MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr R Rae

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

The course will contain topics from the following and related areas: marketing; operations; management; HRM; innovation; entrepreneurship and SMEs; communication; organisational culture; organisational change; gender and organisation; leadership; individuals and teams.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures each week, 1 one-hour tutorial each week and six additional hours or seminars, video seminars or workshops to be arranged.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). The in-course assessment will comprise online multiple-choice assessment (5%–10%) and an assignment based on an essay with a word limit of approximately 1,500 words. The online assessment will include a short multiple choice test early in the half-session.

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). The in-course assessment will comprise an assignment based on an essay with a word limit of approximately 1,500 words. Normally the result for the in-course assessment submitted for the first attempt will be carried forward and counted at the resit attempt.

Formative Assessment

The course will trial PRS as a means to provide regular formative assessment in lectures. Additionally, the assignments will provide formative feedback. The online test will be set early in the course to give students early feedback on whether their approach to learning is sensible.

Feedback

Multiple choice test: through score provided early and promptly.

Essay-based assignment: through written comments returned as soon as practicable (expected within three working weeks).

Examination: feedback during summer period as set times to help students prepare for resit.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Sim

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

The course will contain topics from the following and related areas: business organisations— marketing; human resource management; gender; operations; innovation; corporate social responsibility; international markets; politics; macroeconomics; culture; technology; law; environmental issues.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures each week, 1 one-hour tutorial each week and six additional hours or seminars, video seminars or workshops to be arranged.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). The in-course assessment will comprise online multiple-choice assessment (5%–10%) and an assignment based on an essay with a word limit of 1,000–1,500 words. The online assessment will include a short multiple choice test early in the half-session.

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). The in-course assessment will comprise an assignment based on an essay with a word limit of 1,000–1,500 words. Normally the result for the in-course assessment submitted for the first attempt will be carried forward and counted at the resit attempt.

Formative Assessment

The course will trial PRS as a means to provide regular formative assessment in lectures. Additionally, the assignments will provide formative feedback. The online test will be set early in the course to give students early feedback on whether their approach to learning is sensible.

Feedback

Multiple choice test: through score provided early and promptly.

Essay-based assignment: through written comments returned as soon as practicable (expected within three working weeks).

Examination: feedback during summer period as set times to help students prepare for resit.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr R Williams

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

1. Marketing Concept: Introduction to key principles underpinning the modern concept of marketing. Comparison with other organisational orientations. Identification of key marketing tasks.


2. Marketing Environment: Contextualisation of the marketing function. Impact of environmental factors on marketing activities. Relationship between the marketing organisation and its customers. Influences on consumer behaviour.


3. Marketing Mix: Introduction to the core marketing tools. Address market research, product management, managing distribution, promotion and pricing. Develop an integrated perspective on marketing.


4. Marketing in Practice: Examines examples of marketing successes and failures. Highlights the centrality of effective information management in the marketing process.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial every two weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (80%); in-course assessment (20%) consisting of a (10%) group presentation; and a (10%) group report (1,000 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial discussions and through the in-course assessment.

Feedback

Students receive written feedback on their written coursework. In-course activities for which submission is encouraged and good practice used as feedback through WebCT.

On a less formal basis, via verbal feedback during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Smart & Dr J Lamb

Pre-requisites

MS 1007 and MS 1507 (with special permission for direct entrants to Level 2 to take this concurrently with MS 1507).

Overview

The course will contain a range of core operations management theories, frameworks and tools. These will include basic concepts of operations management that reflect the currently including: definitions; operations objectives; the nature of process planning and control; capacity; supply chain management; process design; layout and flow; and project management. The course will include recent examples and will be adapted to reflect the changing nature of operations management and its tools and techniques. Students will be encouraged to take a critical approach when evaluating current initiatives in management.

Structure

Two 1-hour lectures per week and one 1-hour tutorial every two weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%); in-course assessment (30%) consisting of a piece of computer-aided assessment (10%) and written coursework (20%) with a 2,000 word limit.

1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial discussions and through the in-course assessment.

Feedback

Feedback is given in the computer-aided assessment on a question-by-question basis. Students are assessed in the first four weeks of the course so that they have an early opportunity to evaluate their own progress. Students recieve individual written feedback on their written coursework.
On a less formal basis, via verbal feedback during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Randall

Pre-requisites

MS 1007.

