Introduction to Business Management

Not applicable.

The teaching of the curricular unit has an eminently theoretical and practical character. Alongside the expository methodology, it will focus on active methodologies of text analysis, demonstration/ analysis, and resolution of practical cases.

Objectives: The aim is for students to learn the fundamental concepts of management, acquire a global vision of what a company is and how it functions, the role of management, and the instruments necessary for its success. They are expected to understand how a company can interact with its external environment and how this can affect its future development.

Competencies to be developed:

• Describe the organizational environment;
• Know the main approaches to management;
• Describe the functions and competencies of a manager and understand the dynamics of the management process;
• List and describe the main forms a company can adopt;
• Understand the underlying principles of team leadership and organizational culture;
• Identify and characterize the critical functions of the business;
• Apply concepts and tools that integrate within the scope of the various functions;
• Describe different types of strategies and apply strategic analysis and control tools.

1. Introduction

1.1. Concepts and classification of companies

1.2. The company and its context

1.3. Concepts and levels of management

1.4. Current challenges for companies and managers

1.5. Managerial tasks and skills

2. The evolution of management thought

2.1. Classical theories

2.2. Behavioral theories

2.3. Contingency approaches

2.4. Emerging approaches.

3. The functions of management

3.1. Planning

3.1.1. Fundamentals of the planning process

3.1.2. Mission and objectives

3.1.3. Levels and types of plans

3.2. Organization

3.2.1. Fundamentals of the organizational process

3.2.2. Structural dimensions and formats

3.2.3. Adaptability of organizational structures

3.3. Leadership

3.3.1. Principles of leadership and organizational culture

3.3.2. Team management

3.3.3. Decision-making process

3.4. Control

3.4.1. Relevance of control

3.4.2. Control process and levels

3.4.3. Types and techniques of control.

4. Organizational Functions

4.1 Innovation

4.1.1. Relevance and fundamental concepts

4.1.2. Innovation processes

4.2. Marketing

4.2.1. Marketing concepts and practices

4.2.2. Marketing mix

4.3. Operations

4.3.1. Operations management

4.3.2. Production typologies

4.3.3. Quality management

4.4. Human resources management

4.4.1. Relevance and context

4.4.2. The subsystems of human resource management

4.4.3. Human talent management

4.4. Organizational strategy

4.4.1. Concept and process of strategic management

4.4.2. Strategic analysis and choice

4.4.3. Strategy implementation

Non-Portuguese-speaking students / Erasmus students will be evaluated based on individual works written in English.

NAO