MM397-Management in Media Industries

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Marrisa Joseph
Email: m.joseph@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module engages in a detailed analysis of the media industry. Fundamental economic questions are considered, along with the strategic choices facing media organisations. Students are introduced to the key challenges facing firms within the industry, and are invited to consider the role of media organisations in shaping contemporary society. 

Aims:

The module aims to provide students with an enhanced understanding of: 

• What the media industry looks like, and why. 


• The commercial challenges facing media organisations, and how these are addressed. 


• The wider public impact of media organisations, and debates about media and society. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will have demonstrated that they are able to: 

• Recognise the fundamental economic drivers that shape the industry. 


• Understand how the industry is structured and explain the characteristics of leading firms. 


• Analyse the processes by which media content is produced, distributed and consumed. 


• Assess various challenges faced by media organis ations and appraise how effectively these are addressed. 


• Critically evaluate the social role of media organisations in shaping public perceptions, and the implications of this for firms themselves and for wider society. 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Classes 1-3 provide a broad overview of media industries. The media landscape is mapped out, the fundamental economics of the industries explained, and different forms of business organisation (and business strategy) are introduced. Remaining classes focus on key issues / themes that relate to the management of media businesses. These include: the production and distribution of media content; patterns of media consumption; regulation of media organisations; and the emergence of multinational media enterprises. The final class provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the broader social and political impact of media businesses. 

Global context:

The module examines the media industry in a global context. Examples are drawn from different parts of the world, and the academic literature is drawn from different countries. The themes and issues addressed in the module are international in nature.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. The lectures will be larger classes in which the core content is presented, though it is intended that these will be interactive sessions involving plenty of opportunity for class discussion. There will normally be at least one guest lecture from a practising manager from a relevant organisation. The seminars will be small group sessions in which specific topics or cases are discussed in greater depth, and in which stud ents will be able to present (and receive feedback on) their own work. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One examination (two hours in length) in the Summer Term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One individual written assignment of 2000 words. Due in week 10.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

University penalties for late submission apply.  See: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average of 40% or more.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit examination during the resit period

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Purchase of the course textbook, Havens and Lotz, Understanding Media Industries (OUP, 2016) is recommended, but not required.

Last updated: 20 May 2021