MSc Management

The course will cover the principles of organization design, the core features of management functions (e.g. HR), the fundamental principles of organizational action, the ways in which firms’ strategies and goals are shaped by the external environment, and how the activities that organizations conduct are controlled and co-ordinated within different types of structures. The course introduces students to the origins and early development if Taylorism and Human Relations, the tensions at the core of processes of coordination and control of labour, explores contemporary empirical trends in the core issues of work organisation, and the development of CSR and ethical approaches. All unit materials are made available on Blackboard including course outlines, assessments, reading lists, course announcements, articles and papers, and links to past exam papers.  Various methods of interaction and feedback are used.  An online student discussion forum is available and your lecturer may feedback messages to the whole class via Blackboard if the point that you have raised could be of benefit to others.

BMAN73061 Programme Req: BMAN73061 is only available as a core unit to students on MSc Management

The course aims to develop the students' ability to critically analyse and reflect upon organisational theory and practice and provide an introduction to basic concepts and ideas in the foundations of management. Concepts and theories will be used alongside case examples in order to enhance those analytical skills. The case studies will cover a wide range of problems and conflicts that influence the ability of organisations to realise their goals and social responsibilities. The course also challenges students to consider the interrelationships between individual, group, organisational and societal processes that impact upon managerial policy and practice within organisations. The course will provide a foundation for subsequent modules.

• Have a better understanding of the different ways in which work, departments and divisions, authority relationships and information systems are organised and controlled.
• Be able to account for the interdependencies between behaviour, design and the strategy of the firm when making managerial decisions.
• Understand the influence of the changing external environment on internal decision-making and organisational structure
• Be able to apply analytical frameworks for evaluating organisational situations and drawing up coherent and tenable recommendations.
• Be more alert to the managerial implications of workplace behaviours.
• Have an understanding of the research and application of psychology as it applies to the workplace, e.g. selection and assessment and training.
• Describe characteristics on which people differ, such as personality and attitudes, and demonstrate a knowledge of supporting evidence
• Have an understanding of, and be able to describe at an introductory level some of the main areas of social psychology
• Describe the ethical considerations of work psychology

Written exam (100%)

Written and in class

MAIN READING

The recommended text is:

Buchanan, D.A., & Huczynski, A. (2013). Organizational behaviour. Financial Times Prentice Hall. Eighth Edition

Alternatively, students might consider:

Bratton, J. et al (2010) 2^nd Edition Work and Organizational Behaviour, Palgrave Press***

Knights, D. and Willmott, H. (2012) Introducing Organizational Behaviour and Management, 2^nd Edition, Thomson Press

Daft, R. L., Murphy, J. And Willmott, H. (2010), Organization Theory and Design, South Western Publishers.

Marchington, M. and Wilkinson, A. (2008) Human Resource Management at Work, McGraw-Hill.

Informal Contact Method

Office Hours

Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self-assessment questions)

Peer Assisted Study Sessions

Drop in Surgeries (extra help sessions for students on material they may be struggling with

Essay feedback and exam feedback