Notes

Available to students who are in Programme Year 3 and above.

Overview

The course explores how organisations change and demystifies some of the new management approaches which have emerged internationally, and examines the history of management theory and the future development of business organisations.

Structure

1 two-hour lectures per week (Tuesday), and 1 two-hour tutorial per week (to be arranged).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (80%); Tutor evaluated 20-minute group presentations followed by 10 minutes questions from the two tutors (20%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place via tutorial discussions and through verbal feedback on the preparation of the business model and the business plan.

Discussion Boards and Wikis in MyAberdeen are used to provide generic course feedback as well as group feedback. The groups tutored individually to help prepare for their presentations Individual participation is visible to the course tutor and the tutor on an on-going basis provides comments and is available for personal advice on request.

Feedback

Informal feedback is given on an on going basis see above. More formal feedback is given when students present their business presentation and business plans to their peers. Oral feedback is given after each tutorial activity.

Further less formal feedback is provided during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations. Business presentations are captured as documents, slides and as a video presentation. Any written material is submitted through Turn It In. All material is available to the external examiner including, if required, the formative feedback provided on MyAberdeen.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A J Sim

Pre-requisites

Course available only to Years 3 and above.

Notes

This course is not available to those who have taken the Sustained Study course BU 2501 Business Ethics.

Overview

This course covers the fundamental question of what ethics is granting a context for the discussion of business ethics. It will explore a range of ethical theory and examine the basic concepts underlying virtue ethics. The course will examine areas of ethical business relationships (employer& employee relationships, business & consumer, business & community, business & environment). The course will present the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and link it to the idea of business ethics.

Structure

1 one-hour lectures per week, and 8 one-hour tutorial classes over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%) consisting of a graded tutorial presentation (10%) and an essay [3,000 words] (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial discussions and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the presentation and the essay. Oral feedback is given on the tutorial presentation.

On a less formal basis, through verbal feedback during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations.

Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen / Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Mauthner

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Overview

This course examines gender issues in work and organisations. It introduces key concepts and theories of gender difference, gendered divisions of paid and unpaid work and gender ideologies. It discusses explanations for gender disadvantage and discrimination at work, evidence for gender differences in management and leadership style and the association of management with masculinity. Legislative, organisational and managerial strategies for workplace equality are critically examined, including the traditional 'equal opportunities' model, the emerging 'managing diversity' strategy, and work-life balance and flexible employment approaches.

Structure

[eg. 3 one-hour lectures (Tue, Wed, Thur at 11) and 1 one-hour tutorial (to be arranged) per week].

1 two-hour lecture per week, and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Essay-based in-course assignment (2,500 words) (40%), 1 three-hour written examination (60%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written exam (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place via lecture and tutorial discussions and feedback on assignment.

Feedback

Informal feedback is given on an on going basis see above. More formal written feedback is given when students are handed back their assingment. Oral feedback is given after each tutorial activity.

Further less formal feedback is provided during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations. Any written material is submitted through Turn It In. All material is available to the external examiner including, if required, the formative feedback provided on MyAberdeen.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr R Bunduchi

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Overview

The course will cover the process of new product & service development in firms. The content will broadly cover the following topics: the role of new forms of product & service innovations in firms and their contribution to the firm's competitive advantage; the activities involved in the management of new product / service development; and the approach to managing internal and external stakeholders involved in new product / service development.

Structure

10 two-hour lectures (preferably on Tuesday mornings, eg. 10-11), and 5 one-hour of seminars.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (50%); course work assessment (50%) consisting of a group presentation (10%) and an essay (40%), (3,000 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Students will be asked to conduct tasks during the seminar meetings and feedback will be provided on their performance.
Case studies will be discussed in the lecture and students will be provided with feedback during the lectures.

On line quizzes will be posted on blackboard to test students understanding of the concepts covered in the course and the student will receive instant feedback on their performance.

Feedback

Feedback will be given:

• Verbally during each of the seminar sessions concerning the discussions of the topics covered during the seminars


• Written generic feedback will also be posted on the blackboard concerning the discussions in the seminars


• The quizzes will provide instant individual feedback to students on their performance


• Verbal and written feedback will be given for the presentation on the projects required for the course work assessment


• Students will receive individually written feedback for their course assessment


• Generic verbal feedback on the course assessment will be given to the class

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr I Heywood

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Notes

This course will be available in alternate years and is not available in 2012/13.

