1. Explain the roles and functions of management within contemporary organisations, using relevant business concepts and frameworks.

Knowledge and Understanding, Communication

2. Apply foundational management theories to analyse organisational challenges and propose appropriate solutions.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Work collaboratively to explore ethical, sustainable and inclusive management practices within organisations.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

4. Reflect on your developing skills, behaviours and career aspirations in relation to management practice.

Reflection; Personal Development and Entrepreneurship

Assessment 1: Group Presentation

Students will work in small groups to analyse a real organisation or approved case study, focusing on its purpose, structure and management approach. The assessment requires application of foundational management theories to identify organisational challenges and consider ethical, sustainable and inclusive management practices. Students will propose appropriate responses informed by theory and evidence.

Formative feedback will be embedded through:

A group proposal or outline submission early in the module, focusing on organisational choice and intended analytical approach.

In-class formative workshops where groups receive tutor and peer feedback on their emerging analysis.

Optional draft section feedback (e.g. structure or use of theory) provided during scheduled support sessions.

The final submission may take the form of a recorded presentation with supporting materials, in line with inclusive assessment practices.

Assessment 2: Individual Reflective Report

Students will produce an individual reflective report that explores their learning and development throughout the module. The report will include reflection on key management concepts, collaborative working, academic and digital skill development, and emerging career aspirations.

Students will be expected to reflect on learning, behaviours and skill development by making use of appropriate reflective approaches, models and tools to support your evaluation.

Students will be encouraged to reflect on formative and summative feedback received and identify priorities for future development. Formative feedback will be embedded through:

A guided reflective task or skills audit completed mid-module, with tutor feedback.

Structured reflection prompts discussed during workshops to support reflective writing.

Opportunities for peer discussion and feedback on reflective approaches and professional development goals.

This module introduces students to the foundational principles of business and management within contemporary organisational contexts. It aims to develop students’ understanding of how organisations operate, the role of management, and how key business functions interact. The module supports students’ transition into higher education by developing academic confidence, digital literacy, collaborative working and employability awareness, providing a foundation for further study across a range of business-related disciplines.

The purpose of organisations and the role of management

Classical and contemporary management theories

Organisational structures and cultures

Leadership, teamwork and motivation

Introduction to operations and decision-making

Ethics, sustainability and responsible management

Digital tools for managers (collaboration, data, communication)

Professional behaviours and employability awareness

This module introduces you to the core principles of business and management and how organisations operate in today’s dynamic environment. You will explore the role of managers, key management theories and how different business functions work together to support organisational success. Through real-world examples, collaborative activities and applied tasks, you will develop academic confidence, digital skills and professional awareness. The module provides a strong foundation for further study across business-related degrees and supports your early development as a confident, reflective and employable student.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments.

This module aligns with the University of Staffordshire Curriculum Framework through the following elements:

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Flexible learning activities, inclusive assessment formats and diverse organisational examples support equitable student engagement at Level 4.

Simulation-based Education: Real and realistic organisational case studies enable students to explore management practice in applied contexts.

Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice: Collaborative tasks, professional communication and reflection support early employability awareness and professional identity development.

Sustainability: Ethical, responsible and sustainable management practices are embedded within core business and management content.

Academic, Digital and Research Skills: Academic confidence, digital literacy and foundational research skills are scaffolded to support student transition into higher education.

Explore
This module aligns with the Explore principle of the Employability Framework by introducing students to the roles, responsibilities and practices of management within contemporary organisations. Through the analysis of real organisational case studies, collaborative group work and reflective activities, students explore how management theories operate in practice, develop awareness of professional behaviours, and begin to consider potential career pathways within business and management-related fields.

Daft, R. (2024) Management. 14th edn. Cengage.

Robbins, S. P. and Coulter, M. (2023) Management. 15th edn. Pearson.

Mullins, L. J. and Christy, G. (2022) Management and Organisational Behaviour. 12th edn. Pearson.

Boddy, D. (2023) Management: An Introduction. 8th edn. Pearson.

Cottrell, S. (2022) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. 3rd edn. Red Globe Press.