Discovering management

The course aims to help learners explore general theories of management, contrasting classical management theory with a human relations approach. It covers the split between management as a science and an art, functional perspectives on management including human resources, finance, marketing, operations, and project management. Additionally, it delves into stakeholder analysis and management. Students will develop capabilities by understanding management activities, recognizing their roles as managers, and conducting SWOT and PESTLE analyses. The teaching method involves theoretical exploration, practical application, and analysis. This course is intended for individuals interested in gaining a foundational understanding of management concepts and practices.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Exploring ideas
• 1 Exploring ideas
• 1.1 General theories of management –contrasting approaches
• 1.1.1 Classical management theory (Fayol and Urwick)
• 1.1.2 A human relations approach (Follett and Likert)
• 1.2 Management as a science versus management as an art
• 1.2.1 The split in the field of management
• 1.2.2 The art of managing
• 1.3 Functional perspectives on management
• 1.3.1 A human resources perspective
• 1.3.2 A finance and accounting perspective
• 1.3.3 A marketing perspective
• 1.3.4 An operations management perspective
• 1.3.5 A project and change management perspective
• 1.3.6 Postscript to the functional perspectives
• 1.4 Stakeholder analysis and management
• 1.4.1 Who are stakeholders?
• 1.4.2 Identifying an organisation’s stakeholders
• 1.4.3 Analysing an organisation’s stakeholders
• 1.4.4 Managing stakeholders
• 1.4.5 Summary
• 2 Developing capabilities
• 2 Developing capabilities
• 2.1 Management activities
• 2.1.1 Exploring what managers are supposed to do
• 2.1.2 Exploring what managers actually do
• 2.2 Recognising your roles as a manager
• 2.2.1 Sources of management roles
• 2.2.2 Balancing management roles
• 2.3 SWOT and PESTLE analyses
• 2.3.1 SWOT
• 2.3.2 PESTLE
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• References
• Acknowledgements