BA (Hons) Business Administration

The module introduces students to key aspects of the corporate environment. It focuses on the economic and legal context in which modern corporations operate.  An understanding of the economic environment for businesses is crucial as the market place becomes more globalised and competitive. Hence, a comprehensive overview of topics such as demand and supply, market structures, consumer behaviour, international trade, economic growth, foreign exchange market will be discussed.  Similarly, students will study a range of topics designed to introduce them to the essential aspects of business law including the classification of law, sources of law, dispute resolution and elements of a contract. Where relevant these topics will focus on issues from a domestic, European and international perspective.

The module aims to

1. develop an understanding of key economic concepts relevant to business corporations and to apply these to business problems and challenges;
2. enable students to digest topical issues as well as economic data and be able to perform business economic analysis;
3. develop an understanding of the key principles of law and the place and function of law relevant to business organisations;
4. develop skills that will enable students to analyse legal problems and economic issues in a business context and to express solutions to problems both orally and in written form, individually and as part of a team.

It also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular: academic study skills; subject research; literacy; quantitative analysis; communication, including oral presentation; self-assessment and reflection; problem solving; IT; applied analysis; and critical thinking.

This module develops student’s knowledge and understanding of the development of the international economy, the evolution of economic ideas since the mid-nineteenth century and an introduction to some major economic issues facing contemporary society.

This module has been designed to introduce students to the study of international economic history, in particular to an understanding of recent international economic history, and to its relationship to the development of economic theory.  At the end of the module students will have:

1. acquired a knowledge of the pattern of international economic history over the last 140 years and gained a long-term perspective in the study of economic growth and development;
2. established the basic understanding of the evolution of economic theory and an understanding of major current economic issues;
3. developed their study skills, analytical and evaluative capabilities, and improved their key transferable skills and knowledge that will be of value in employment and self-employment;
4. enhanced their ability to carry out independent scholarly research contributing to an analysis and evaluation of important economic and financial problems.

It also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular: academic study skills; literacy; critical thinking; subject research; communication, including oral presentation; and applied analysis.

The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers.  Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, coordinate, lead and oversee the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively.  The problems and challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers  and leaders to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action, such as managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and along with numerous other activities, achieve organisational success. 

This module provides students with an introduction to both traditional and contemporary management approaches to enable them to formulate effective business decisions when facing  the demands of modern management.   In addition to knowledge, the module provides students with management skills, such as self- awareness, communication and teamwork.  A focus on attributes such as critical thinking and decision-making will help to prepare students for the ‘real world’ of business and management.  

This theory-to-practice approach is embedded in the module through the use of a business simulation which will help students to understand and apply key business concepts.  Designed to replicate the multidimensional nature of business and management it encapsulates fundamental cross-functional disciplines such as sales, marketing, operations and finance.  It progressively leads students through major decisions including human resources through to strategy as they manage their own virtual company.

As each decision period progresses, students are given more control over their company, eventually becoming responsible for distribution, operations, product development and financial decisions. Student teams compete against each other in an online multiplayer environment.

This simulation provides invaluable hands on experience for students, requiring them to analyse data, collaborate with each other, and make managerial decisions. By bringing concepts to life it also encourages more engagement with the theoretical material they are learning.

The module aims to :

1. provide students with an understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to management and apply these in a variety of business situations;
2. develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex economic environments; 
3. develop managerial competence through a variety of methods including business simulations, case study and problem solving.
4. enable students to develop their skills in academic study; self-assessment;  subject research;  group work; team building;  analytical thinking, critical thinking, and decision making.

This module aims to introduce students to the dynamics of international business operations and the evolving world markets. International economic issues influence the formulation of trade and investment policies as well as entreprise strategies, and this module gives students the opportunity to understand and discuss the challenges therein for multinational businesses. In recent years, we have seen dramatic economic changes such as new theoretical developments, empirical studies and the growing role played by emerging economies. The aim of this module is therefore to give students a strong understanding of key theories and policies which will be analysed in the light of current international debates.

There are 2 main themes to the teaching of this module. The first section of the module develops an understanding of the international business environment including globalisation of firms’ activities, the changing patterns of foreign direct investment, collaborative ventures and global strategy. The second section of the module focuses on the global market place in which international businesses operate and comprises an understanding of trade theories and government policies.. The module also covers some international macroeconomic debates such as the operation of financial markets and international lending combined with a critical analysis of recent events in the economy.

The module aims to:

1. develop an understanding of the international business environment, including challenges, operations, strategy and risks ;
2. provide an economic analysis of the markets in which businesses function through an understanding of international trade theories and policies;
3. provide an understanding of foreign direct investment and global entry strategies and consider any distributional and ethical issues that may arise;
4. introduce the financial framework through which international business operate through an understanding of the balance of payments, the foreign exchange market and exchange rate policies;
5. introduce students to an understanding, analysis and interpretation of empirical data in this subject area. 

