BSc International Management

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of business ethics in modern work organizations. Students will explore key concepts and theories, focusing on ethical and unethical behaviors within organizations. They will gain awareness of how organizations strive to manage their workforce and environments responsibly and sustainably. The course covers non-mainstream elements of organizational life, including organizational misbehavior and corporate crime. Students will develop skills to analyze and solve organizational ethical problems using business ethics knowledge. Additionally, they will understand the increasing importance of ethics, corporate responsibility, and sustainability for organizations today. Through lectures, discussions, and real-world examples, students will be equipped to contribute to ethical decision-making and promote ethical behavior in their future careers.

Available as option for BSc Mgt/Mgt Specialism, IM and IMABS. Core for BSc Management with SEB Specialism.

Available as option for BSc Mgt/Mgt Specialism and IM.

The main objective is to make students aware of key issues around ethical and unethical behaviours in the management of modern work organizations. The focus is on how organizations seek to change, evolve and develop. In so doing the course builds upon many of the theories and concepts which students encounter in their first year. A key objective of the course is for students to understand organizational behaviour and change in a ‘real world’ context and to be able to apply in practice core methods of business ethics and sustainability. 

• Acquire awareness of ethically responsible and sustainable management practices in organizations: Students will gain an understanding of how corporations and contemporary organizations strive to manage their workforce and create ethically responsible and sustainable environments. They will develop awareness of the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in organizational decision-making and operations.
• Gain knowledge of non-mainstream elements of organizational life: Students will explore topics related to organizational misbehavior and corporate crime. They will learn about these non-mainstream aspects to expand their understanding of ethical challenges and potential misconduct within organizations.
• Develop the ability to analyze and address organizational ethical problems: Students will apply their knowledge of business ethics to analyze and interpret ethical issues that arise within organizations. Through case studies and practical examples, they will enhance their ability to identify ethical dilemmas, evaluate options, and propose appropriate solutions.
• Understand the significance of ethics, corporate responsibility, and sustainability: Students will develop an understanding of why ethics, corporate responsibility, and sustainability are increasingly important for organizations. They will explore the benefits and challenges associated with ethical practices and gain insights into the evolving expectations of stakeholders and society.

Lectures in this module may cover topics such as, but not limited to:

• Normative ethics
• Ethical decision-making models and theories
• Individual and organisational factors of ethical decision-making
• Ethical leadership
• Corporate social responsibility
• Sustainability
• Ethical consumerism
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

Teaching is organised into 11 lectures and 5 practical seminars.

 

• Lectures: 11 x 2 hours per week 
• Seminars: Seminars: 4 x 1.5 hours; 1 x 2 hours

 

Total study hours: 200 hours split between lectures, classes, reading and research, and preparation for classes and coursework.

The course is assessed by the following:

• One group presentation (20% of overall mark, peer feedback will be given to encourage effective teamwork)
• One individual written report (77% of overall mark)
• Participation (3% of overall mark)
   

 

Formative assessment/Feedback is by way of lecture, seminar participation, supported collaborative learning, and a review lecture at the end of term. Peer feedback for the group assessment will be taken into consideration when giving individual presentation scores. 

There are no core or mandatory textbooks for this module. However, you may use the two following textbooks as key references: 

• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2015). Business ethics (4th ed.). Oxford: OUP Oxford.     
• Ferrell, O., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2018). Business Ethics: Ethical decision making & cases (12th ed.). Boston, MA: CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing.
• Each lecture will also include a further reading list on Blackboard.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Dependent courses: None

Programme Restrictions: BSc Management and Management (Specialisms), BSc International Management.

BMAN24261 is available to study abroad and exchange students admitted through the University of Manchester’s International Programmes Office

For Academic Year 2024/25

Updated: March 2024

Approved by: March UG Committee