| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
|
Economics of Strategy
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module aims to explore the contribution of economics to organisational strategy and decision-making. A rich and wide-ranging economics literature will be explored, including organisation theory, the economics of information, agency, and the economics of the firm (including Coasian, transaction cost, behavioural and managerial approaches). Students will evaluate a range of economic approaches to the governance and operation of firms and markets. |
|
Industrial Organisation
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The module has a special emphasis on imperfectly competitive markets and it will be covering in particular various aspects of monopolistic competition and oligopolistic industries, including price and quantity competition, collusion and cartel stability, entry deterrence and predation, product differentiation, and vertical relationships. Recent developments in industrial organisation and competition policy are incorporated into the material, including current cases. |
|
HBS Placement
|
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This activity is self-directed by the student and carries no credits. Students will be supported by the Professional Experience Module Leader, Professional Experience Visit Co-ordinator, an Academic Mentor and the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE). Successful completion of the Professional Experience Module leads to the appropriate suffix on students’ degree title stated on the programme specifications. |
|
Anatomy of Financial Crises
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module provides an opportunity to explore the major financial crises that took place across the globe since the early 20th century. It aims to reconstruct some of the financial theories on the basis of the empirical evidence as opposed to 'the theory first application later' approach. |
|
Dissertation - Economics
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| The dissertation offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop research skills relevant to a specific area of study. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will meet with students on a regular basis. On completion of the research, students will be required to produce a dissertation of between 7,000 to 10,000 words. The dissertation will be assessed using the Business School dissertation criteria that cover the management of the dissertation, the methodology used, the intellectual quality and originality, and the structure and coherence of the report. |
|
International Production and Governance
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module explores key changes in the global economy by examining recent trends in international trade, production, investment and labour. Theories of international production are examined alongside the competitive strategies of large transnational firms. There is focus on the changing patterns of governance with regards to different varieties of capitalism and the relationship between different levels of governance; the global, the national and the local. The module emphasises the way in which both academic and business literature offer competing interpretations on the nature of these changing trends, their outcomes and their implications for policy. |
|
Employment Relations
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The module encourages students to critically evaluate different theories and perspectives on employment relations. It also equips students to be able to practically undertake important aspects of the employment relationship such as bargaining and conflict resolution. The module considers the roles of the key actors in employment relations: management, trade unions and the State. The module evaluates different employment relations approaches and evaluates the design and application of processes, policies and procedures in areas such as: discipline and grievance, dismissal, collective bargaining, individual and collective negotiation, employee engagement, conflict and industrial sanctions, conciliation, mediation and arbitration and diversity management. The module also focuses on the impact of legislation, both European and domestic, on employment relations. |
|
International Human Resource Management
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The module provides contemporary, applied and critical insights into the management of people across borders and in multinational corporations (MNCs). The HR implications of managing international assignments are investigated, and in-depth exposition provided of HR contexts and features in major global regions.
The module appears to students specialising in HRM and international business, and is also relevant to those working/planning to work in an international environment. The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and strategies of MNC's and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment. The module also considers the management of the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation. An analysis of industrial relations structures/systems for employee participation in north America, Europe and Australasia and an exploration of political/economic environments and major features of HR/employment practice in these continents and developing countries. |
|
Global Marketing Ethics and Culture
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners.
To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms.
The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control. |
|
Forecasting Methods for Managers
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The process of making decisions in organisations is based, in most cases, on future values of many variables. Therefore, it is vital that these future values are predicted in the most accurate possible ways. This module introduces students to a variety of forecasting techniques used to predict future values. Much of the module will be devoted to the use of software, especially spreadsheets, to calculate forecasts and their associated errors. A particular emphasis will be on the pitfalls associated with the application of different forecasting techniques.
The module includes the following: the purpose of business forecasting; data collection and review; measuring the accuracy of forecasts; a range of methods presented for dealing with stationary time series, trend, seasonality and multi-variate models; demographics; communication of results to a business audience.
Students use a calculator and computer to calculate forecasts and related error measures and statistics. |
|
Money, Banking and Finance
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The financial sector is a vital sector for any economy. It is a major and successful part of the UK economy. This module provides the techniques and concepts to analyse and understand this sector. The major theoretical underpinnings of the financial sector are explored. Thus, the module considers portfolio theory, the term structure of interest rates, demand and supply of money, monetary policy, exchange rate systems, insurance markets and the efficient markets hypothesis. |
|
Management Science in Business
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module will develop knowledge and understanding of both classical and current management science techniques used in business today. Students will be guided into formulating business problems as models. They will be shown how to manipulate and solve these models, and interpret the solutions. They will learn to recognise difficulties and limitations associated with the results given by the models. Students will be encouraged to use appropriate computer software to solve the models. |
|
Research Methods
|
0 Credits |
Optional |
| This non-credit bearing module of study is designed to provide students with sufficient research skills in order to successfully undertake a dissertation and/or research project.
