From upper management setting the strategic direction and vision, to middle management executing operational plans, managers are the cornerstone of organisational success. Their strategic insights, operational expertise, and leadership capabilities are essential for achieving long-term sustainability and business growth.
One of the key ways in which managers influence their organisations is through their leadership style, often described as "setting the weather." Just as weather patterns can create a conducive or challenging environment, so too can a manager's approach shape the organisational climate.
The role of the manager, at both a strategic and operational level, has developed considerably over the last number of decades. For over a century, management practice has been guided by five fundamental functions described by management theorist Henri Fayol: planning, organising, staffing, directing, and controlling. These areas provide a solid framework for organisational management, traditionally defining managerial tasks, and helping leaders effectively coordinate their efforts to achieve organisational goals. While these core tasks remain relevant today, their application has changed significantly with technological advancements, the changing nature of workplaces, shifting workforce demographics, and new leadership styles impacting how they were once performed.
For instance, traditional hierarchical organisational structures have given way to more flexible and flat structures, reflecting the need for greater agility and enhanced collaboration in the workplace. Technology is revolutionising how companies organise and staff their operations. Nowadays, businesses need their managers to lead in new ways as they manage hybrid and remote teams, all whilst fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Key characteristics and concepts such as proactive relationship building, virtual facilitation, innovation, adaptability, inclusion, and emotional intelligence have become critical for leaders. This changing leadership style and approach means that managers must develop a broader, more nuanced skill set that goes beyond conventional management responsibilities.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report highlights the rapid pace of change in the workforce. Businesses expect that 44% of workers' core skills will face disruption because of technological advancements, with analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, and AI/big data among some of the top in-demand skills by 2027. This era of change demands leaders who can pivot quickly, embrace innovation, and guide their teams through periods of uncertainty and transformation.
At a local level, the need for effective management skills is more pressing than ever. A report by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre in 2022 found that the skill levels of Northern Ireland managers lag behind their international peers, with around 7% deemed not fully competent in their role. Good leadership skills are in high demand across all sectors, with motivating, influencing, and handling others’ feelings amongst the skills needing most improvement. The Ulster Bank’s Jobs Index (2023) supports this finding, identifying management skills among the top three areas of demand in Northern Ireland.
Recognising the critical role of managers in shaping organisational success, Ulster University’s BSc Management Practice flexible degree programme has been designed to empower working professionals aiming to advance into management roles and to enhance the effectiveness of current managers by developing essential skills. This part-time programme is tailored to address the specific challenges faced by managers and offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest in management theory and practice. Through studying topics such as Future of Work, Contemporary Leadership, Digital Transformation, Project Management and People Development, learners will develop skills in leadership, managing people, collaboration and problem-solving.
One of the unique aspects of this programme is that, depending on experience, learners can complete it in as little as two years using their work experience of previous qualifications to join the degree in year two. Alternatively, students can choose a shorter programme of study, completing three modules for an Advanced Certificate or six modules for an Advanced Diploma. All modules are also available as a micro credential comprising a single module.
Effective management in today’s world requires a distinct and diverse set of skills— a skill set that includes traditional managerial expertise coupled with technical acumen and competencies in leadership, creativity, flexibility, communication, empathy and adaptability. By investing in learning and development programmes like the BSc Management practice, businesses can ensure that their managers are not only setting the weather but are also steering the ship towards a successful future.
If you are interested in learning how Ulster University can support your career development or organisational upskilling strategies, please get in touch at engage@ulster.ac.uk