MM397-Management in Media Industries

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Anna De Amicis
Email: a.deamicis2@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 industries look 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 media industries. 


• Understand how the various sectors are 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:

To provide students with the confidence to recognise potential exploitation and opportunities in media industries, both for starting their own businesses and in their future careers.

Outline content:

The classes provide a broad overview of media industries. How the landscape for the media is mapped out, the fundamental economics of the industries are explained, alongside different forms of business organisations. In addition, we will focus on key issues and 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 mediaenterprises. There are also opportunities 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, these will be interactive sessions providing opportunity for class discussion. Where possible, a guest lecture will be given by an industry practitioner.  The seminars will be small group sessions in which specific topics or cases are discussed in greater depth, and in which students will be able to present and receive feedback on their wo rk.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment 1: 1-2 minute pitch demonstrating to a potential investor why they should invest in a media sector, assessment can be submitted individually or as a group (of up to 3 students); due in week 8

Assessment 2: One individual written report on a given topic, 2000 words; due in week 11.

Formative assessment methods:

Opportunities will be given to discuss ideas with the cohort and receive peer feedback

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-submission of an individual written assignment of 3000 words.  

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 September 2023