MG4A9 Half Unit
Foundations of Business and Management for Human Resources
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Katie Best, room TBC
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Human Resource Management/CIPD). This course is available on the MRes/PhD in Management (Employment Relations and Human Resources), MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management) and MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Organisational Behaviour). This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
A basic grounding in the key management disciplines for students specialising in Human Resource Management. The aim of the course is for students to acquire a general understanding of the business and managerial context in which human resource management takes place.
Course contents include management theory, theory of the firm, business strategy, accounting and finance. Successful students will become intelligent discussion partners on these subjects and critical readers of financial information and the financial press.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of lectures and 1 hour and 30 minutes of seminars in the ST.
Students are expected to prepare for, and contribute to, the seminars. Seminars will include group work, preparing and giving presentations, case analyses, small group discussions, and self-assessment exercises. Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
One formative assignment of 750 words: preparation of a detailed essay plan in preparation for summative assignment.
Indicative reading
G. Pearson, The Rise and Fall of Management, Gower Publishing, 2009.
Wren & A.G. Bedeian, The Evolution of Management Thought, 6th Edition, Wiley 2009.
Atrill, P. & McLaney, E (2015) Accounting & Finance for Non-Specialists. Ninth Edition. Pearson.
Boakes, K, Reading and Understanding the Financial Times. Second Edition. Prentice Hall, 2010.
Willman, P. (2014) Understanding Management - the Social Science Foundations. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 10 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Essay (50%, 2000 words) in the LT.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2020/21: 110
Average class size 2020/21: 18
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
