MN1107 Introduction to business and management
Syllabus
The syllabus consists of four sections, designed to introduce students to the main theories, debates, and issues relating to the study of business and management. Each section deals with several topics and an indication is given below of the elements that each will be included. However this syllabus approaches management and organisations as dynamic topic, so it is important to recognise the interrelationships between each theme. Students should identify links, make comparisons, and consider the implications of the different issues throughout their studies.
Section 1: Development of business and management
Concepts, definitions and origin; Introduction to key concepts; development of organisational theory and management thought, including scientific management and the human relations school of thought.
Approaches to understanding the business organisation; Perspectives of sociology; psychology and economics.
Section 2: Decision making
The management role; Decision making as central to main activities of planning, leading, motivating, controlling.
Theoretical approaches to decision making and organisational change; Game theory; rational choice; strategic management; change management; resistance.
Managing the main functional areas; Human resource management; production; marketing; finance; communication systems
Section 3: Business and its environment
Key internal elements of the firm; Size; type; structure; ownership; technology; strategy; culture.
Key external elements of the business environment; Political, economic, social, technological and cultural spheres
The diverse and dynamic nature of the business context; International business; cultural diversity; globalisation; MNCs; small business management.
Section 4: Contemporary issues in business and management
Current trends in business development; Knowledge management; e-business; the learning organisation
The social responsibilities of business organisations; Business ethics; managerial integrity; social responsibility; corporate citizenship.
