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MODULE
DESCRIPTORS
Full
module details will be provided to students in each module
handout at the commencement of each semester.
The below details provide a basic outline of each
module.
Level 1
Business
Communications and Analysis (CORP 1500)
Module Characteristics
The module aims to provide participants with
an essential skill base of written, oral, visual and number
skills in Business Communication and
Analysis in private and public sector organisations.
Learning strategies will include an emphasis on experiential
learning in order to embed skills developed. The learning
outcomes, teaching and learning strategies, and assessment
strategies outline how these aims will be achieved.
Learning and Teaching Strategies
This module employs the following teaching
and learning strategy:
  prepare
experience
reflect
Participants are first prepared for each skill building
process before they are asked to experience it, generally
through learning by doing techniques - such as role play of
communication skills and application of number. The
experiential learning components occur in tutorials and
build progressively upon each other. Each component is then
reflected upon after the event - whilst still fresh in
participants’ minds - in lectures. Hence, the retrospective
reflective element is designed into this three stage
teaching and learning strategy to mirror the acquisition of
business skills as they would occur say on a placement.
Module Syllabus
Weeks 1 - 4
Understanding Oral, Visual and Written
Communication Channels
Week 1
Introduction to Business Simulation
Week 2
Preparing for sustained HE study
Self evaluation
Week 3
Study skills - Books, Journals and Internet
Referencing
Week 4
Literature searches for Report Writing – The
Reading Card
Week 5
Managing meetings - teambuilding skills –
barriers to communication (To synchronise with New Business
Creation)
Weeks 6 - 11
Descriptive Statistics
Week 6
Introduction to Number skills - Excel
Week 7
Collecting Data - Excel
Week 8
Presenting Data - Worksheet
Week 9
Summarising Data - Worksheet
Week 10
Summarising Data - Worksheet
Week 11
Business Simulation Week - Prepare for
Presentation
Weeks
12 - 17
Developing Personal and Interpersonal business skills
Week 12
Developing effective Presentation skills
Week 13
Basic Business Planning Skills
Week 14
Learning to learn: learning styles
Week 15
Problem solving skills
Week 16
Critical thinking and evaluation
Week 17
The marketing of ‘me.com’: developing a
skills audit
Weeks
18 - 22
Forecasting Techniques
Public Policy Students will do own
contextualised topics for Weeks 18 to 22 BUT will need
access to Bosworth’s Labs (circa 60 additional students = 3
tutorial groups). Also will do separate Phase Test.
Week 18
Introduction to bivariate analysis
Week 19
Scatter diagram and correlation
Week 20
Regression
Week 21
Time series and forecasting
Week 22
Time series and forecasting
INTRODUCTION
TO ACCOUNTING (ACFI 1202)
Module
Characteristics
The module is designed as a "non-technical" introduction to
the basics of Financial and Manangement Accounting. It will
look at various types of organisations from an information
needs point of view, as well as consideration of the
management uses of accounting data.
Learning and Teaching Strategies
1. Lectures based upon 2 hours per week.
2. Tutorials on a weekly basis.
3. Computer Laboratory Time using packages for CAL.
4.Assignments for assessment purposes will take the form of
phase tests and coursework.
STATEMENT OF ASSESSMENT
This module will be assessed by normally two multiple choice
tests (weeks 15 and 20 are suggested), coursework
assignments (one by week 12 and one by week 18) and an
“exam” at the end of the year.
MODULE SYLLABUS
1. Basic Financial Accounting Method
The Balance Sheet and its reflection of business
transaction. The simple recording and verification of
transactions. The meaning of Capital and revenue
expenditure. The Profit Statement and an analysis of
capital changes. Problems concerning the measurement of
profit. The meaning of depreciation and its calculation.
The relationship between profits and cash. Underlying
concepts and conventions of accounting.
2. Accounting for limited companies
The nature of Limited Liability Companies and their special
characteristics. The concept of legal personality. The
capital structure of limited companies. Limited company
accounts. The regulatory framework governing the annual
report and accounts of limited companies.
3. The Interpretation and evaluation of financial
statements.
Basic balance sheet analysis and the interpretation of the
annual report and accounts of Limited Companies. A review
of the actual and potential users of the annual report and
their information needs.
1.
Basic Management Accounting Method
i) What is a “cost” – including cost
classification.
ii) Absorption costing – including
Overhead Apportionment.
Iii) Marginal Costing – including Break-even analysis.
Iv) Information needs of decision makers.
