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Anshu Sharma

Welcome to the Principles of Management course! By the end of this course, you will develop a good understanding of management theory and practice. The course discusses management and its relations to the external environment, and how various factors shape management practices over time. You will be able to understand the social responsibility of managers and how ethics can be institutionalized in organizations. The course delves into a deeper understanding of managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. The course details the fundamental principles of management functions along with highlighting the contemporary developments in management processes.

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Welcome to the Principles of Management course! By the end of this course, you will develop a good understanding of management theory and practice. The course discusses management and its relations to the external environment, and how various factors shape management practices over time. You will be able to understand the social responsibility of managers and how ethics can be institutionalized in organizations. The course delves into a deeper understanding of managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. The course details the fundamental principles of management functions along with highlighting the contemporary developments in management processes.

This is a beginner course, intended for learners with a background in all types of organizations. The knowledge you gain from this course will help you in all careers and/or all industries.

To succeed in this course, you should have a basic understanding of working in a formal/informal organizational context.

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Syllabus

Management Theory and Practice
In this module, you will learn about the nature and purpose of management applicable to all types of organizations and to managers at all organizational levels. The module outlines the evolution of management theories and highlights the emergence of modern management thought. It discusses how management is both a science and an art, and further analyzes the concepts of organizational efficiency and effectiveness. You will gain insights into the various functions of management—planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. The module discusses various approaches to management and their contribution.
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Management and Society
In this module, you will learn about the organization and its external environment. The module describes the nature of the pluralistic society and selected environments which will help you understand the impact of technological and innovative environments. The module discusses the social responsibility of managers and puts forward arguments for and against the social involvement of business. You will also be able to understand the nature and importance of ethics in managing and ways to institutionalize ethics and raise ethical standards.
Weekly Summative Assessment: Management Theory and Practice, and Management and Society
This assessment is a graded quiz based on the module covered in this week.
Planning
In this module, you will learn about the essentials of planning and why it is important. The module outlines the concept of management by objectives. You will learn about the strategies, policies, and planning premises. The module also discusses the importance of decision-making. You will also gain insights into global perspectives of managerial planning.
Organizing
In this module, you will learn about the nature of organizing, organizational structure, departmentalization, levels, and types of authority. The module analyzes the first days of leadership. You will gain insights into the concepts of empowerment, centralization, and decentralization. The module also discusses effective ways of organizing and developing organizational culture.
Weekly Summative Assessment: Planning and Organizing
This assessment is a graded quiz based on the module covered in this week.
Staffing
In this module, you will learn about the managerial function of staffing. The module provides an understanding of human resource management, performance appraisal, and career strategy. You will also learn about managing change through the manager and organizational development.
Leading
In this module, you will learn about human factors and motivation theories. You will be able to understand leadership theories, and various leadership styles. The module explains the purpose of communication, communication process, and breakdowns in communication. The module describes the nature of teams, team building, self-managing teams, and virtual teams.
Weekly Summative Assessment: Staffing and Leading
Controlling
In this module, you will learn about the process of controlling, controlling techniques, ways of effective control, and control techniques. You will also be able to understand productivity, operations management, and total quality management.
Principles of Managerial Functions
In this module, you will learn about the fundamental principles or guides for the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. You will also gain insights into the conceptual schema of each managerial function. The module outlines the purpose, and nature of each function and its corresponding principles, structure, and control mechanisms.
Weekly Summative Assessment: Controlling and Principles of Managerial Functions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops management skills and theory that are useful for a wide range of careers and industries
Explores the impact of technological and innovative environments
Explores ethics in management and ways to institutionalize
Suitable for learners with a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of organizational contexts

