Course Title: Managing Media Organisations

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Managing Media Organisations

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM1106

City Campus

Postgraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007

Course Coordinator: Rob van Driesum

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3

Course Coordinator Email:driesum@netcon.net.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In a nutshell, this course aims to provide students with some of the knowledge and skills they need to be effective supervisors and mangers in the media industry. It looks at how the different media industries work, identifies similarities and differences in the application of management theory between media and non-media industries, explores the interpersonal skills required of supervisors and managers, and examines current practice in managing media in administrative, legislative and social contexts.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

To help participants identify specific aspects of management theory at work in media industries.


At the completion of the course, participants will be able to:

- Explain how management theory can be used to establish productive workplace relationships
- Describe, in broad terms, the composition of Australian media industries.
- Analyse particular media industries in the context of management theory.
- Present research material in small groups.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning will occur through lecture/discussion mode where the lecturer facilitates discussion of issues related to the lecture topic. Guest lecturers from the industry will provide insights from a practitioner’s perspective. The seminar/workshops will include discussion and presentations by students.

The lecture program will provide a framework understanding of managing in media industries. Students will develop presentations of selected cases either individually or in small groups.

You need to show:

- an ability to demonstrate and reflect on the interpersonal skills and knowledge required to produce a product/service in a small group setting
- knowledge and understanding of key issues
- evidence of additional research and analysis
- initiative in obtaining additional information
- skilful and effective presentation and delivery to the class
- ability to handle an audience, control discussion and questions

Students are expected to read assigned material before each lecture, keep abreast of current affairs, develop professional habits of attending to media (and at least read the “Media” liftout in the Thursday edition of The Australian newspaper), participate in discussion and lead class presentations.

All students should show evidence of class preparation and participation, whether they are presenting or not. Students may find it difficult to grasp some concepts if they don’t attend classes.


Overview of Learning Resources

Prescribed Text

- Cunningham, S., and Turner, G. 2006 (2nd ed.) The Media & Communications in Australia, Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin. [RMIT’s Little Latrobe St Bookshop should have sufficient copies in stock after the first week of the course]

- “Media” liftout in The Australian newspaper each Thursday

Other readings will be distributed in class.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks consist of a class presentation, an essay and an exam.

Assessment will be based on logic of arguments, examples given to defend arguments, clarity of thought and thesis, and structure and presentation.

All assessment requirements must be completed and passed to receive a pass in this course.