MBA stage 1: managing the organisation

You are provided with a better understanding of the reality of management in the 21st century and the role of the manager. There are four subjects in Stage 1:

Dynamics of Management

Dynamics of Management develops concepts and behaviours that support the changing role of management and leadership. It will focus on practical application in the context of an increasingly uncertain and turbulent business environment, whilst maintaining a rigorous theoretical base.

Key themes include: management context (how management, leadership, and organisations have evolved); developing effective behaviours (key personal and interpersonal attributes and behaviours for effective management and leadership); and informing effective choices (approaches, tools and techniques for effective evaluation, analysis and decision-making).

Managing People and Performance 

Managing People and Performance considers managers and your engagement with individuals, teams and organisations and how this can impact on, and drive, performance. It explores issues around the scoping, creating, reviewing and embedding of performance at the individual, organisational and strategic level.

Key themes include: the impact of context and culture; understanding behaviour and motivation; leadership; managing performance; coaching, training, development and organisational learning; team working and talent management.

Managing Processes, Systems and Projects

Managing Processes, Systems and Projects takes a systems approach to the integration of operations management and information systems management. Systems and processes are viewed as the key enablers of business strategy and programme members gain an understanding of how systems fit together and of the complexity and tension in systems. The focus is on performance, innovation and change processes.

Key themes include: business process mapping; value chains; make or buy decisions; capacity management; quality processes; continuous improvement; and knowledge management.

Managing Financial Resources

Managing Financial Resources integrates the study of accounting, finance and microeconomics. It enables managers to be financially literate and confident in participating in decision-making and assessing business performance. It introduces the key concepts in these areas that managers need to understand to be able to function effectively and to understand the context in which decisions are made.

Key themes include: financial statements; financial planning and budgeting; management accounting and decision making; financial analysis and valuation; demand and supply analysis; cost analysis and market structure.

Personal Development

The Personal Development module runs through all stages of the Henley MBA and enables you to take control of your learning and career goals, and to maximise the benefit to yourself and your organisation from a Henley MBA.