MN3102 - The Context of Business (2018/19)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2018/19 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | The Context of Business | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Foundation (03) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2018/19(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces students to the contexts of business. Business functions including innovation, operations, marketing, human resource management, finance and accounting, all of which interact with one another, can only be fully understood when the environmental, organisational, and strategic contexts within which the business operates are also understood. The focus of this module is the development of students’ understanding of how business organisations work and operate in the wider environment. Students’ have opportunities to examine the various functions of businesses and their relevant environments. They will analyse a variety of business situations and cases. This module introduces students to the concept of globalisation in terms of its impact on socio-cultural, political, economic and technological factors. The main aim of the module is to introduce students to the impact of various contexts on business itself, and to provide them with opportunities to enhance a wide range of academic and business skills such as commercial awareness, and sensitivity in terms of people and cultures.
Prior learning requirements
Standard university requirements
for Level 3 entry
Syllabus
The syllabus is structured around four main themes as follows:
The concept of business in context includes examining socio-cultural, political, economic and technological elements and their impact on the various functions of business. LO1
The second theme focuses on the functions of business. Students will be introduced to the various functions including, inter alia, innovation, operations, marketing, human resource management, finance and accounting. LO2
The third theme is globalisation. Students are introduced to the concept of globalisation and its impact, not only on global organisations but also on local small businesses. LO3
Fourth, there is a wide range of academic and business skills embedded in this module, such as academic literacies, commercial acumen, self-awareness and team-work. LO4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
PDP is an integral element of all Level 3 modules and this module reflects an ongoing process of reflection and professional development. This module is delivered through 3 hour weekly workshops which are enhanced by a mixture of blended and independent learning. The weekly workshops deliver theoretical input, which consists of defining and clarifying the topic to an appropriate depth and breadth, and with students working in groups to describe, analyse and evaluate the implications of the topic, for instance globalization, on local businesses. Independent reading, group activities and problem-based tasks are supported by multimedia. Students are required to produce a reflective piece of coursework.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: discuss the concept of business contexts and demonstrate a range of skills
including commercial acumen;
LO2: explain the impact of globalisation on both large and small businesses;
LO3: identify and explain how a business of your choice works and deals with
external challenges;
LO4: demonstrate commercial acumen and the ability to work collaboratively with
other students.
Assessment strategy
Assessment is designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice their presentation skills, and to demonstrate their academic and business skills, as well as demonstrating their growing knowledge on the impact of various contexts on business both large and small.
There are three assessment points plus a formative assessment in week 7.
In addition, there is ongoing formative feedback embedded in the module at each workshop session and also delivered on an 1-2-1 basis in office hours
Bibliography
Books:
Capon, C. (2009) Understanding Organisational Context. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Hushes, R. et al (2011) Introduction to Business (11th edn) Thomson Learning
Pride, W.M. Hughes R.J. Kapoor, J.R. (2018) Foundation of Business. London: Cengage.
Wetherly, P And Otter, D.(2014)The Business Environment, Themes and Issues. Oxford University Press (Ebook)
Worthington, I., & Britton, C. (2009). The Business Environment. Harlow, England, FT Prentice Hall (Ebook)