Overview

This course covers both the designed and development of a business model for a new venture and the creation of a business plan as a road map for implementation of the business idea. The course is a blend of the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship.

The first part of the course looks at the challenges surrounding the definition of entrepreneurship and explores the different theoretical perspectives on what actually constitutes entrepreneurship. At the same time students explore how these theoretical perspectives relate to entrepreneurial ventures in the real world ? this is done via a case teaching approach. The course then move on to explore where new ideas and innovations come from and looks at the concept of the business model as a framework for comparing and contrasting possible new ventures. The first part of the course concludes with the students, working in teams, to create a business model for their own New Venture.

The second part of the programme centres on the shaping of a business plan as the main tool for taking a new venture to the market place. The main elements of the business plan are explored and the theoretical justification for their inclusion in the plan presented. In addition, concepts such as options appraisal and rapid prototyping are introduced to show how a business plan and its associated business model can be 'stress' tested before going live. Once again a case study approach is used to support the course.

The course concludes with students delivering a business model and plan for their own New Venture.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week (Monday 10:00-11:00 & Friday 16:00-15:00), and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

In the tutorial groups students work in 'companies' of no more than 4 students. Students are encouraged to use these groups as 'learning sets' and coached in how to support each other's learning.

Assessment

1st Attempt: The assessment for New Venture Creation will consist of two components:

1. A proposition for a new venture, to include:

a. a business plan; and
b. a presentation (?pitch?) for investment.

This will be an in-course assessment and assessed through the individual contribution to a group project.

The assessment will be worth up to 30% of the overall mark:
- up to 10% will be awarded for the contribution to the group presentation; and
- up to 20% will be awarded for the contribution to the business-plan (normally between 1,200 and 1,800 words).

2. A review and analysis of a 'New Venture' business case.

This will be a formal two-hour exam in which the student will be asked to use a new venture business case as the starting point for answering 3 questions on the wider field of entrepreneurship and new venture creation. The student will be expected to supplement their knowledge and analysis of the case with additional information and examples drawn from the material covered during the course and their wider reading.
The student will be provided with a copy of the case, to review, in advance of the exam. They will not be allowed to take this copy of the case into the exam. A clean copy of the case will be provided for the student to refer to during the exam.
The exam will be worth up to 70% of their overall mark, with each of the three answers being given equal weighting.

Should the student be required to resist the assessment for New Venture Creation the following will apply:

- Any marks already awarded for the coursework element of the course will be discounted; and

- The student will be required to sit a further formal two-hour exam in which they will be asked to review a new venture business case as a starting point for answering 3 questions on the wider field of entrepreneurship and new venture creation. This will be a different case from the case used for the first assessment.

- The exam will be worth up to 100% of the student's overall mark, with each of the three answers being given equal weighting.

Formative Assessment

This will take place via tutorial discussions and through verbal feedback on the preparation of the business model and the business plan. Discussion Boards and Wikis in MyAberdeen are used to provide generic course feedback as well as group feedback. The groups are using wikis to create the content for their business models and plans. Individual participation is visible to the course tutor and the tutor on an on going basis provides comments.

Feedback

Informal feedback is given on an on going basis see above. More formal feedback is given when students present their business models and business plans to their peers. Oral feedback is given after each tutorial activity.

Further less formal feedback is provided during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations. Business models and business plans are captured as documents, slides and as a video presentation. Any written material is submitted through Turn It In. All material is available to the external examiner including, if required, the formative feedback provided on MyAberdeen.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J D Lamb

Pre-requisites

PO 2504 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is a Management Studies elective but is also available as a curriculum breadth course for Business School students and may be available as an enhanced study course to suitably qualified honours students.

Overview

This course provides students with an overview of some of the more commonly applied areas of management science. The course will show students how to use two computer applications ? spreadsheets and a computer simulation package ? to build simple, practical business models to help management decision making. Topics covered include: design and presentation of spreadsheets; applications to operations management, forecasting; introduction to visual interactive simulation models; applications to queueing systems; problem formulation and problem solving.

Structure

1 one-hour lectures per week, and 12 one-hour practical (computer-based) classes over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one-hour written examination (25%); 1 one-hour computer-based examination (25%); one practical in-course project (50%) in which students build business models and produce spreadsheets and simulation models and a written report of about 1,835 words.