5. Decision Making
a) selection of suitable costing systems for differing
products.
b) the characteristics of alternative costing systems.
6. Budgeting and Planning
I) The importance predicted data.
II) The need to compare actual and predicted data.
III) The problems of predicting costs and revenues.
IV) The methods of evaluating SHORT TERM projects
V) Cash flow projections and the importance of CASH
planning.
Business
Environment (CORP1111)
Module Characteristics
The module essentially investigates a broad range of factors
that impact upon a business both from within the business
itself as well as from inevitable external pressures.
The content is highly topical throughout with the first
major section dealing with current world events and how they
influence business prospects. The rationale for such an
introduction is to demonstrate the contemporary nature of
the subject matter as well as enabling the student to draw
upon aspects of their general knowledge.
The module moves on to analyse in depth the influence of
government macroeconomic policy on the business
environment. The present economic objectives of government
are assessed and a range of policies are examined at the
regional, national and local level. The constraint of
resource availability faced by a nation is also assessed.
Policy success and policy failures are investigated against
the backdrop of the business cycle.
A large emphasis is made on how a firm approaches their own
particular market via market analysis. The importance of
changing conditions of demand, and supply constraints are
looked into in detail. Subsequent changes in cost and
revenue conditions are analysed depending upon the degree of
competition that the firm faces. Government intervention in
markets is highlighted as a key aspect of the mixed economy.
The success of business is dependent upon the success of
the economy, which may ultimately be derived from the
political processes, and stability of a nation. As such the
module also covers the impact of the overall political
environment at the international, regional, national and
local level.
Thus, the module is designed to give students a broad
understanding and appreciation of the business environment.
In addition to this, the module should furnish them with a
knowledge of key concepts and principles that will be drawn
upon in the future both at university and in the work
place. The highly topical nature of the content should
enable the student to see the relevance of their studies and
enthuse them to keep a current level of general knowledge.
The assessment criteria selected have been chosen to
encourage participation, learning and memory retention of
facts, techniques and principles (via frequent multiple
choice tests) as well as developing the skill of summarising
key information and putting forward an evidenced argument in
a clear, logical and sequential manner (essay writing).
Learning and Teaching Strategies
The module will have a weekly lecture, which will be
supported by eight tutorials (two blocks of four tutorials
separated by a period of self directed study with which to
generate the first essay assignment).
The lectures are keynote in nature and predominantly
delivered by PowerPoint. The lectures are of a highly
applied and contemporary nature so as to encourage students
to appreciate the value of the subject content in relation
to real-world issues. At the beginning of each lecture
students receive a handout containing the PowerPoint slides
which are designed to include an area for note taking. In
addition they are reminded of the reading in the core text
as well as reference to recent media reports on the current
topic.
The tutorial sessions are designed to:
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Reinforce key issues and concepts initially delivered in
lectures. The format can be a brief presentation by the
tutor going over the particular issue ascribed to the
tutorial followed by a number of short discussion
questions to stimulate student participation.
Alternatively, sessions will commence with a brief
presentation by the tutor and will then have problem
sheets that are worked on by students split into groups
before a summing up at the end.
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To encourage reading, participation and attendance at
lectures, three of the eight tutorial sessions will be
devoted to assessed multiple choice papers devoted to
examining areas already covered in lectures. These papers
will be marked during class so that the student receives
immediate feedback. Time will be allowed to explain all
of the answers. These papers will also provide practice
linked to the end of year multiple choice paper.
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Allow
time for students to ask any questions about the module
and to receive feedback.
Essentially two diverse assessment methods (essay writing
and multiple choice – the latter being used for coursework
as well as end of module examination) have been selected to
give variety but also to provide the possibility for
students to excel in one form of assessment if they have
difficulty with the other:
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Essay writing is believed to be a useful skill for a first
year student to develop in the early part of their degree
or higher national diploma. Essays encourage the research
of key topics which must then be articulated in a concise,
logical and comprehensive manner. The work should also be
supported by verifiable evidence. This logical
progression of thought should help a student assimilate
and critically evaluate information received as well as
enable them to express views in a succinct manner.
Students are given a period of time for self directed
study to generate their first essay based upon the early
part of the course. This occurs in the middle of the
module between the two blocks of four tutorials. A
choice of titles is given and a limit of 1,500 words is
imposed. Essays are marked by the tutor and returned
within two weeks with thorough feedback. Such feedback
should enable the student to develop their essay skills
further for their next submission which takes place
towards the end of the teaching period of the module. At
this stage a large choice of topics is provided to cover
the breadth of the module. The second essay has a limit
of 2,000 words. The first essay is worth 20% of the
overall module mark and the second, 30%. To ensure
commonality of marking, all tutors are issued with a
comprehensive checklist highlighting good practice in the
creation of essays.
