Course description
Structure and Content
The programme consists of two elements: two 15-week semesters of taught programmes and a three-month dissertation period. Successful completion of the taught element of the programme leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma, or allows you to continue for the award of the MSc in Management by completing a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with the Programme Director. This must be submitted by the end of August following completion of the taught programme.
In the Autumn Semester you will take:
Organisational Behaviour and Analysis: Understanding the complexity of organisational behaviour is essential for effective management. This module introduces the key concepts and theoretical approaches used in understanding social behaviour in organisations and in models of organisational analysis.
International Business: You will be provided with the means to understand and manage changes in the international business environment.
Quantitative Management Techniques: You will be introduced to basic quantitative techniques used in business decision-taking and the role of modelling in business.
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 1): This is a two-semester module in which you will be introduced to research methods in the field of business and management and be shown how these methods can be used in practice in preparing for your dissertation. It includes extensive workshop-based sessions.
Plus an elective from:
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice: The module aims to improve understanding of the development of entrepreneurship as an area of study and to enhance awareness of the processes of research and scholarship in the entrepreneurship field.
Marketing Management: The module will provide an understanding of the nature of marketing and marketing management and focus on the key marketing activities of market analysis, product development, marketing communications and consumer behaviour.
Accounting & Finance: The module provides an introduction to accounting and corporate finance. The accounting section examines published accounting information from a user’s perspective, while the corporate finance section explores some of the major issues involved in making corporate investment and financial decisions.
In the Spring Semester you will take:
Enterprise Planning/Operations Management: This module provides you with an appreciation of the importance of operations management in production and service industries. It is also intended that you should be able to understand the methods used for planning and management of operations, and apply some of these techniques.
Project Management: The first part of the module considers the evaluation and selection of projects, while the second part examines their management. The techniques are illustrated with examples from a variety of industries and a number of case studies will be examined.
Strategic Management: The module provides an overall understanding of the needs, contexts and processes involved in strategic management within organisations. You will examine the main underlying approaches to strategic management.
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 2): The second half of the module continues and develops the work of the first semester and includes the preparation and submission of an individual research proposal that may form the basis of your dissertation topic.
Plus one elective from the following:
Strategic Planning for Information Systems Management, Management Development, International HRM, Research for Enterprise.
Delivery and Assessment
Delivery takes the form of lectures, practical case studies and workshops, followed by a three-month dissertation period. Assessment is by a mixture of examination and coursework, including written assignments and presentations.
Career Opportunities
The combination of a sound knowledge of management practice and competence in the skills needed to be an effective manager will open up a wide variety of career opportunities in the manufacturing, commercial and service sectors.
