Prof Alexander Pepper NAB.4.30 and Prof Paul Willman

Mr Armando Martins Brelaz de Castro

This course is compulsory on the Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MIM) and Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange). This course is not available as an outside option.

This course is designed to equip students with a holistic understanding of the evolution of management theory and organisational forms and practices since the emergence of modern industrial organisations in the 19th century. Students will be provided with an overview of the development of management as a practice and as a subject of study, and will develop an understanding of the disciplinary anchors in Sociology, Psychology and Economics. Within each field we will cover origins, disciplinary boundaries, triggers for growth, core concepts and the current state of play and debate.  Weekly topics cover:



1. Course Introduction and the Origins of Management

2. Management and the Firm

3. Taylorism, Motivation, and Performance

4. The Rise and Decline of Labour

5. The Rise of Human Resources Management

6. Decision Making

7. Understanding Organisational Structures

8. The Origins of Modern Strategy

9. Contemporary Strategic Management: Firms as Bundles of Resources

10. Managed by Markets

20 hours of lectures, 15 hours of seminars and 15 hours of classes in the MT. 3 hours of lectures and 2 hours of classes in the ST.

Lectures will cover theoretical materials and concepts. Case discussions (classes) will apply content covered in lectures to a business situation.

Seminars will cover the assigned readings in more depth and develop critical thinking and writing skills for postgraduate study.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the MT.

Willman, P. (2014) Understanding Management: Social Science Foundations. Oxford University Press.

Wallace, M  and A. Wray (2012). Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates (Second Edition). London: Sage.

A full reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (25%, 2000 words) in the LT.
In class assessment (25%) in the MT.