Course Details

Exam Registration11946
Course StatusOngoing
Course TypeCore
LanguageEnglish
Duration12 weeks
CategoriesManagement Studies, Minor in Management
Credit Points3
LevelUndergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date19 Jan 2026
End Date10 Apr 2026
Enrollment Ends02 Feb 2026
Exam Registration Ends20 Feb 2026
Exam Date19 Apr 2026 IST
NCrF Level4.5 — 8.0

Master the Fundamentals: A Deep Dive into the Principles of Management

In today's dynamic and competitive business world, a solid understanding of management principles is not just an asset—it's a necessity. Whether you're an engineering student, a science graduate, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a professional looking to solidify your foundational knowledge, grasping the core concepts of how organizations are effectively run is crucial for success.

This detailed guide explores a comprehensive 12-week course on the Principles of Management, designed and taught by Prof. Usha Lenka at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. This course serves as a complete roadmap for anyone seeking to understand the art and science of management.

Meet Your Instructor: Expertise from IIT Roorkee

The course is led by Prof. Usha Lenka, a distinguished academic with extensive experience in the field of Human Resource Management and organizational studies. Her credentials include:

  • Current Role: Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Roorkee (since December 2010).
  • Previous Experience: Assistant Professor at BITS Pilani.
  • Education: Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
  • Specialization: Human Resource Management, Change Management, Knowledge Management, and Talent Development.
  • Teaching Portfolio: Subjects include Management of Change, Organizational Development, Knowledge Management, HR Analytics, and Business Communication.
  • Visiting Faculty: Has taught at IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, and IIM Raipur.
  • Industry Training: Conducted sessions for senior executives at major corporations like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

Prof. Lenka's blend of academic rigor and practical insight ensures the course is both theoretically sound and highly applicable to real-world scenarios.

Course Overview: What You Will Learn

This undergraduate/postgraduate level course provides a holistic overview of management, tracing its evolution and examining the essential functions that drive business organizations. The primary objective is to equip students with the skills to analyze the changing business environment and understand the growing role of ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the definition, nature, scope, and functions of management.
  • Explore the evolution of management thought from classical to contemporary theories.
  • Master the four pillars of management: Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling.
  • Develop skills in decision-making, strategic thinking, and leadership.
  • Analyze the impact of globalization, diversity, and technology on modern management.
  • Understand the critical importance of organizational communication and change management.

Intended Audience: All graduates (Management, Engineering, Sciences, Arts).
Industry Support: Recognized by leading firms like Infosys, TATA, Reliance, and public sector giants like BHEL, SAIL, and ONGC.

Detailed 12-Week Course Layout

The course is meticulously structured over 12 weeks to build knowledge from the ground up.

WeekCore TopicKey Themes Covered
1Introduction to ManagementManagement as a profession, functions, roles, and skills of an effective manager.
2Evolution of Management ThoughtClassical, Behavioral, Quantitative, Systems, and Contingency approaches.
3PlanningTypes of plans, strategic management, Porter’s Model, environmental & resource analysis.
4Forecasting and PremisingBusiness forecasting techniques, benefits, and limitations.
5Decision-makingDecision-making process, group decisions, creativity, and problem-solving.
6Management by Objectives (MBO) & StylesMBO process, American, Japanese, and Indian styles of management.
7Organizing and DirectingOrganizational design, structure, centralization, delegation, and fostering innovation.
8Staffing and CoordinationHRM trends, workforce diversity, and principles/techniques of coordination.
9Career Development StrategyCareer planning process, development programs, and career anchors.
10LeadershipLeadership attributes, role in managing diversity, conflict resolution, and negotiation.
11Organizational CommunicationCommunication process, barriers, role of perception and culture in the workplace.
12Change Management & Contemporary ChallengesManaging change, building learning organizations, ethics, CSR, and environmental issues.

Essential Reading and Reference Materials

To complement the lectures, the course recommends several foundational textbooks that are considered classics in management education:

  • Robbins & Decenzo: Fundamentals of Management (9th Ed., Pearson).
  • Koontz, O'Donnell & Weihrich: Essentials of Management (9th Ed., Tata McGraw Hill).
  • Lussier: Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, & Skill Development (6th Ed., Sage).
  • Daft: Principles Of Management (Cengage Learning).
  • Robbins: Management (9th Ed., Pearson).

Why Enroll in This Principles of Management Course?

This course is more than just an academic syllabus; it's a structured journey to becoming a more effective and aware professional. By breaking down complex management theories into digestible weekly modules, Prof. Lenka's course ensures you build a robust and practical framework for understanding how businesses operate and succeed. You'll finish with not just knowledge, but with the analytical tools to tackle real-world business challenges, lead teams effectively, and contribute meaningfully to any organization's goals in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Whether you're preparing for a corporate career, aiming for an MBA, or seeking to manage your own venture, mastering these Principles of Management is your critical first step.

Enroll Now →

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