Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI5G715: Managing Teams

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI5G715: Managing Teams

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap
Tied to N1KK14
Tied to N1KD14
Tied to N1DT14

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module looks at team management, development and building. It is intended that students should understand all aspects of team management including selecting members, developing the team, dealing with conflicts, managing management meetings and working towards agreed team objectives.

Content

  • The content of this module is aimed at first time managers and covers the following areas:
  • Defining a team; Looking at good and bad team performance; Identifying the elements of an effective team; Setting team goals; Identifying the stages of team development (Tuckman); Identifying and enveloping team roles and individual skills; Recruiting new team members; Interviewing skills; Appraising the performance of team members; Motivating the team - the theory and the practice; Counselling skills; Coaching skills; Handling conflict; Dealing with performance problems; Dealing with behavioural problems; Handling disciplinary procedures; Developing your staff; Effective report writing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
    • By the end of the module, students should be able to:
    • Identify the stages of team development and the elements of a dynamic team.
    • Set clear procedures in place for the management of team processes.
    • Recognise and value the diversity that individuals bring to the team.
    • appreciate the benefit of coaching to develop team members.
    • Recognise how external factors affect the way their team behaves.
    • Implement a best practice recruitment process necessary to select team members who can both do the job and will fit with the team.
    • Review past performance and agree targets for future performance.
    • Know hen to use the team to make decisions.
    • Distinguish different team members' motivations and how these can be used to enhance their current performance.
    • Manage under performance.
    • analyse the role of the effective meeting in managing the team process.
    • Report back on their teams performance.
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lectures and seminars, supported by guided reading, will be used to introduce and explore they key concepts and theories.
      • A series of short questionnaires especially designed to allow students to assess themselves and their team against and criteria for an effective team and to identify the stage of development of their team.
      • Group exercises will help them compare their own findings with that of other members of the group and design opportunities to practice areas identified for improvement.
      • Team building exercises will help them identify the theory in practice whilst in a controlled environment.
      • Role plays will allow them to tackle difficult issues of management in a controlled environment.
      • Assignments and tutor support will then help them adapt and apply to the specific needs of their own organisation.
      • The summative assignment will require the student to analyse themselves, the learning and communication styles and their time management and the impact this has on their own and their organisations performance. this assignment allows students to consider the practical application of the subject covered.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 9 Over a three month period 36
      Tutorials 1 Once 5 hours 5
      Action learning sets 2 Twice 3 hours 6
      Preparation & Reading 103
      Total 150

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Essay 2,500 words (max.) 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      None


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University