Core Module Information
Module title: Business and Management Challenges

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SOE08101
Module leader: Abhishek Agarwal
School The Business School
Subject area group: Management
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of management and leadership. You'll move beyond just theoretical concepts and learn how to apply them in real-world scenarios.Essentially, this module covers the core elements of effective management and leadership. You'll be exploring:1- The fundamentals of management theory and practice.2- The human side of organisations, including team dynamics, culture, and communication.3- The strategic aspects of management, such as change management, organisational design, and planning.4- The ethical considerations that underpin all managerial decisions. You'll gain the following knowledge:1- Understanding the Manager's Role: You'll get a clear picture of what it means to be a manager, the responsibilities involved, and the different approaches you can take.2- Team Dynamics and Culture: You'll delve into the challenges teams face, how to build strong team cultures, and how to effectively manage team dynamics.3- Organisational Change: You'll explore how organisations adapt to internal and external changes, gaining insights into the processes and strategies involved.4- Organisational Structure: You'll learn how to design and evaluate business structures to ensure they are relevant and effective.5- Decision-Making Models: You'll be introduced to various decision-making models, enabling you to make informed and strategic choices.6- Ethical Decision-Making: You'll develop your ability to make sound ethical decisions, understanding the importance of integrity in leadership.7- Influence and Power: You'll learn how to use influence and power responsibly and effectively to achieve organisational goals. You'll develop the following skills:1- Communication and Feedback: You'll hone your communication skills, learning how to give and receive constructive feedback.2- Planning and Implementation: You'll develop your ability to create and implement effective plans, from strategic initiatives to day-to-day operations.3- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: By exploring real-world challenges, you'll sharpen your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.4- Teamwork and Collaboration: You'll gain practical experience in working effectively within teams, understanding the importance of collaboration.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Explain principles and theories of management and judge their validity in the context of current business challenges.

LO2: Evaluate different organisational control systems, organisational structure options, & strategies and apply them in managing change and innovation.

LO3: Explore the values, attitudes & emotions of managers and illustrate how they may significantly affect their ability to manage conflicts and negotiations.

LO4: Critically discuss the ethics of top managers and business ethical concerns throughout the organisation.

LO5: Critically review teamwork and leadership skills of managers in both domestic and international businesses.

LO6: Engage with management frameworks and theories with appropriate application to real-world business challenges.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Abhishek Agarwal
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 This interactive lecture fosters active learning by seamlessly integrating Mentimeter and Padlet. Expect dynamic engagement beyond traditional lectures. The lecture structure blends concise presentations with these tech-driven interactions, ensuring you actively participate in exploring key concepts. This approach promotes a deeper understanding by directly applying knowledge and sharing insights in a collaborative digital environment, enhancing your learning experience.
Face To Face Tutorial 12 This tutorial fosters active learning through collaborative discussions and teamwork. You'll engage in group problem-solving, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer learning. Activities are designed to enhance your understanding of course concepts through practical application and shared insights, developing crucial teamwork and communication skills.
Online Guided independent study 164 Guided Independent Study empowers you to explore a topic deeply, with personalised support. You'll set learning goals, utilise provided resources, and engage in regular check-ins with your tutor for feedback and direction, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 1~4~5~6 Exam Period , WORDS= 2400 words The purpose of this report is to analyse - and reflect on - your experiences and outcomes of the team work and your own individual role through the lens of relevant business and management theories. You are required to present a structured report following the assessment brief. This report assesses reflective thinking, critical thinking, application of theoretical knowledge, and analytical skills in addressing contemporary business challenges. Clear, concise, and well-supported arguments are expected.
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~6 Week 9 HOURS= 20 min (inc QA) The first component is a group presentation, which will encourage teamwork, critical analysis, research, and improve presentation skills. In your team you should analyse the given company, or part of the company, and the environments in which it operates with theory and terms fully defined, and high-quality data to underpin the analysis of the specified company.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 004
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Abhishek Agarwal
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 This interactive lecture fosters active learning by seamlessly integrating Mentimeter and Padlet. Expect dynamic engagement beyond traditional lectures. The lecture structure blends concise presentations with these tech-driven interactions, ensuring you actively participate in exploring key concepts. This approach promotes a deeper understanding by directly applying knowledge and sharing insights in a collaborative digital environment, enhancing your learning experience.
Face To Face Tutorial 12 This tutorial fosters active learning through collaborative discussions and teamwork. You'll engage in group problem-solving, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer learning. Activities are designed to enhance your understanding of course concepts through practical application and shared insights, developing crucial teamwork and communication skills.
Online Guided independent study 164 Guided Independent Study empowers you to explore a topic deeply, with personalised support. You'll set learning goals, utilise provided resources, and engage in regular check-ins with your tutor for feedback and direction, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 1~4~5~6 Exam Period , WORDS= 2400 words The purpose of this report is to analyse - and reflect on - your experiences and outcomes of the team work and your own individual role through the lens of relevant business and management theories. You are required to present a structured report following the assessment brief. This report assesses reflective thinking, critical thinking, application of theoretical knowledge, and analytical skills in addressing contemporary business challenges. Clear, concise, and well-supported arguments are expected.
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~6 Week 9 HOURS= 20 min (inc QA) The first component is a group presentation, which will encourage teamwork, critical analysis, research, and improve presentation skills. In your team you should analyse the given company, or part of the company, and the environments in which it operates with theory and terms fully defined, and high-quality data to underpin the analysis of the specified company.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 007
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: WEST LOTHIAN
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Abhishek Agarwal
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 This interactive lecture fosters active learning by seamlessly integrating Mentimeter and Padlet. Expect dynamic engagement beyond traditional lectures. The lecture structure blends concise presentations with these tech-driven interactions, ensuring you actively participate in exploring key concepts. This approach promotes a deeper understanding by directly applying knowledge and sharing insights in a collaborative digital environment, enhancing your learning experience.
Face To Face Tutorial 12 This tutorial fosters active learning through collaborative discussions and teamwork. You'll engage in group problem-solving, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer learning. Activities are designed to enhance your understanding of course concepts through practical application and shared insights, developing crucial teamwork and communication skills.
Online Guided independent study 164 Guided Independent Study empowers you to explore a topic deeply, with personalised support. You'll set learning goals, utilise provided resources, and engage in regular check-ins with your tutor for feedback and direction, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 1~4~5~6 Exam Period , WORDS= 2400 words The purpose of this report is to analyse - and reflect on - your experiences and outcomes of the team work and your own individual role through the lens of relevant business and management theories. You are required to present a structured report following the assessment brief. This report assesses reflective thinking, critical thinking, application of theoretical knowledge, and analytical skills in addressing contemporary business challenges. Clear, concise, and well-supported arguments are expected.
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~6 Week 9 HOURS= 20 min (inc QA) The first component is a group presentation, which will encourage teamwork, critical analysis, research, and improve presentation skills. In your team you should analyse the given company, or part of the company, and the environments in which it operates with theory and terms fully defined, and high-quality data to underpin the analysis of the specified company.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SOE08101-Business and Management Challenges