module specification

This module looks to develop an understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to the management and structure of organisations, while addressing the variety and complexity of challenges facing organisations in the 21st century.

The specific aims of the module are:
1. Develop an understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to the management and structure of the organisation
2.  Recognise the variety and complexity of challenges facing organisations in the 21st century

Indicative content is indicated below and will enable achievement of the learning outcomes.
- The History of Management
- The Structure of Organisations
- The Role of Government
- The Global Environment
- Decision Making Processes in Organisations
- Social Responsibility
 

The module will be delivered via a series of three hour workshops.  The workshop sessions will be designed to enable students to develop considerably as learners.   The workshops will encourage students to gain confidence through practical and other activities that will link their learning clearly to their understanding of, and experience of being,  customers

The workshop activities will be dynamic and varied and will require students to work both individually and in groups.  They will be designed to improve key skills and to enable students to become self-aware about their own learning and about possible future career direction.  It is envisaged that the classroom and other experience will foster in students a desire to continue their studies and improve their self-development.

The teaching and learning strategy will include blended learning opportunities and will be supported by the VLE.

The Learning and Teaching strategy will promote group and individual learning. This strategy will be supported by the preparation for a ‘Sales Conference’ which will provide the final focus for the academic year.  The groups will identify a franchise opportunity suitable for a student business opportunity early in the programme and the learning opportunities devised will relate to these franchises.  Students will be encouraged to develop ‘ownership’ of their chosen franchise operations, and link learning across the programme towards the development of their understanding of customers and business growth.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Identify and explain major developments in the approach to the management of organisations
2. Understand the interface between government and organisations
3. Explain the strategies available to help organisations adapt in different environments

The context of assessment is a simulated Sales Conference that will be held at the end of the year.  Student groups will be required to identify and promote a particular franchise that has market potential. 
The focus for this module’s assessment will be the development of knowledge about organisations operating in a wider business environment.  The final assessment will be delivered in the form of an organisational chart to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of organisations and a mission statement, enabling students to make the links between organisation and the external environment.   
The first assessment will be an individual task which will enable students to appreciate the structure of businesses.  The second assessment will be a group task that assesses the students’ ability to research company web sites and make informed comparisons of the content as part of the preparation for the end of year event.  The third assessment will be an individual piece of writing reflecting on the experience of activities leading towards the end of the year event. Each group will be required to submit an action plan and contribution log which details their intended and actual contributions to the assessment activity. Although normally the mark for the assessment will be awarded to all members of the group, if there is insufficient evidence of individual contribution and learning, the marker may award different marks to each individual.
All assignments will be stored on an appropriate platform so enabling the students to view their coursework as coherent and providing evidence of development.
 

Capon, C. (2003) Understanding Organisational Context. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Hushes, R. et al (2011) Introduction to Business 11th Ed. Thomson Learning
Moore, F. (2005) Transnational Business Cultures: Life and work in a multinational
corporation. Ashgate publishing: Aldershot.
Moynagh, M. and Worlsey, R. (2008), Going Global: Key Questions for the Twenty First Century. A&C Black: London
Tayeb. M.H. (2005), The Management of International Enterprises: A Socio-political view. Macmillan: Basingstoke.