Management Theory and Practice

It introduces students to key management theories and principles. The unit explores the diversity of management and its roles. It examines how organisational structures influence management style and decision making. The unit discusses how organisations identify strategic objectives and develop corporate and business plans, and explores the importance of effective information management and organisational communication. A key focus of the unit is on how managing, motivating, and leading an organisation's human resources can improve business performance and sustainability. Many of the concepts are synthesised in an examination of business ethics and a discussion of the field of corporate social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe contemporary management theory and principles
  • Explain the role and function of management and decision making within an organization
  • Describe corporate strategies and objectives and their process of implementation
  • Analyse methods for implementing corporate strategies and objectives
  • Evaluate methods for leading and motivating an organisation’s human resources
  • Critically assess methods for leading and motivating an organisation’s human resources
  • Discuss the role of communication within an organisation
  • Describe corporate social responsibility

Content Areas

  • An Introduction to Management: Theories and Principles
  • Leadership, Management and Motivation
  • Management and Organisational Structures
  • Management and Corporate Culture
  • Strategy Formulation and Organisational Planning
  • Managing Human Resources for Sustainability
  • Managerial Decision Making
  • Managing Information and Corporate Communications
  • Managing Change and Organisational Development
  • Globalisation and Issues in International Management
  • Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.