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Sustainable creative management

This module considers how managers create innovative and sustainable ways of doing things. The approach combines conceptual models with practical examples and cross-cultural comparisons. After assessing ways in which theories about perception and creativity could help us organise more effectively, attention turns to creating promising possibilities in an increasingly interconnected world. If we can create what’s needed without being too wrong too often, we could amplify our ability to do things better.

Vocational relevance

The module is suitable for managers, consultants, development professionals and others interested in developing themselves, their team and/or organisation more creatively and/or managing the planet in a more sustainable manner.

Qualifications

BB842 is an optional module in our:

Excluded combinations

Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.

Module

Module code
BB842
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
15
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The module is divided into two units, each consisting of web-based study sessions and an accompanying reader. The sessions complement the module's themes with videos, audio and analysis. 

Unit 1 focuses on why creativity matters – for individuals, teams and organisations. This includes looking at:

  • different perspectives on creativity
  • where creativity comes from, including details of the latest research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence
  • how personality and individual differences contribute toward creativity; and,
  • how individuals, teams and organisations can become more creative and innovative

In addition, you'll gain experience applying creative problem-solving techniques and processes to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Unit 2 is concerned with creating promising possibilities and judging what makes better ‘better’. This includes:

  • reflecting on why some things might be more advantageous than other things 
  • creating sustainable strategies
  • assessing the advantages and disadvantages of virtual and face-to-face communication
  • appreciating the significance of invisible boundaries between what people in different countries imagine as legitimate
  • critical reflections on Japanese-style creativity
  • leading and the ties that connect leaders to followers
  • what it takes to make innovative things happen 
  • how practical examples of creativity could help us capture our creative potential. 

You will learn

This module aims to:

  • help you understand how people’s styles might enable and constrain their ability to create promising possibilities 
  • introduce techniques that could help you create better ways of doing things
  • examine how inventive ideas are translated into sustainable innovations 
  • explain how we could learn from case studies of creativity in practice
  • cultivate critical thinking about what makes sustainable creative management actually sustainable.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your assignments and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You can contact your tutor by phone, email or via your tutor group forum on the BB842 website.

Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Professional recognition

If you’re considering studying this module as part of the MBA, then if you also study Supply chain management (BB849), the MBA would be recognised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK as you can demonstrate the sector-specific skills and knowledge to the standards required of a Chartered Member with CILT(UK).

CILT-logo.jpg

Course work includes

1 Tutor-marked assignment (TMA)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

Sustainable creative management starts twice a year – in May and November. This page describes the module that will start in November 2024 and May 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in November 2028.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Entry requirements

You will need to ensure that you have the knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level. The module requires 150 hours of study over six months.

You will also need an appropriate ability in English language, sufficient to be able to work effectively at postgraduate level; generally this means capability equivalent to an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.5. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies, you can visit the IELTS website. If you are unsure whether your skill level in English is adequate, you may find it helpful to look at our Skills for OU Study site.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Register

Start End England fee Register
02 Nov 2024 Apr 2025 £1680.00

Registration closes 10/10/24 (places subject to availability)

Register
03 May 2025 Oct 2025 £1680.00

Registration closes 17/04/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in November 2028.

Future availability

Sustainable creative management starts twice a year – in May and November. This page describes the module that will start in November 2024 and May 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in November 2028.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll be provided with two printed module readers, each covering one unit of study, plus a printed anthology, and you’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • assessment details and submission dates
  • online tutorial access and discussion forums.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

Elements of this module are delivered online and include real-time online discussions using a virtual interactive teaching platform; consequently, time spent using a computer and the internet will be extensive. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials, you should contact The Open University to discuss it further before registering.

The written transcripts of most audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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