Course Description
The purpose of this course is to provide aspiring or existing managers with the critical knowledge of management and leadership related to the 21st century organisation. The course covers the key elements of what makes a successful manager in business whether managing its finances, operations and people or building strategy and leading change in the digital age.
The programme is aimed at mid-managers who are seeking to update their knowledge in these key areas in order to enhance their performance, their team’s effectiveness and the competitiveness of the organisation they currently work in.
A unique feature of the programme is the opportunity for each candidate to carry out a managerial research project which allows students to research in-depth an issue/problem facing their organisation.
The course is devised to ensure that candidates are provided with the necessary skills and knowledge in each of the compulsory units and are assessed by practical application using an organisational context they are familiar with.
Students who successfully complete this course may opt to enroll in our B.Sc. (Hons) Top-up degree (120 ECTS).
In 2025, the pass rate for the course was 90%.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course programme, students will be able to:
- Understand current theoretical debates about the nature of management, business and other organizations.
- Analyse business problems using a range of criteria and techniques, leading to recommendations on options, implementation and choice of actions.
- Recognise the significance to business of the changing nature of the technological international and related environments.
- Assess the implications for management of emerging influences, innovation and change in order to make an effective contribution to the management of business activity.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in finance – the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in people – the management, leadership and development of people within organisations.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in operations – the management of resources and operations.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in information systems – the development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organisations.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in communication and information technology – the comprehension and use of relevant communication and information technologies for application in business and management.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in business policy and strategy – the development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests.
- Apply correctly relevant tools/methods.
- Appreciate the complexity of arguments.
- Extract and prioritise key issues within problem situations.
- Draw together disparate sources of information in a strategic context.
- Identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately.
- Demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems.
- The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations.
- Effective use of communication, oral and in writing, using a range of media which are widely used in business such as the preparation and presentation of business reports.
- Effective use of numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation.
Target Candidates
Middle managers, who wish to develop and grow professional management skills including problem solving and decision-making, strategic thinking, financial management, leading people and managing team dynamics, in order to further pursue their career.
| Course Code | Duration | Credit Value | Next Intake | FT/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW/M/003 | 12 months | 60 ECTS | April 2026 | FT |
| Contact Hours | Placement Hours | Self Study Hours | Assessment Hours | Total Learning Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 0 | 1000 | 200 | 1500 |
Mode of Training
Online Lectures, case studies, simulations, group work, projects and student presentations.
Modules are delivered in the evening, twice a week.
Language of instruction is English.
Assessment
Assignments and reports, group projects, and portfolios, presentations, case studies, one exam for one module and a business research project at the end. In order to successfully complete the course a minimum of a pass must be obtained in the assessment of each Module.
Awarding Body
Learning Works
Lecturers
Course Structure
Module 1(LW/M/004): Human Resources Management (10 ECTS)
It is now well established that people are an organisation’s greatest asset and the human resource management process is strategically important as it contributes to the achievement of organisational goals through ensuring that staff of the right calibre are selected to fill vacancies.
Organisations with effective leadership and human resource management policies, processes and practices in place will have fully-committed, skilled employees who contribute effectively to the organisation and in competitive contexts this is a significant contribution in maintaining a competitive advantage
Leading People very much emphasizes how to get the best people and the best out of people so that they work in roles and in ways that are closely aligned to organisational objectives. The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to with the organizational context of managing and leading people and provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application of leading and managing people focusing on necessary leadership skills and an understanding of human resource management.
Develop sound knowledge and judgement of issues relevant to the management of people in organisations
Put into practice concepts and models relevant to effectively leading people within an organizational setting
Reflect on individual professional practice and working with people
Understand the role of the manager/leader
Understand the role of human resource management
Understand key aspects of human resource management: selection & recruitment, performance management & reward strategies
Understand how to reward employees in order to motivate and retain them
Understand how to lead as a manager and key elements of various theories of leadership
Explain the difference between personnel management and human resource management
Describe the link between organizational strategy & human resource planning
Apply leadership theories to practice and assess potential in leading people
Describe the stages involved in planning human resource requirements
Examine the methods organisations use to monitor employee performance
Analyse the function of human resource management in contributing to the purpose of the organisation
Analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of ‘people management’ and the impact of HRM policies on organisational performance
Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of line managers in human resource management
Critically evaluate the models of leadership and management in line with strategic human resources
Analyse the reasons for human resource planning in organisations
Analyse the recruitment and selection process
Assess the link between motivational theory and reward
Evaluate the effectiveness of reward systems in organisations
Exercise the practical interactive and communication skills required to lead and manage employees
Understand the organizational setting for managing and leading people
- Total Contact Hours: 50
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 190
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 250
Module 2 (LW/M/005): Management of Information (5 ECTS)
In the contemporary organization, information and work-based knowledge is the most valuable resource that it possesses. The effective gathering, protection, analysis, processing and dissemination of information are vital to the success of any organisation. Organisations must ensure that their information systems are reliable, efficient and able to cope with rapid change. This unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of managing information and knowledge in an organization.
Students will learn how to manage information and knowledge within organisations, including the relationship between data, information and knowledge and the benefits information and knowledge management brings to organisations.
A key of this unit focuses on the role of ICT in managing information and knowledge, including how ICT affects organisational communication and how ICT can be used to disseminate knowledge throughout the organisation.
Students will also be given an understanding about the links between knowledge management strategy and competitive advantage, including the importance of maintaining a learning culture in a changing environment, how knowledge management strategies and processes facilitate and support organisational learning and the relationship between organisational learning and competitive advantage.
Appreciate the nature of information within an organization and of management needs for information
Possess fluency and competence when handling, analysing and interpreting information for management purposes and decision making
Equip students with key analytical, data handling and design skills which can be applied in a range of business contexts in managing organization information and knowledge
Understand the need to manage information and knowledge within organisations
Understand the role of ICT in managing information and knowledge
Analyse the main features of information management
Understand the links between knowledge management strategy and competitive advantage
Explain the relationship between data, information and knowledge
Describe the types and nature of organisational information systems
Explain how information and communication technology (ICT) affects organisational communication
Explain the role and importance of knowledge for organisations
Analyse the concept of knowledge management
Analyse the benefits information and knowledge management brings to organisations
Evaluate how ICT can be used to disseminate knowledge throughout the organisation
Analyse the importance of maintaining a learning culture in a changing environment
Evaluate how knowledge management strategies and processes facilitate and support organisational learning
Evaluate the relationship between organisational learning and competitive advantage
Apply appropriate communication skills, information tools and techniques to support effective decision making
Research topics presented and under discussion
Compare and contrast theory with their professional knowledge and practice
- Total Contact Hours: 25
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 90
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 125
Module 3 (LW/M/006): Financial and Management Accounting (10 ECTS)
In order to lead organisational change, strategic leaders need to understand not only how to manage people, but also to manage finance and accounting as effective financial management underpins business success. Finance provides the funds for a business’ operations and ensures its stability and continuity. Additionally, financial management generates information that informs the decision making that is required to ensure businesses meet their objectives.
This unit explores how to analyse the financial health of a business in respect of its profitability and stability. All businesses need to produce accounts in order to have an insight into their financial position. Balance sheets provide information on the sources of finance and how they are then used within the business. Income statements measure the profit position of businesses. In addition, managers need financial information to support decision making.
Consideration will be given to management accounting and how it is used in the decision making process. It helps answer questions about what price to charge for a product or service so it is not sold at a loss, whether to make of buy a product and which amongst alternative capital investments should be chosen. Managing finance provides the techniques that help measure whether a business is sustainable into the future and whether it is meeting its objectives.
Have a sound understanding of construction, analysis and interpretation of financial statements with an awareness of the benefits and limitation of measurement systems employed in their preparation and question the validity of assumptions underpinning the statements
Prepare straightforward financial reports for use internally
Use the information contained in externally published and internally prepared reports for decision making
Contribute to the decision-making process through an understanding how costs arise and how they behave
Understand business finance within a management context
Understand the commercial implications of managerial decisions
Understand the dynamics of cost behaviour and the function of cost accounting in modern organisation
Understand a range of theoretical approaches to analyse and interpret accounting statements and critically evaluate the financial performance of an organisation
Explain how to analyse the financial health of an organisation by interpreting a set of accounts and management information
Explain the uses and limitations of financial ratios
Explain the uses of statutory financial reports
Explain the difference between the uses of cost accounting and management accounting
Explain the benefits and limitations of short-term and long-term financing options
Explain how to carry out a cost-benefit analysis
Analyse the uses of management accounts for decision-making purposes
Evaluate the importance of break even, contribution and their underlying assumptions
Evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of budgetary control methods
Explain tools and techniques to identify commercial opportunities and risks
Assess the commercial impact of managerial decisions
Present justify and evaluate their analysis and resolutions to their peers and be required to engage in debate
Participate actively in the budgetary control processes of organisations; in particular to appreciate the interrelationships between accounting systems and the behaviour of individuals and groups within the organisations
Use appropriate software to assist formulation of financial data
Construct and evaluate models using spreadsheet software
- Total Contact Hours: 50
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 190
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 250
Module 4 (LW/M/007): Principles of Operations Management (5 ECTS)
Managing Operations is receiving increasing attention as its direct contribution to achieving sustained competitive advantage becomes more visible.
The aim of is unit is to give students an understanding of the activities that make up operations management, including the main types of operations found within business, how all operational activities can be represented as systems and the characteristics which differentiate operational systems.
The unit also focuses on the relationship between operations and business performance, including how the operations function supports business performance, the main internal measures of success used by businesses and how internal measures of success link to business objectives.
Emphasis will be given on the importance of administration in operations management, including the relationship between operations and administrative management, the process and functional approaches to operations management, the relationship between operations and the supply chain and the link between operations and quality management.
Evaluate management practices in relation to types of operation activities within business
Link operations management to business performance
Apply a range of approaches to enhance operations management
Understanding of how the techniques fit into the broad topic of operations management and of how they fit into the broader topics of management and business administration
Understanding of the activities that make up operations management
Understanding the relationship between operations and business performance
The importance of administration in operations management
Knowledge and understanding of the linkages between operations management and other managerial activities
Outline the main types of operations found within business
Explain how all operational activities can be represented as systems
Identify the main internal measures of success used by businesses
Describe how the operations function supports business performance
Explain the link between operations and quality management
Recognize the common problem areas of capacity, inventory, scheduling and quality management, apply them and appraise their usefulness
Analyse the characteristics which differentiate operational systems
Evaluate how internal measures of success link to business objectives
Analyse the relationship between operations and administrative management
Critically compare the process and functional approaches to operations management
Analyse the relationship between operations and the supply chain
Demonstrate leadership skills through the workshops and class projects
Research topics presented and under discussion
Compare and contrast theory with their professional knowledge and practice
Develop their ability to use electronic business research tools (software)
- Total Contact Hours: 25
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 90
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 125
Module 5 (LW/M/008): Strategic Management (10 ECTS)
Due to rapid business environmental changes in 21st century, this module is considered essential for students who want to the develop their ability to lead strategy and meet the requirement of modern organisations. Strategic management underpins the long-term development of businesses and provides the framework for the development of operations that will ensure the achievement of business objectives.
The aim of unit is to help students to develop a capability for strategic management with due recognition of the growing importance of businesses operating in the context of global business management.
This unit will study the role of strategic planning and management in an organisation and how internal and external environmental factors can influence the planning process. Various factors are weighed in developing strategy including the influence of the external environment, the business’ mission and the degree of risk associated with strategic options.
The unit will also consider strategies to aid the organisation to achieve competitive advantage.
Analyse the strategic determinants of long-term performance
Εvaluate the intellectual aspects of strategy formulation (e.g. analysing and understanding conditions which cause strategic issues, the contexts and choice of the strategy process, and consequences of strategic action)
Develop a holistic strategic understanding of organisations through interaction with their environments in the face of rapid and discontinuous change
Make formal strategic plans and contribute to decision making
Frameworks for understanding how strategy is developed and implemented
The role of strategic planning in organisations
The practice of strategic management (e.g. identifying strategic issues, designing and evaluating strategies and their implementation)
The impact of internal and external factors on organisations
The strategies that organisations use to achieve competitive advantage
The environmental factors that affect strategic business management and planning
Discuss the purpose and role of strategic business management and planning in an organisation
Discuss the influence of organisational governance requirements on management and planning strategies
Explore the impact of internal and external risk factors on strategic business management activities
Discuss how emerging global issues can impact upon on the strategic management and planning activities in an organisation
Evaluate processes by which organisations identify their mission, goals and values
Evaluate the classic and contemporary models used in developing business strategies and plans
Analyse ways in which the internal and external environment can influence organisational management and planning strategies
Analyse ways in which an organisation positions itself to outperform its competitors
Evaluate appropriate competitor advantage strategies for emerging, maturing and declining positions
Critically evaluate the integrative nature of strategy
Analyse ways in which organisations respond to environmental factors, when making strategic plans
Apply theoretical concepts to complex strategic situations
Think critically about alternative strategic options
Ground their analysis of strategic situations in, and present their arguments informed by, the literature of strategic management
- Total Contact Hours: 50
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 190
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 250
Module 6 (LW/M/009): Leading and Managing Change (5 ECTS)
In the contemporary business environment, well managed innovation and change lead directly the improvement of a business’ competitive advantage. New products, services, materials, processes and markets all drive business efficiency and attract new customers so helping businesses meet their objectives. Businesses want to offer more profitable products and services, customers want cheaper and better products and services and regulators impose legal requirements on markets. Businesses need to develop a culture that supports and promotes innovation and the consequential changes that are required. This module will study the importance of innovation and change within an organisation, and how leading change in the organisation culture can promote innovation. The focus of this unit is on key principles, theories and models relating to change and the role of communication and relationship management within change processes
Students will learn how leading change allows employees to be encouraged and supported to innovate and change by seeing such developments as opportunities rather than as threats. Consideration will be given to how change may have some negative impact but that the aim is to ensure that this is outweighed by the beneficial impact. Change requires all stakeholders to be kept informed and engaged but it underpins businesses’ drive to maintain their competitive advantage and to achieve their goals.
Increase awareness of the complexity of change management
Develop a multiple perspective on change issues
Build students’ self confidence in coping with organisational change
Develop students’ empathy and reflexivity
Enhance students’ change management and innovative skills
Understand the importance of people in the change management process
Understand the need for innovation and change in organisations
Understand how organisational culture can promote innovation
Understand key principles, theories and models relating to change in organisations
Understand the role of communication and relationship management within change processes
Identify the role of leadership in change management
Discuss the contribution of internal and external factors to organisational change
Identify different types of change and categorise and critique them
Assess sources of change & innovation in an organisation
Discuss organisational factors that might enable change and those which might hinder change processes in an organisation
Examine ways in which change is encouraged in an organisation
Analyse the relationship between innovation and competitive advantage in an organisation
Evaluate current theories and models relating to change and how they might support effective change management in an organisation
Evaluate the management & leadership styles needed to promote an innovative culture in an organisation
Analyse the features of a culture that supports innovation in an organisation
Evaluate ways in which positive work relationships can support change processes
Diagnose change situations and implement strategies to implement them
Recognise the value of symbolic management and the use of symbols in change
Define, obtain, rigorously analyse and evaluate information quickly and communicate relevant conclusions and recommendations to team colleagues and professional audiences in a range of formats
Discuss the different communication needs and types of support that might be required by different stakeholder groups
Manage their own and others’ responses to the demands of change and innovation in organisational life
Assess and make decisions at a strategic level in a creative manner
- Total Contact Hours: 25
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 90
- Assessment Hours: 10
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 125
Module 7 (LW/M/010): Research Methods (5 ECTS)
The Management Research Methodology is a substantial piece of work marking the culmination of student learning on the course. This unit is designed to prepare the student to embark on his/her Research Project. Students will normally conduct research and this unit introduces the main concepts and techniques involved in research in the field of business, management and other areas of professional development in order to help students to develop their understanding and skills of research in a management context.
The Research Project is a substantial piece of work marking the culmination of student learning on the course. This unit is designed to prepare the student to embark on his/her Research Project. Students will normally conduct research and this unit introduces the main concepts and techniques involved in research in the field of business, management and other areas of professional development in order to help students to develop their understanding and skills of research in a management context.
Develop understanding and skills of research in a management and/or professional development context
Critically review a range of research methodologies
Acquire practical skills of planning, conducting research and writing up a substantial project
Understand the context of managerial research
Understand the importance of the review of literature relevant to research topic
Understand a range of research methodologies – their nature and limitations
Understand data collection methods
Identify a topical research aim and set of objectives to be achieved in managerial research project
Select appropriate research methods to address an appropriate aim in relation to specific management issue or problem
Undertake a review of literature relevant to research topic
Plan and successfully undertake the Research Protocol leading to the submission of a Research Project for Level 5 Diploma
Critically assess an appropriate aim in relation to specific management and/or professional development problems
Critically review relevant literature relating to a chosen topic and select, defend the role of literature (searching, using and reviewing)
Evaluate advantages and issues associated with the use of various data collection methods
- Total Contact Hours: 25
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 95
- Assessment Hours: 5
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 125
Module 8 (LW/M/011): Project (10 ECTS)
Students will undertake a major managerial research project as part of their studies. Generally the aim of the project is to extend and unify students’ understanding of the subjects as developed in taught units. Throughout this period of study students will be building a perspective of the relationship between the units covered in the course. This view will be extended, considered and clarified through the practical, problem-solving nature of the project.
Students are expected to apply the new knowledge and techniques learnt during the course to the project in the form of new knowledge, skills and tools.
Explore the topic of research over an extended period
Independently investigate primary and secondary sources gathering evidence, using it in discussion and evaluating its validity in the light of the theory
Clearly demonstrate the ability to work autonomously
Reflect through self-appraisal in order to identify personal development attributes required for effective completion of management research project
The systematic and effective methods for research by identifying and using appropriate resources and applying appropriate methodologies
Understand the importance of a robust literature review to support research aim and discussion
Acquire the academically related skills of investigation, research and analysis
Adopt a reflective approach in their problem-solving activities
Distinguish between theory, secondary research and primary research
Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills to the level of study and use them towards problem solving and decision making for effective completion of the aim of the management research project
Critically reflect on issues that are subject to current debate or controversy and which are central to the future strategic direction of business organisations
Critically evaluate methodological concerns which arise from the methods or resources used by establishing a theoretical framework and critically evaluate theory
Present the outcome in an appropriate professional manner, which responds to the guidelines and writing up an extensive discussion
Develop further the key interpersonal skills to underpin the students’ personal development
Use statistical software such as SPSS to formulate primary research findings
Use PowerPoint to professionally present managerial research project
- Total Contact Hours: 50
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 0
- Self-Study Hours: 198
- Assessment Hours: 2
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 250
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for this course are as follows:
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