Overview

In this module you’ll receive a basic introduction to the study of business and management. You’ll learn the different types of businesses and organisations, as well as how to finance a start-up. The module also illustrates different approaches to management and explains decision-making processes. It will give you an appreciation of the current business context and the challenges facing managers today.

The main topics covered are:

a) Types of business, ownership and organisation; starting a business and the ways in which a business may be financed

b) Defining and classifying business organisations, contrasting and comparing organisations in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors

c) Issues around business ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability

d) Roles and function of management; various approaches to and styles of management and development of different theories of management

e) Organisational structures, strategic planning and quality control

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+): Student has made sufficient progress in the study of this module to achieve the lowest level of pass allowing for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Satisfactory (50 – 59% / C- to C+): Student demonstrates reasonably comprehensive coverage of learning outcomes, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and some core readings. Some gaps in knowledge and/or understanding evident.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+): Student has displayed a sound basic knowledge and understanding of much of the material studied in this module and achieved a high enough grade to indicate a clear ability to cope with the demands of an undergraduate level degree.

Excellent (70% + / A- to A*): Student has engaged consistently well with all aspects of the module and strong achievement in assessments indicates the ability to perform effectively at undergraduate degree level.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding around the responsibilities of business and of the need for responsible behaviour

• Demonstrate an understanding of business types and of financing a business

• Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing contemporary businesses and their leaders

• Explain different functions of management in terms of strategic planning, efficiency and the maintenance of high quality and standards of product and service

• Explain the different types of businesses and of the ways in which businesses are run