Key themes covered by the module, include:
Primary and secondary research
Formulating the research objectives/questions
Quantitative and qualitative research methods (inc. sampling)
Writing the methodology chapter
The need for a theoretical underpinning, and writing the literature review
Ethics considerations and the approval process
Presenting research findings. |
|
Contemporary Issues in Economics
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module aims to enhance students' understanding of different theoretical frameworks and research methodologies in order for them to develop their understanding of how knowledge is created and develops in the area of economics. Students will then study selected key contemporary issues from an economic perspective. The exact topics will, by definition, change depending on the issues of the day, but, in all cases, students will be able to see the benefit of using appropriate tools of economic analysis.
Issues will be evaluated on the basis of the quality of economic explanation offered, both in terms of theory and evidence. In this way, students can appreciate how theory can be effectively translated into real policy action. |
|
Performance Strategy
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The module deepens students’ prior knowledge and understanding of management accounting focuses on the role of the management accountant within the strategic planning process. Making use of relevant literature and case studies, the module explores strategic planning in the context of the management accounting information required to support this process. The module continues by considering performance management systems which have been developed to control the implementation of strategic plans.
Indicative content may include:
- The strategic process
- Tools of strategic management accounting
- The balanced scorecard
- Innovations in management accounting
- Innovations in performance management |
|
Industry Practice for Economic Professionals
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| In this module students will assess, develop and evaluate their employability skills through work-based learning. Students will use the professional framework relevant to their specialism to demonstrate competencies. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering. |
|
Corporate Financial Strategy
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This single semester module is designed to provide an insight into the area of financial strategy. The module begins by examining the life cycle and the various sources of funding available at each stage and moves on an analysis of major business changes, eg restructuring, mergers/acquisitions. The module will enable students to build on their business analysis and reporting writing skills, and the knowledge gained about business should significantly enhance their employability. |
|
Public Finance
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| The economics of public finance deals with some fundamental current economic issues. The module focuses on present-day debates on the subject of the provision of public goods and the role of the government in the economy. It provides a review of the principal theories of the effective provision of social services, welfare state, social security, national debt and pricing of public and merit goods. Opinion on these topics and the impact of government economic activities on the allocation of resources and on the distribution of income are divided and are a gulf apart. This module will offer students a deep understanding of public finance and the budgetary process, and the implications of government borrowing and expenditures on the economy. Students during the course of this module will discover the importance of the public sector in the economy. They will learn to recognize the part played by the public sector in the global financial crisis and the changes that globalization has brought in, raising tax revenue, due to global tax competition and mobility. |
|
French Route A - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in
understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken French. Students develop skills which will
be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language
registers.
The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They
will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and
grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line
materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
French Route A - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester
in understanding and responding to more advanced French. Students continue to develop skills which will be of
value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous
part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking
and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the
vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented
by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
Spanish Route A - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in
understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Spanish. Students develop skills which
will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language
registers.
The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They
will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and
grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line
materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
Spanish Route A - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester
in understanding and responding to more advanced Spanish. Students continue to develop skills which will be
of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and
spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion
in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of
the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based,
supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
French Route B - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both
the written and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving
the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The module will be based on selected,
more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to
students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural
issues, tourism and the world of work. |
|
French Route B - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written
and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the
student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The course will be based on selected,
complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made
available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural
issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. |
|
Spanish Route B - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both
the written and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving
the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The module will be based on selected,
more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to
students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural
issues, tourism and the world of work |
|
German Route A - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in
understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken German. Students develop skills which
will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language
registers.
The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They
will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and
grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line
materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
German Route A - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester
in understanding and responding to more advanced German. Students continue to develop skills which will be
of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and
spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion
in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of
the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based,
supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
German Route B - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written
and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the
student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The course will be based on selected,
complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made
available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural
issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. |
|
German Route B - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both
the written and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving
the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The module will be based on selected,
more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to
students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural
issues, tourism and the world of work |
|
Mandarin Route A - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in
understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Mandarin Chinese. Students develop
skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts
and language registers.
The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They
will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and
grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and
Chinese websites. |
|
Mandarin Route A - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester
in understanding and responding to more advanced Mandarin Chinese. Students continue to develop skills
which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active
and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of
opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the
framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line
materials including video clips and Chinese websites. |
|
Spanish Route C - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability primarily through the study of
selected themes taken from online newspapers,magazines,websites chosen specifically to illustrate
contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world.
Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them
and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of
texts |
|
Spanish Route C - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability primarily through the study of
selected themes taken from online newspapers, magazines, websites chosen specifically to illustrate
contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials
and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them.
Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts. |
|
Spanish Route B - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written
and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the
student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The course will be based on selected,
complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made
available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural
issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. |
|
Japanese Route A - 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in
understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Japanese. Students develop skills which
will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language
registers.
The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They
will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and
grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line
materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
Japanese Route A - 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester
in understanding and responding to more advanced Japanese. Students continue to develop skills which will be
of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and
spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion
in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of
the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based,
supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites. |
|
Japanese Route B 6a
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues encountered in the workplace and in everyday life in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory. |
|
Japanese Route B 6b
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues students would encounter while working or studying in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory. |
