Lesson Plan – Module 1: Management
& Planning (8 Hours)
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Define management and explain its nature, importance, and functions.
- Differentiate between management and administration.
- Identify levels of management and describe managerial roles and skills.
- Explain planning types, steps, and limitations.
- Apply decision-making steps to solve simple managerial problems.
Hour 1: Introduction to Management
Topics:
- Definition of management, nature (universal, goal-oriented, continuous process).
- Importance of management in modern organizations.
- Objectives of management.
Activity:
- Open discussion: 'Why do we need managers if employees can work independently?'
- Students list real-life examples of management in sports, events, and business.
Hour 2: Functions & Levels of Management
Topics:
- Management Functions: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Controlling (POSDC).
- Levels of Management: Top (strategic), Middle (tactical), Supervisory (operational).
Activity:
- Draw the management hierarchy pyramid on board.
- Group activity: Assign students to represent different levels (CEO, Manager, Supervisor,
Worker) and discuss responsibilities.
Hour 3: Managerial Roles & Skills
Topics:
- Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles (Interpersonal, Informational, Decisional).
- Managerial skills: Technical, Human, Conceptual.
- Management vs. Administration.
Activity:
- Case study discussion: Role of a manager in a startup vs. in a large corporation.
Hour 4: Management as Science, Art, Profession
Topics:
- Characteristics of Science, Art, Profession.
- Debate: Is management a science, an art, or a profession?
Activity:
- Students split into groups to argue for science vs. art, followed by conclusion that
management is a combination.
Hour 5: Introduction to Planning
Topics:
- Definition & importance of planning.
- Types of plans: Strategic, Tactical, Operational, Contingency.
Activity:
- Students pick an event (tech fest, college trip) and identify different types of plans
involved.
Hour 6: Steps & Limitations of Planning
Topics:
- Planning steps: Setting objectives → Developing premises → Identifying alternatives →
Evaluating → Selecting → Implementing → Follow-up.
- Limitations: Rigidity, cost, time, false sense of security.
Activity:
- Real-life example of failed planning (e.g., Nokia missing smartphone revolution).
- Class discussion on why plans sometimes fail.
Hour 7: Decision-Making Process
Topics:
- Meaning of decision-making, importance in management.
- Types: Programmed, Non-programmed.
- Steps in rational decision-making process.
Activity:
- Problem-solving exercise: Choosing between two vendors for a project based on given
data (students work in small groups).
Hour 8: Case Study, Role Play & Wrap-up
Topics:
- Integrate all concepts learned (Management functions + planning + decision-making).
Activity:
- Role Play: Students form groups, act as management team planning a small project (college
event, product launch).
- They identify objectives, prepare a basic plan, and take a key decision (e.g., vendor
selection, budget allocation).
- Present to class for feedback.
Wrap-Up:
- Recap key concepts and conduct a short quiz (5 MCQs + 2 short questions).