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Three multiple-choice papers take place based upon the
content of the lecture programme as well as the core
text. In total they are worth 20% of the overall
coursework mark.
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There will also be a one hour end of module
multiple-choice paper scheduled during the examination
period to ensure an overall understanding of the module
content.
Coursework marks will be worth 70% of the overall module
mark with the end of module multiple choice exam accounting
for 30% of the overall module assessment.
Module Syllabus
1.
Introduction to business organisations, – their external &
internal environments.
2.
Current world events and their impact upon business, such
as: the influence of energy prices, interest rates,
inflation, economic growth, performance of stock markets,
the levels of private and public investment and the business
cycle. These topics are likely to vary each year to reflect
current world issues.
3.
Corporate responsibility and the environment. This will be
set against the background of the most recent environmental
disaster and the example is therefore likely to change from
one year to the next.
4.
Applied macroeconomics: models of the economy, for example:
the circular flow of income. Government macroeconomic
objectives such as: inflation targets, growth targets, a
high rate of employment and participation, a balance of
payments, and public borrowing. All of these topics will be
illustrated using current data. Data can be drawn from and
applied to any country, such as Britain, or group of
countries, such as the European Union, for purposes of
illustration. Macroeconomic policy: fiscal policy, monetary
policy and supply side management. Regional Policy, urban
policy, public private partnership. Resources for the
macro-economy: people, technology and natural resources.
5.
The market system: This section is set in the context of
promoting a new good or service by an operational business.
An applied example will be chosen such as the potential
launch of a new brand of beer by an existing brewery. The
nature of, and influencing factors of demand for goods and
services. Supply conditions faced by the firm. The
importance of understanding elasticity: price elasticity,
cross-price elasticity and income elasticity. Estimating
equilibrium price and output and examining how such an
equilibrium is automatic yet highly unstable. Governments
and markets: the influence of tax and subsidy policies,
price floors (labour market) and price ceilings (fair rent
policy), privatisation policy.
6.
The operation of a business in the market. Drawing upon the
issues in (5) above this section deals with the cost and
revenue conditions facing the firm: Short run costs: fixed
costs, variable costs, average costs, marginal costs, total
costs. Revenues: average revenue, total revenue and
marginal revenue. Long run costs: economies of scale,
diseconomies of scale and the ‘very’ long run. Operational
business structures: (perfect) competition, monopoly and
oligopoly.
7.
The influence of the surrounding political environment upon
the business environment. The impact of international
politics. Large trade groupings such as the European Union (EU)
or the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for
examples. Political systems. Government in democratic
states. The three branches or functions of government.
Checks and balances in democracies. The policy process.
Understanding
Organisations (HRMG 1103)
Module Characteristics
The module aims
to introduce students to the concepts and theories relevant
to an understanding of the behaviour of people in work
organisations. It distinguishes between formal and informal
organisation at work, comparing key principles of
organisational design and their impact on organisational
effectiveness and individual behaviour. It outlines the
principles of management which underlie the design of work
and examines the influence of technology on job satisfaction
and the motivation to work. It explores the types of
conflict and sources of organisational misbehaviour which
occur within the employment relationship and recognises
the impact of cultural context on organisational principles
and behaviour.
Learning and Teaching Strategies
Students will be taught in sets of approx 50 students by the
same member of staff throughout the year There will be a
one hour class every week and four extended classes
of two hours at the beginning of the first term and at the
end of the second term (in blocks of four). The first set of
extended two hour classes will take place in the second week
of the first term. The second set of extended two hour
classes will start in week 18. In this model each student
gets the recommended faculty class contact time but the 8
‘tutorial’ hours are taught in larger groups. The one hour
sessions will consist of lectures and
student-centred case-work material. The two hours sessions
will in the first instance allow for more focused attention
on individual students (ice-breaker/orientation sessions),
in the second instance for workshop activities linked to
assessment.
Module Syllabus
Growth and
Development of Organisations
Scientific
Management and the McDonaldisation of Society
Human Relations,
Groups Dynamics and Leadership Styles
Theories of
Motivation and the Technological Determinants of Job
Satisfaction
The Age of the
Smart Machine: New Information Technology and Strategic
Choice
Patterns of
Bureaucracy
Organic
Structures Systems and Contingency
A Political
Model of Organisations
Organisational
Conflict and Misbehaviour
Culture and
Organisations: Japan, India and the West.
