Module Code - Title:
MG4031
-
MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to the core principles and functions of management in contemporary organisations. It covers how managers plan, organise, lead, and control, drawing on both classical theories and modern approaches shaped by global and technological change. The module also emphasises the growing importance of sustainability in influencing managerial decision making and organisational practice.
Syllabus:
Introduction to Management and Historical Evolution of the Field: the nature of managerial work; managerial skills and competences; Classical approaches; Contemporary Approaches; The Development of Business in Ireland; The Global Business Environment; Globalisation; Regional Trading Alliances; Political-legal, economic, technological, social and ethical dimensions of context; Planning; Nature & importance of planning; Types of plans; Decision Making; Characteristics of decisions and decision making conditions; The decision making process; Organising; The nature and importance of organising; Components of organising; Staffing and Human Resource Management; Leadership; Leadership versus Management; Trait theories; Behavioural theories; Contingency Theories; Charismatic theories; Motivation: Content theories; Process theories; Control; Importance of control; stages of the control process; Financial & non-financial methods of control in organisation.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe the core features of the contemporary business environment.
Identify historical approaches to management, taking note of similarities and differences.
Distinguish the key developmental phases of the Irish business environment.
Outline the main functions of management in modern organisations.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Recognise the diverse impacts of management decisions on individuals, organisations and society.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is primarily delivered through the traditional lecture format which is then supplemented with in-class tutorial activities and discussions. The module is designed to stimulate an understanding of management and organisations and their impact on individuals, groups and society. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of responsible management. Through a combination of participation in class discussions, peer learning, and group projects, students will develop social, communicative and collaborative skills.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Tiernan, S. & Morley, M. (2019)
Modern Management: Theory and Practice for Students in Ireland. (5th Edition).
, Gill and Macmillan
Other Relevant Texts:
Jones, G. & George, J. (2011)
Contemporary Management
, McGraw-Hill
Mullins, L (2013)
Management and Organisational Behaviour, 7th ed
, Prentice Hall
Pugh, D.S., and Hickson, D.J. (2007)
Writers on Organisations, 6th ed
, Penguin Business
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BBBUSTUFA - BUSINESS STUDIES
BBBSJAUFA - JAPANESE
BSCMENUFA - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING
BSWSTEUFA - Wood Science and Technology
BBBSSPUFA - SPANISH
BSEQSCUFA - EQUINE SCIENCE
BSTEMAUFA - TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
BBBSFRUFA - FRENCH
BBBSGEUFA - GERMAN
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Michael.Morley@ul.ie