MNB1501 Study Guide

Department of Business Management

Module Information

  • Course Title: Business Management 1A (MNB1501)
  • Institution: University of South Africa (UNISA)
  • Year: 2024

Contents Overview

  • 0.1 Welcome
  • 0.2 Purpose of the Module
  • 0.3 Link to Other Modules
  • 0.4 Objectives and Competencies
    • 0.4.1 Module objectives
    • 0.4.2 Our assumptions
    • 0.4.3 Framework for the module
    • 0.4.4 Composition of the study/learning package for the module
  • 0.5 Completing Activities and Assessment Questions
    • 0.5.1 Activities
    • 0.5.2 Continuous assessments
  • 0.6 How to Achieve the Learning Outcomes of This Module
  • 0.7 What You Can Expect from UNISA
  • 0.8 How to Approach MNB1501
  • 0.9 Concluding Remarks

0.1 Welcome

  • Welcome message encourages students to be enthusiastic about business management.
  • Additional reading materials and case studies provided for further exploration.
  • Contact your lecturer if experiencing difficulties and utilize MYUNISA portal for forums.

0.2 Purpose of the Module

  • Establishes a foundation for studying business management focusing on:
    • Development of understanding in strategic management.
    • Understanding management tasks: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
  • Enable students to prepare basic business plans reflecting entrepreneurial approaches.

0.3 Link to Other Modules

  • Integral part of the BCom degree in Business Management.
  • Prepares students for MNB1601 (Business Management 1B) and strategic management modules in the third year (MNG3601 and MNG3602).

0.4 Objectives and Competencies

0.4.1 Module Objectives

Upon completing the module, students should be able to:

  • Explain the relationship between business performance and strategic management.
  • Analyze business case studies and identify related managerial tasks and skills.
  • Differentiate between entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial business management approaches.
  • Develop business plans for small to medium enterprises.
0.4.2 Our Assumptions
  • Students are capable of:
    • Learning from written material in the language of instruction.
    • Reading, analyzing, and responding to various texts independently.
    • Dedicating time for study (120 hours) as it is a semester module (12 credits).
0.4.3 Framework for the Module
  • Topics Covered
    1. Introduction to Business Management
    • The business world and business management.
    • Entrepreneurship.
    • Establishing a business.
    • The business environment.
    • Corporate social responsibility.
    1. The Management Process
    • General management introduction.
    • Planning.
    • Organizing.
    • Leading.
    • Controlling.
0.4.4 Composition of the Study/Learning Package
  • Lessons uploaded on the myUnisa site and no prescribed books required for purchase.

0.5 Completing Activities and Assessment Questions

0.5.1 Activities
  • Recommended studying one lesson at a time.
  • Activities are informal and do not count toward the final grade. They're preparatory in nature.
  • Student forums encouraged for discussion of activities.
0.5.2 Continuous Assessments
  • Contributions to final marks detailed in tutorial letters.
  • Online assessments only available through myUNISA.
  • Assessments consist of multiple-choice questions.
    • Choose correct options based on provided statements.
  • Read statements carefully to determine correct answers.

0.6 How to Achieve the Learning Outcomes of This Module

Key Steps for Success:
  1. Conscientiously study the tutorial material.
  2. Engage in discussions with classmates and professionals.
  3. Attempt and complete all assessments and activities.
  4. Apply learning in real-world scenarios.
  5. Prepare adequately for continuous assessments.

0.7 What You Can