Organisational
Decision-Making
:Principles
of Marketing (MARK 1201)
Module Characteristics
The module aims
to equip students with a thorough grounding not only in the
theories which underpin marketing principles, but also the
practical application of these theories.
The student has
the opportunity to explore and gain an understanding of
marketing as an organisational discipline. Although complete
in itself as a way of comprehending the principles of the
process, those students wishing to pursue further marketing
studies should be equipped by this module to follow more
advanced modules at levels 2 and 3.
Learning and Teaching Strategies
A combination
of lectures, workshops and tutorials . The strategy is to
move students steadily through a range of module specific
resources, building their knowledge, understanding and
confidence in the use and manipulation of the principles of
marketing. Application skills are developed through a number
of smaller tasks which build to form a smooth entry to the
final time constrained assessment. At all stages the
strategy is to provide support , encouragement and feedback,
where possible.
Module Syllabus
The marketing
concept
Marketing
orientation
Buyer behaviour
Market
segmentation, targeting and positioning
Marketing
research
Marketing mix
planning
Product policy
Services
marketing/non-profit marketing
Pricing decisions
Distribution
decisions
Communication mix
International
marketing
New
Business Creation (CORP1501)
Module Characteristics
This module introduces the
notion of functional structures within a small firm context
through student participation and involvement in a simulated
new venture project. The module provides opportunities for
individuals and teams to explore the specialist roles within
their new venture project by taking responsibility for an
area such as marketing, finance, operations or human
resources at the director level. The module will equip
students to develop a range of key business skills such as
selling, pricing, planning, strategy development,
purchasing, producing, record-keeping, business
administration, controlling finances, etc. in addition to a
number of personal capabilities such as risk-taking,
decision-making, coping with uncertainty, problem-solving,
communication, negotiation, and leadership. Participating
students will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply the
concepts and skills of venture creation through an
action-learning approach.
Learning and Teaching Strategies
The primary teaching and learning
strategy for this module is one of ‘learning by doing’
through practical experience. Team and individual tasks will
be tutor and/or student led. Students are supported to
undertake reflective practices using a variety of learning
resources. The emphasis in the delivery of the module is in
stimulating students to adopt a proactive approach to
learning. Learning methods will include:
Exposure to business professionals/entrepreneurs
Module Syllabus
The module is
designed to develop a new venture in four stages
Stage 1 = Ideas
generation and development
Stage 2 =
Opportunity testing, research and refining
Stage 3 =
Resources identification and planning
Stage 4 =
Implementation
Students will
work in groups of 7 to develop and run a ‘live’ business
over the duration of the academic session. There will be
three company teams per tutorial group, total of 21 people
per tutorial group.
Lectures will
be arranged for 8 weeks – 4 lectures from week 1-4. 4
lectures from week 13-16.
Tutorials will
commence in week 2 – tutorials will bi-weekly and will be
two hours and will include scheduled board meetings.
Students will
also need to attend four finance briefing workshops x 2
hours– where they will meet with a banking representative –
these will be held in weeks 6, 11, 15, 22
Designated
monthly Board meetings will be attended by an assigned
executive director
The indicative
module outline covers:
Lecture 1 =
Introduction
Lecture 2 =
Internal relationship – Teams and team building
Lecture 3 =
Finance – finding capital to get you started
Lecture 4 =
External relationship – Networks and their importance to
start-ups, who are the key people in your network and who
are your key stakeholders
Lecture 5 =
Financing – cash flow cycle
Lecture 6 = Who
are your customers, identifying segments?
Lecture 7 =
Planning and strategy, task management and project
management – how do you get things done?
Lecture 8 =
Getting your product/service to the customer
Other workshops
and tutorials will cover the following topics:
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An
introduction to the key functions of a business
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Relationships
between, and impacts of, the business functions on the
creation, planning and management of a new venture
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The generation
an validation of possible viable business ideas and
opportunities
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How to set-up
a company, plan and get started
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The roles and
responsibility of functional directors
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The management
and administration of company boards
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The practical
development and launch of products and services
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The practical
financial, marketing, personnel and operational aspects of
managing a new venture
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The setting of
company goals and how to monitor progress
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How to wind up
an existing venture effectively
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How to prepare
and report company business and performance
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