

Unit 7 CO4 · 3 hours

The Role of Organizational Culture in Design • Role of Culture in Organizational Design Decisions • Aligning Organizational Culture with Structure and Strategic Objectives • Schein’s Culture Model and Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture • Shaping Organizational Culture to support Business and HR Objectives

Unit 8 CO2, CO4 · 4 hours

Managing Organizational Change and Structural Adaptation • Types of Organizational Change: Transformational Vs. Incremental • Managing Resistance to Change in the context of Organizational Design • Models of Organizational Change: Lewin’s Change Model, Kotter’s 8-step process, ADKAR • Importance of Organizational Agility in adapting Organizational Design to changing Environments

Unit 9 CO2 · 2 hours

Leadership, Power, and Decision-Making in Organizational Design • Impact of Leadership Styles on Organizational Structure and Design • Role of Power, Politics, and Authority in shaping Structures • Interplay between Leadership, Decision- Making, and Organizational Design

Unit 10 CO3, CO4 · 3 hours

Contemporary Trends in Organizational Design • Agile Organizations and Holacracy • Gig economy and its impact on Organizational Structures • Trends in Remote Work, Virtual Teams, and Decentralized Structures • AI-driven Organizational Structures and Technology-Enabled Design • Future challenges and opportunities in Organizational Design

Textbooks

• 1 Gareth R. Jones - Organizational Theory, Design, and Change
• 2 Richard L. Daft and Nishant Uppal - Understanding the Theory and Design of Organizations, 11th Edition
• 3 Stephen P. Robbins & Timothy A. Judge - Organizational Behavior
• 4 Jay R. Galbraith - Strategic Organizational Design
• 5 Kates, A., & Galbraith, J.R. - Designing Your Organization: Using the Star Model to Solve 5 Critical Design Challenges

Reference Books

• 1 Organization Development and Change by Thomas G. Cummings & Christopher G. Worley
• 2 The Theory and Practice of Change Management by John Hayes