Group presentation (20 minutes) (50%) (Learning Outcomes 1-3)

Work in small groups to prepare and deliver a presentation (including time for questions) based on an identified case study. The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes (including time for questions and discussion), be supported by PowerPoint or similar audio visual resources, and the submission of printed PowerPoint slides (or similar), and notes demonstrating research and preparation with a full bibliography presented in the Harvard style.

Individual reflection on the research that underpinned the group presentation. (500 words) (25%) (Learning Outcomes 4)

Individual written assignment (1,000 words) (25%) (Learning Outcome 4). Students will produce an individual written statement in which they reflect on; their personal approach to management within their work, volunteering or work-based learning environment; their approach to team working, their contribution to the group presentation and their team performance during the assessment.

Formative feedback

Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials.

The effective management of individuals, teams and situations is essential to the success of any business organisation and this module will require students to consider this concept within offender management services. They will be introduced to theoretical models and concepts of individual and team development, and evaluate the effectiveness of tools designed to assess individual, team and organisational performance. They will explore techniques and strategies designed to promote development and build and maintain effective teams. Individuals and teams in this context may refer to colleagues, offenders or clients and management may involve caseload and situation management within offender management services.

Students will also consider the particular challenges to effective management and team working within offender management services, including inter-agency and multi-occupational working and the potential for conflict relating to funding, policy, personal responses, characteristics or beliefs, and specific incidents. They will explore why and how conflict may develop within a workplace, and the effectiveness of strategies designed to minimise and resolve it. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their individual approach to management and team working within the guiding legislation and Prison Service Guidance.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 10 hours of class support and 140 hours of independent and self-directed study.

There will be an initial class session to introduce the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Blackboard and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined. There will be additional tutorial support available, for students to address queries regarding the module content and to clarify any issues arising from the coursework assignment.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Blackboard. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website

Bennett, J., Crewe, B., Wahidin, A. (2007) Understanding Prison Staff, Willan Publishing.
Bryans, S. (2007) Prison Governors: Managing Prisons in a Time of Change Willan Publishing.
Clutterbuck, D. (2007) Coaching the Team at Work, Nicholas Brealey.
Wheelan, S.A. (2009) Creating Effective Teams, Sage.