Management Theory
- Management Sciences
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 195 pages
- 16 units
This course introduces students to management theory. It explores the core philosophies behind management practices across different organizations and environments. The course covers classical, behavioral, quantitative, and contemporary management perspectives. Students will learn about key theorists, their contributions, and the evolution of management thought. The course aims to provide students and practitioners with up-to-date management theories applicable in various work situations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BUS839, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BUS839 · Unit 1 Management: An Overview
Unit two is specifically devoted to the main functions of managers. Our interest in this section can simply be classified into two. One, we are interested in knowing manager's work methods. Two, we want to study the work agendas of managers.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the evolution of management thought.
- Analyze the principles of scientific management.
- Describe the key concepts of administrative management.
- Explain the human relations approach to management.
- Apply systems theory to organizational analysis.
- Evaluate the contingency approach to leadership.
- Utilize operations research techniques in decision-making.
What it prepares you for
- Business Manager
- Project Manager
- Operations Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Management Consultant
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government
- Technology
- Financial Services
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Management Theory
Unit 4: Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy concepts involve understanding complex organizational structures and their implications, requiring critical analysis and application to real-world scenarios.
- Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 1: Neoclassical Theory – the Hawthorn Studies
The Hawthorne studies require critical analysis of research methodologies and the interpretation of complex social dynamics within organizations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 43 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts and Principles of Management
Unit 1: Management: An Overview · 2 hours
Define management. Discuss the importance of studying management. Identify managerial skills.
Unit 2: Management Functions · 2 hours
Describe planning and its purpose. Explain the obstacles to planning. Discuss organization structure.
- Week 2Module 1: Concepts and Principles of Management
Unit 3: Management: A Science or an Art? · 3 hours
Explain the concepts of science, art, profession, and leadership. Discuss management as a science and an art.
- Week 3Module 1: Concepts and Principles of Management
Unit 4: Manager Versus Leader: The Controversy · 3 hours
Describe a manager and a leader. Explain the roles of a manager and a leader. Evaluate the differences between managers and leaders.
- Week 4Module 1: Concepts and Principles of Management
Unit 5: Managerial Job Types · 3 hours
Explain the types of managerial jobs. Discuss the implications of managerial job types. Describe what it takes to become an effective manager.
- Week 5Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Management Theory
Unit 1: The Evolution of Management Theories · 3 hours
Discuss why you need to study the history of management. Explain management theory. Analyze the usefulness of a theory.
- Week 6Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Management Theory
Unit 2: Scientific Management Theory · 3 hours
Explain the contributions of pre-classical theorists. Discuss the contributions of Taylor, the Gilbreths and Gantt. Critically assess the scientific management school.
- Week 7Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Management Theory
Unit 3: Administrative Management School · 3 hours
Explain the elements and principles of administrative theory. Discuss the weaknesses and benefits of administrative theory. Analyze the contributions of the administrative theorists.
- Week 8Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Management Theory
Unit 4: Bureaucracy · 3 hours
Explain the concept of bureaucracy. Discuss the elements of bureaucracy. Describe the contribution of Weber to the theory.
- Week 9Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 1: Neoclassical Theory – the Hawthorn Studies · 3 hours
Describe the causes and elements of the neoclassical theory. Explain the contributions of early behaviorists. Analyze the Hawthorne studies.
- Week 10Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 2: Human Relations Movement · 3 hours
Explain the Human Relations Movement. Discuss the contributions of Maslow. Describe McGregor's contribution.
- Week 11Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 3: The Behavioural Science Approach · 3 hours
Explain the scientific research approach to management. Discuss the role of motivation in management. Explain organizational behavior.
- Week 12Module 4: Modern Theories of Management
Unit 1: Operations Research - Management Science · 3 hours
Explain the growth of operations research. Discuss the nature, features and techniques of operations research. Classify the models of operations research.
- Week 13Module 4: Modern Theories of Management
Unit 2: Management Information Systems · 3 hours
Explain management information systems. Discuss the nature of information systems. Describe the various types of information systems.
Unit 3: Contemporary Management Perspective · 3 hours
Explain systems theory. Discuss the works of contributors to the theory. Differentiate between open and closed systems.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 classical management concepts.
- Practice applying Maslow's hierarchy to case studies from Units 11-12.
- Review quantitative techniques from Units 13-14 weekly.
- Compare and contrast leadership theories from Units 4 and 16.
- Summarize key points from each unit at the end of the week.
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision.
- Prioritize understanding of core concepts over rote memorization.
Questions students ask about this course
What is BUS839 about?
This course introduces students to management theory. It explores the core philosophies behind management practices across different organizations and environments. The course covers classical, behavioral, quantitative, and contemporary management perspectives. Students will learn about key theorists, their contributions, and the evolution of management thought. The course aims to provide students and practitioners with up-to-date management theories applicable in various work situations.
How many units does BUS839 have?
BUS839, Management Theory, has 16 units across 4 modules, over 195 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BUS839?
BUS839 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Management Sciences.
Is BUS839 hard?
BUS839 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does BUS839 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is BUS839 assessed?
BUS839 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with BUS839?
Business Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager and Management Consultant.