Fundamentals of Management

The course provides a systematic introduction to the core concepts and practices of management. Drawing on Smith (2011), it examines key management processes, including planning, organizing, staffing, and leading. The course also introduces the main business functions, including operations, marketing, and information management, and situates these functions within the broader organizational context. In addition, the course addresses contemporary management issues such as ethics, corporate social responsibility, and diversity. Emphasis is placed on the application of foundational management theories and frameworks to real-world organizational and managerial challenges. 

The course aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of management which can be used as a foundation for personal development. The course also aims to be an introduction to future courses in management.

At the end of the course students should be able to:
1) Define management and explain how management differs according to level and whether a manager is a line manager or an enabling role.
2) Briefly describe and contrast four models of management; rational goal, scientific, human relations, open systems.
3) Describe and attain some elementary level of skills in the main management processes: planning, organizing, staffing, deciding, controlling and budgeting.
4) Outline the notion of a management function and be able to name, briefly describe and appreciate the role of the four main management functions: marketing, production (including quality and other technical services), finance and personnel.
5) Discuss and identify the implications of wider management issues such as managing technology, managing diversity, globalization and ethics.

The course is primarily lecture-based, with no scheduled workshops or seminars. Within lecture sessions, a range of learning and teaching methods are employed to promote student engagement, understanding, and active learning. The key methods are outlined below:

1. Reciprocal Peer Tutoring (RPT) [Asynchronous]

RPT is an empirically supported learning approach in which students assume the role of tutor. Students are required to develop exam-style questions and accompanying study guides, and to conduct structured peer tutoring sessions in which these materials are administered and reviewed. This method supports deeper learning, knowledge consolidation, and exam preparation.

2. Kahoot! [Synchronous]

This live quizzing platform is used to review key concepts from previous lectures and to introduce discussion-provoking questions relevant to the current topic. Kahoot! supports formative assessment and enhances student engagement in large lecture settings.

3. Self-Test Activities [Asynchronous]

Weekly self-test materials are provided to enable students to assess their understanding of lecture content and assigned readings. These activities encourage independent learning, reflection, and ongoing revision.

4. Podcast Materials [Asynchronous]

The lecturer has developed short podcast episodes featuring interviews with professionals working across key business functions. These resources provide practical insights and help students connect theoretical concepts to real-world organizational contexts.

5. Mentimeter [Synchronous]

Throughout the lectures, Mentimeter is used as a live polling tool to facilitate student participation in large cohorts. It enables the lecturer to gauge students’ understanding and perspectives in real time, and encourages inclusive and anonymous participation. 

Define management and explain how management differs according to level and whether a manager is a line manager or an enabling role.  

Briefly describe and contrast four models of management; rational goal, scientific, human relations, open systems.  

Describe and attain some elementary level of skills in the main management processes: planning, organising, staffing, deciding, controlling and budgeting. 

Discuss and identify the implications of wider management issues such as managing technology, managing diversity, globalization and ethics. 

Outline the notion of a management function and be able to name, briefly describe and appreciate the role of the four main management functions: marketing, production (including quality and other technical services), finance and personnel 

Discuss and identify the implications of wider management issues such as managing technology, managing diversity, globalization and ethics. 

Multiple choice test worth 10%

Exam worth 90%

 

- Formative, voluntary essay with student receiving written, individual feedback.

- Informal advice and discussion during a lecture, seminar, workshop or lab.

- Responses to student emails and questions from a member of staff including feedback provided to a group via an online discussion forum.

- Specific course related feedback sessions.

- Written and/or verbal comments on assessed or non-assessed coursework (Feedback on multiple-choice test)

Core Text:  Smith, M. (2011) Fundamentals of Management (2nd Edition). London: McGraw-Hill.

Supplementary Text: Robbins, S.P. & Decenzo, D.A. (2004) Fundamentals of Management (4th Edition). London: Prentice-Hall.

You may also wish to consult:

Boddy, D. (2002) Management: An Introduction. London: Pearson Education.

Hannagan, T. (2002) Management: Concepts and Practices. London: Pearson Education. 

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: N/A

Dependent course units: N/A

Programme Restrictions: Available as a free choice option to students who have received prior agreement from their registering School. Not available to students on BSc in Management/Management (Specialism), IM, ITMB or IBFE programmes.

BMAN10011 is available to visiting and exchange students admitted through the University of Manchester’s International Programmes Office.