Unit Code : Bus/os/bm/cr/09/6
Unit Outlines

Unit Code : Bus/Os/Bm/Cr/09/6

AI Generated Intermediate 45 hours 10 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand fundamental concepts and functions of business management.
  • Develop skills in planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within a business context.
  • Analyze strategic management processes and ethical considerations in business.
  • Examine global business environments and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Apply management theories and practices to real-world business challenges.

Content Outline

Preview

1. Introduction to Business Management

1.1 Fundamental Concepts of Business Management

  • Definition and importance
  • Overview of management functions

1.2 Functions of Management

  • Planning
  • Organizing
  • Leading
  • Controlling

1.3 Organizational Structures

  • Types (functional, divisional, matrix, flat, hierarchical)
  • Advantages and disadvantages

1.4 Role of Managers

  • Levels of management (top, middle, first-line)
  • Managerial roles and responsibilities

2. Planning in Business Management

2.1 Importance of Planning

  • Purpose and benefits
  • Planning as a foundation for other functions

2.2 Planning Process

  • Environmental scanning
  • Setting objectives
  • Developing strategies
  • Creating operational plans

2.3 Types of Plans

  • Strategic plans
  • Tactical plans
  • Operational plans

2.4 Setting SMART Objectives

  • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

3. Organizing and Staffing

3.1 Organizing Function

  • Organizational design principles
  • Departmentalization methods (functional, product, geographical, process)
  • Delegation of authority and responsibility

3.2 Staffing Process

  • Human resource planning
  • Recruitment methods
  • Selection techniques
  • Onboarding and training

4. Leading and Motivating Employees

4.1 Leadership Styles

  • Autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire
  • Situational and transformational leadership

4.2 Motivation Theories

  • Maslow's hierarchy of needs
  • Herzberg's two-factor theory
  • McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y

4.3 Communication Techniques

  • Effective communication principles
  • Barriers and overcoming them

4.4 Building Effective Teams

  • Team dynamics
  • Conflict resolution
  • Encouraging collaboration

5. Controlling and Evaluating Performance

5.1 Controlling Function

  • Establishment of standards
  • Performance measurement methods

5.2 Corrective Actions

  • Identifying deviations
  • Implementing changes

5.3 Feedback Mechanisms

  • Role of feedback in performance improvement
  • Continuous improvement processes

6. Strategic Management

6.1 Concept of Strategic Management

  • Definition and significance

6.2 Strategic Planning Process

  • Vision and mission formulation
  • Environmental analysis (internal and external)

6.3 SWOT Analysis

  • Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats

6.4 Development and Implementation of Competitive Strategy

  • Cost leadership, differentiation, focus
  • Monitoring and evaluation of strategic initiatives

7. Ethical and Social Responsibility in Business

7.1 Ethical Dilemmas in Business

  • Common ethical issues
  • Case studies

7.2 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Importance and benefits
  • CSR initiatives

7.3 Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

  • Utilitarianism, rights approach, justice approach

7.4 Role of Businesses in Society

  • Stakeholder management
  • Sustainability

8. Global Business Environment

8.1 Impact of Globalization

  • Definition and drivers
  • Effects on business operations

8.2 International Trade

  • Trade theories
  • Trade barriers and agreements

8.3 Cultural Differences

  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Managing multicultural teams

8.4 Global Marketing Strategies

  • Standardization vs adaptation
  • Entry modes into foreign markets

8.5 Challenges and Opportunities

  • Political, economic, legal factors
  • Risk management

9. Innovation and Change Management

9.1 Importance of Innovation

  • Types of innovation
  • Innovation as a competitive advantage

9.2 Managing Change Effectively

  • Change models (Lewin’s, Kotter’s)
  • Planning and implementing change

9.3 Overcoming Resistance to Change

  • Sources of resistance
  • Strategies to manage resistance

9.4 Innovation Strategies

  • Encouraging creativity
  • Technology adoption

10. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

10.1 Characteristics of Entrepreneurship

  • Traits and skills of successful entrepreneurs

10.2 Starting and Managing a Small Business

  • Business plan development
  • Legal and financial considerations

10.3 Financial Management for Small Businesses

  • Budgeting
  • Funding sources
  • Cash flow management

10.4 Challenges and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

  • Market competition
  • Growth strategies
  • Networking and support systems
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Unit Code : Bus/Os/Bm/Cr/09/6.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan

Learning Outcomes

Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.

Quick Information

Unit Unit Code : Bus/Os/Bm/Cr/09/6
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration45 hours
Topics10
CreatedJul 21, 2026
GeneratedJul 21, 2026 06:04

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of business concepts
  • Introduction to management principles
  • Fundamental communication skills

Recommended Resources

  • Robbins, S.P., & Coulter, M. (2018). Management (14th Edition). Pearson.
  • Daft, R.L. (2016). Management (12th Edition). Cengage Learning.
  • Harvard Business Review articles on leadership, strategy, and innovation.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO) publications on global trade.
  • Online resources: MindTools.com for management and leadership techniques.

Unit Topics

10
Introduction to Business Management
This topic will cover the fundamental concepts of business management, including the functions of ma...
Planning in Business Management
This topic will explore the importance of planning in business management, including the planning pr...
Organizing and Staffing
This topic will focus on the organizing function of management, discussing organizational design, de...
Leading and Motivating Employees
This topic will cover leadership styles, motivation theories, communication techniques, and strategi...
Controlling and Evaluating Performance
This topic will examine the controlling function of management, including the establishment of stand...
Strategic Management
This topic will introduce students to the concept of strategic management, including the development...
Ethical and Social Responsibility in Business
This topic will explore ethical dilemmas in business, the importance of corporate social responsibil...
Global Business Environment
This topic will discuss the impact of globalization on business, including international trade, cult...
Innovation and Change Management
This topic will cover the importance of innovation in business, managing change effectively, overcom...
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
This topic will focus on the characteristics of entrepreneurship, the process of starting and managi...