It also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular: academic study skills; problem solving; self assessment and reflection; IT; subject research; applied analysis; literacy; critical thinking; quantitative analysis; and career management.

While trade negotiations and economic integration have gathered pace over the last few decades, governments have increased both the restrictions and the demands they place on global companies, requiring them to invest in, transfer technology to, and meet local content requirements of host countries or regional trading groups – not least in and around Europe and in Emerging Markets. This countervailing force of ‘localisation’ has also been strengthened by consumers rejecting homogenised global products and expressing their national preferences while still expecting high quality levels and low costs offered by global products (Bartlett and Beamish, 2011, p.13).

In contrast to the global model of organisation, transnational management of business recognises the importance of flexible and responsive country-level operations. Compared with the multinational approach, it links those operations to retain competitive effectiveness and economic efficiency. With operations and resources scattered across the globe, international business managers need to manage information flows to fully utilise people’s competences in creating and transferring knowledge – for securing competitive advantage, innovation and value-creation.

A simulation will provide the opportunity to review key concepts and apply them to the management of international business operations.

As the business community often sees Europe’s single market as a launch pad to internationalisation, the module also examines in-depth the European Union (EU) decision-making process and relevant legal principles which govern how businesses operate and manage their supply chains within the Union market and beyond. It will explore the role and participation of business in international lobbying and civil society right at the heart of the EU institutions. A wide range of topical legal issues is examined and applied to real life transnational business management situations including free movement of goods (tariff and tax barriers and non-tariff barriers) and persons (citizens, workers, self-employed, those providing or receiving services) within the Union market, legal measures ensuring that competition is not distorted within the EU market and equal treatment of various groups of EU workers is secured. The module will critically explore various EU rights and how the law seeks to afford protection in the transnational business management context.

The module aims to:

1. Raise awareness and enhance understanding of the global context and impact of economic integration, with special attention to Europe’s single market and the world’s Emerging Markets
2. Develop a case study approach to explore practical issues associated with managing transnational business including operations along the supply chain and knowledge flow management
3. Develop skills in researching, analysing and critically evaluating sources with a European and international focus
4. Give students knowledge of the EU legal framework and its importance in the transnational business management context and enable students to articulate clearly relevant legal issues and effectively communicate them
5. Develop an ability to identify legal problems in the transnational business management context and to propose solutions applying legal principles

Early theories of leadership assumed that the qualities which made great military, social and political leaders were those that would make great industrial leaders. However, the characteristics of leadership required for well-established steady-state organisations are far removed from many 21^st century workplaces where business leaders are confronted with unprecedented complexity and change.  For example, the scope of entrepreneurship is widening far beyond micro and small-to medium sized enterprises as organisations that previously could not have been considered entrepreneurial enbrace innovation as a means of survival (Urban, 2012).   In order to respond rapidly to changes in the external environment today’s leaders and managers are required to lead and manage innovation, and create an environment that fosters and enhances entrepreneurship.    

This module provides students with an introduction to both traditional and contemporary theories of leadership. It examines how cumulative knowledge of leadership theory can contribute to leading and managing innovation and entrepreneurial activity in modern organisations. Innovation and entrepreneurship are central themes of the module as students explore the characteristics of entrepreurship and identify conditions that foster innovation. Students will have an opportunity to interact with the local business community and are required to identify a local enterprise and interview its founder/current owner to determine whether they demonstrate the dynamic and visionary  approach to business proposed by entrepreneurial theory to be typical of  entrepreneurs.   

In small groups students are required to explore their own entrepreneurial skills through the proposal of an on-line business application. They are required to use their knowledge of management and leadership theory to manage its development, and they are required to produce a business plan to bring the application to market.        

Throughout the module there is an on-going focus on skills, for example students will be helped through the use of self-assessment questionnaires to identify their own leadership styles and preferences as well as foster their entrepreneurial skills.   

The  module aims to:

1. Reinforce students understanding of the differences between management and leadership;
2. Develop students understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to leadership;
3. Help students to identify their leadership styles and preferences;
4. Develop student’s understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship;
5. Help students explore, identify and develop their own entrepreneurial skills;
6. Assist students to develop innovative business ideas in the form of on-line applications;
7. Assist students to develop a business plan for their application.
8. Help students to identify theories of leadership best suited to creating and leading an organisational environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship;

In addition, the module aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
Entrepreneurial and innovation skills through problem based learning.

