module specification

The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers.  Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, organise, lead and coordinate the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively. The challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action. These skills may include managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and, along with numerous other activities to achieve organisational success.

The traditional view of the purpose and role of management in the world of work was to seek stability and efficiency in a top-down hierarchy aimed at achieving bottom-line results. In contrast, the contemporary management approach expects managers to engage in motivating people and harnessing their creativity, sharing information and power, leading change, and finding shared vision and values in an increasingly diverse and complex workplace.

Today’s managers require the knowledge and ability to draw on both traditional and contemporary approaches to management when formulating workplace decisions. They also need the skills, tools, and techniques to manage their own career path based on the acquisition of sound employability skills and accompanying behaviours.

In addition to knowledge, the module focuses on developing students as managers
which involves the ability to interact with, and motivate, a diverse range of people.

The module aims are to:  

• enable students to identify and explain major developments in the history of managerial thought;

• provide students with the knowledge and skills to deal with the variety and complexity of challenges facing the management of people and organisations in the        21st century;

• provide students with the opportunity to develop management, leadership and employability capability to enhance their individual potential;

• develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex environments;

• allow students to experience managerial competence through a variety of methods including field visits and case studies. 

• enable students to develop their management and employability skills, such as interpersonal skills, self-management, communication, team-working, problem solving, and presentation skills, in order to maximise their competitive edge in the business world.

Standard university requirements for Level 4 entry

The four major themes covered in this module,

• The Nature of Management: including both traditional and contemporary approaches, key management concepts, processes, procedures, practices and techniques for the effective management of organisations. This includes theories, models, frameworks, tasks, and the roles of management. LO1

• Organisation Behaviour: including the design, development of organisations, including cross-cultural issues, change management, diversity and values, and the design of organisations for optimal performance using the Job Characteristics Model of Hackman & Oldham (1980). The analysis of the environment (using PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces and SWOT) is also included. LO2

• Managing People: includes goal setting, performance management, and team management, and the role of theories of motivation in improving performance. It also includes  managing in a socially responsible way and managing the recruitment process; LO3, LO4

• Becoming a Manager: including a wide variety of skills, such as communication, listening, emotional intelligence, self-management, team working, and problem solving. LO3, LO4

PDP and reflective learning are integral elements of this module. The module is delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops which will include a variety of group activities and participation in group projects. The workshops will consist of a combination of theoretical input, independent reading. Group activities and problem-based tasks are supported by multimedia, and student led discussions. Theoretical input consists of defining and clarifying the topic content to an appropriate depth and breadth. Working in groups students will identify the main concepts of the topic, analyse the implications for managing an organisation, understand the approach and articulate how it could be used in current business practice.

Teaching, learning and assessment activities have been designed to develop student’s awareness of and engagement with their own personal development. They will be encouraged to reflect on their own skill development throughout the module and consider how these will contribute to their future careers as managers. The module will engage a variety of approaches to teaching and learning including Blogs, e-journals, podcasts and multimedia. Weblearn is used as an interactive mechanism between students and tutors, for example, to direct students to particular readings and/or to provide news about the module or the module content.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1:  Identify major developments in the history of managerial thought including classical and contemporary approaches.

LO2:   Understand the context of organisations, their challenges, and the environment (s) in which they operate.

LO3:   Express understanding of teams and motivational theories reflect on own management and employability skills.

LO4:   Define essential management skills and able to explain in the context over organisation

In addition to a formal formative assessment, formative feedback will run throughout the module and will involve the completion of a range of in-class activities. These, along with summative assessment, are designed to provide regular opportunities throughout the year to consolidate student learning and provide feedforward and will focus on the ability to apply theory and management skill in practical and real world situations.

There are three assessment points:

The first assessment is an individual report demonstrating understanding of the theory underpinning the ‘Competing Values Framework. 1000 words.

The second assignment is designed to enhance students understanding of the management of organisations and the environment. Group presentation on given topic.

The third assignment is designed to focus on people management and students’ own development as managers.  Individual report. 2000 words.

Textbooks:

Core Texts:

Boddy, D. (2017) Management: An Introduction. Harlow: Pearson.

            Mullins, L. J. (2016) Management and Organisational Behaviour. Harlow: Pearson.

Other Texts:

Child, J. (2015) Organisation: Contemporary Principles and Practice. Blackwell: Oxford.

Clegg, S., Kornberger, M., Pitsis, T. (2016) Management and organisations: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. London: SAGE.

Gallagher, K. (2013) Skills Development for Business and Management Students. Oxford: OUP.

Parker, L.D. and Ritson, P.A. (2005) ‘Revisiting Fayol: Anticipating Contemporary Management’, British Journal of Management, Vol 16, pp.175-194.

Quinn, R.E. et al. (2014) Becoming a Master Manager: A Competency Framework. New York: Wiley.

Robbins, S.P. & Coulter, M. (2016) Management. Harlow: Pearson.

Torrington, D. et al. (2014) Human Resource Management, 9th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Journals:

• European Research on Management and Business Economics.
• Harvard Business Review.
• International Journal of Management and Economics. 
• Journal of Management Studies.
• Management: Journal of Contemporary Management Issues.
• People Management.

Websites:

• www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
• www.ft.com
• www.theguardian.com/uk/business
• www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news
• www.uk.reuters.com/business

Electronic Databases:

• Academic Search Complete
• Business Source Ultimate
• FAME (UK Companies)
• Marketing & Management Collection
• Mintel

Social Media Sources: to be provided in class/Weblearn.