| Code | BUS101 |
| School | EBSL |
| Module Level | 1 |
| Module Code | BUS101 |
| Class | GE|EL|MA|MI| |
| Availability | DE|SA| |
| Semester | 1 |
| Credits | 12 |
| ECTS Credits | 6 |
| Contact Hours | 48 |
| Self Study Hours | 72 |
| Course Aims | This module aims to introduce students to the key determinants of the international business environment. It will introduce them to forces such as globalisation and actors such as national governments that help to shape the macro environment. It will examine how these forces may shape business strategy and operations in the international context. Students will also be introduced to a selected range of corporate capabilities that are becoming increasingly mandatory for participation in the international business environment, for example the management of co-operative relationships and management supply chain networks The module deliberately combines work in teams mixed by gender and nationality with individual assessment, providing a ready application for skills taught in Bus 104 (Individual Influencing Skills) and prepares students for group work which will be a key element of the approach throughout the BAIB programme. |
| Course Content | - Week 1 Introduction to Business and the Environment
- Week 2 PEST analysis
- Week 3 Porter's five forces analysis
- Week 4 SWOT analysis
- Week 5 Stakeholder analysis
- Week 6 Planning and control
- Week 7 Organisational culture and structure
- Week 8 Change management
- Week 9, 10 The marketing function
- Week 11 The HRM function
Core Skills ContentResearch skills
Selecting and using appropriate research sources e.g. Online facilities
Analytical skills
An ability to apply introductory level business tools and techniques such as PEST analysis
Communication skills
Oral skills -presentation of business concepts and information
Writing skills - production of business reports in a clear and concise manner both as an individual and within groups
Use of PowerPoint to make presentations
IT skills
The use of business software packages Word, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
Self management skills
Group management, interacting effectively within a team
Preparation for class, reading material in advance and utilising the material in a classroom context
Interpersonal skills
Active class participation, with ability to give and receive information and ideas, and modify responses, where appropriate
Presentations, using a variety of formats |
| Learning Outcomes | (A3, B1, C1, C5, D3) |
| Presentation | The teaching/learning strategy for this module has been designed to ensure that the programme level learning outcomes outlined above have been acquired. The lecture ensures that relevant theoretical constructs are explained, while the seminars give an opportunity to apply these constructs and to learn how to work together in a multicultural group to do so. |
| Reading Recommended | Brooks, I. Weatherston, J. Wilkinson, G. (2004) The International Business Environment, FT Prentice Hall
Morrison, J., (2006) The International Business Environment, 2nd edn, Palgrave Macmillan
Worthington, I. And Britton, C. (2006) The Business Environment, 5th edn, Financial Times/Prentice Hall
Since the module covers the contemporary business world, regular reading of the quality press and journals listed below is expected to support and update the main texts. The library has these main business papers and journals, many on CD-ROM.
Journals
Business Week The Economist The Financial Times Forbes Magazine The Guardian Management Today Marketing Planning and Intelligence The Times
Useful websites
www.ft.com www.economist.com |
| Reading Required | Capon (2004) Understanding Organisational Context, 2nd edn, Financial Times/ Prentice Hall |
| Asseseement Methods | - (a) One group written assignment, group presentations and student participation
- (b) Time constrained written exam
- (c) Individual written assignment
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