module specification

Located in the context of globalisation and rapid external change this module critically explores and examines the ways in which managers seek to position organisations in ways in which that can optimise value-creation and value-creating activities and to do so in a socially responsible manner.  The module explores the functions of the business, how these contribute to value creation and how management seeks to integrate the functions of the business such as procurement, distribution, marketing, operations and finance.  The concept of value affects different stakeholders within the business creating tensions for management but in a context where the organisation’s long term survival depends upon its ability to deliver products or services at a price which customers are willing and able to pay for and which allows the organisation to generate a surplus for its stakeholders.

The module exposes course members to a range of perspectives on responsible business organisation; how these can be structured to achieve efficiency and effectiveness, how marketing can contribute to value creation and how organisational success can be measured and sustained.  In particular the module seeks to explore how the key functions of an organisation create value and how such value can be measured in financial and other terms.

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This module aims to provide a critical analysis of the concept of value by looking at the functions of an organisation and how they need to be integrated if the organisation is to add value in the context of rapid and uncertain change in organisational environments.  A range of perspectives and scenarios is developed drawing on the critical value-creating elements of an organisation but where a key element of learning is the application of these to the course members own work context and experience.

Evaluating an organisation’s external environment – market and industry analyses
Evaluating organisational resources, capabilities and competitiveness
Corporate mission statements and objectives evaluation
Customer analysis and marketing research
Marketing mix strategy- 4P/7P models
The Product Life Cycle, Competitive Pricing and Marketing
Internal resourcing – the contribution of organisational design and development
Value chain analysis
Managing Operations – supply chains and logistics management
Global supply chains and networks
Introduction to financial accounts and analysis
Financial Ratio Analysis
Investment Appraisal Techniques

An integral part of the module will be the opportunity for students to work in groups to manage a business and put into practice the theoretical knowledge which they have learnt about the functions of business. The computer based simulation will provide course members with an opportunity to make decisions, evaluate and appraise information.

Work Based learning
This module adopts a work-based learning perspective based upon the application of topics covered in the module to real-life workplace issues and students are encouraged to adopt a reflective approach towards the syllabus in the context of their own particular skill sets. Hence, through reflecting upon how their existing skill sets compare to the particular requirements of specific workplace issues, they are able to identify where particular knowledge and skills gaps exist. This information can then be used to frame their learning in relation to each element of the syllabus.

E learning
Students will be timetabled for regular workshops which they must attend. Students should also look at Weblearn/Blackboard regularly to see any preparation activities that they need to undertake or slides or other material that they may wish to print or download. Additionally students should spend time each week online maintaining and updating their Learning Journal which is on WebLearn/Blackboard. This journal records not only what students have done in class but also other activities, and thoughts and reflections which contribute to their learning. Students will be guided in class as to what they should focus on each week. It is important that students make their entries regularly as they will help to consolidate learning throughout the module.
The module tutor / lecturer will regularly review entries in students Learning Journal and will comment and leave feedback. This provides regular formative feedback.

Entries in students learning journals can only be viewed by the student and the tutors on the module.

On completion of the module students will be able to:
• Analyse and evaluate the contemporary business environment and the challenges it poses for contemporary organisations
• Evaluate the options for managers in designing organisations to create the basis for value creation
• Analyse and develop a marketing strategy that creates value for target customers
• Critically evaluate the need to create competitive advantage and how this may be realised
• Analyse how operations and service quality are managed
• critically evaluate a set of financial statements and apply discounted cash flow techniques to a range of financial problems
• distinguish and calculate both subjective and objective measures of value from a financial perspective.

The summative assessment is in three parts which reflects the integration of the subject matter. The first and second assignment will be a group report and presentation linked to the computer simulation/
Work based learning:

The third assignment will be an individual report linked to integration and management of business functions within the student’s organisation.

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