Course Catalogue

Democratising the Economy MGT4116

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 15
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course is designed as an advanced-level introduction to critical political economy in Management. It will cover theoretical and empirical aspects, including classical works and political economic theories from across economics, sociology, politics, and geography, to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The course will explore these theories and resources in the context of recent, cutting-edge research into alternative economic development and economic democracy conducted in the department.

Timetable

10 x 1 hour lectures

1 x 1 hour Assignment Surgery session

4 x 1 hour tutorials

Requirements of Entry

Entry to an Honours programme in Business and Management or a GPA of 12 in the level 2 courses listed below for students taking an Honours programme in another subject:

 

■ MGT2010 - Business Decision Analysis

■ MGT2011 - Fundamentals of Human Resource Management

■ MGT2012 - Services and Operations Management

■ MGT2014 - Entrepreneurship

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Oral assessment & presentation; Individual; 3 minutes +1 page written handout or 3 minutes +1 page infographic; 40%; ILOs 1, 3.

2. Written assignment, including essay; Individual: 1500 words (+/- 10%); 60%; ILOs 1-2, 4.

Course Aims

The course aims to introduce students to key debates in critical political economy, particularly exploring models of alternative economic development and case studies of economic democracy. Students will develop a critical understanding of organisations, cultures, and structures, and their management in the context of alternative and sustainable development. Focussing on questions of ownership and governance in both theory and practice, the course will equip students with analytical tools to understand and explain the interactive nature of social, economic and political factors in processes of democratisation, and how these relate to key global challenges of our times (e.g. the climate crisis, inequality).

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1. Describe the interactive nature of social, economic, and political factors in relation to questions of ownership and governance for managing sustainable development.

 

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concept of economic democracy.

 

3. Examine models of alternative economic development in the context of global challenges.

 

4. Investigate contemporary empirical examples with reference to theories and models introduced in the course.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions