module specification

This sister module to MN3100 focuses on the skills needed for success in business. It  provides students with opportunities to become aware of the essential communication,
problem-solving, decision-making, commercial awareness, and the various other skills needed for succeeding in business.  It is also designed to introduce and reinforce essential transferable skills with a focus on personal development, planning and reflective learning.  The module aims to:

• enhance and develop students’ communication and study skills in preparation for an undergraduate degree in Business
• develop self-awareness, and reinforce the concept of reflective practice to allow students to develop into effective reflective practitioners
• introduce students to researching subject material from a wide variety of sources
• create in students a keen awareness of the business environment and to develop creative and dynamic approaches to contemporary business problems

The module aims include helping students to improve their:

• academic reading and Writing
• researching and report writing
• application of knowledge
• communicating and presenting orally and in writing
• problem solving and decision making
• self-assessment and reflection
• Creativity

Introduction to the concept of modern business which encompasses local providers of goods and services and vast corporate enterprises operating on a global scale, such as Facebook.   What are the skills and techniques required to succeed in both small and large businesses?  LO1

Selecting and analysing information for business and identify the attitudes skills and dispositions associated with employability for business LO2

The concept of business skills including competence and intelligence, emotional intelligence and self-management, communicating skills with a focus on oral presentation and listening skills.   LO3

Developing self-awareness through understanding, using and developing reflective practice in preparation for undergraduate study and beyond. LO4

PDP and Reflective practice are embedded in all modules at Level 3.  This module will be delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops, (that is, 2 hours plus 1 hour tutorial).   The workshop sessions will be designed to enable students to develop as learners and also their business skills.  In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in practical and other activities that will link their learning to their understanding, and experience, of business.  

The workshop activities are dynamic and varied and will require students to work both individually and in groups.  They are designed to improve key skills and to enable students to become self-aware as learners as well as focus on their future careers. It is envisaged that the classroom and other experience will foster in students a desire to continue their studies and improve their self-development.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1:  demonstrate a wide range of effective communication skills including business
          presentation skills

LO2:  demonstrate an ability to take responsibility for the development of their
          approaches to learning about business,  reflect effectively on their current
          position and future direction in a number of contexts;

LO3:  work successfully in groups with other students, using written, oral and
          interpersonal skills;

LO4:  research subject material from a wide range of sources and propose solutions to
          contemporary business problems using creative and dynamic approaches.

Assessment consists of both formative and summative activities. In addition to the embedded formative assessment throughout all Level 3 modules there is an official formative element in this module.  There are numerous opportunities throughout the module for students to test their knowledge and reflect on their progress.

Textbooks:

Core Text:
Pedlar, M. Burgoyne, J. and Boydell T. (2006) A Manager's Guide to Self-Development, McGraw Hill

Additional Texts
Burns, T. & Sinfield. S. (2016) Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University, 4th edition, London, Sage
Cameron, S. (2013) The Business Student's Handbook: Learning Skills for Study and Employment, 5th edition, Prentice Hall
Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook 4th Edition, Palgrave MacMillan
Lowes, R. Peters, H. & Turner, M. (2004) The International Student's Guide: Studying English at University, Sage Publications

Journals: to be added

Websites: to be added

Electronic Databases:

Social Media Sources

Other