Executive Management
Academic Year 2023/2024
Study plan
The master is divided into the following MODULES:
- The Role of the Executive Manager (6 credits)
- Communication skills (8 credits)
- Teamwork and Leadership (6 credits)
- Organization of work: tools (16 Credits)
- Meetings and events (6 credits)
- Professional Writing (12 credits)
- Finance for EA (6 credits)
The programme includes a part common to all eight modules and a part specific to each one.
Compulsory attendance 90%
Internship/stage 20 cfu/credits
Final Examination Yes
MODULE TITLE: The Role of the Executive Manager (6 credits)
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- discuss factors contributing to the heightened expectations in today’s demanding business environment
- review trends impacting the role of today’s Executive Assistant and discuss the shift in the ‘identity’ of this role
- evaluate strategies for building trust and managing expectations
- discuss aspects of diplomacy, negotiation and ‘gatekeeping’ when faced with negative events
- identify aspects of best-practice communication in the workplace – technology vs. human interaction
- articulate ways to build on your ‘professional brand’ – personal presentation, professional efficiencies and social media
- evaluate the key aspects of being a Change Manager – training, marketing and communication
- list ways to future-proof your role
- discuss the career pathways for today’s EA.
Course contents
- Managing the many responsibilities of the current day Executive Assistant
- Mastering communication in today’s complex business environment
- Mastering the dynamics of change
- Strategies to future-proof the role of the Executive Assistant
- Improve time management skills
- Review work day, habits, and construct action steps for personal goals
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
France. The Definitive Executive Assistant & Managerial Handbook, Kogan Page, 2021.
A course workbook will be distributed electronically. A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) WRITTEN EXAM (60 minutes)
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Communication skills (8 credits)
Learning outcomes
When considering personal assistant requirements, communication skills should be at the top of the list. Communication skills include the ability to interact with other professionals and share information efficiently; to receive instructions, create reports and share correspondence with other professionals. These professionals benefit from having excellent written, verbal and active listening communication skills.
Course contents
- Maximise communication effectiveness
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Consider email protocol and office etiquette
- Practice the art of ‘active listening’
- Enhance your assertiveness capabilities
- Create ways to build rapport
- Presenting and communicating information
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) WRITTEN EXAM (60 minutes)
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Teamwork and Leadership (6 credits)
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to provide proactive, effective and efficient administrative support to a senior leader/manager, enabling them to function and lead effectively in an organized way. EAs act as a gateway to the senior staff member; they may act as delegates on behalf of the manager, with the confidence, skills and ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders at different levels, both within and outside the organization. This requires the post holder to have excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, including the ability to manage staff and HR.
Course contents
The following topics will be covered during the course:
- Formulating strategies and concepts
- Thinking broadly
- Approaching work strategically
- Persuading and influencing
- Making an impact
- Shaping conversations
- Negotiating and gaining agreement
- Dealing with political issues
- Providing direction and co-ordinating action
- Supervising and monitoring behaviour
- Coaching
- Delegating
- Empowering staff
- Motivating others
- Developing staff
- Identifying and recruiting talent
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
A course workbook will be distributed electronically. A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) WRITTEN EXAM (60 minutes)
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Meetings and events (4 credits)
Learning outcomes
Nowadays, events organization is a strategic pillar underpinning the growth and positioning of a corporate identity. Both big and small companies need professionals equipped to oversee integrated strategic communication. Organizations are increasingly gaining a fuller overview of the impacts of hosting an event, from the economic and social aspects right through to environmental considerations. With this in mind, the module gives a holistic vision of events management, gaining key multidisciplinary throughout the program in relation to the management, organization and implementation or every aspect of an event effectively and efficiently. By the end of this module, students will be able to support/organize meetings and servicing committees – including minute taking, drafting agendas circulating papers, and ensuring all actions are monitored and completed on time
Course contents
- Event design.
- Events organization
- Events communication
- Protocol
- Themed events
- Supplier management
- Budgetary control
- Staff management
- Safety and applicable legislation
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
Genadinik, Event Planning: Management & Marketing for Successful Events, Kindle, 2015.
A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) Written exam
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Organization tools (12 credits)
Learning outcomes
Help learners gain a solid foundation of digital technology knowledge and skills that can be applied in everyday life as well as in any career or profession.
Course contents
- Explore, interact, and apply Microsoft Word features and functions at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level.
- Explore, interact, and apply Microsoft Excel features and functions at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level.
- Explore, interact, and apply Microsoft PowerPoint features and functions at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level.
- Explore, interact, and apply Microsoft Outlook features and functions at the beginner and intermediate level.
- Expand your understanding of the Microsoft software through experimentation, critical thought, and personalization skills.
- Engage in real-world scenarios to reinforce critical skills when using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook in an educational or professional setting.
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures, learning on the job, assignments.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) oral exam
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Professional Writing (8 credits)
Learning outcomes
- Develop an ability to deal with more formal correspondence on behalf of senior staff
- Writing proposals/reports for various audiences including senior management
- Producing financial or written reports
- The ability to understand and interpret set guidelines and instructions
- Preparing agendas and minute/note taking
- Researching and collating information
Objectives
- Writing and reporting
- Writing correctly
- Writing clearly and fluently
- Writing in an expressive and engaging style
- Targeting communication
Course contents
Students will learn how to write professional letters, emails, reports, newsletters, memos, press releases, meeting agendas, resumes and cover letters, handbooks, etc.
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) written exam
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
MODULE TITLE: Finance for EA (6 credits)
Learning outcomes
The course provides Executive Assistants or similar Administrative professionals greater confidence to deal with financial topics that they encounter in their roles. Executive Assistants who attend managerial meetings will often encounter financial reports and terminologies. Furthermore, Executive Assistants may need to take minutes of these meetings. Therefore, this Finance Course for an Executive Assistant provides the knowledge of financial terms and reports, in order to confidently deal with financial concepts and reports in their roles.
Course contents
- Financial Reports
- The profit and loss account (income statement) explained
- The balance sheet explained
- Cash flow statements
- Look at real examples of financial reports and use case studies to understand their value
- Analyses of components of a submitted financial account
- What are Working Capital and liquidity
- Cash-flow and Accruals
- What is budgeting
- What is forecasting
- Cost control and management; categorisation of costs
- Use of real-life accounts to consolidate learning
Readings/Bibliography
Main references:
A detailed syllabus will be delivered to the students at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussions, role play, assignments and readings.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment consists of:
a) written exam
GRADING
Grades are expressed on a 18-30 scale and graduated as follows:
<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 L excellent
Further details on the assessment metods and grading will be provided at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching tools
We will use an e-learning platform for remote downloading of teaching materials and uploading of assigned teamworks.
Details on how to access the remote learning platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.
