SBUS10190 Professional & Academic Development

Academic Year 2022/2023

Much of the focus of your degree in Economics and finance will emphasize the pursuit of an advanced understanding of economic theory and quantitative skills focusing, on subjects such as Economics, Finance, Statistical Modelling, Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus and so forth. This module, in contrast, will focus on the human aspect of organisational functioning in recognition that human behaviour plays a major role in determining peoples’ success and in determining organisational effectiveness.

As humans we develop an intuitive understanding of our own behaviours and of the behaviours of other people through our experiences of interacting with others. This experiential approach to reading human behaviour often leads to inaccurate predictions. The behavioural sciences recognise that, although as humans we are individual and unique, there are fundamental consistencies in human behaviours. Understanding these can help us to make more informed decisions about how we interact with, manage or lead people. Importantly, it can provide the basis for a better understanding of ourselves and a chance to develop our interpersonal skills and to unlock are real potential as leaders of the future.

The main topics that you will study in this module include collaboration, communication, conflict management, influencing and negotiation, individual and group decision making, ethics and diversity, (with a close look at intercultural intelligence). Having understood the key theories that underpin our understanding of these areas, you can begin to reflect on your own skills and competences, recognise your competences and start to develop those that need to be strengthened.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completing the Professional and Academic Development module, you are expected to be able to:
1. Recognise and articulate the importance interpersonal skills to personal and organisational success.
2. Understand and explain the key theories that explain individual and interpersonal behaviour.
3. Identify opportunities to enhance interpersonal skills such as collaboration, communication (in particular the ability to present well) and leadership and be able to reflect on your experiences of using these skills, i.e. what went well and what you might to differently in a similar situation in the future.
4. Be alert to the experiences in university life and extracurricular activities that will demonstrate these interpersonal competences to future employers.
5. Identify and act on additional opportunities for personal, career and academic development and contribution.

Indicative Module Content:

The format of the course takes is a sequence of group exercises and reflection which are framed by a series of readings, lectures, and in-depth class discussions.

Key content includes:
1. Introduction to collaboration and working in teams.
2. Communication and presentation skills.
3. Influencing and negotiation skills.
4. introduction to behavioural decision making and bias.
5. Introduction to ethics and ethical decision making.
6. Understanding diversity and intercultural intelligence.
7. Building and documenting evidence of soft skills.
8. A number of specialist sessions and panel discussions.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module takes an experiential, problem-solving approach to professional and academic development. Its aim is to provide you with the opportunity to experience and reflect on the theories we will discuss in class in relation to human behaviour and its role in our ability to interact well with others and to be successful as human beings and as workers.

The success of this module depends on your engagement in class exercises and discussions. You will be required to prepare for and take part in presentations, exercises and role-plays. Therefore, attendance at all classes is mandatory. The implications of non-attendance are that you will miss out on the experience of applying and truly understanding, the theory that has been presented in class. Therefore, if for any reason you are unable to attend a classroom session you must notify me at least 24 hours in advance.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Individual reflection on personal experience based on module themes and class experiences Week 12 n/a Graded No

60
Group Project: Group presentation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General feedback will be posted on Brightspace. Individual feedback will be given on request.