The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information', `Course Documents' and `Assignments' sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (120) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE.

The VLE will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information' section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The `Course Documents' section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module. Within the `Communication' section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone and the discussion forums and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place.

This module will provide students with an appropriate introduction to management within the advice sector. The module will explore:

- Management, the strategic planning process and it relevance to the advice sector.
- Staff development including; the management of staff performance, appraisal and the establishment of work/life balance initiatives to address workplace stress and anxiety.
- Managing difference and conflict
- Management and the training function
- Management and its role in addressing discrimination and oppression
- Management in a contract culture
- Project Management and how does it apply to advice services?
- Managing monitoring and evaluation
- Management and Finance.

You will need access to the following texts:

Adirondack, S (2000) Just about Managing (3rd edition) London Voluntary Service Council
Reason, A. Hayes, R and Forbes, D (2000) Voluntary, but not amateur (6th edition) London Voluntary Service Council

The assessment for this module will comprise the following;

- An essay examining the practical and theoretical aspects of management (3,000 words) which will assess all learning outcomes 1-5

- A computer capable of accessing the internet
- Key texts