LSCLondon School of

Commerce

Course OutlineOctober 2008

Pre- MastersProgramme leading

toMaster of Business

Administration

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Assignment Deadline16th December, 2008.

Course Administrator: Jessica Aitken E-mail: jessica.aitken@lsclondon.co.uk

Contents

Managerial Communication- 3

Subject OutlineLecture SequenceAssignment

Accounting and Decision Making Techniques - 7Subject OutlineLecture SequenceAssignment

Management Theories and Practice - 11Subject OutlineLecture SequenceAssignment

Information Technologies and Systems - 16Subject OutlineLecture SequenceAssignment

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Module Title: Managerial Communication

Module Leader: Dr. Peter McGee

1. Module Description:This module is designed to refine communication skills for immediate, course-long and life-long benefit. It focuses specifically on ways students can improve their skills in business.

The formal study of communication at higher education level is relatively new, but it is already very popular and becoming more so each year. This reflects a proper and rapidly increasing awareness of the subject’s importance. Effective communication is essential to success in every area of human endeavour. Apart from being a prerequisite to the health and harmony of individuals, groups and whole societies, it is essential to business efficiency and effective management.

Good communicators are able to respond appropriately in predictable and unpredictable situations, because they are aware of the range of communication strategies available, and they can recognise which are best to use in various contexts.

This module also provides an opportunity for students to practice and hone existing skills, and in addition, it will introduce them to new and more incisive approaches to communication.

2. Learning Outcomes:Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:

develop an approach to study that aligns their learning-mode preference, recognise variables in the communication process, understanding their

interdependence and appreciating their importance, particularly from a management point of view;

recognise the personal attitudes and dispositions that underpin effective communication in various contexts, and have practised interpersonal skills in various situations;

demonstrate refined oral language skills so that one is able to speak clearly, persuasively and effectively in different contexts;

demonstrate refined written language skills so that one is able to write clearly, correctly and concisely in appropriate modes and registers;

demonstrate an awareness that there is much more to a message than the meaning conveyed by medium of the words that encode it, and have practised ‘reading’ different aspects of non-verbal communication;

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recognise cultural variations in communication styles and have recognised the growing importance of this,

adopt a contemporary view of organisations and be able to identify communication styles and practices which usually accompany various managerial approaches and technique,;

undertake public communication and use relevant public communication strategies and tactics,

understand what constitutes ethical communication practice.

3. Indicative ContentThe module begins with an analysis of the theory that underpins modern studies of human communication. Through an examination of various models, the students will become familiar with the variables operating in any communication transaction, improving their ability to identify the causes of communication effectiveness - and of communication breakdown.

These insights are implemented through a focus on the receptive communication processes; listening and reading. This will lead to some implications for learning in general, and assignment and examination preparation in particular.

Prior to the productive communication processes (speaking and writing), students consider mental processes which, when mastered, give soundly-based authority to their arguments. Then, since much of communication has a persuasive intent, they will examine the ways communication receivers process information.

Students will practise some of these research-based techniques that lead to clearer, more concise and correct written communication in all contexts. Their refined skills will be given a business communication focus as they prepare memos, letters and faxes, reports, submissions and brochures.

Most of workplace communication is oral, i.e. giving directions, offering suggestions, making recommendations and assisting others to solve problems. So, students shall look at effective oral communication in a variety of workplace contexts: leading a discussion or formal meetings and managing a conversation. The last section of the subject deals with organisational communication.

4. DeliveryA variety of teaching approaches is used, including lectures, seminars, role plays, presentations, teamwork and extensive use of the Internet for guided research.

Notional Student WorkloadLectures 36 hoursSeminars 12 hoursGroup work 16 hoursDirected Learning 24 hoursIndependent Learning 30 hours

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Formal Assessment 2 hours

Total 120 hours

5. AssessmentThe formal assessment of this module will be conducted through an assignment, a closed book examination.

Assignment 20% Group presentation 10% Closed book examination 70%The closed book examination will be of two hours ` duration

6. Indicative Reading ListCore text

Guffey, ME (2005) Business Communication South-Western Educational Publishing, 5th edn

Recommended text Adler, RB (2006) Communicating at Work McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social

Sciences/Languages,8th edn

Recommended Additional Reading:

Laborde GZ (1998) Influencing with Integrity: Management Skills for Communication and Negotiation  Crown House Publishing

Cooper C and Theobald, T (2004) Shut Up and Listen!: The Truth About How to Communicate at Work Kogan Page

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7. Lecture Sequence

Module Title:

Accounting and Decision Making

Techniques

Module Leader: S.

