1.

Name of Course/Module: Critical Thinking In Management

Version (3.0)
2. Course Code:
3. Name(s) of academic staff:
4. Rationale for the inclusion of the course/module in the programme:
Refer to Programme Specification
5. Semester and Year offered: Refer to Programme Specification
6. Total Student Face to Face Total Guided and Independent Learning
Learning Time
(SLT)
L = Lecture L T P O 92
T = Tutorial 16 32
P = Practical
O= Others
7. Credit Value: 3.5

8. Prerequisite (if any): Business Skills (BM004-3-1) or equivalent

9. The objective of this module is to:

1. Contribute to the achievement of the Learning Outcomes specified for the student’s
award at Level 2
2. Enable students to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to Critical Thinking in
Management
3. Meet the prerequisite requirements of modules at Level 3 of study
4. Develop the ability of students to apply the knowledge they gain in relation to the study
of Critical Thinking in Management
5. Further develop lifelong learning skills of independent learning and study in relation to
Critical Thinking in Management
10. Learning outcomes:

At the end of the module, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the cognitive process of thinking critically and how it will support personal
development as learners.(MQF1)
2. Use cognitive skills to apply a given range of the techniques and concepts to more
effectively analyse, evaluate, retrieve and organize information relating to issues in
the management of organizations(MQF5, MQF2)
3. Orally communicate ideas effectively and develop complex arguments, discussions
and make informed judgments upon issues in management.(MQF6)
4. Effectively express ideas through the structured use of visual and written
formats.(MQF5,MQF7)

MQF Learning Outcome Area

MQF1 - Innovation, Knowledge and critical thinking skills
MQF2 - Practical skills
MQF3 - Social skills & responsibilities
MQF4 - Values, attitudes, professionalism and ethics
MQF5 - Communications, leadership and team skills
MQF6 - Problem solving & scientific skills
MQF7 - Research, Information management and lifelong learning
skills
MQF8 - Managerial & entrepreneurial skills

11. Transferable Skills:

The following employability skills are introduced (I), developed (D) and/or assessed (A):
 Critical Thinking(I,D,A)
 Problem Solving(I,D,A)
 Team working(I,D,A)
 Communication(verbal, writing and presentational) –(I,D,A)
 Analytical(I,D)

12. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy:

The module comprises of lectures and tutorials. There is one individual assignment of an
argumentative essay and one group assignment using a critical thinking technique/tool/
13. Synopsis:
The purpose of this module is to provide a formal introduction to critical thinking processes
and skills applied in the workplace. It aims to encourage students to develop and exercise
higher order thinking abilities and apply them within the context of topics critical to the
management of organizations. These ideas and arguments will be communicated
effectively.
Development of critical thinking processes that are applied to evaluate and develop
balanced arguments regarding critical issues in management through a range of
conceptual frameworks. Contemporary issues in management will reflect a broad range
of topics across the business and management subject area and be adaptive to changes
in management thinking and topicality.

14. Mode of Delivery:

Lectures and tutorials that consist of discussion and debates about current and
contemporary issues faced by today managers
15. Assessment Methods and Types

- An individual assignment weighted at 100% (LOs 1 – 3)

16. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Aims :

Refer to the Programme Specification
17. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Learning Outcomes:
Refer to the Programme Specification
18. Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic:

We Topics L T P O Ind
ek

1 Learning Outcomes for the module. 1 2 5.5

Key terms.
Learning methods, subjects to be covered.
Introduction to the subject including definitions and
discussion of applications.
Assessment briefing.
Basics of management
2-3 What is critical thinking? 2 4 11

Critical thinking and career success

Thinking strategy
Elements of thought
The characteristics of an effective critical thinker
Know the universal intellectual standards

4
Creative and Critical thinking
The differences and similarities 1 2 5.5
Lateral thinking
5 Tools of critical thinking
Evaluation of our thinking processes and how
images and other senses form part of our thinking 1 2 5.5
process
Brainstorming
Mind mapping
6 Barriers to Critical Thinking
How it could affect quality of reasoning 1 2 6

7 Using language effectively to enhance critical

thinking
Imprecise language and problems associated with 1 2 6
it

8 Recognizing arguments
The construction of and presentation of an
argument 1 2 5.5
Know how to identify what us and is not an
argument.
9 To analyze arguments and evaluate claims
Claims and critical thinking
Supporting an argument
Arguments and explanation 1 2 5.5

Strategies to evaluate arguments

10 Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

1 2 5.5

11- Recognizing Fallacies

13
Fallacies of Relevance
Fallacies of Insufficient evidence 3 6 24

14 Critical thinking and the media

Information or media literacy 1 2 6

15 Problem solving process

Judgement and decision making
Influences on judgement and decision making 1 2 5.5
(personal, political, group, organizational)

16 Consolidation of the module. 1 2 6

Question and answers.
Assessment clinic.

TOTAL 16 32 92
19.  Main references supporting the course

This is a hybrid module and as such there is no single text that covers the entire syllabus.
It is not necessary to purchase a text to accompany this module. However, students may
find the following texts helpful. Additional references will be provided during the course of
the module.

Essential Reading:

- Basham,G,Irwin,W., Nardone,H.and Wallace,J.M., 2008, Crtiical Thinking: A

Student’s Introduction, 3rd Edition, NY, McGraw Hill.
- RICHARD L. EPSTEIN,CRITICAL THINKING (2ND EDITION) , THOMSON
LEARNING: CANADA, 2002
- Kneeland, S., (1999) Effective Problem Solving, How to Books Ltd.
- Pirie, D., (1998) How to Write Critical Essays, Routledge, London
- Thompson, R., (2002) Critical Reasoning; A Practical Introduction, Routledge

Further Reading:
- Merrilee H. Salmon, Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking, (4th Ed),
Wadsworth Publishing, (ISBN: 0155056050)

- Edward P.J. Corbett, Rosa A. Eberly, The Elements of Reasoning (2nd Ed),
Longman, (ISBN: 0205315119)

20. Other additional information:

- Students are expected to read up on current contemporary issues or real life

examples faced by managers or employess in modern day organisations.