This module aims to:

Provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse different management theories and practices, reflecting dynamic global and international management approaches, and apply these within their own organisation/sector;

Enable students to understand and evaluate of some of the key management theories which have shaped the literature;

Provide students with opportunities to apply and relate theories to real life examples as a mechanism for sense making;

Enable students to critique the way in which management has developed over time and the relevant connections and influences between key authors;

Foster the ability to evaluate how organisational structure, rules, and culture contribute to management control in their own organisation.

(LE1) Internationally aware.
Students will explore the development and challenges of management across different national and cultural values, contexts and frameworks.

(LE2) A leader.
Students will reflect on the relationship between different aspects of management practice, and on the implications of such beliefs for their managerial awareness.

(LE3) A lifelong learner.
Students will take part in action learning and will have the opportunity to develop and practice this method as a form of lifelong learning.

(LO1) Students will be able to critically understand current concepts, strategies, best practice frameworks, tools and techniques for managing.

(LO2) Students will critically explore and consider some of the key management theories which have shaped the literature, developed through their ability to grasp theory and appreciate its potential use in a variety of international contexts.

(LO3) Students will be able to analytically relate theory to real life examples as a mechanism for sense making through the ability to construct robust arguments whilst drawing upon theory.

(LO4) Students will understand how management has developed over time and the relevant connections and influences between key authors.

(LRE1) A problem solver.
Students will gain theoretical and practical tools with which to identify, analyse, and evaluate managerial practices and challenges within and affecting their organisation. Through their Action Learning Group, they will develop the ability to critically assess potential resolutions to these challenges.

(LRE2) IT literate.
The nature of the module in terms of online delivery will enable students to develop skills in using a virtual learning/communications environment.

(LRE3) An excellent verbal and written communicator.
Students will have the opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills through virtual group discussions, Action Learning Groups, and individual assessment.

(LRE4) A team player.
Working within action learning groups, students will experience the value of peer support and critique.

The module will primarily be delivered through eight weekly e-lectures, delivered through a variety of methods, covering key concepts, theories and case studies. These will be supported by individual online tasks, such as blogs, collaborative tasks, and discussion boards, which will be used to develop and apply learning. These activities will be moderated by the module instructor. Students will also be directed to key academic and practitioner readings to further develop their learning.

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 10 hours

Description: The e-Lectures will equate to 1.25 hours/week over 8 weeks undertaken asynchronously.
Attendance Recorded: Yes – tracked via the learning platform.

Students will also participate in eight weekly e-seminars where they will engage in peer discussion of key concepts and application to their own work contexts. Seminars will be conducted via a discussion board with input from the module instructor.

Unscheduled st udent hours: 8 hours
Description: The e-seminars will equate to 1 hour/week over 8 weeks undertaken asynchronously.
Attendance Recorded: Yes – tracked via the learning platform.

Additionally, students will participate in virtual action learning sets, where students will form small action learning groups and collaboratively choose and work together to solve current managerial issues affecting group members. This will be facilitated by the module instructor.

Unscheduled student hours: 6 hours
Description: The action learning sets will take place over three sessions, equating to 2 hours per session, undertaken asynchronously. The date and time of the sessions will be confirmed at the start of the module.

Attendance Recorded: Yes, tracked via the learning platform.

Self-directed learning hours: 126 hours
Description: This will involve directed and independent reading, and independent research into aspects of management theory and practice.

An introduction to management.

Key early management theories.

Systems theory and management systems: an introduction.

Contingency theories of management: an introduction.

Management: power and leadership.

Conflict: culture, values and business ethics.

Managing change: knowledge within organisations.

Management, people and performance.

Organisations: an introduction.