Intro to Organisation Development: Theory & Practice

Course Overview

Build practical skills to create adaptable, high-performing organisations that can respond effectively to an ever-changing and interconnected global economy.  

The Intro to Organisation Development micro-credential course will help you understand Organisation Development (OD) and its significance in creating adaptable, high-performing organisations.  

The course starts by examining key concepts, the purpose, and the value of Organisation Development in helping organisations respond effectively to an ever-changing and interconnected global economy. 

Core themes of Organisation Development are explored such as interconnected systems (systems thinking) and how to balance people, processes, and technology (socio-technical systems).  

In this micro-credential, you will gain a better understanding of how to enable capacity development for individuals, teams, and societies. 

The course explains Organisation Development models of planned change and techniques for practical implementation. Gain insights into frameworks that guide change efforts and understand sources and forms of resistance to change, and how to overcome them. 

Finally, the course will provide you with skills to examine how Organisation Development integrates with Human Resource (HR) strategies. You’ll understand the strategic importance of OD within the broader HR context, and how OD expertise—whether internal or external—can support senior leaders, HR professionals, and managers in fostering resilient and thriving organisations. 

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of six (6) weeks, through videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the concept of Organisational Development and its development as a field of study and practice. 
• Explain the nature of Organisational Development, describing its basic core principles and core assumptions.  
• Explain the application of key Organisational Development models to address organisations as open systems. 
• Discuss the integration of Organisational Development into HR strategy.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of competence and badge. Your certificate and badge can be shared on 100+ social media platforms, allowing you to share your achievement with a single click.

Stackable Credentials

Stack specified combinations of micro-credentials and they can be recognised as equivalent to a module within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree at SACAP. Intro to Organisation Development: Theory & Practice can be stacked with Organisational Development: Processes & Tools for Effectiveness and if you meet the minimum entrance criteria, you can enrol for the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree and apply for module exemption.

Dates

• Class of 2026 May: 18 May – 28 June
• Class of 2026 August: 10 August – 20 September
• Class of 2026 October: 12 October – 22 November

There are no online classes. Course content is released on a weekly basis allowing you to work through the course material, and meet weekly targets, at a time that is most convenient to you.

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.