BSc Management (International Business Economics) with Industrial/Professional Experience

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Introduction to Work Psychology

Course unit fact file
Unit code BMAN10872
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

In most organisations the biggest single cost is the cost of employing people. Consequently, it is important to manage people in a way that is both effective and socially responsible. Psychology is one of the main disciplines which help us to understand the way that people behave at work.

The aim of this course is to provide a sound knowledge of basic work psychology which gives a wide view of the subject and which provides a foundation for subsequent psychology courses at level 2 and level 3.

Pre/co-requisites

Core for Mgt/Mgt (Specialism); IMABS; IM and ITMB. Option for BSc Accounting.

Only available to students on: Mgt/Mgt (Specialism); IM; ITMB. Option: BSc Accounting.

Aims

In most organisations the biggest single cost is the cost of employing people. Consequently, it is important to manage people in a way that is both effective and socially responsible. Psychology is one of the main disciplines which help us to understand the way that people behave at work.

The aim of this course is to provide a sound knowledge of basic work psychology which gives a wide view of the subject and which provides a foundation for subsequent psychology courses at level 2 and level 3.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course you will:

1.     Have insight into psychological factors that affect workers’ performance, e.g., motivation and stress

2.     Have an understanding of the psychological factors relating to relationships in the workplace, e.g., leadership and teamworking

3.     Have an understanding of the research and application of psychology as it applies to human resources issues, e.g., selection and training of personnel, fairness at work

4.     Be able to describe and distinguish key research methods used in work psychology

5.     Appreciate the ethical considerations of work psychology

6.     Be able to critique papers in learned journals of psychology

7.     Have practice in consultancy skills by applying concepts from the lectures to solving real business problems

Teaching and learning methods

Methods of delivery: Lectures, seminars, group work.

Lecture hours: 20 (2 hours per week, over 10 weeks)

Seminar hours: 6 (2 hours per week, over 3 weeks)

Private study: 74

Total study hours: 100 hours split between lectures, classes, self study and preparation for classes and examinations.

Informal Contact Methods
1. Discussions during and after lectures

2. Email

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

4. Drop in surgeries (extra help sessions for students on material they may be struggling with)

Assessment methods

Exam worth 100%
 

Feedback methods

  • Informal advice and discussion during lectures and seminars.
  • 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.
  • Weekly online quizzes (on Blackboard) to test understanding and to gain formative feedback.
  • Generic feedback posted on Blackboard regarding overall examination performance.

Recommended reading

Arnold, J. Randall, J. Patterson, F. Silvester, J. Robertson, I. Cooper, C. & Burnes, B. (2010)  Work psychology: understanding human behaviour in the workplace. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
 


 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 1.5
Lectures 20
Seminars 6
Independent study hours
Independent study 72.5

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Julie Jebsen Unit coordinator

Additional notes

Staff involved: 

Pre-Requisites: N/A

Co-Requisites: N/A

Dependent courses:

Level 2:

•       BMAN24362- Personnel Selection and Talent Management

Level 3:

•       BMAN31550 - Leadership and Success at Work

Programme Restrictions - This course is available to first year students on BSc Management and Management (Specialisms), BSc International Management and ITMB. Option for BSc Accounting.

For Academic Year 2023/24

Updated: March 2023

Approved by: March UG Committee

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