Palan

1. Module Description:

This module is designed to provide all business students with an overview of how accounting data is used in making business decisions. The subject covers a broad range of topics including the regulatory framework of accounting, preparation and analysis of financial statements, investment analysis and ethics in accounting. It provides students with basic skills, knowledge and attitudes that enable them to process financial data, to analyse and interpret accounting reports, and to present the results within an ethical framework, to financial decision makers.

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Lecture Topics

1. Perspectives of Communication

2.Your own Communication Skills Communicating with others

3. Intrapersonal Considerations

4. Revision

5.Communicating in smaller groups and larger assemblies

6. Public Speaking and Extempore Speeches

7. Assignment Focus

8.Corporate and Business Presentations Group Discussions and its moderation

9. Functional Writing Techniques

10.Handling everyday writing tasks Report Writing

11.Communicating within and beyond the Organisation

12. Persuasive Communication

13. Interviews

14. Cross Cultural Communication

15. Ethical Issues in Communication

16. Technology in Communication

17. Revision and Feedback

18. Revision and Feedback

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The purpose of this module is also to develop the student’s ability to use mathematics and statistics to solve business problems. The module provides a firm foundation in statistics and commonly used quantitative methods, which will prove useful in helping students to understand and appreciate other modules in our diploma and advanced diploma in Business and Management.

2. Learning Outcomes:Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:

identify the role of accounting in society recognise that accounting is subject to a regulatory framework and appreciate how

globalisation is impacting on accounting regulations utilise the general journal and general ledger to demonstrate double-entry

accounting analyse financial transactions using the accounting equation prepare, analyse and interpret financial accounting reports employ ethics in accounting decision making employ problem based learning interpret data and reports understand statistical data analysis and some of the models used in business

decision-making; appreciate different types of decision-making environments; identify the appropriate mathematical and statistical formulations for handling a

range of business based problems; use computers to summarise, analyse and present data meaningfully.

3. Indicative Content Role of accounting in society: nature and use of accounting information in

decision making, social and regulatory framework. Definition of key accounting terms. The general journal and general ledger as recording tools. The double entry rule and its application to the accounting (and expanded

accounting) equation. The chart of accounts and a trial balance. Accounting information systems and how they work. Adjusting, closing and reversing entries. Internal controls, managing cash and ethical decision-making. Cash flow statements; use of cash by a business; direct method. Calculating and reporting values of property, plant equipment and intangible

assets. Alternative profit plans using cost-volume-profit analysis. Manufacturing statements and record basic costing flows in T-accounts. Cost flows, and prepare general ledger entries for simple jobs; process costing

examples. Introduction to statistics: collection of data, survey, coverage, pilot, analysis,

interpretation and presentation, questionnaire design, sampling methods (random, non-random).

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Presentation of data: class limits, histograms, polygon, frequency curve and distribution, Bar and Pie charts, graphs (scatter, line, time, Break-even Z charts, Lorenz curves)

Theory of probability: permutations and combinations; Decision Trees; binominal, Poisson and normal distributions; estimation; hypothesis testing:

Queuing theory: methods of measuring queues; methods of reducing queues; application of queuing theory

Linear programming: formulation of problems; solution of problems; dual values; sensitivity analysis.

Critical path analysis: collection of data; interpretation; controlling projects; benefits and limitations.

4. DeliveryA variety of teaching approaches is used, including lectures, seminars, case analysis, teamwork and extensive use of the Internet for guided research.

Notional Student WorkloadLectures 36 hoursSeminars 12 hoursGroup work 12 hoursDirected Learning 24 hoursIndependent Learning 34 hoursFormal Assessment 2 hours

Total 120 hours

5. AssessmentThe formal assessment of this module will be conducted through an assignment and a closed book examination.

Assignment 30% Closed book examination 70%

6. Indicative Reading List

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Core Texts: Dyson, J.R. (2007) Accounting for Non-Accounting Students, (7th edn), FT

Prentice Hall Curvin J. and Slater R. (2007) Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions, (6th

edn), Thomson Learning. Horngren, C.T., Harrison, W.T., Bamber, L.S., Best, P.J., Fraser, D.J. &

Willett, R., (2006) Accounting, Prentice-Hall

Recommended Additional Reading:

Lucey T (2007) Quantitative Techniques Thomson Learning

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Elliott, Barry and Elliot, Jamies (2008) Financial Accounting and Reporting, 12th edn, Prentice Hall

Horngren, Charles and Sundern, Garry (2008) Introduction to Management Accounting, 14th edn, Prentice Hall

Wood, Frank and Sangster, Alan (2008) Business Accounting 1 , 11th edn, Prentice Hall

Wood, Frank and Sangster, Alan (2008) Business Accounting 2 , 10th edn, Prentice Hall

Horngren, Charles and Datar, Shkant, (2008) Cost Accounting: A Managerial

Approach, 13th edn, Pearson Education

7. Lecture Sequence

Lecture Topics

1. Role of Accounting in society

2.Introduction to Accounting Information Systems: Recording of Business Transactions

