21440 Management Skills

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject develops an understanding of the nature of intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies and their relevance to management practice in contemporary organisations. It explores behavioural skill learning in order to establish a platform for continued development on the part of the student. Cultural and gender issues are also explored in this context.

Topics covered include the nature of intrapersonal and interpersonal competence; theoretical underpinnings of behavioural skills learning; self-management skills; basic interpersonal communications skills; assertion and influence skills; and the applied skills of small group management, presentation, negotiation and conflict resolution, interviewing, networking and leadership.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the application of various theoretical frameworks in leadership and communication skills in diverse and flexible organisations
2. demonstrate increased self-awareness and proficiency in nominated skill areas
3. apply a range of techniques and theoretical frameworks to develop skills in the area of management and communication
4. understand and appreciate the role of reflection in effective skill development.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject contributes to the objectives of the Management major and the major in Human Resource Management through its focus on the practical development of intra and interpersonal skills and an emphasis on providing students with a foundation knowledge in the theory of organisational communication and skill development. The subject addresses the role of information technology, ethics and diversity as integrating themes with an emphasis on skill development in the context of the organisation and the global business environment.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is delivered through a series of workshops in which the various theoretical frameworks and techniques are taught and their application demonstrated and emphasised through experiential learning activities. The approach adopted encompasses the elements of Kolb and Fry's (1975) Experiential Learning Model, namely: Concrete Experience – active participation in the experience; Reflective Observation – examination of the experience; Abstract Conceptualisation – integrating your experience into your perceptions; and Active Experimentation – trying out new learning.

Content

• Developing self awareness
• Managing stress
• Solving problems creatively
• Communicating effectively
• Gaining power and influence
• Motivating others
• Managing conflict
• Empowering and delegating
• Building effective teams
• Making oral presentations
• Conducting interviews.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Skill Development Project (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Oral presentation (Group)

Assessment item 3: Formal Examination – essay questions (Individual)

Required text(s)

De Janasz, Wood, Gottschalk, Dowd and Schneider, 2006, Interpersonal Skills in Organisations, North Ryde, Australia, McGraw Hill

Guide to Writing Assignments (2006), Faculty of Business, University of Technology, Sydney (available at

www.business.uts.edu.au/resources/guide.html)

Each student is required to have their own copy of the text book as it will be used extensively in classes. These books are available from the University Co-op Bookshop at both campuses.