MNM1MPE: Managing People

Module code: MNM1MPE

Module provider: International Business and Strategy; Henley Business School

Credits: 15

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Min Zou , email: m.zou@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 May 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The Managing People module focuses on key aspects of managing employees to drive organisational performance. It explores external and internal factors influencing people management, as well as the strategic role of HR and line management in areas such as resourcing, performance management, reward, and development. The module also examines theories and concepts that underpin individual work performance. 

This module is designed for current and future managers to: 

• Understand the roles of HR and line managers in managing people; 
• Consider the impact of context on managing people across various industries and organisations; 
• Develop awareness of factors supporting or hindering effective management and development of employees; 
• Recognise that no single 'best way' exists in managing people, encouraging learners to identify workplace dilemmas and practices. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that programme members should be able to: 

1. gain a comprehensive understanding of the organisational context and culture, critically evaluate the role and contribution of the HR function to organisational performance and effectiveness, and analyse talent management processes from recruitment to development using appropriate theories, models, and frameworks. 
2. identify coaching, training, and development needs using suitable models and frameworks, examine reward and recognition at individual and organisational levels based on scientific research evidence, and assess the impact of performance management on talent management. 
3. develop knowledge of human behaviour, motivation, and engagement to understand and manage personal and team motivation, as well as learn key traits for success in people management. 
4. work collaboratively to solve problems, share learning, demonstrate self-management and personal effectiveness through autonomous planning and implementation of learning tasks, and enhance self-awareness by reflecting on concepts, theories, and own functioning while effectively communicating with others through various mediums.  

Module content

The key topics covered in all modes of study which are important to managing people within contemporary organisations include: 

• context and culture 
• understanding human behaviour, motivation and engagement in order to understand and manage one’s own motivation and that of team members 
• the role and contribution of the HR function (as it applies to a line manager audience) 
• traits for success as a people manager 
• performance management – planning, managing and reviewing performance at both an individual and organisational level 
• talent management from recruitment and selection to development 
• coaching, training and development 
• reward and recognition at an individual and organisational level. 
   

The module is structured around these topics. The module core addresses the fundamental topics within the subject area. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshops, group work and tutor support. Key module content will be delivered in workshops, which comprise a mixture of content delivery, class discussion, and practical application exercises. 

Study hours

At least 16 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

This module is subject to the Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes policy, which can be found at:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties to work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark; 
• where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs