Organizational change as student project

Abstract

Purpose This research project aims to study how some organizations choose to prioritize certain changes when offered assistance by students who are studying quality technology. Design/methodology/approach A literature study is pursued. In this project, textual analysis of student works, such as reports, project diaries and subtasks, is used as an empirical source. Findings Organizations seem to already have identified areas for changes, but they neither have the methods and proper tools nor the know-how of implementing the changes. The results show that organizations take their opportunity to learn different tools in quality technology pointed out and used by students. There seems to be a huge need of knowledge about different tools and help with implementation of organizational changes. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to a case study containing students’ project on a Swedish island. Practical implications The major implication of the study is that managers in organizations are positive in using university students in organizational change. Also, the students fill the gap for needs of knowledge about implementation. However, it is the managers together with the students who suggest change project and the students continue to perform the change. Originality/value The study makes a contribution to the knowledge of change management in exploring how educational course can bridge the gap between theoretical and practical aspects of organizational change by creating collaborative learning.