AP1SB1-Introduction to Management

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Julian Park
Email: j.r.park@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to management science and its relevance to businesses. Interactive in-class activities and the use of online apps will help you learn techniques for inspiring teamwork in an organisation context, discover the importance of strategic management design for achieving an organisation's goals, and understand the roles of the manager and the responsibilities this carries. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain hands-on practising decision making through case studies. Furthermore, develop your leadership skills to motivate and guide a team towards the achievement of an organisation’s objectives.  

Aims:

To develop students’ broad understanding of the economic, technological and social aspects of management, in the context of how different business operate. Students will be introduced to the environment of management, the management process, and techniques available to and used by managers to plan and operate as a business. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module you should have developed the following management and core skills: Management skills: The management process – appreciate the relevance of basic business concepts (planning, organising, leadership and control), establish and compare alternative business objectives, understand how and why businesses plan and make decisions, apply the concepts of control, recognise the value of leadership and human resource management, and understand differences in organisational structures and behaviour. Moreover, understand the role of financial control and accounting as well as the importance of marketing to the attainment of organisational goals and the strategic management.

Additional outcomes:

• Analytical thinking – developing numeracy, literacy, reasoning and appraisal skills


• Developing analytical skills


• Interaction with other students– developing team work and communication skills


• Interpersonal skills – developing skills in purposive questioning.

Outline content:

Topics covered will include the following: 

• Managing change


• Managing a creative strategy


• Developing an innovative business plan


• Decision making process in organisations


• Organisational theory and design


• Financial control and accounting


• Globalisation and multinational management


• Communication in organisations


• Marketing from the man agement perspective

Global context:

The role of management and its importance in a global environment is discussed and terms such as globalisation are defined and explained within the classroom via case studies. In particular, emphasis is given to the discussion over how variations in the economic, political, cultural and social environment throughout the globe can have an impact to business operations and strategic development.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

* Preparatory lectures – introducing key business concepts and basic techniques * Exercises – a series of in class exercises focusing on the students’ characteristics, personalities and business acumen * Self-Directed learning – debates, case studies, investigation, etc.

Lectures will include a series of exercises and discussion to reinforce and apply what has been learned. Students will be expected to present their thoughts on selected aspects of t he module.

The following books are available at the library either on shelf or on-line and are part of the recommended reading list for this module:

Daft Richard, (2013) Management, 11th Edition, South Western Educational Publishing; 11 Har/Psc edition (13 February 2013)

Boddy, D (2013) Management: An introduction. 5th Edition, Pearson Education / University Library 2nd Floor Folio -- 658 – BOD

Drucker, P.F. (2 007) The Practice of Management. Butterworth Heinemann. Elsevier /University Library 2nd Floor 658 – DRU

Drucker, P.F. (2011) Management. Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices. Butterworth Heinemann. Routledge / University Library 2nd Floor 658 DRU (1999 edition)

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	70
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Class test administered by School	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two on-line (Blackboard) sets of questions/exercises that are based on Management Theory and Practice (50% each). The sets of questions will need to be completed in a strictly defined window of time. Unless the test is completed within the predetermined window a mark of zero will apply.

Formative assessment methods:

At the beginning of the autumn term students will be asked to install to their Android/Windows/iOS devises the “Socrative” student app. This is used for in class quizzes, open questions, group competitions and instant feedback. The app enables the user to present graphs and instant reports. This will enable further understanding and will allow the instructor to evaluate and assess learning techniques and methods. The app also facilitates the case study work by enabling students to complete short answer questions online and receive instant feedback by the module convener.

Moreover, to facilitate the case study work students are required to complete short answer questions (reflective practice) at the end of each lecture.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination during the re-sit examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: may be purchased but key text is available electronically via the library

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 21 June 2021