explain the influences on current management thinking, and relate the work of various management theorists to management of library and information services;
discuss styles of management and organizational structures;
critically review strategic planning processes;
discuss the opportunities and problems associated with impact analysis and performance measurement, and propose a set of performance indicators for your type of organization;
identify the main themes associated with conflict and organizational politics, and consider the role of the information manager, including those working in solo positions;
evaluate approaches to the management of change and conflict and discuss the concept of organizational development
Brief description
At its most basic, management can be defined as ensuring an organisation makes the most effective and efficient use of resources in order to achieve agreed objectives. The principles of good management are the same in organisations of all kinds and sizes, but the environment, purpose and history of the various types will make for differences of detail and application. In this module we will examine the broad principles and how they might apply in the management of libraries and information services (LIS). You will be required to make the connection with the organisation you work in and/or with other organisations that you know.
Some professionals, including information professionals, make the mistake of assuming that management is the job of senior staff or those who see themselves as career managers. All of us are managers to a greater or lesser extent whether we are subject specialists, bibliographical or functional specialists, have responsibility for a client group and, of course, we all manage information in increasingly complex formats and environments. At the very least we need to understand the environment in which we work.
Reading Lists
Books ** Essential Reading
Cole, G.A (1996) Management: theory and practice
Letts Educational
Crainer, S (1996) Key management ideas
London: Pitman Publishing
Drucker, P.F (1974) Management: tasks, responsibilities, practices
London: Heinemann
Drucker, P (1999) Management challenges for the 21st century
Oxford : Butterworth-Heinemann
Handy, C (1993) Understanding organizations
4th. Penguin Books
Additional reference to a number of sources is made at each module unit. Handy, C (1995) The age of unreason
2nd. Arrow Business Books
Kanter, R.M (1996) The change master
London: International Thomson Business Press
Kanter, R.M (1989) When giants learn to dance
London: Simon & Schuster
Mintzberg, H (1973) The nature of managerial work
London: Heinemann
Mintzberg, H (1979) The structuring of organizations
NJ: Prentice-Hall
Morgan, G (1997) Images of organization
2nd. London: Sage
Parkinson, G Northcote Parkinson''s Law: Lighthearted, but deadly accurate! Bryson, J (1998) Effective library and information centre management
2nd. Gower
Buchanan, D. and Huczynski, A (1997) Organizational behaviour: an introductory text
Prentice-Hall