Business Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) BA Honours

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the use of computer software to collect, analyse and present business data. Students will learn to solve business and management problems using Excel or other appropriate software with an emphasis on the application of methods to solve problems, and the interpretation and communication of results. The main aim is to enable the student to become a discerning user of quantitative methods and computers in business analysis, which can be built upon in further study.

This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise, including the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation and the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice.

The aim of this module is to develop students understanding of the management of organisations. It will introduce management concepts such as the business functions, organisational structure, work design, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. Students will develop the ability to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of various management theories and their application in the management of organisations.

The aim of this module is to develop students understanding of how people in organisations interact. It will introduce various people management concepts and human resource processes and practices. Students will develop the ability to compare and contrast a variety of organisational psychology and sociological theories and their application in the management of people.

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of operations management within a variety of organisations. It examines different aspects of operations management relevant to the design, planning, control and improvement of business operations. Students will learn to evaluate, select and apply relevant operations management concepts, tools and techniques to solve problems, make informed decisions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes.

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge of internal and external business environment and their impact upon choices available to business in planning and decision making. Students will learn to analyse business environments and handle information using different techniques, models and frameworks.

This module aims to provide students with the ability to apply key skills in information systems to the business management domain. The module also aims to enable students to obtain important aptitudes towards using information technology solutions such as business intelligence (e.g. data analytics), digital technology solutions (e.g. smart environments) and modern forms of communication (e.g. social networks) to improve business processes.

The module enables students to acquire knowledge in a number of topics aligned to the following key areas: (i) information systems and business intelligence (in particular the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and the impact upon organisations, (ii) communications (in particular the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools) and (iii) digital business (in particular the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology has reshaped traditional revenue and business models).

The cross-discipline nature of the module ensures that students will gain experience in using information systems, while engaging in strategic management activities and following a pattern of work resembling project management practices in controlled environments.

This module provides students with an introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship. It examines different forms of innovative and entrepreneurial practice including commercial and social enterprise. This includes an introduction into management issues faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners. The module will also introduce students to such concepts as opportunity recognition and the ability to act upon opportunities and problem solving.

The aim of this module is to enable students to identify the multifaceted social processes that are imperative to organisational life. The module will cover a wide array of theories pertaining to organisational behaviour. Students will develop their own abilities to analyse these theories, build up their own views on how to think and feel about these emergent issues as well as empower themselves with the capacity to argue and support these views in an academically rigorous manner.

The aim of this module is to develop students’ understanding of the key areas of HRM and to develop their skills and competence in human resource management practice. Students will become familiar with a wide range of generalist HR policies and practices within the five key areas of the discipline: employee resourcing, employee reward, employee relations, performance management and employee training and development. They will also be provided with the opportunity to develop competencies in areas such as selection interviews, performance appraisals, managing conflict, and conducting grievance and disciplinary interviews.

The aim of this module is to develop in-depth understanding of theories relating to trade and international business, their application to an increasingly interdependent world, the role of multinational enterprise in the world trade system, and practical issues, such as incoterms, documentation, payment process and instruments, and trade compliance. Taken together these elements should equip students with comprehensive knowledge and a broader sense of running a business beyond the domestic market.

This module will examine the laws regulating the conduct of business and business organisations. The first part of the module sets the context and provides essential material on English Business law (English Legal system, Contract, Tort & Employment) whilst the second part covers Company law and Corporate Governance.

This module aims to further develop and enhance the financial understanding and knowledge of students within business organisations on the subject areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management. It aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the roles of accounting and finance for business students who do not need to develop specialist knowledge and to train students to apply their accounting and finance knowledge and skills into a range of different business situations.

This module aims to familiarise students with the importance of marketing research and insights to business and, in particular, the marketing management process. Students will learn how to conduct a marketing research project, including establishing business research needs, gaining insights into the consumer market, designing an appropriate research design, creating research instruments, gathering data primary and secondary data, conducting both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and using the findings to improve marketing decision-making.

This intensive module provides familiarity with the essential tools and techniques of strategic analysis and a sound grasp of contemporary issues in strategic management. Accordingly, the aims of this module are organised in two parts: in the first part students use the essential components of strategic analysis with the primary aim of developing an applied knowledge of tools and techniques. In the second part students explore a variety of special topics with the primary aim of examining strategy concepts applied in different organisations. Overall, the module aims to build students’ ability to process and interpret information from different internal functions and from multiple external sources for decision-making leading to long term organisational success.

The aim of this module is to develop a systematic understanding of the role of innovation as a key factor in a dynamic business environment and to equip students with the knowledge, expertise and skills needed to manage the innovation process at both strategic and operational level. The module provides an up-to-date overview of the mainstream theories and models of innovation and illustrates successful organisational practices through case study analysis.

This module introduces students to the complexities of developing and starting a new venture. It examines both the theoretical and practical concepts of entrepreneurship including how to identify business opportunities, establish a business model, acquire resources, and develop a business plan. It also familiarises the students with the entrepreneurial attributes and problem solving in entrepreneurial context.

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the key principles of product and service development and enhances their ability to put into practice these concepts. The module examines how product and service development contributes to the success of a firm and enables students to critically evaluate what is required to develop and deliver successful marketing strategies for innovative new products and services in the era of engagement economy.

The module aims to provide students with an awareness and understanding of the mechanics, challenges and issues related to the different ways of financing an enterprise. The includes an understanding of key financial statements, the financial planning process, sources of funding and the financial risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

This module explores the development and growth of small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs) and the kinds of decisions and problems that confront the owner-managers of SMEs. The problems and issues facing small business managers are often different from those facing their counterparts in larger organisations. The module aims to create awareness of these issues faced by SMEs and ways of dealing with them to manage and grow the business.

You'll learn by reading textbooks, financial reports and journals and using computer-aided packages, alongside lectures, workshops, computer labs and seminars (of around 15-30 students). You will do interactive exercises in class, online and in groups; work on business simulation case studies and problem-solving exercises; and take part in discussions and mock interviews.

In the first year you will complete a virtual internship. You will also have the option of a placement year between your second and final years.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 5 to 6 hours of lectures
• 5 to 6 hours of seminars
• 5 to 6.5 hours of interactive workshops
• 2 hours of computer labs

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.

The informal assessments usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks. These assessments are designed to broaden your knowledge on the teaching content covered in the modules. Completion of formative assessment help you achieve better results in summative assessments.

There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.

Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.

Assessment methods vary in the modules you study. Coursework assessment types vary from presentations, business simulated case studies, online quizzes, portfolio analyses, reflective reports, business reports and academic essays. You'll have the opportunity to develop core graduate competency areas that will equip you for entering the workforce, or starting a business after graduating.

The balance between the two will depend on which modules you are taking. The table below is a good approximate guide.

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To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.