module specification

This module introduces students to the foundations of management and organisational functions. It begins with an overview of the history of managerial thought, exploring how key ideas have developed and shaped modern management practices.

Students will examine the main functions of management—planning, organising, leading, and controlling—and how these tasks are carried out in real organisational settings. The module highlights the central role of people in organisations, focusing on motivation, teamwork, communication, and leadership as essential elements of effective management.

A key aim of the module is to support students in developing practical managerial skills. Through case studies, group activities, and reflective tasks, students will begin building confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and working with others.

In addition to practical skills, the module introduces a range of models and approaches that help explain how organisations function and how managers can respond to challenges. These frameworks provide useful tools for analysis and critical thinking.

This module offers a strong foundation in understanding how organisations operate and what it means to be a manager. It blends theory with practice to help students begin thinking critically and effectively about leadership and management in today’s world.

• You will learn about definitions of management and the development of managerial thoughts to be able to analyse modern management practices.
• You will find out about the importance and impact of management functions.
• You will gain knowledge and skills about practices to integrate and develop people in organisations.
• You will assess and develop your own managerial skills throughout the module.
• Overall, this module develops the understanding of the importance of management in organisations.

Students will follow the development on managerial thoughts looking at scientific management ideas, bureaucratic management, the human relations and contingency approach. (LO1)
Using the concepts of Planning, Organising, Leading and Controlling (POLC) to capture the different tasks in an organization and refer to essential skills to be developed. This can then be integrated into the models of the Competing Values Framework (CVF) to allow a holistic view of the organization and the managerial skills needed. (LO2)
Relevant people management are introduced and discussed, e.g. recruitment and selection, learning & development, motivation, teamwork, communication. (LO3)
Managerial competencies based on the CVF will be assessed and discussed to start the thought on skills development as a manager. (LO4)

The weekly sessions will contain a wide range of learning activities to enhance students learning. With the aim to practice transferable skills in the classroom students will be asked to analyse carse studies, take part in group activities, and present their results in front of their peers.
By assessing the managerial and transferrable skills throughout the module, students will not only gain a wide range of experiences, this will also allow to detect the development of skills throughout the semester.

Formative tasks will be set to enhance students’ learning. As part of the independent study time, students will be asked to complete quizzes, read book chapters or case studies, and assess their own development through reflection. These tasks are directly linked to the weekly tasks in the workbook. By engaging in formative assessment students will receive feedback on their understanding and gradually develop their knowledge and understanding.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
LO1: Identify major developments in managerial thoughts.
LO2: Analyse organisations by using functions and frameworks.
LO 3: Understand and evaluate the meaning and nature of a range of relevant people management practices that organisations can implement to effectively manage the workforce.
LO 4: Develop knowledge and skills to function as an effective manager.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/6118B17E-92DC-9648-37D5-E4442561C14D.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

Core textbooks
Management: an introduction, by David Boddy, 2024
Management and organisational behaviour, by Laurie J. Mullins; Gary Rees, 2023
Contemporary human resource management: text and cases, edited by Adrian Wilkinson; Tony Dundon; Tom Redman, 2025

Additional resources
Organizational behaviour, by David A. Buchanan; Andrzej Huczynski, 2023
Becoming a master manager: a competing values approach, by Robert E. Quinn; David S. Bright; Rachel E. Sturm, 2021
Human resource management, by Derek Torrington; Laura Hall; Stephen Taylor; Carol Atkinson, 2020
Library Subject Guide

Referencing - Information from LondonMet Library
The business student's handbook: skills for study and employment, by Sheila Cameron, 2021
Essential study skills: the complete guide to success at university, by Tom Burns; Sandra Sinfield, 2022