Students may retake a failed examination or failed in-course project. The original grade for elements passed at first attempt will be counted with the grade for resit elements.

Formative Assessment

This will take place through interaction in practical classes and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the assignment. Oral feedback is given in the practical classes. The course will also use MyAberdeen facilities and email to give feedback as students develop coursework and assignments.

Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor M Hughes

Pre-requisites

Course normally available only to year 3.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the complexities of international business management by examining how the multi-dimensional global environment affects all aspects of management within an international context.

The course provides an introductory, but comprehensive, coverage of the main challenges surrounding the international business process. Topics include: nature of international business; comparative business environments; international strategies; organisational change, cultural diversity and international management.

Structure

1 two-hour lectures per week for 8 weeks; and 8 one-hour tutorial presentations over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (20%) consisting of an essay (2,500 words); presentation (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial presentation discussions, and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the presentation and the essay.

On a less formal basis, through verbal feedback during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations.
Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr I Heywood

Pre-requisites

One management course at level 1(MS 1007 or MS 1507) and one management course at level 2 (MS 2005 or MS 2511);
Or students who have completed the course new venture creation.

Notes

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Overview

This course covers the research, designed and evaluation of a business development strategy for an existing organisation. The course is a blend of the theoretical and practical aspects of business development.

The first part of the course looks at the challenges surrounding the definition of business development and explores the different theories and models that underpin the subject. Students will be asked to critique these theories and models by exploring how these concepts and ideas apply to businesses operating in today's economy. This is done via a case teaching approach.

The course then explores the different dimensions of business development that an organisation may pursue. This includes, for example, strategies for growing market share, entering new markets, reducing cost and expanding products and services.

The second part of the programme centres on the shaping of a business development plan as the main tool for sustaining or growing a business. The main elements of the business development plan are explored and the theoretical justification for their inclusion in the plan presented. In addition, concepts such as options appraisal and scenario planning are introduced to show how a business development strategy and its associated business development plan can be evaluated. Once again a case study approach is used to support the course.

The course concludes with students delivering a business development strategy for an existing business. This will include an appraisal of the current business, an options appraisal comparing different business development possibilities and a business development plan.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week (Monday 10:00-11:00 & Friday 16:00-15:00), and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

In the tutorial groups students work in 'consultancy teams' of no more than 4 students. Students are encouraged to use these groups as 'learning sets' and coached in how to support each other?s learning.

Assessment

1st Attempt: The assessment for Business Development will consist of two components:

1. A business development strategy for an existing organisation, to include:
a. a review of the existing business;
b. an options appraisal of a range of possible business development options; and
c. an implementation plan for the preferred business development option.

This will be an in-course assessment and assessed through the individual contribution to a group project.

The assessment will be worth up to 50% of the overall mark:
- up to 20% will be awarded for the contribution to the review of the existing business position (normally between 1,200 and 1,800 words); and
- up to 30% will be awarded for the contribution to the options appraisal and implementation plan (normally between 2,500 and 3,000 words).

2. A review and analysis of a Business Development case.

This will be a formal 2 hour exam in which the student will be asked to use a a Business development case as the starting point for answering 3 questions on the wider field of Business development. The student will be expected to supplement their knowledge and analysis of the case with additional information and examples drawn from the material covered during the course and their wider reading.

The student will be provided with a copy of the case, to review, in advance of the exam. They will not be allowed to take this copy of the case into the exam. A clean copy of the case will be provided for the student to refer to during the exam.
The exam will be worth up to 50% of their overall mark, with each of the three answers being given equal weighting.

Should the student be required to resist the assessment for Business Development the following will apply:

- Any marks already awarded for the coursework element of the course will be discounted; and

- The student will be required to sit a further formal 2 hour exam in which they will be asked to review a business development case as a starting point for answering 3 questions on the wider field of business development. This will be a different case from the case used for the first assessment.

- The exam will be worth up to 100% of the student's overall mark, with each of the three answers being given equal weighting.

Formative Assessment

This will take place via tutorial discussions and through verbal feedback on the preparation of the business development strategy.
Discussion Boards and Wikis in MyAberdeen will be used to provide generic course feedback as well as group feedback. The groups will use wikis to create the content for their business development plans. Individual participation is visible to the course tutor and the tutor will provide comments on an on-going basis.

