module specification

This module introduces students to the context of business, that is, the environment in which businesses operate.  The focus of this module is the development of knowledge about business, how business organisations work and operate in the wider environment and how they are influenced by their immediate and global environment.

Standard university entry requirements for Level 3

The specific module aims are:

• To provide a framework for the development of a range of academic, research, and attributes that will contribute to life-long learning and employability
• To develop an understanding of how businesses operate within their immediate environment as well as in the wider global environment
• To enable students to recognise the variety and complexity of challenges facing businesses in the 21st century

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
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
Collaborating and working with others
Commercial awareness

Indicative content is indicated below and will enable achievement of the learning outcomes:

Introduction to the corporate environment
Introduction to Economics
Markets
Consumer demand
Organisational structures
Global Organisations

This module will be delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops.   The workshop sessions will be designed to enable students to develop as learners.   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 will be dynamic and varied and will require students to work both individually and in groups.  They will be 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 the module, students will be able to:

1. Identify and explain how the environment impacts business
2. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the major challenges faced by both large and small businesses
3. Demonstrate academic and communication skills.
4. Understand how the economic environment impacts on business decisions 
5. Identify market gaps and produce a tailored product for market

The assessment is developed to address the module learning outcomes and provide feedback to students. The assessment has three components:

The first assessment will be an individual task which will enable students to appreciate the structure of businesses. 

The second assessment will be a group task that assesses the students’ ability to research company web sites and make informed comparisons of various organisations. 

The third assessment will be an individual piece of writing reflecting on a specific activity that will enable students to demonstrate their developing knowledge and academic skills.

Capon, C. (2003) Understanding Organisational Context. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Hushes, R. et al (2011) Introduction to Business 11th Ed. Thomson Learning
Moore, F. (2005) Transnational Business Cultures: Life and work in a multinational corporation.  Ashgate publishing: Aldershot.
Moynagh, M. and Worlsey, R. (2008), Going Global: Key Questions for the Twenty First Century. A&C Black: London
Tayeb. M.H. (2005), The Management of International Enterprises: A Socio-political view. Macmillan: Basingstoke.