Active learning ideas
Management is the process of achieving goals through the effective use of people and resources. This topic focuses on the three main management activities: planning, organising, and controlling. Students learn how managers set long-term (strategic) and short-term (tactical) objectives and how they structure the business to achieve them.
Activity 01
In small groups, students must plan a school charity event. They must create a SWOT analysis (planning), an organisational chart with specific roles (organising), and a budget with 'checkpoints' to ensure they stay on track (controlling).
Why is strategic planning essential for business success?
Activity 02
Set up three stations: Planning, Organising, and Controlling. At each, students complete a 10-minute task, such as drafting a mission statement, drawing a span of control for a specific company, or identifying 'red flags' in a financial report.
How do managers effectively organise resources?
Activity 03
Students are given two different organisational charts (one tall, one flat). They must think about the pros and cons of each for a manager, discuss with a partner, and then share which structure they would prefer to work in and why.
What are the key elements of a business control system?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Management is just about telling people what to do.
Management is a complex cycle of planning and monitoring, not just giving orders. Active learning tasks that require students to 'control' a project (check progress and fix errors) help them see that management is an ongoing process of adjustment.
Planning is a one-time event at the start of a business.
Planning is continuous; managers must constantly update tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Using a 'live' project where the teacher introduces a change mid-way through helps students see the need for flexible, ongoing planning.
Methods used in this brief
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Explore the characteristics and skills of successful entrepreneurs. Students will assess the importance of enterprise to the local and national economy.
8 methodologies
Leadership and Motivation
Analyse different leadership styles and motivational theories, such as Maslow and McGregor. Students will evaluate how leadership impacts employee performance and morale.
8 methodologies
Effective Communication
Investigate the importance of internal and external communication in business. Students will evaluate the barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them.
8 methodologies