Main Content
Syllabus
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.
WFED 578: Process Consultation in Organization Development
(3 credits) This course provides a foundation in process consultation. Process refers to how groups interact and how people get along.
Overview | Objectives | Materials | Library Resources | E-Reserves | Software | Technical Requirements | Expectations | Assignments | Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies
Overview
This course focuses on process consultation, defined by Edgar Schein (1999) as “a set of activities on the part of the consultant that help the client to perceive, understand, and act upon the process events that occur in the client's environment in order to improve the situation as defined by the client” (p. 11). Process, of course, refers to how groups interact and how people get along. It is distinct from content, which refers to what people do.
Process consultation is an important technology for HRD practitioners involved in OD.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to do the following:
- Define process, process consultation, and other key terms associated with process consultation.
- Describe theories of the consultant's role.
- Discuss key issues associated with human processes in organizations.
- Summarize issues associated with communication and how they affect process.
- Describe important issues in the process of building and maintaining a group.
- Discuss task and group maintenance functions.
- Describe how problem solving, decision-making, group growth, group norms, leadership, and other relevant issues influence the process.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
E-Reserves
This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in your course navigation, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and search for your instructor's last name.
Software
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Technology and Software page.
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Expectations
- Weekly individual assignments
- Mandatory individual weekly assignments based on the required readings are designed to reinforce needs assessment concepts, help you to master and apply them, and support your continuing development. There are individual assignments for each lesson in the course. Individual assignments include introductory activities at the beginning of the course (required and ungraded) and a variety of other activities.
- Self-regulated learning
- You are expected to read the assigned readings, participate in discussion, finish assignments, and build competency throughout this course. Late submissions and passive participation are not acceptable, and communication with your instructor is key to success in this class.
- Individual assignments
- There are 1,000 points allotted for the course assignments, of which the points are based on individual submissions and blog reflections. For the 1,000 points, 55% are earned through submission of completed lesson activities, 9% for the blog reflections, and 36% for completion of midterm and final exam.
The section in the Course Syllabus on course grades specifies the corresponding point values for assignments. - Specific learning outcomes
- Specific learning outcomes are incorporated into the design of each lesson. However, the educational benefit of this course is to be gained through completion of assignments and reflection on how needs assessment concepts and techniques may be applied to your work environment and career goals.
- Communication
- There are two primary communication tools in this course. General announcements to the entire class will be made through the course announcements, and assignment feedback will be sent by the instructor through the Canvas assignment or the Canvas Inbox.
Assignments
Important: It's important to begin your lessons early in the week (Wednesday) in order to support dialogue in the discussion forums. Be sure to check back to add comments and read your classmates' posts throughout the week.
Below are the descriptions of some of the assignments in the course.
Research-Based Article Abstract
You will prepare an abstract of a research article that is related to the focus of a particular type of needs assessment or identification of performance problems. A research-based article summarizes the results of qualitative or quantitative research and reflects a systematic investigation of a topic. It must emphasize the following: A research article is not based entirely on the author’s own opinion. To complete this assignment, you will select an article from the articles provided on assessment or identification of performance problems from such sources as Organization Development Journal, Leadership and Organizational Change, The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Group and Organization Studies, Organization Dynamics, Training, Performance Improvement Quarterly, or other relevant journals. Be sure that the article you select is based on research.
Begin each abstract with a complete bibliographic citation (using the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association). After the bibliographic citation, describe the research problem or issue that was investigated, the research questions or objectives (if reported), the methodology used, the approach to sampling (if any) used, the results of the study, key limitations and/or assumptions of the researcher, and issues identified for future study by the research (if any).
Psychological Contract Paper
You are a process consultant. You have arranged an exploratory meeting with your client. At the meeting you will discuss your psychological contract, the setting that you prefer, and your method of work.
Midterm Examination
The Midterm Exam is open book, and you will have one attempt and 50 minutes to complete your exam. Please note that once you start your exam, you must complete it in one sitting.
Final Examination
The Final Exam is open book, and you will have one attempt and 50 minutes to complete your exam. Please note that once you start your exam, you must complete it in one sitting.
Citation of Sources
The required style for all papers and sources is the following: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). (2020). American Psychological Association. Resources for APA guidelines are provided in the Resources module.
Grading
All course assignments must be completed for the student to received a grade. If not all assignments are submitted, the student will be given a deferred grade at end of term until such time that he/she completes all the assignments. Note that deferred grades will automatically turn into an F if the student deos not submit the missing assignments within the period allocated by the univeriksty to submit missing assignments to maek up deferred grades.
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. Grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
- A = (excellent) indicates exceptional achievement
- B = (good) indicates extensive achievement
- C = (satisfactory) indicates acceptable achievement
- D = (poor) indicates only minimal achievement
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| Final Exam | Final Exam | 115 |
| Semester | Course Total | 1,010 |
| Grade | Minimum % | Min. points |
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| A | 93 | 939.3–1,010 |
| A- | 90 | 909-–939.2 |
| B+ | 88 | 888.8–908.9 |
| B | 82 | 828.2–888.7 |
| B- | 80 | 808–828.1 |
| C+ | 78 | 787.8–807.9 |
| C | 70 | 707–787.7 |
| D | 60 | 606–706.9 |
| F | < 60 | below 606 |
Deferred Grades
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
You should complete the assignments by the assigned due dates. If you need to turn in the assignments late under certain circumstances, please follow the late polices on the syllabus. Also, in order to avoid a deferred grade, you should complete the assignments within the following prescribed time frames:
- The first six weeks assignments cannot be submitted later than two weeks after the end of Lesson 6.
- All the rest of the course assignments cannot be submitted later by the end of the semseter.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
Activities are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) Sunday of the week under which they are listed.
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
University Policies
Late Policy
Late Assignments will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the due date of an assignment if you are aware of extenuating circumstances that will impact your ability to meet a deadline. The instructor will determine if alternative arrangements may be made.
Blank or Erroneous Assignment Submissions
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have uploaded the correct document to each assignment prior to the assignment due date. Please check your assignment submission immediately after uploading a file in Canvas to ensure that it contains content and is the correct file. If you notice an error, such as a blank or incorrect file, you must resubmit the assignment before the assignment due date. Similarly, you are responsible for ensuring that discussion forum initial posts are not blank and that any website URL submissions (such as links to documents, video recordings, etc.) have the correct sharing settings enabled so that they can be viewed by recipients. Any blank or erroneous submissions that you have not resubmitted by the assignment due date will receive a zero for the assignment.
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Counseling and Psychological Services
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Military Students
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Privacy Notice
Please note that course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. The course instructor and any teaching assistant(s), of course, have access to the course throughout the semester. Each course offered via the World Campus has several instructional design staff members assigned to assist in managing course content and delivery. These instructional design staff members have access to the course throughout the semester for this purpose. Also, World Campus technical staff may be given access in order to resolve technical support issues. In addition, mentor, department head, or program chair may be provided with course access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. Each of these individuals will keep confidential all student course and academic information.
Student Responsibilities and Conduct
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Values.
Report Bias
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.