If you’ve completed vocational study at Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 3 and you want to move into undergraduate study, this module is for you. This introductory OU level 1 module introduces management ideas and uses activities to build on your existing knowledge and skills. You’ll also use your own workplace experiences to develop an academic understanding of management and valuable study skills, which you’ll demonstrate by writing about management and reflecting on your own skills as a learner.
Please note that this module has a compulsory entry qualification - see Entry for more information.
There is a version of this module specifically designed for people working in delivering public services – see module code BXS121.
What you will study
This module begins with a brief outline of the type of learning and subject areas that it covers. It then helps you to assess your own learning style and preferences, so that you will know how to tackle the work ahead.
You will look at six areas of management. These include:
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strategy and the organisation
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marketing
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finance
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leadership, management and motivation
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managing people
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monitoring and evaluation.
Using a textbook, you’ll carry out various activities asking you to compare the theories that you are reading about with what you see around you in your workplace. Some of the activities may be similar to those you have done in your previous work-based learning. Some of them will be new, and have been designed to help you develop your academic skills. These include: critical reading; note-taking for a range of purposes; recognising and evaluating arguments; and learning how to write clearly.
By the end of the module you’ll have developed a new, more theoretical understanding of how and why managers do what they do in organisations. You’ll build a toolkit of management concepts, theories and models that you can use to tackle workplace issues. You’ll also feel more confident in embarking on further undergraduate study.
Vocational relevance
This module is directly relevant to you if you have completed a module at OU level 3 in the vocational qualifications framework that contains a significant component of business administration or management. If you’re unsure if your qualification fits this description, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Entry
You must have an NVQ level 3 qualification in management, business administration or customer care or an equivalent vocational qualification which contains a significant business or management related component to study this module. Check this list to see if you have the necessary entrance qualifications.
This is an introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.
It is an ideal first module if you are thinking of studying at university level, and might want to go on to an undergraduate certificate, diploma or a degree in business studies or management. It is of particular value if you have completed or are just about to complete a competency-based qualification, and now wish to gain further understanding of the academic theories underpinning this area.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
This module draws on your vocational qualification, so you will find it useful to refer to your portfolio while you are studying this module.
Qualifications
B121 is an optional module in our:
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability
Transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
Study materials
What's included
Module guides, textbook, supplementary readings, website and online forums.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll have a tutor who will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We also offer group tutorials which you are encouraged but not obliged to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the module.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignment (TMA) on paper or online through the eTMA system.
Your end-of-module assessment (EMA) must be submitted online.
Future availability
The details given here are for the module that started in April 2014 for the last time.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.