BA (Hons) Business and Management

Module: Business Environment (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to understand the external and internal influences on organisations and the effects of these on business practices and internal aspects of organisational life.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to place organisations in context (past, present, and future), then employ recognized tools to analyse the macro, micro and internal business environments in which businesses operate. You will be introduced to contemporary business issues as they arise.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report to demonstrate your understanding of the material in relation to a particular organization, and you will take part in a group presentation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Management Concepts and Academic Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to a wide range of management models and theories, and you will start developing academic writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to describe the activities, techniques and objectives that characterise the main functions of management, and assess the organisational contexts that managers operate within. You will be taught through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and class activities including group investigations, analyses and experiential learning activities.

What’s the assignment?

There are two forms of assessment in this module: an essay to show understanding of management theory, and a report relating to organizational behaviour.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Managing Business Information (20 credits)

What’s it about?

You will be equipped with the skills needed to work with the data you will encounter in business organisations.

What do I learn?

You will be supported to upgrade your skills in the use of business application software and the key numerical and statistical techniques for working with data, so that you are equipped students to understand, manage and present business information.  You will also learn about legislation relevant to this area.

What’s the assignment?

There is a self-study element which will allow you to assess your own level of competence in practical IT and develop appropriate areas of skill, producing an ePortfolio to evidence your development. You will also write a report that demonstrates both knowledge and IT skills.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Marketing (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will help you to explore the challenges associated with marketing in today’s business environment. You will understand the marketing process and various issues that firms face in gaining sustainable competitive advantage by adopting a marketing orientation.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to analyse business environments and existing marketing strategies, and will learn to apply this knowledge in the production of marketing plans.

What’s the assignment?

You will complete a one hour online examination and produce a marketing plan for a real organization.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Introduction to Financial Management (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will enable you to evaluate and question key financial structures, documents and figures.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to understand the language of accounting and finance, taking regulatory compliance and corporate governance into account, so that you will be equipped to take a considered role in corporate planning and dialogue.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report which includes calculations and analysis and complete a one and a half hour examination.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Contemporary Business Start Up (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The aim of this practical module is to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed to start a business in today’s environment. On completion, you will be able to construct a realistic business plan, taking legal, health and safety, and financial constraints into account.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the sources and online support tools that are provided for business start-ups.  You will learn how to apply skills learned in this and other modules to develop a credible business plan in a small business context.

What’s the assignment?

You will produce a Business Plan and will present this plan to a panel that will give business as well as academic feedback.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Managing and Leading Projects (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Through this module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of project management in industry, a skill that is highly valued by employers.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to apply tools and processes related to project management, and will work with a team on a project and will be assessed on your team working skills as well as your application of project management concepts and skills.  You will also examine the people-focussed aspects of leading a team, including motivation and communication.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed on the group project and will also write an individual report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Applied Human Resources Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

In this module, you will examine contemporary models for the planning, recruitment and appraisal of employees, as well as current philosophies for rewarding and performance-managing people.

What do I learn?

You will learn about and examine Human Resources (HR) practices against the current UK legal framework, with a particular focus on areas relating to recruitment. Practical sessions and group work will be included to enable you to learn how to apply what you are learning in a business context.

What’s the assignment?

The first part of the assessment is the group design and implementation of an assessment centre that will assess peers for a first management job. The second part of the assessment is a report that investigates HR practices in UK organizations and assesses their efficacy.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Management Accounting Essential (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the tools of the management accountant so that you are equipped to interrogate, analyse and critique management accounts.

What do I learn?

You will develop management accounting skills, learning how to use the tools of the management accountant, and enabling you to evaluate the financial aspects of a business.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a report (which includes calculations), and a one and a half hour examination.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Professional Development (10 credits)

What’s it about?

The module will support you to develop professionally towards either a new career or progression within your current career.  Where relevant, you will also have opportunity to take a work placement to broaden your experience.

What do I learn?

You will be taught to analyse expectations for successful employment in one sector of the field of management, to assess your own readiness for progression in your chosen career, and to work towards enhancing your employability.

What’s the assignment?

You will develop a career development plan, provide evidence of your development, and also produce a reflective account of placement activity, including analytical comments on the work environment.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Information Systems and Business Intelligence (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the nature of information and business intelligence, the global role of information systems within organisations and, in particular, how they relate to the IS Strategy and the overall corporate strategy.

What do I learn?

You will learn how information systems are used in organisations and what their role is in the development of business intelligence.  You will learn practical database skills that will enable you to produce an IT solution for managing and analysing information in a given context, and will learn how to query and report data to produce business intelligence.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report analysing the role of Information Systems in decision-making.  You will also develop a database, providing a technical report and presentation to document and justify your work.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  International Business and Globalization (10 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to examine the international context of business and the impact of globalisation on organisations.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to examine international frameworks of business and trade including political, economic, cultural, ethical and environmental dimensions, and evaluate the opportunities and challenges that globalisation brings.

What’s the assignment?

For this module, you will apply your knowledge in a group presentation which includes evidence of international collaboration, and will write an individual report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Continuous Improvement and Lean Leadership (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the lean principles which are recognized as a powerful and effective way to develop and sustain continuously improving organisations.  You will learn how the lean philosophy has been used by companies to align all aspects of their business to deliver ever-increasing customer value.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to use and evaluate the lean business tools that are used to deliver continuous improvement. You will also examine the cultural aspects of lean implementation, presenting strategies to introduce lean thinking skills and sustain lean operating principles in an organisation.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report that shows how you have applied what you have learned by developing a plan for business improvement.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

For level 6, you will complete a combination of core and optional modules.  You will carry out a major project related to an issue relevant to your organization.  The project will contribute to your degree and will also be presented as part of your final assessment for the degree programme.

Module:  Business Strategy and Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

In this module, you will be introduced to the theoretical aspects of business strategy and how these can be applied to an ever-changing business situation.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge in an ongoing business case scenario that develops week by week.  You will be required to work with a team to investigate the business case and develop strategic choices and operational actions that will deliver the results your stakeholders want, learning how to collaborate and negotiate in a time-constrained environment.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a group presentation and an individual reflective report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Managing Innovation and Change (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will help you to appreciate the causes of organisational change and stimuli for innovation and explore ways in which change can be managed.  Innovation, including using advances in technology, is a particular focus and you will investigate how this can be managed.

What do I learn?

You will study processes of change, trace cultural and systemic aspects of change and explore ways in which change can be managed.

What’s the assignment?

You will take part in a group presentation that analyses the internal and external stimuli for change.  You will also write a report that contrasts and evaluates the approaches to change management that different organisations take.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Research Methods (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to consolidate and build upon the research skills and knowledge developed throughout the first two years of the programme, and further develop your knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

What do I learn?

You will learn about different strategies, designs and methods that can be used in business and management research, and will consider the influences that affect the choices made.  The work completed through this module will act as preparation for your capstone project.

What’s the assignment?

You will be required to submit a report that includes a project proposal and planning documentation.  You will also justify and discuss the proposed approach to the project in a presentation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Capstone Project (40 credits)

What’s it about?

This module allows you to engage in a substantial piece of project work in order to solve a problem in your own organization, or one that is set in agreement with either an external organisation or someone acting as an industry consultant.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to initiate, plan and manage a project that builds on what you have learned throughout the programme.

What’s the assignment?

The project is assessed through a final report and individual presentation of the project.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Optional Modules – You will be required to complete one from the following optional modules.  Please note that not all modules will be offered each year:

Module:  Leadership and Reflective Management (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

The aim of this module is to encourage you to become a reflective practitioner as well as to understand the various different leadership styles and theories.

What do I learn?

You will examine theories of management and leadership and key managerial and leadership skills, as well as the theory, principles and relevance of reflective practice and PDP.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a critical report of leadership styles and the development of a personal development plan that describes a path of self-development.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Digital Marketing – strategy and practice (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

You will be introduced to the main theories and principles of digital marketing, and the importance of organisations taking an integrated approach to digital marketing, traditional marketing and business strategy.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the form, trends and role of digital marketing in contemporary organisations, and will also develop the practical IT skills required to create a quality commercial website.

What’s the assignment?

As one part of the assessment, you will write a digital marketing strategy report.  You will also develop a digital platform that demonstrates the implementation a digital marketing strategy building on research carried out in the first assessment.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module:  Managing Diversity (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

You will be encouraged to recognise the diverse nature of the current workforce and the advantages this diversity can offer to employers.

What do I learn?

You will explore both the legal and social framework underlying the management of diversity, and will gain an understanding of the business case for equality, diversity and inclusion and the role of managers in creating inclusive cultures.

What’s the assignment?

The report will evaluate organizational approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion in the contemporary UK framework and context and make proposals for development.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.