Year 1 - full details

Core modules

Economic Environment of Business (Preparatory)

The overall aim of this module is to look at the organisation of the firm in the context of a rapidly changing national and international environment. The first section of the module examines the changing organisation of the firm by looking at the legal forms and different structures of the firm, the growth of large firms and the continuing existence of small firms and inter and intra firm restructuring. The second part of the module examines the national context in which firms operate through an examination of competition and industrial policy. The third part of the module looks at changing pattern of trade and investment and the location of production. The focus of the final part of the module is on institutions regulating the international environment such as the IMF, WTO and the World Bank. English language classes are fully integrated into the module to provide maximum support.

Introduction to Research Methods

Philosophy of research - the 'messy' nature of business information is reviewed, in the light of which an overview to research philosophies and strategies is given. Students are introduced to the difficulties of defining the research questions and objectives. The need for a theoretical underpinning is emphasised, together with the use of tertiary sources in conducting a literature search. Methods and sources of primary and secondary data - primary data acquisition focuses on (but is not restricted to) survey techniques; the need to make judgements about data quality is emphasised as a determinant of appropriate methods of analysis.

Optional modules

Business Strategy (Preparatory)

The module will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of Business Strategy and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module includes a comprehensive review of current strategic issues identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decisionmaking and strategic planning. English language classes are fully integrated into the Business Strategy module to provide maximum support.

Financial Management (Preparatory) GCIB

The module will introduce students to the main theory and practice of financing companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's finance. Specific topics covered will include: - the financial environment; - valuation of assets and shares and companies; - sources of finance; - cost of finance; - capital structure - treasury management and working capital; - investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model. English language classes are fully integrated into the programme's Business Strategy module to provide maximum support.

Managing Accounting Information (Graduate Certificate)

This module provides an applied understanding of the role and function of accounting information in the decision and communication process of an organisation. It provides an understanding of how data is gathered and how both data and financial measures are used to plan, monitor and control the progress of the organisation. English language classes are fully integrated into the Introduction to Accounting module to provide maximum support.

People Management

People Management is a single module aimed at providing students with an introduction into the management of human resources from a mainly UK perspective. Students will consider how people are managed at work, with emphasis on recruitment and selection, equal treatment and opportunity, flexible working, reward and performance management. When considering these activities, the module does not attempt to teach the practicalities of managing people, but rather to develop the students' critical understanding of the subject area. The module aims to raise students awareness of possible discrepancies between theoretical models and business reality. Content: 1. Strategic HRM; 2. equal treatment and opportunity; 3. recruitment and selection; 4. the flexibility debate; 5. pay and reward; 6. performance management. English language classes are fully integrated into the Business Strategy module to provide maximum support.