Core Modules, Electives and the Project

Stage One - Core Modules

Foundations of Management

This module introduces students to the key techniques and skills required for effective distance learning. Through the module you will discuss the emergence of management theory in a particular historical context. It promotes an awareness of management as a powerful force in the contemporary world, and of the pressures which managers face as a result of globalisation. Within the module you will discuss different types of organisation, and you will be exposed to important characteristics of organisations like structure and culture. The key management specialisms (such as human resource management or marketing) and management processes and competencies (such as planning, motivation and leadership) will be reviewed in the context of today's organisations.

The Management Environment

Managers make difficult decisions about resource, markets and revenue. Within this module we explore why managers need to be sensitive to the local, national and global organisational environment when making decisions. Key decisions which involve a consideration of the organisational environment are discussed and the most commonly used frameworks for environmental analysis are outlined and reviewed.

Accountability and Financial Analysis

In this module the key financial reporting documents are examined, along with the information they contain and the potential users of that information. The module is designed to encourage you to analyse and interpret the information found within financial reports in the context of the existing regulatory framework of accounting and relevant accounting theory. This will enable you to use accounting and financial information in a variety of decision-making and planning situations and understand the limitations of such information. A key learning outcome of this module is to enable students to understand the nature and use of accounting information systems and their role in the management of organisations.

Strategic Thinking and Implementation

In Strategic Thinking and Implementation you will be encouraged to appreciate the meaning of strategy and strategic management through a review of the different schools of strategic thinking. Through this review you will experience the nature of different decisions, decision making processes and begin to familiarise yourself with alternative perspectives on decision making. The concept of a system and the contribution of systems thinking to management thinking is linked to an assessment of the role of leadership in the implementation of effective strategies.

Stage Two - Elective Choices

Management, People and Organisation

In Management, People and Organisation you will build on the material covered in Foundations of Management, allowing you to further develop your understanding of theories and practices related to the structure of organisations, the organisation of work and the management of people. The module will enable you to review the criticisms of classical theories of the organisation. It will encourage you to examine the culture of an organisation and its role whilst assessing the advantages and disadvantages of particular organisational structures, with particular reference to organisational contingencies.

Marketing Management

In this module you will analyse the foundational principles of marketing and apply these appropriately to a broad range of case studies. Building on the module Strategic Thinking and Implementation, you will examine the role of frameworks in the development of marketing strategy. The various business orientations available to an organisation will be reviewed and evaluated for their suitability in different contexts. These orientations will assist in the development and management of a sustainable marketing mix tailored to the selected market segment(s).

Quantitative Analysis for Management

In Quantitative Analysis for Management the terminology of statistics is explored through a perspective tailored to the needs of managers. You will be introduced to probability, the theory which underlies statistics, and in doing so it will identify common errors and misconceptions in its application. The module will explore the various applications of quantitative data management decision making. You will examine how data can be represented and you will look at how measures such as mean, median, and standard deviation give information about a variety of forms of data.

Stage Three - The Management Project

The final stage of the Professional Diploma in Management is concerned exclusively with your project. A Professional Management Project is an independent piece of academic writing that researches in detail a particular business/management subject. The project requires you to formulate and undertake a piece of original research with relevance to contemporary management issues and problems. In order to succeed you will need to integrate and interrelate concepts, techniques and skills acquired throughout the course of the Professional Diploma programme in order to demonstrate an appreciation of relevant existing research and theoretical perspectives relating to the project topic. A range of key skills will be developed throughout the process, including the ability to apply analytical and communication skills to accomplish the project process.