Module catalogue

MN4080 - Fundamentals of Business (2025/26)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2025/26

Module title

Fundamentals of Business

Module level

Certificate (04)

Credit rating for module

School

Guildhall School of Business and Law

Total study hours

150

9 hours	Assessment Preparation / Delivery
105 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	100%		This may be comprised of choice of various assessment types

Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Autumn semester	North	Tuesday	Afternoon
Autumn semester	North	Wednesday	Morning

Module summary

This is a 15-credit core module that introduces students to the fundamentals 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fourth, there is a wide range of academic and business skills embedded in this module, such as academic literacies, commercial acumen, self-awareness and teamwork.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 3

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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 reflective pieces of formative coursework.

Weekly interactive lectures, seminars, discussions and asynchronous resources will cover the different themes outlined in the syllabus and also develop the various learning skills through practical exercises performed individually, in pairs and in groups. The teaching/facilitating process will focus on enhancing and boosting students’ confidence and commitment in their learning experience and collaborative work.

Relevant learning resources will be available on Weblearn.

The course instructor is available outside class during office hours. Students will be fully supported in the preparation of the written exam. There will be regular opportunities for feedback and opportunity for formative assessment during the Reading Week.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students 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.

Bibliography

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/763E0B7A-6D75-06CE-0375-47CAAA52A84C.html

Core