Feedback

Informal feedback is given on an on going basis see above. More formal feedback is given when students present their business development ideas and options appraisals to their peers. Oral feedback is given after each tutorial activity.

Further less formal feedback is provided during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations. Business development ideas are captured as documents, slides and as a video presentation. Any written material is submitted through Turn It In. All material is available to the external examiner including, if required, the formative feedback provided on MyAberdeen.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr T Stone

Pre-requisites

MS 2005
Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above only.

Overview

At the end of the course students will have an understanding of:
- The consumer as an individual: Understanding motivations, psychographics, demographics and cognitive processes.
- Social and group aspects of consumer behaviour: The role of friends, family and reference groups.

Structure

two-hour lectures/seminars per week for 10 weeks and one-hour of lectures for 2 weeks
5 one-hour tutorials over the course (every 2nd week starting week 3).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%) consisting of a graded written assignment which will include an element of self-reflection/primary data collection (2,500 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial discussions, interactive lectures and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Written formal feedback will be given on the assignment.

Informal, verbal feedback will be given during tutorial/class discussions and in-class PRS quiz.

Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr R Williams

Pre-requisites

MS 2005 Understanding Customers and Markets
Or
MS 2511 Operations Management.

Notes

This course will not be available in 2012/13.

Overview

The computer-mediated relationship between organisations and their customers (marketing). This includes issues of communication, trust and how organisations , get noticed, obtain and retain customers in e-commerce. This course suits students who want to focus on marketing. It also forms a companion course to e-Business for students who want to focus on e-business/e-commerce.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week, 6 one-hour tutorials, and 6 one-hour practical classes over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Two (2,000 word) written assignments (each contributing 25% of the total marks) and 1 two-hour written examination (contributing 50% of the total marks).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through tutorial discussions and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Summative Feedback will be provided for the two assignments.

Formative feedback will be given on a less formal basis, through verbal feedback during tutorial discussions, and after tutorial presentations.

Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Naughton

Pre-requisites

MS 1007 - Managing Organizations

Notes

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Overview

Organisational behaviour is one of the most complex and perhaps least understood academic elements of modern general management but since it concerns the behaviour of people within organisations it is also one of the most central. Its concern with individual and group behaviour makes it an essential element in dealing with the complex behavioural issues thrown up in the modern business world. This course designed to prepare students for what lies within organisations, thus avoiding the 'reality shock'.

This course is concerned with managing and understanding organisational behaviour. The focus will be at an individual level and group level and understanding how people behave and interact within organisations- and in that sense is inward looking. The emphasis will be on real-life rather than theoretical examples although wherever appropriate theory will be grounded in practical examples.

Structure

2 one-hour lecture per week (6 weeks) and 6 two-hour tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (80%); continuous assessment (20%) consisting of a an essay (2,500 words).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place via tutorial discussions on Organisational Behaviour related topics and informally through verbal feedback on case study questions. Questions for students to discuss will also be placed on discussion boards.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the essay. Verbal feedback is given on the answers to case study questions in tutorial classes. Class feedback will also be given on discussion board responses.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr R Bunduchi

Pre-requisites

Available normally to students in Programme Year 3.

Notes

This course will not be avaiable in 2012/13.

Overview

The course will cover the activities involved in the design, implementation and use of e-business technologies in firms. The content will broadly cover the following topics: the role of e-business in firms and their contribution to the firm?s overall competitive strategy; the activities involved in the design, implementation and use of e-business; the 'good practices' that firms need to develop to manage e-business design, implementation and use effectively.

Structure

10 two-hour teaching hours including a combination of lectures & seminars, and 5 one-hour of computer labs.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (50%); course work assessment (50%) consisting of a group presentation (10%) and a project report (40%, 3,000 words). The course assessment will relate to a project that the students need to undertake during the duration of the course.

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Students will be asked to conduct tasks during the teaching meetings and feedback will be provided on their performance.

Case studies will be discussed in the lecture & seminars and students will be provided with verbal and written feedback.

On line quizzes will be posted on blackboard to test students understanding of the concepts covered in the course and the student will receive instant feedback on their performance.

