Module Description
Introduction to Management is a broad-ranging module which is intended to provide a foundation in the most significant issues in management theory and practice, as well as to prepare you for management modules in subsequent years of your degree course. Because theoretical explanations, i.e., academic interpretations of what managers do and even of what they say they do and what managers ACTUALLY do in real organisations on a day to day basis may differ, we will also draw out some of the connections and disjunctures between management theory and management practice. Our teaching also emphasises the ethics of managing, how to balance the bottom line of the business with the organisation's wider responsibilities to society and other stakeholders.
The module is divided into six main areas:
Part One - The Context of Management: In the introductory part of the module we will examine the context of management, outlining the tasks and processes associated with managerial work in organisations. We will also explore the major theoretical perspectives on management and show how they relate to each other.
Part Two - The Management Environment: In the second part of the module we will review the major external influences on organisations and outline tools with which to analyse any business environment. We will examine organisation cultures and contexts as well as uncovering how managing internationally changes the context in which managers work and so affects their tasks and roles. In this part of the module we will also introduce the key topic of corporate responsibility.
The module will then examine in detail the four major tasks of managing:
Part Three - Planning: The lectures on planning will first describe the types of planning that organisations engage in. They will then examine the important topics of managerial decision making and strategic management. This part of the module will explore the role of marketing in organisations.
Part Four - Organising: The lectures on organising will first examine terms and practices that describe organisational structures. They will then examine the subject of human resource management and its key components of personnel recruitment and selection, training and development and performance appraisal and reward. This part of the module will also examine how information technology is used in organisations to support and create e-business and outline theories of change and innovation in organisations and how these relate to practice.
Part Five - Leading: The lectures on leading will examine how management attempt to influence the behaviour of others by using personal skills and/or power. We will also study the key topic of motivation - examining theories of behaviour at work, connecting them with recognised management practice. In addition, the lectures will describe and illustrate the main aspects of communication within organisations. Finally in this section we will examine the nature and significance of teams and team-working.
Part Six - Controlling: The final series of lectures explore how managers attempt to control the activities of the organisation. We look at finance and budgetary control and performance measurement and control. We then examine the key areas of operations and quality; its historical context and its key role in supporting business performance.
The module will also contain, at appropriate points, revision lectures. These are designed to review the key learning aims of the module and prepare students for formal assessment of their learning.
MODULE LEARNING AIMS:
To provide a grounding in a wide range of management theories and aspects of management practice;
To introduce both the history and the contemporary context of management work;
To emphasise that management is a multi-faceted and complex activity;
To prepare students adequately for future study on management modules.
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course students should:
Be able to identify and explain key management theories;
Be equipped to discuss a range of management activities;
See management as both varied and complicated and have the ability to challenge received wisdom about management theory and practice;
Have acquired the knowledge necessary for future study on management modules.
Learning & Teaching Methods
Introduction to Management will be taught across the autumn, spring and summer terms through a combination of weekly lectures and classes.
Lectures
The lecture sessions will combine - traditional lectures - which provide basic coverage of the relevant ideas, theories and concepts - and activities - which may involve the individual completion of exercises, watching audio-visual material or group work where appropriate. These activities are intended to supplement and illuminate understanding of the issues covered in the lecture.
Classes
Starting in week 3, the lecture sessions will be complemented by a series of weekly classes. These classes will take place in a large seminar room. The classes are an essential and compulsory part of the module and will provide students with the opportunity to further develop their knowledge of this subject and enhance their employability and academic skills.
Assessment
60 per cent Coursework Mark, 40 per cent Exam Mark
Coursework:
Coursework consists of weekly online tests which account for 10% of the coursework mark and two coursework assignments worth 25% each.
Exam Duration and Period
2:00 hour exam during Summer Examination period.
Other information
BE400 Compulsory for:
Yr 1 BA Accounting and Management
Yr 1 BA Accounting and Finance
Yr 1 BA Accounting
Yr 1 BA Accounting with Economics
Yr 1 BSc Business Management
Yr 1 BA Business Management with a Modern Language
Yr 1 BA Business Management and Modern Languages
Yr 1 BSc Financial Management
Yr 1 BSc Finance
Yr 1 BSc Banking and Finance
Yr 1 BSc Computing and Management (Department of Computer Science)
Yr 1 BSc Information Management Systems (Department of Electronic Systems Engineering)
Yr 1 BSc Management with Mathematics (Department of Mathematics)
Yr 1 BSc Management and Mathematics (Department of Mathematics)
Yr 1 BSc Management, Mathematics and Economics (3 & 4 yr, Department of Mathematics)
Yr 1 BA Latin American Studies with Business Management
Yr 1 BSc Management and Marketing
Yr 1 BSc Internet Technology with Business
Optional for:
Yr 1 BA/BSc Management Economics (Department of Economics) students may choose either BE400 or BE100.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If the notes are on Moodle, why do I need to attend lectures?
I only post notes onto Moodle, not full sessions. If you are not there, then you will miss a significant amount of the teaching. The lectures, classes, textbooks and Moodle are all needed to get the full benefit from the module.
What do I need to do just to get through this module?
Attend lectures
Attend and actively participate in classes
Work through the set chapters in the textbook (reading the text and ensuring that you understand it).
Do the weekly online tests
Read through a number of the other additional al readings and ensure that you understand the main points that were discussed in the lectures.
What do I need to do to ensure that I pass this module with a good grade?
All the above plus all or some of the following:
Fully prepare for lectures and especially classes as well as attending them.
Make your own notes for each topic.
Ask questions in class.
Attempt the additional questions in the textbook.
Study a significant number of the further readings in detail.
Read articles relevant to this topic in newspapers and magazines such as The Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, and try to connect them to issues discussed in the lectures and classes.
Read other relevant books and journals in the library.
Practice past coursework and exam questions.
See your tutor when you have a question or have difficulty with a topic.
What will you do to help me pass?
Provide guidance on the resources needed, and on additional resources if requested.
Prepare and deliver appropriate lectures and classes.
Be available in office hours to answer any questions about the module, the class questions, the assessments and the exams, within reason.