Introductory description

This module will enable students to understand the range of management styles and their potential advantages and disadvantages and the different approaches to business organisation and the benefits of each. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of theoretical perspectives that will allow them to evaluate their current role in the context of their business and contribute to the development of an evidence-based evaluation of their own workplace.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students will learn:

• An introduction to management theory
• Contrasting management styles
• Self evaluation of personal management style
• The importance of teamwork
• Developing good relationships
• Business organisation
• The impact of technology on management and business organisation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe different leadership and management styles and determine to which style they are best suited.
• Describe the personal qualities of an effective leader and apply these to their own leadership roles and styles. Specifically, participants will understand the importance of self-awareness, effective self-management, integrity, and continuing professional development in effective management, and apply these principles to their leadership roles within the workplace.
• Discuss the importance of teamwork within an organisation, and the elements of effective team dynamics. In addition, participants will explore the role of networking, building healthy relationships, and encouraging contributions from all team members in building an effective team.
• Describe the variety in organisational form, and explain the external and internal determinants of organisational form.
• Describe and assess (at a high level) the impacts of technology on business.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the broad context of the workplace in the application of theoretical concepts.

Indicative reading list

Magretta, J., "What Management Is", Profile Books (2002)
Heyler, R., "The Work-based Learning Student Handbook (2/e)", London: Palgrave (2015)

Subject specific skills

• Critically analyse a business domain in order to identify the role of information systems
• Highlight issues and identify opportunities for improvement through evaluating information systems in relation to their intended purpose and effectiveness
• Manage the development and assurance of software artefacts applying secure development practises to ensure system resilience
• Can apply organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management to technology solutions development
• Develop well- reasoned investment proposals and provide business insights
• Able to manage a project including identifying and resolving deviations and the management of problems and escalation processes
• How business exploits technology solutions for competitive advantage
• The value of technology investments and how to formulate a business case for a new technology solution, including estimation of both costs and benefits
• How teams work effectively to produce technology solutions
• The role of data management systems in managing organisational data and information
• How strategic decisions are made concerning acquiring technology solutions resources and capabilities including the ability to evaluate the different sourcing options
• How to deliver a technology solutions project accurately consistent with business needs.
• The issues of quality, cost and time for projects, including contractual obligations and resource constraints
• The organisation's data architecture

Transferable skills

• Is able to identify the preferences, motivations, strengths and limitations of other people and apply these insights to work more effectively with and to motivate others.
• Competent in active listening and in leading, influencing and persuading others.
• Have demonstrated that they have mastered basic business disciplines, ethics and courtesies, demonstrating timeliness and focus when faced with distractions and the ability to complete tasks to a deadline with high quality.
• Flexible attitude
• Ability to perform under pressure
• A thorough approach to work