The aims of the course directly relate to the major themes that will be emphasised throughout. The course aims to:
• provide a comprehensive introduction to the key elements of the business organisation, and to competing theories and models of the firm and its environment, and to provide a critical perspective on the main functional areas of management • build a foundation of knowledge on the different theoretical approaches to management and decision making • develop analytical skills to identify the links between the functional areas in management, organisations, management practices and the business environment.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, you should be able to: • understand the evolution of the business organisation and management thought, identifying the interconnections between developments in these areas • evaluate alternative theories of management critically, recognising the centrality of decision making and strategic thinking to the managerial role and functions • discuss and compare different models and approaches to understanding the firm, evaluating these in the context of the business environment • explore the impact of key environmental factors on decision making and organisational behaviour • evaluate the significance of contemporary issues in business and management.