Prof Alexander Pepper NAB4.37

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Human Resource Management/CIPD). This course is available on the MRes/PhD in Management (Employment Relations and Human Resources). This course is not available as an outside option.

A basic grounding in the key management disciplines for students specialising in Human Resource Management.  The aim of the course is for students to acquire a general understanding of the business and managerial context in which human resource management takes place.

Course contents include management theory, theory of the firm, business strategy, accounting and finance.  Successful students will become intelligent discussion partners on these subjects and critical readers of financial information and the financial press.

15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of seminars in the ST.

Students are expected to prepare for, and contribute to, the seminars. Seminars will include group work, preparing and giving presentations, case analyses, small group discussions, and self-assessment exercises.  Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy. 

One formative essay of 1000 words: study of a current business topic through the financial press.

G. Pearson, The Rise and Fall of Management, Gower Publishing, 2009.

Wren & A.G. Bedeian, The Evolution of Management Thought, 6th Edition, Wiley 2009.

Atrill, P. & McLaney, E (2015) Accounting & Finance for Non-Specialists. Ninth Edition. Pearson.

Boakes, K, Reading and Understanding the Financial Times. Second Edition. Prentice Hall, 2010.

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

Exam (75%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 10 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Essay (25%, 1500 words) in the LT.

Summative essay: study of a current business topic through the financial press.