3. General Journal and General Ledger

4. Revision

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5. Measuring Business Profit: The Adjusting Process

6.Closing Entries, Reversing Entries and Financial Analysis

7.Accounting for Retailing Operations, Internal Controls and Making Ethical Judgements

8. Assignment Focus

9.The Statement of Cash Flows and its Relationship with the Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of Financial Position

10. Accounts Receivable and Bills Receivable,

11.Accounting for Inventory, Accounting for Non-Current Assets and Intangibles

12.Manufacturing Statement, Master Budget, Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis

13. Introduction to statistics and Probability

14. Regression, Correlation and Queuing

15. Linear Programming

16. Critical Path Analysis

17. Revision

18. Revision

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Module Title: Management Theories and Practice

Module Leaders: Rajendra Kumar/Dr Peter McGee/Mervyn Sookun

1. Module Description:This module examines fundamental management theories and traditional managerial responsibilities in formal and informal organisational structures. Planning, organising, directing, controlling and staffing are explored.

The module presents a thorough and systematic coverage of management theory and practice. It focuses on the basic roles, skills and functions of management, with special attention to managerial responsibility for the effective and efficient achievement of goals. Special attention is given to social responsibility, managerial ethics, and the importance of multi-national organisations.

This module also aims to introduce students to the history of reflections on ethics in the Western business world. It also focuses on providing students with a workable model of ethical decision making, helping them to practice as a professional or businessperson in an ethically responsible manner.

2. Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to :

understand fundamental concepts and principles of management, including the basic roles, skills, and functions of management;

discuss the historical development, theoretical aspects and practice application of managerial process;

describe the interactions between the environment, technology, human resources, and organisations in order to achieve high performance;

explain the ethical dilemmas faced by managers and the social responsibilities of businesses.

explain the components and complexities of an organisation's culture and its impact on the manager.

list the elements and steps in the rational decision making process and discuss decision making, including group decision making, as it currently is practiced, identifying the constraints that exist.

understand the strategic management process. understand the nature of change in the organisation. discuss the various theories of motivation and develop useful guidelines in

motivating employees.

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evaluate the alternative leadership styles and make a decision regarding their appropriate use.

comment independently on the writings of the Western tradition on moral philosophy

address a selection of common ethical dilemmas arising in business and professional life

identify and respond to discrimination in the workplace describe the links between ethics and political economy understand and improve the ethical climate in their present or future place

of work.

3. Indicative Content Managers and managing The evolution of management theory The environment of management. The global environment. Ethics, social responsibility, and diversity. The Manager as a decision maker, planner and strategist Management Organisational Structure Organisational Control and Culture Motivation and Leadership. Groups and teams Organisational conflict, negotiation, politics, and change Managing information systems and technologies The Management of innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship. History of ethical theories and concepts Ethics, morality and globalisation Social responsibility and social justice Environmental issues

4. DeliveryA variety of teaching approaches is used, including lectures, seminars, case analysis, teamwork and extensive student self-managed research.

Notional Student WorkloadLectures 36 hoursSeminars 12 hoursGroup work 12 hoursLaboratory Work 10 hoursDirected Learning 20 hoursIndependent Learning 28 hoursFormal Assessment 2 hours

Total 120 hours

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5. AssessmentThe formal assessment of this module will be conducted through one assignment and a closed book examination.

Assignment 30% Closed book examination 70%

The closed book examination will be of two hours’ duration.

6. Concise Indicative Reading List

Kotler, Philip. (2006) Marketing Management (12th edn), Prentice-Hall, Saddle River, NJ.

Robbinsd, Stiphen and Decenzo, D. (2008) Fundamentals of Management: Essential Concepts and Applications, 6th edn, Prentice hall

7. Lecture Sequence

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Buelens, Van den Broeck and Vanderheyden (2006) Organizational Behaviour (6th edn) McGraw-Hill.

Mullins, L. J. (2007) Essentials of Organisational Behaviour. Financial Times Press

Nieto, M.L. (2006) An Introduction To Human Resource Management: An Integrated Approach. Basingstoke. Mcmillan Palgrave.

Recommended Additional Reading:

Bowie N.E. (ed) (2001) The Blackwell Guide to Business Ethics (Philosophy Guides) Blackwell Publishers

Fitzsimmons, J. A & Fitzsimmons, M. J. (2007) Service Management: Operations Strategy, Information Technology ( 6thEd) Singapore: McGraw Hill International Edition

Kennedy, C. (2007) Guide To The Management Gurus. (5th edn) Randon House Business Books.

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Lecture Topics

1.

Management For the Twenty-first Century Part 1 and 2Readings: Kennedy (2007)Nieto Chap 1

2.