Feedback

Feedback will be given:

- Verbally during each of the teaching sessions concerning the discussions of the topics covered

- Written generic feedback will also be posted on the blackboard concerning the discussions

- The quizzes will provide instant individual feedback to students on their performance

- verbal and written feedback will be given for the presentation on the projects

- students will receive individually written feedback for their in course assessment

- generic verbal feedback on the in course assessment will be given to the class

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Naughton

Pre-requisites

MS 1007 Managing Organizations

Notes

Available normally to students in Programme Year 3.

Overview

This course provides an in-depth examination of key theories and concepts in Human Resource Management (HRM) and demonstrates how these concepts can be applied in practice, using relevant case studies. Key themes to be covered include important HRM issues like the link between strategy and HRM, organizational design, team and organizational performance, employee relations, the strategic aspect of compensation and other emerging trends in HRM (life-work balance; virtual organizations and teleworking)

There are five broad topics covered.

- The origins and development of Human Resource Management

- The role and function of HRM in organizations

- The key issues in managing employee relations

- The contentious issues relating to the management of people

- The international comparisons in HRM and its influence on convergence within the discipline

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week (6 weeks) and 6 two-hour tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (80%); continuous assessment (20%) consisting of a an essay (2,500 words).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place via tutorial discussions on HRM topics and informally through verbal feedback on case study questions. Questions for students to discuss will also be placed on discussion boards.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the essay. Verbal feedback is given on the answers to case study questions in tutorial classes. Class feedback will also be given on discussion board responses.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Cai

Pre-requisites

Available normally only to students in Programme Year 3.

Overview

Course content consists of two parts: the first part emphasises on key issues that are involved in technology implementation and the use of technology in organisations. The second part advances how technologies are diffused across different industrial/economic contexts (for instance, manufacturing vs services, developed vs developing nations, large firms vs SMEs).

Structure

1 two-hour lecture and seminar per week (Preferably on Thursday 10:00-12:00).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%); in-class assessment (40%) consisting of one report (20%, 2,000 words) and one essay (20%, 2,000 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through seminar discussions and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the assignment.

On a less formal basis, through verbal feedback during seminar discussions. The assignment is submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and is available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr B Davies

Pre-requisites

PO 2504 Understanding Statistics or equivalent.

Overview

The course will introduce and develop the following aspects:

• Philosophical frameworks underpinning research approaches


• Research strategies for the design and conduct of research projects


• Ethical constraints and considerations in social science research


• Alternative sampling strategies and their benefits and limitations


• Quantitative methods, such as structured questionnaires and content analysis


• Qualitative methods, such as participant observations and ethnography


• Consideration of mixed methods and pragmatic concerns with research

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 two-hour tutorial every two weeks over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (70%); and continuous assessment (30%) consisting of a graded written assignment (approx 2500 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

This will take place through the two-hour tutorial exercises. Students will work both individually and in groups on a series of research problems.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the written summative assignment. Continuous oral feedback is given in tutorial exercises, tutorial presentations and in class discussions. Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Mauthner

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Management, and Accountancy and for students proceeding to a Management, Sports & Leisure Management or Accountancy Dissertation. Option for all level 4 students in the Business School.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to research methodology including topics such as; history of research in business; philosophical, ontological and epistemological approaches; study design and writing research proposals/plans; conducting a literature review; critical appraisal of research literature; qualitative and quantitative methods of business research; case study strategies; ethics; gaining access; data analysis techniques; presenting research plans; using research in business; learning organisations; and action research.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture per week (for 12 weeks) and 1 two-hour workshop/tutorial per week (for 11 weeks).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Extended essay (20%); Critical research of selected research papers and development of associated research plan (20%); examination (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Mauthner

Pre-requisites

BU 35xx Research Methods course (15 credit points) or equivalent (for example, joint honours students may have a research methods course in other discipline).

Notes

Not available to students taking a similar dissertation or project course, for example, in the other discipline of their joint-honours degree programme.

Overview

Research project and data management; self-evaluation of learning; written communication skills. This course primarily consists of students' self-directing their own research project and writing it up.
The project should be in an area related to business or management interpreted broadly. In particular, joint honours students may choose to do a dissertation covering aspects of both their chosen disciplines, provided there are staff in Management Studies willing and able to supervise it.

Structure

Total of 2 compulsory two-hour workshops (on research and writing skills); 3 half-hour individual meetings with supervisor. Most of the work on this course involves students self-directing their own work on their dissertation.

Assessment

1st Attempt: A dissertation of about 10,000 words (100%).

