Business Administration

business administration

main aims of the unit

The main aim of this unit is to provide learners with a clear understanding of the influences on organisational structure and behaviour and will provide a form understanding of the different key functions required to respond effectively to dynamic domestic and international business environments.

 

learning outcomes for the unit

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Understand the main functions within a business organisation.
• Appreciate the importance of new technologies to the efficient running of business enterprises.
• Explain the vital managerial skills and responsibilities.
• Evaluate the methods used to achieve full integration of effort involving all the departments of an organisation.
• Comment on the key activities associated with the key functions of a business organisation

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

 

entry requirements

• Three GCSE’s / GCE`O’ levels and one `A’ level or equivalent qualification, or,
• An approved Foundation Certificate.
• Certificate or Diploma awards deemed to be equivalent to the above qualifications

Relevant experience is taken into consideration for students 21 years of age and over who have not completed any formal qualifications.

 

main topics of study

Introduction to Business Administration and Management

Differences between administration and management. Development of management thought: scientific management. Human Relations management. Classical. The systems school/ approach. The process of management. Management activities planning, organising, co-ordinating, command control. The manager today.

   

 The Nature of Business Activity

Classification of businesses. Self-employed, partnership, limited companies, public limited companies. Sources of capital. Institutions providing finance. The external environment or organisations.

   

Corporate Strategy and Planning

Forecasting: influences, benefits, limitations and methods. Policy making and influences on policy formulation. Management by objectives (MBO).Introduction to corporate planning. Management information systems(MIS).Decision-making; types of decisions, decision making process, primary and secondary data, charts and graphs, sources of information.

 

Organisations

Formal and informal structures. Levels of organisation. Principles of organisation. Authority and responsibility. Delegation. Organisational change. Motivation, morale and discipline. Internal communication media. Conditions to effective communication leadership theories.

 

Production Management

Planning. Control. Types of production. Factory layout and location. Materials handling. Research and development(R and D).Automation. Quality Control.

   

Personnel Management

Position in organisation. Personnel policy. Responsibilities. Manpower planning. Recruitment, selection, interviewing, selection and engagement. Induction and training. Introduction to industrial relations.

 

Office Management

Office layout. Office equipment. Clerical functions. Office systems. Advanced control techniques.

 

indicative reading for this unit

main text

Business Administration A. Douglas 4th edition Gill and Mc Millan

alternative text and further reading

Business Administration P. Thuis, R. Stuive (Routledge)

 

guideline for teaching and learning time

(10 HOURS PER CREDIT)

50 hours - lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops:

Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours - directed learning:

Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours - self managed learning:

Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.

 

assessment methods

Final Examination: 70%

Coursework: 30%