MANAGING THE AGILE BUSINESS - 2019/0

Module Overview

This module builds on Sustainable Strategies for International Business (MANM428), complementing contextualised learning about organisations with an inward, micro perspective of organisational management. This module completes that process of integrative understanding by further reflecting on the fundamental questions: How do organisations work at the micro level? What internal processes promote the development of a successful and viable business?
In this module we will integrate theory and practice across a range of disciplines such as organisational behaviour, human resource management, operations management, game theory and microeconomics. This module has an applied focus as we consider the various ways in which organisational practices are informed by scientific knowledge.
This module focuses on the study of people in their working environments; we will apply theories of people’s behaviour (on an individual level as well as teams), within their organisational context, as well as features of the organisational environment and culture. The module will also focus on the role and nature of supply chain and operations management strategies by considering real examples of how objectives of retail and industrial organisations are met. We will work on cases on supply chain management.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

BRABON Benjamin (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:
• Analysis and application of concepts: individual differences at work, work motivation, Organisational culture and organisational change management, stress management and well-being, performance management, group behaviour in a team context, and conflict management
• Analysis and application of concepts: selection & assessment, training & learning, reward, diversity in organisations, human resource policies and practices
• Analysis and application of concepts: customer value, matching supply and demand, generic supply chain strategies, managing logistics internationally, ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility for supply chains, service and manufacturing operational strategies, supply chain integration and information technology, supplier management, supply chain costs and performance

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate theories into practice using a real organisation of their choosing, as well as in their own organisational experiences Two summative assessments, due in on Monday of week 11 (FT) and by the fourth Monday after completion of the module (PT), consist of: • A learning reflection document (750 words) • An individual written paper (3000 words) Formative assessment and feedback for this module consists of: • Students can expect to receive feedback from faculty on participation, discussions and team exercises in class A detailed marking scheme which provides guidance on how marks will be awarded for each element of different assessments will be provided

Module aims

• Provide concepts, frameworks, and tools for dynamic management that can be readily applied by students to analyse organisational processes and formulate organisational strategy
• Apply a range of management issues pertinent to understanding how different elements of a business fit together to create a coherent organisation
• Critically review the relationship between theory and practice in the management of organisations
• Apply the analysis of organisations from a process rather than a functional perspective with the emphasis on integration
• Allow students to reflect on their own experiences of management in relation to both theory and applicability across a variety of organisational and industry contexts
• Enable students to apply, reflect, and critically evaluate existing frameworks and concepts relevant to the strategic challenges facing various organisations and industries
• Recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of various theories and models central to this module, whilst simultaneously making links back to their own organisations

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to focus on learning through experience and reflection, by giving students the opportunity to integrate different theories and topics and apply knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, models and research, to a variety of examples.
The module will comprise lectures and discussion groups, as well active and self-directed learning. Whilst the lectures are mainly designed to illustrate and explain theoretical concepts and models, the seminars/discussion groups explore and illuminate the theoretical concepts and models by reference to and explanation of a range of topical issues and case studies. Group discussions are therefore designed to develop a more practical insight into the applied nature of the various topics covered. Active learning includes engaging in classroom practical exercises, video and case analyses, and, group work on the practical component of the assessment. Self-directed learning pertains to engaging in reading material relevant to the module.

Prior to attending the lecture and seminar, students are expected to undertake the essential reading for the sessions.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Teaching concepts and then learning through case studies
• Video and simulations
• Conversations with external senior managers
• Presentations by external clients and Q&A sessions
• Workshop activities conducted in teams
• Self-directed learning

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM429

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.