Resit: None.

Formative Assessment

This will take place through workshop discussions and through verbal feedback in meetings with the supervisor.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the project and self-assessment. Oral feedback is given in the meetings with supervisors. Written feedback is also provided to students following submission of a draft dissertation chapter approximately two months prior to the submission deadline for the final dissertation.
Projects are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiners.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Mauthner

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Management, Sports & Leisure Management and Accountancy.

Overview

This course provides a framework of introductory and support lectures / workshop, complementary to a series of sessions with a supervisor and student self-study, for the implementation of previously acquired knowledge and skills to dissertation level. Students have the opportunity to study in depth a specialist issue in their chosen area of study, and create their own original piece of research work.

Structure

1 two-hour lectures in first week, 1 two-hour workshop in seventh week, 2 one-hour meeting with supervisor.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 1 Dissertation (90%); self-evaluation critique (10%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Mauthner

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Not available to students who are taking MS 4532 or MS 4032 or similar courses.

Overview

Research project and data management; self-evaluation of learning; written communication skills. This course primarily consists of students' self-directing their own research project and writing up.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%), comprising: dissertation (90%); self-assessment of learning (10%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Cai

Pre-requisites

Available only to Senior Honours students in Management Studies.

Notes

Compulsory for Single and Joint Honours MA Management Studies.

Overview

1. Concept of Business Policy: Nature and Process of Strategy Formulation.


2. Strategic Analysis: (a) Competitive Analysis; (b) Environmental Analysis; (c) Organisational Analysis.


3. Strategic Choice: (a) Directions of Strategic Development; (b) Evaluation of Strategic Options.


4. Strategic Integration: (a) Strategy and Structure; (b) Function Implementation.


5. Ethics and Strategy

Structure

1 two-hour lectures per week, 3 computer simulation seminars, and 6 tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%): group presentation (10%), Individual report (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C S Clark

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 and above.

Notes

This course is a Management Studies elective but is also available as a curriculum breadth course for Business School students.

Overview

The course will be taught as a series of topics that may vary from year to year. Examples of possible topics are: jazz and management; the meaning of trust; business in the 18th century; how decisions are made in practice; methods for market segmentation.

Structure

Two hours of lectures or seminars each week, depending on nature of topic.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); two written assignments, each 2,000 words(50%); the content of the written assignments will depend on the topics covered, but typically will contain an essay or report in which students must identify and analyse academic literature relevant to the assignment topic.

Resit: None.

Formative Assessment

This will take place through interaction in seminar classes and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the assignment. Oral feedback is given in the seminarl classes. The course will also use MyAberdeen facilities and email to give feedback as students develop coursework and assignments.

Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen and are available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Cai

Pre-requisites

This course is only available to honours final year degree in Management Studies, Entrepreneurship, and European Management Studies.

Overview

This course introduces the theories, concepts and techniques of analysis including external, internal analysis; corporate, business and functional strategies; strategy implementation; entrepreneurial and international strategies, corporate governance.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture per week (Preferably Monday 9:00-11:00), and 12 contact hours of computer simulations, seminars and group presentation.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%); one individual report (30%, 2,500 words); one group presentation (10%).

Resit: None.

Formative Assessment

This will take place through seminar discussions, verbal feedback on group presentation and written feedback on the report.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the report.
On a less formal basis, through verbal feedback during seminar discussions and group presentations. The report is submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and is available to the external examiner.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor M D Hughes

Pre-requisites

MS 30xx International Business.

Overview

Comparative entrepreneurship and economic development; role of the entrepreneur; entrepreneurial environments; entrepreneurship in the new EU states; gender and entrepreneurship; cultural dimensions of entrepreneurship; ethnic minority business and finance; the role of social capital; internationalisation and small business development; new venture capital; micro-finance.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week (Friday 1300-1500), and 8 one-hour presentation sessions over the duration of the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (20%) consisting of a graded written assignment (2,500 words) and a tutorial presentation (20%). The material for the tutorial presentations will be the set of powerpoint slides and notes used to deliver the oral presentation, and will be made available for external examiner review.

Resit: None.

Formative Assessment

This will take place through presentation discussions and through written feedback on the assignment.

Feedback

Feedback is given on the assignment and presentation.
On a less formal basis; through verbal feedback during presentation discussions. Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen/Turnitin and are available to the external examiner.