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Principles of Management with these activities:
Review the principles of management
Reviewing foundational management concepts will strengthen the base of knowledge for this course.
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  • Read chapters 1 and 2 of any introductory management textbook.
  • Take notes on the key concepts of management, such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
  • Complete practice problems or case studies to test your understanding.
Read 'Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices' by Peter Drucker
This book provides a comprehensive overview of management principles and practices, offering valuable insights for students.
View Management on Amazon
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  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read the book carefully and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Complete the discussion questions or exercises at the end of each chapter.
Organize: Peer Study Group Meetings
Enhance your leadership skills by organizing and facilitating peer study group meetings.
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  • Identify a group of peers who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Set up a regular meeting schedule.
  • Develop a study plan and agenda for each meeting.
Eight other activities
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Practice: Decision-Making Exercises
Sharpen your decision-making skills through regular practice exercises.
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  • Identify a real-world business scenario that requires a decision.
  • Gather information and analyze the situation.
  • Develop and evaluate alternative solutions.
Solve management case studies
Engaging with case studies will provide hands-on experience in applying management principles.
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  • Find case studies related to the topics covered in the course.
  • Read the case studies carefully and identify the key issues.
  • Develop and present your own solutions to the case studies.
Follow Tutorials: Management Case Study Analysis
Develop your analytical skills by working through guided tutorials on management case studies.
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  • Select a case study that is relevant to your interests.
  • Read the case study carefully and identify the key issues.
  • Develop a solution to the case study.
Participate in a management simulation
Participating in simulations will let you experience and test management strategies in a safe and controlled environment.
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  • Find a management simulation that aligns with your interests.
  • Form a team with other students or colleagues.
  • Play the simulation and make decisions as a team.
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.
Create: Management Concept Infographics
Reinforce your understanding of management concepts by creating visually appealing infographics.
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  • Choose a management concept that you want to focus on.
  • Research the concept thoroughly.
  • Develop a visually appealing infographic that explains the concept clearly.
Create a blog or podcast on a management topic
Creating your own content will help you reinforce your understanding of management principles and share your knowledge with others.
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  • Choose a management topic that you are passionate about.
  • Research your topic and gather information from credible sources.
  • Develop an outline for your blog post or podcast.
  • Create your content and ensure it is well-written and engaging.
Volunteer at a non-profit organization
Volunteering will provide practical experience in management and expose you to different organizational structures and challenges.
Browse courses on Non-Profit Management
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  • Find a non-profit organization that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training sessions and complete any necessary paperwork.
  • Perform your volunteer duties as assigned.
Develop a management plan
Creating a plan will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of management functions and their practical application.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific business or organization to develop the plan for.
  • Analyze the organization's current situation and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop a plan that outlines the specific actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired improvements.
  • Present your plan to a group of peers or mentors for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager supervises and manages business operations to improve productivity and efficiency. Whether in manufacturing or service industries, having a deep understanding of management theory and practice, such as the principles taught in this course, is key to success in this role. The concepts of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling will be extremely useful in developing the skills of an operations manager.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants provide consulting services to help organizations improve their performance. By understanding the principles of management and being able to analyze an organization's structure, processes, and people, a management consultant can help identify areas for improvement and develop solutions. The knowledge gained from this course will be instrumental for this role.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. The principles of staffing addressed in this course, as well as the concepts of leading and ethics, play a crucial role in the success of an HR Manager.
Chief Operating Officer
A Chief Operating Officer, often referred to as a COO, plans, organizes, and manages all operational aspects of an organization. The focus of this course on management theory and practice will help build a solid foundation for the role of a COO.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with the public on behalf of corporations, government agencies, and other organizations. As this role involves managing communication and reputation, understanding the principles of management and having a grasp of ethics is key. The concepts covered in this course will aid in doing so.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes an organization's needs to improve efficiency and productivity. Understanding the concepts of management theory and practice can greatly benefit a Business Analyst, particularly in areas such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving.
Project Manager
Project Managers initiate, plan, execute, control, and close projects by leading teams and managing resources. The principles of management covered in this course will help build a foundation for managing projects successfully.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. Having a strong understanding of management theory and practice can provide a crucial edge in this role, particularly in areas such as planning, organizing, and leading.
Financial Manager
Financial Managers plan, organize, and control the financial activities of organizations. The principles of management covered in this course will help build a strong foundation for managing financial resources effectively.
General Manager
General Managers plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate the operations of an entire organization. Given the broad scope of this role, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of management theory and practice. This course provides a solid foundation for the role of a General Manager.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs launch and manage their own businesses. Having a strong grasp of management theory and practice is crucial for success in this role. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of management that are essential for any entrepreneur.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers plan, organize, and lead sales teams to achieve revenue targets. This course provides a solid foundation for the principles of management, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, which are essential for effective sales management.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts apply analytical methods to solve complex business problems. The principles of management covered in this course, such as planning and decision-making, can provide a valuable foundation for this role.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers plan, organize, and control the flow of goods and services. Having a strong understanding of management theory and practice can greatly benefit a Supply Chain Manager, particularly in areas such as planning, organizing, and controlling.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officers are responsible for the overall success of an organization. Given the comprehensive nature of this role, a deep understanding of management theory and practice is essential. This course provides a solid foundation for the principles of management that are crucial for effective leadership as a CEO.

