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Study information

Discovering Management

Module titleDiscovering Management
Module codeBEM1023
Academic year2024/5
Credits30
Module staff

Mr Chris Reedthomas (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

12

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

650

Module description

This module provides an introduction to organisations and their management.  It introduces you to major elements of management theory, both historic and contemporary in nature.  We have a major focus on exploring the future of management practice, and you will be engaged with key pieces of research emerging from the Business School.  This module is designed as a foundational element of the degree programme, upon which other content areas will build.  As such there are no pre- or co-requisites for this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip you with a foundational understanding and awareness of management practice in an organisational context. You will be engaged with both long standing and emerging research through the lecture programme, and develop your ability to critically analyse issues.

Employability

During this module, you will acquire confidence and skills in presenting, writing reports, conducting independent research, working in teams, managing conflicts, and working to deadlines. You will also get an understanding and experience of working in informal networks, coaching, peer review, and reflective writing.

Sustainability

This module covers sustainability related issues, and links with Exeter’s research related to the Circular Economy.

Internationalisation

Lectures and seminars draw upon international examples and case studies. The broad scope of this module means that internationalisation is an embedded part of the education programme. Globalisation will be discussed in depth as one of the core content areas.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Critically evaluate major management theories, developing arguments about their worth to managers and/or application within organisations
  • 2. Discuss major contemporary trends in the political, regulatory economic, social and demographic environments in which organisations compete, their contemporary and likely future significance
  • 3. Explore the role of the manager within a contemporary organisational context

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Develop and justify arguments, evidencing critical thinking, through the evaluation of different assumptions and perspectives
  • 5. Analyse environments that organisations are located within, demonstrating an emerging awareness of organisational strategy

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Work both on independent assignments and within group-based contexts, developing your ability to work positively with others, managing any conflict arising
  • 7. Analyse case study material, developing your capability to produce a credible management report
  • 8. Present in depth analysis in both written and verbal forms through, for example, leading a tutorial presentation and discussion

Syllabus plan

Indicative content for this module includes:

  • Studying business and management
  • The history of management thinking
  • Business models and competitive advantage
  • Demographic and societal changes
  • Globalisation
  • Technology and innovation
  • Stakeholder theory and management
  • Change management
  • Organisation culture
  • Sustainability, CSR and ethics
  • Managing for creativity
  • Risk and reputation management
  • Managing people
  • International and cross cultural management

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
482520

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 24Whole cohort lecture sessions
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 24Small group seminars organised around study skills and content areas
Guided independent study144Assessment preparation
Guided independent study108Pre-session and post-session reading and revision

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Formative Presentation10 minutes1-8In class verbal feedback from peers and tutor
Portfolio surgery1 x draft portfolio1-5, 8In class tutor feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Group case study report303000 words1-8Feedback through ELE/grademark
Individual reflective portfolio703000 words1-5, 8Feedback through ELE/grademark

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Group case study reportIndividual case study report1-8Referral/Deferral period
Individual reflective portfolioIndividual reflective portfolio1-5, 8Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Reassessment will take the form of resubmission of revised drafts.

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

  • Boddy, D. (2017) Management: An Introduction. 7th Edition.  Harlow: Pearson.
  • Bolden, R., Gosling, J. and Hawkins, B. (2023) Exploring Leadership: individual, organizational, and societal perspectives. 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press.
  • Cameron, S. (2016) The Business Student's Handbook: Skills for Study and Employment. Sixth Edition. Harlow: Pearson.
  • Daft, R. L. (2015) Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Gallagher, K. (2016) Essential Study and Employment Skills for Business and Management Students. Third Edition.  Oxford, Oxford University Press.
  • Hamilton, L. & Webster, P. (2015) The International Business Environment. Third Edition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
  • Laasch, O. (2021) Principles of Management: practicing ethics, responsibility, sustainability. 2nd Edition, Sage.
  • Wetherly, P. & Otter, D. (2018) The Business Environment: Themes and Issues in a Globalizing World. Fourth Edition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Relevant Academic Journals:

  • Harvard Business Review
  • British Journal of Management
  • Academy of Management Journal

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

  • Students will have access to an ELE page which will provide extensive material to support the lecture programme including lecture notes, and short explanatory videos.

Key words search

Business, Management, Organisations, Organisational Theory, Management Research

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

Cannot be taken with BEM1028 or BEM1016 / BEM1016a

NQF level (module)

4

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/07/2019

Last revision date

22/03/2024