Managing Team Effectively Readings: Buelens et al chs 9, 10,Mullins (2007) ch 8, 9, 10Nieto Chap 3

3. Revision

4.

Organisation Structure and DesignOrganisation Change and InnovationReadings: Nieto Chap 1 & 2 Readings: Mullins (2007) Part 2 Nieto Chap 4

5. Assignment workshop and student tutorials

6.

7.

Managing Human Resources Managing Individuals and the Diversified workforceReadings: Nieto Chap 4Readings: Nieto chap 6

8.

Motivating Employee Performance Leadership Readings:Nieto Chap 10Readings: Buelens et al. (2005) op cit ch 11Buchanan & Huczynski (2007) ch 21Mullins (2007) ch 10

9.Communication In OrganisationsReading: Nieto Chap 12

10. Assignment workshop and student tutorials

11.Employee Development Reading: Nieto Chap 9

12.Contemporary Social Responsibility & Business Ethics Reading: Nieto Chap 13

13.The workplace: Work Life Balance issues in the Twenty-first Century

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Reading: Nieto Chap 4

14.

Understanding Managers and Management Readings: Buelens et al (2006)chs 1, 2 Mullins (2007) chs 11, 12, 13

15.Marketing for the 21st CenturyReading:Kotler. (2006) Ch. 1 & 2

16.

Analysis of the Business Environment. PESTInformation ManagementReadings: Mullins Part 2.Kotler. (2006) Ch. 9Fitzsimmons Chap 1

17. Revision

18. Revision

Module Title: Information Technologies and Systems

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Module Leaders: Dr. Uma Mohan/Stewart Merricks

1. Module Description:This module involves a comprehensive study of the use of information systems for management. The module focuses on the development and effective use of management information systems in today’s companys’ decision-making and examination of traditional information systems development from the end-user's perspective. Emphasis will be on the understanding and practical application of information systems to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness in achieving its goals.

The objective of this module is to enable students understand the use of applications software to develop individual applications that solve business problems. Investigate the opportunities and problems associated with computer-based management information system that will provide the background for determining the usefulness of computers to assist management in the planning and control of business operations.

2. Learning Outcomes:Upon completion of the module the student will:

Identify management information system application opportunities in business and industry.

Understand the types of decisions that can be supported by computer-based IS applications.

Describe the computer-based applications in the major functional areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and manufacturing.

Explain the issues involved in the development and deployment of management information systems.

Perform the necessary requirements analysis for an MIS application. Outline the process for selecting information system software. Discern alternative software and hardware alternatives available for developing

management information systems. Assess the current thrust of research in management information systems and

related computing issues.

3. Indicative Content: Introduction to Information Systems, Competitive Advantage and Strategic

Plan, Electronic Commerce International Business, Ethical Implications, Systems Thinking & Approach Methodologies and Tools Fundamentals of Computer Processing, Databases & DBMS Data Communications, Information Resources Information Systems Accounting Information Systems, Management Information Systems Decision Support, Executive Information Systems, Virtual Office

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IT Skills and Characteristics

4. DeliveryA variety of teaching approaches is used, including lectures, seminars, case analysis, teamwork and extensive use of the Internet for guided research.

Notional Student WorkloadLectures 36 hoursSeminars 12 hoursDirected Learning 30 hoursIndependent Learning 40 hoursFormal Assessment 2 hoursTotal 120 hours

5. AssessmentThe formal assessment of this course will be conducted through one assignment and a closed book examination. Assignment 30% Closed book examination 70%The closed book examination will be of two hours’ duration.

6. Concise Indicative Reading List:

Core text Raymond McLeod (2007) Management Information Systems, (10 th Edn), Pearson

Recommended text Laudon, Kenneth C. and. Laudon Jane P (2007) Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (10th edn), Prentice Hall O’Brien, J Marakas, (2008) Management Information System New York

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9. Lecture Sequence for Dr Uma Mohan:

Lecture Topics

1. Basics of Strategic Planning.

2.Relationship between the Business strategy, IS and IT

strategies.

3. Introduction to Information Systems, their features.

4.Information systems at the various levels of Managerial

Decision Making. Cases and Examples.

5. Introduction to Enterprise Resource Planning.

10. Lecture Sequence for Stewart Merricks:

Lecture Topics

6. Introduction

7. Design of systems

8. Database management

9. Revision

10. Data communication management

11. Information systems

12. Assignment Focus

13. Strategic systems

14. Systems thinking

15. Learning systems

16. Ethics in IS

17. International issues

18. Competitive Advantage

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19. Systems Planning

20. IT skills

21. E-Commerce

22. Revision

23. Revision

Assignment will be distributed in class by the Lecturer.

Value: 30%

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