Reading list

We've selected 26 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Principles of Management.
Comprehensive textbook that covers all the major topics in management, including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it is packed with examples and case studies that help to illustrate the concepts. This book great choice for students who want to learn more about the fundamentals of management.
Classic work on management that has been translated into more than 30 languages. It covers the essential principles of management, including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. This book great choice for students who want to learn more about the timeless principles of management.
Bestseller that has been translated into more than 30 languages. It must-read for students who want to learn about the key factors that contribute to the success of great companies.
Is an introductory text that covers the core concepts of management, with a focus on practical applications. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the fundamentals of management and its relevance to real-world business situations.
Collection of Drucker's most influential writings on management. It valuable resource for students who want to learn from one of the most respected management thinkers of all time.
Explores the importance of trust in business and provides practical advice on how to build trust with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.
Explores the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and provides practical advice on how to develop your emotional intelligence skills. It valuable resource for students who want to become more effective leaders.
Is an international bestseller that outlines 21 essential laws of leadership. It valuable resource for students who want to develop their leadership skills and become more effective leaders.
Popular science book that provides a sweeping overview of the history of humankind. It covers the major events in human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.
Business book that provides insights into how to build a great company. It covers the key factors that differentiate great companies from good companies, including having a clear purpose, setting big goals, and creating a culture of discipline.
Timely and important look at the future of capitalism. It covers the challenges that capitalism faces, including inequality, climate change, and technological disruption.
Helps readers identify their strengths and weaknesses. It valuable resource for students who want to develop their self-awareness and learn how to use their strengths to succeed in their careers.
Cutting-edge look at management in the 21st century. It covers the latest trends and developments in management, including the impact of technology, globalization, and sustainability. This book great choice for students who want to learn more about the future of management.
Self-help book that provides practical advice on how to become a more effective person. It covers seven habits that are essential for success, including being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first.
Popular science book that provides insights into the factors that contribute to success. It covers the role of talent, hard work, and luck in success.
Popular science book that provides insights into how to think like a freak. It covers the four principles of thinking like a freak, including being curious, skeptical, and contrarian.
Business book that provides insights into how to build a successful startup. It covers the lean startup methodology, which process for developing and testing new products and services.
Business book that provides insights into why large companies often fail to innovate. It covers the challenges that large companies face when trying to innovate, including the innovator's dilemma.
Self-help book that provides insights into how to find happiness. It covers the twelve months of happiness experiments that Rubin conducted on herself.
Classic work on military strategy that has been used by businesses for centuries. It covers the principles of war, including deception, surprise, and flexibility.
Classic work on political philosophy that has been used by businesses for centuries. It covers the principles of statecraft, including power, deception, and manipulation.

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