Short Learning Programme on Fundamental Management

The NWU Business School has special expertise in the field of Management. Emerging managers need a solid foundation of business skills and informed knowledge to fully develop their intellectual capability, to add significant value to the organisation and to qualify for further promotion.

Purpose of the course

The NWU Business School has special expertise in the field of Management. Emerging managers need a solid foundation of business skills and knowledge to fully develop their intellectual capability, to add significant value to the organisation and to qualify for a further promotion.

Admission requirements

(2) Two years’ experience or participants who are earmarked by an organisation as managers. They should have the potential for advancement and require basic skills and knowledge to enhance their managerial effectiveness.

Learning assumed to be in place

National Senior Certificate or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. Supervisors and first-line managers with two years’ working experience or earmarked by the organisation as managers. Basic working skills and knowledge are required to enhance their managerial effectiveness are required.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Study Unit	Outcomes	Assessment Criteria
	After completion of this course, participants will:	Participant will be assessed on the following criteria:
Module1: Effective Managerial Habits	Develop knowledge and insight into dealing with managerial habits such as planning, organising, leading and coordinating, Develop analytical and diagnostic skills with regard to self-management and integration Understand the function of communication	Interpret and cope with internal and external forces affecting first line management. Appreciate the necessity of managerial interventions, as well as possible consequences of both poor and excellent managerial actions. Enhance existing managerial capabilities, including the sensations of empowerment and confidence in this regard. Utilise a basic range of managerial techniques and “tools” toward effective and efficient management. Develop sound managerial habits as a foundation for further practical and theoretical growth.
Module 2: Management of People	Develops knowledge and insight into theoretical and practical themes of managing people. Develop analytical and diagnostic skills with regard to the behaviour of individuals, groups, teams, and organisations.	Understand what human potential is and the role it plays in organisational functioning. Know why it is important to manage diversity effectively. Know what a motivating climate is, what it consists of, and the consequences and benefits of creating a motivating climate in an organization. Know and understand the difference between being a manager (management) and being a manager-leader (leadership). Be able to diagnose elements of organisational, team, group and individual functioning. Be able to facilitate the unlocking of human potential. Know how to create a motivating climate in an organisation. Be able to apply a number of transformational leadership skills. Be able to manage people more effectively.
Module 3: Management of Operations	Understand operations management principles. Understand the function of the organisation as a whole and demonstrate greater appreciation for the issues which affect overall organisational performance.	Explain the role and importance of operations management in the organisation and also to understand the internal relationship between the other business functions and operations. Consider issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility. Understand the importance of productivity and how to improve it. Understand the concept of project management and the role of the project leader. Identify the link between purchasing and operations and understand the importance and responsibility of purchasing and supply chain. Define quality, cost of quality and explain control and improvements.
Module 4: Management of Financial Resources	Understands the management of financial resources on the first line management level. Develop basic knowledge of different accounting systems, cost behaviour, and cost classifications.	Explain and give the steps in the budgeting process. Use accounting data to support him/her in managerial functions, such as planning operations, controlling activities and decision making. Demonstrate an insight into the different accounting system, cost behaviour, and cost classifications in order to apply the information in different operating processes and management activities.

Assessment

Admission to a final open-book assessment is subject to satisfactory progress with the required learning content of a module. Participants have to submit two formal assignments (usually an individual and group assignment) for each module. The minimum participation mark (average mark obtained for the assignments) is 40% to qualify for the writing of the final examination. To pass a module, a participant has to obtain a final mark of 50% (or more). The weight of the participation mark is 40% and that of the examination mark is 60% in the determination of the final mark. A sub-minimum of 40% must also be obtained in the examination of each module to pass that specific module. To obtain the FMP cum laude (with a distinction), the participant has to complete the programme within one academic block (6 months) and has to obtain an average of at least 75% for the four modules.

Method of assessment

Learning objectives will be accomplished through the following mix of methods and activities: self-tuition, analysis and discussion of actual cases; in-class individual and group assignments and exercises; and lectures and presentations.

Additional information

Programme number

H01 100 1

Mode of delivery

Contact

Target group

The FMP is for first level managers like frontline managers; supervisors and team leaders and also prepares promising individuals (“emerging”) for entry into management positions.