Module BUSI4Q715: Introduction to Management

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI4Q715: Introduction to Management

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Introduction to Computer Science. This module is intended for students whose first degree is not in business, management or related disciplines.

Aims

• To examine how companies attempt different business and corporate strategies to achieve or maintain a competitive advantage.
• To give students an in-depth understanding at an advanced level of strategy formulation and implementation under conditions of changing political, economic, sociocultural and technological conditions, industry competition and firm resources.
• To provide an in-depth understanding and critical evaluation of specialist techniques to aid analysis of the competitive and contextual environment.
• To explore contemporary debates in strategic management research.

Content

• Business and corporate strategy formulation and implementation
• The process of developing strategy;
• Making strategic choices;
• Analysing the competitive and contextual environment;
• Contemporary debates in strategic management research

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students should:
• Have a critical appreciation of the main strengths and weaknesses of various strategic actions such as diversification, internationalization and joint-venturing;
• Have a critical appreciation of strategic decision-making within organisations, including the inter-action between corporate/business strategies and the other functions and disciplines within the organisation;
• Have a critical appreciation of the key debates within contemporary research into strategic management.

• By the end of this module, students should:
• Be able to think strategically and critically about a firm, as well as functionally;
• Be able to define a firm's main capabilities, competencies and competitive advantages;
• Be able to critically analyse the non-market environment of business on firms, such as the strategic constraints and opportunities presented by socio-cultural and political developments;
• Be able to conduct an in-depth industry analysis and gain advanced understanding of its strengths and limitations;
• Be able to develop and defend a cohesive organizational strategy;
• Be able to undertake critical appraisal of relevant strategic management literature and tools, and apply critical judgement and discrimination;
• Be aware of, and familiar with, methods employed in formulating and implementing business and corporate strategies;
• Be aware of, and familiar with, tools and techniques to analyse the competitive and contextual environment.

• Effective written communication
• Sourcing appropriate data and evaluating evidence.
• Interpreting and using data.
• Reflecting and synthesising from experience.
• Synthesising diverse perspectives.
• Selecting appropriate modes of communication.
• Making effective use of communication and information technology

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

• Learning outcomes are met through classroom-based workshops, supported by online resources. The workshops consist of a combination of taught input, group work, case studies and discussion. Online resources provide preparatory material for the workshops – typically consisting of directed reading and video content.
• The formative assessment consists of classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module.
• The summative assessment is a written assignment in the form of a case study analysis which is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Oral and written feedback will be given on a group and/or individual basis as appropriate.

■ 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