• Conducting Research;
• Interview skills;
• Project planning;
• Communicating;
• Enterprise skills
• Problem solving and decision making

This module builds upon the critical appraisal of the current global context in which businesses move operations and resources across the world. Firstly trends about the world becoming more integrated and national borders becoming less significant are reviewed critically. Issues emerging from the growing economic interdependence worldwide – including long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth – which impact on business organisations are then examined focusing on the strategic and operational viewpoint. The assessment will consist of a consultancy simulation where students will work together on researching and presenting concrete examples of challenges faced by managers operating internationally. Research will focus on industries evolving and expanding into the world’s emerging markets. Students will be encouraged as much as it is possible to draw on knowledge and experience from their international peers to reflect on their learning experience and enhance employability.

1. Provide insight into the broad context in which businesses operate, especially the opportunities offered by the development of a global consumer culture, and ongoing economic integration in and around emerging markets
2. Explore practical business management issues arising from the internationalisation of sourcing and operations, against the wider context of the global political economy
3. Develop awareness and understanding of current affairs problems explored by academics and non-academics and be able to appraise them critically by researching sources with an international focus
4. Encourage interaction, collaborative and self-directed learning by using peer knowledge and experience drawing together features of businesses operating in different countries, that is, in a multi-cultural environment
5. Promote the application of concept to practical aspects of international business management and move beyond the module’s remit by developing in students a true global awareness of the realities faced by the international business manager.

This module provides an introduction to the developing field of cross-cultural management, explored in relation to both international and intra-national contexts.

The aims of this module are to develop students’ insight into the meaning of culture and the relevance of the concept to a range of issues of management and organisation; to enable them to critically assess the contribution of key theorists of cross-cultural management to understanding the challenges of organising in culturally diverse contexts;, and to draw on this analysis to develop solutions and recommendations for managing in culturally complex contexts.

This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of international trade theories, commercial policies, open economy macroeconomics, and the international monetary system. The module will examine both theoretical and contemporary policy issues in the international economy.

This module aims to give students:

1. an awareness of the pattern of world trade and the interdependence of national economies;
2. an understanding of the contemporary policy and institutional issues in the world trade and monetary systems;
3. a good knowledge of the causes of international trade and balance of payments problems;
4. a good understanding of exchange rate determination and alternative exchange rate systems.

In addition to the subject-specific aims, the module aims to enhance students’ writing, cognitive, analytical and presentation skills.

The service sector accounts for a significant proportion of GDP and employment in most developed economies and therefore it becomes essential for students to have an in-depth understanding of the subject of Services Marketing. In this module, students are introduced to a range of services marketing concepts, models, techniques and online activities applicable to service organisations.

The module aims to:

1. Provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of services marketing in the private and public sectors.
2. Provide an understanding of contemporary issues in services marketing.
3. Enhance the transferability of students’ knowledge in developing marketing competences across organisational, national and sector boundaries.
4. Develop students’ academic writing, communication and interpersonal skills, including oral presentation.

In this module students consolidate their previous learning by engaging in a research dissertation while simultaneously focusing on their employability. They will pick up the research threads introduced throughout the course by identifying and researching an industry or sector in which they wish to build their careers and they will write up their findings in the form of a dissertation.  

Their research will involve the review of a wide range of publications (secondary data sources) around the broad area of investigation and this will lead to the formulation of a research proposal for their dissertation.  Students will pursue a robust enquiry into a theme emerging from their investigations in their chosen industry, and as the theme emerges, the research methodologies, appropriate methods of data collection, data processing and analysis are evaluated. Both the process and the knowledge and skills gained will inform their approach to their future career and more specifically to their immediate employability. For example, students will be required to identify whether secondary data sources alone will be sufficient to satisfactorily answer their research question. Their ability to critically analyse, synthesise and present data in useable form will contribute to their management capability. This process will therefore inform their research, as well as their future career path.  The undertaking of the investigation, evaluation, synthesis and analysis of data will help them to prepare for the graduate job market.

Researching the industry, identification of contemporary issues and completion of associated activities will enable students to raise their self-awareness, identify their strengths, plan their career and excel in the application process.

In addition, the module will help students to prepare for the graduate job market by ensuring they have an up-to-date and professional on and offline profile. They will prepare an up-to-date CV and they will engage in simulated interviews to enhance their interview skills while simultaneously completing their dissertation.

1. To provide students with the opportunity to synthesise, integrate and develop their learning from related modules and further direct their research;
2. To enable students to identify an industry in which they wish to build their career;
3. To undertake an investigation into a current and contemporary issue within their chosen industry using secondary sources of data and/or primary research;
4. To report on their investigation in the form of a professional dissertation ;
5. To help students to identify and prepare for employment opportunities;
6. To enhance their employability by focusing on the strengths they bring to interviews;
7. To help them to develop up-to-date CVs and on-line personal profiles.
8. To enhance their interview skills.

The module also aims to enhance students’ skills in the following skills:

1. Academic reading and writing;
2. Researching;
3. Data analysis;
4. Self- awareness;
5. Completing tasks and projects;
6. Commercial awareness;
7. Application of knowledge and presentation of data
8. Career management;
9. Report writing