PUB5006 - The Publishing Firm

Leader: Nick Walker

Offered

City (Melbourne) First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

The organisation, objectives and operations of typical publishing firms. Principles and practices of management in the publishing industry. Topics include the objectives of the firm; decision-making processes; the management of intellectual property, including contracting with authors, suppliers, distributors, other publishers; financial management; the creation and supervision of teams; project management; the supervision of team-leaders and project managers; staff appraisals; the management of specialists and suppliers, including outsourcing; information technology, records and archives management; managing change in the firm.

Objectives

At the completion of the subject candidates should have acquired:

1. a sound understanding of the importance of management in publishing;
2. an understanding of key principles and practices applicable to the publishing firm, the organisation of the publishing firm and of the publishing industry;
3. analytical, problem-solving and presentational skills appropriate to the context of publishing.

Assessment

Two projects and practical assignments (2000 words): 45%
Essay (1500 words): 35%
Examination (1000 words): 20%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week plus industry seminars

Prerequisites

48 points at 4th year level including PUB 4001, PUB4002 and PUB4003 or equivalent, or with the approval of the co-ordinator.