Module: Professional Development

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Professional Development
Module Code	MNA1069 (ITS: HR5121)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

The objective of this module is that students should develop an appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of a business professional, acquire appropriate interpersonal and communications skills, and develop a critical, reflective approach to managing relationships in business. Competency in preparing strategic proposal would also be one of the main objectives.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the ideal characteristics of a business professional
2. Illustrate the importance of self- awareness and emotional intelligence in business
3. Demonstrate how to interact effectively with colleagues and customers, manage time and conduct meetings effectively.
4. Show a good understanding of the concepts of decision making , stress management and personality differences
5. Demonstrate competence, to negotiate and resolve conflict at work place

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	250	125 hours per 5 credits
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11072	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Melrona Kirrane	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Professional Portfolio	n/a	70%	n/a
Group project	n/a	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Personal and professional development
Self-awareness

Career mapping (Individual assignment)

Understanding personality differences

Conflict management

Emotional intelligence

Using power effectively

Building personal resources

Identifying team resources (Belbin profile)

Managing pressure

Semester 2

Decision-making

Decision- making in action

Strategic networking

Mapping and building your business network

Leadership

Personal leadership skills

Negotiation and persuasion

Getting to yes

Communication

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Pedlar, M., Burgoyne, J. & Boydell,T.: 2013, A manager’s guide to self-development., McGraw-Hill,
Mullins, L.: 2012, Management and Organizational Behavior., Prentice Hall,
Robbins, S. & Judge, T.: 2011, Organizational Behavior., Pearson,
Cottrell, S.: 2013, Skills for success., Financial Times,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None