The module will focus on contemporary management topics relating to operation and organisational effectiveness, and aim to provide a broad overview of the strategic purpose of various managerial functions.

Through negotiation, a student will select and obtain approval to undertake a project which will focus on an aspect of leadership or management relating to the workplace. Formative feedback will be provided to assist learners in selecting and refining their project topic.

The aim is to allow students, in negotiation with a University Tutor, to identify and propose an aspect or aspects of study which will specifically meet their own learning and development needs.

The project should focus on the one or more of the key leadership or management functions which have been studied on together with work based experiential learning, thereby enhancing knowledge and skills in the context of the student's workplace.

The module also introduces the investigation process, including setting objectives and the production of a work-based project proposal and detailed project report.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities.
Blackboard VLE.

Armstrong M. (2009) Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (11th Ed), Kogan Page, London
Gill J and Johnson P (2002) Research Methods for Managers, Sage
Kotter JP. (1996) Leading Change. Harvard Business School Press. USA.
Mullins LJ. (2010) Management and Organisational Behaviour (9th Ed) FT Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow
Naylor J (2004) Management, Pearson Education, Harlow
Saunders M, Lewis P and Thornhill A (2002) Research Methods for Business Students, 3rd Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall

A project report detailing the examination of the chosen aspect(s) of business, leadership or management (3500 words) - 70% (Learning Outcomes 1and 2)

A presentation supported with Power point (10 minutes) - 20% (Learning Outcome 3)

Reflective Statement (500 words) - 10% (Learning Outcome 4)

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). Of this there will be 24 hours of tutor support, (incorporating lectures, workshops and joint supervisory tutorials) and 276 hours of self-directed study. These sessions will focus on the investigation process and the key aspects relating to the coursework assignment and the production of a project report. The focus of the module is the application of new knowledge and skills in relation to the student's workplace.

Typically the contact hours will be delivered as longer workshops employing a variety of teaching methods predicated on interaction with the learner and between learners, as well as traditional lecturing/presentations.

One-to-one review of the student progress during the module will be made available.

Learning support material will be provided for the module both directly and via the VLE.