Ba Business Management Joint

BA Business Management (Joint Honours)

The Business Management degree scheme at University of Wales Lampeter provides students with the opportunity to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills that can be utilised in a career in a variety of business management settings. The Department is small and friendly, and places a strong emphasis on student support and participative teaching and learning. The booklet will provide you with an introduction to the content and structure of the courses. If you would like any further information please contact us (details are on the back page)

Contents Course Content and Structure

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Year 1 University Compulsory Modules

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Year 1 Departmental Core Modules

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Year 2 Departmental Core Modules

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Year 3 Departmental Core Modules

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Year 3 Optional Modules

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Contact details

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

BA Business Management (Joint Honours) COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT In each year students are required to take a number of compulsory and core modules, which provide a core framework of understanding of business management. All first year and second year students are required to take all compulsory modules with no optional modules. Students can then choose additional optional modules from a wider list. There is a greater choice in years 3. In each year a joint honours student must take 60 credits. Some modules are worth 20 credits, but some are worth 10 credits (and these are clearly shown) Combined honours students must take 40 credits in Business Management and 80 credits across two other subject areas. Year 1 University Compulsory Modules: Study Skills for MIT Information Technology Skills

10 credits 10 credits

Year 1 Departmental Core Modules: Principles of Management 1 Principles of Management 2 Introduction to Strategic Management

20 credits 20 credits 10 credits

Year 2 Departmental Core Modules: Financial Management I Human Resource Management Marketing Research Methods

10 credits 20 credits 20 credits 10 credits

Year 3 Departmental Core Modules: Strategic Management Personal Management Skills

20 credits 10 credits

Descriptions of all core modules are found on the following pages, together with lists of currently available optional modules.

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 1 – University compulsory modules 1SSMIT0110 Study Skills for MIT This module is designed to help students make the most of their chosen degree scheme by developing study skills and encouraging reflective learning. The module has four main elements: effective study, research skills, written communication, developing analytical skills. Effective study includes: • Review of skills needs for study and personal development • The components of effective study • Introduction to Personal Development Planning • Time management • Learning Skills & styles • The relationship between teaching and learning (introduction to learning contracts) Research Skills include: • Reading and Information Gathering Skills • Note taking (priorities, approaches and styles) • Electronic Information Sources and Retrieval Skills Written communication includes: • Academic writing (essays, reports etc.) • Referencing • Meeting the assessment criteria (key words, analysis etc.) • Plagiarism Developing analytical skills includes: • Logical reasoning • Critical analysis Teaching includes lectures, small group discussions, and practical exercises. Assessment includes a skills demonstration portfolio, a reflective assignment and a personal development review and plan.

1UWL0110 Information Technology Skills The module is designed to provide an introduction to computing for students planning a business career or who are likely to work in an office environment. Industry standard software packages are used for the practical aspects of the course. The workshop sessions are designed to provide the practical implementation. The module provides a basic computer literacy which will be valuable during the students’ course and in their subsequent work or study. The emphasis is on the use of micro-computer software packages as tools to aid data-handling and decision making. The topics covered includes: • Windows Explorer • Microsoft Word • FTP • Web page design & introduction to html • Microsoft Excel • Microsoft Access Assessment includes an assignment and an examination. 3

University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 1 – Departmental core modules 1MIT1620 Principles of Management 1 Traditionally, the term "management" refers to the activities involved in the four general functions: planning, organising, leading and coordinating of resources. In order to appreciate current and emerging management trends, it is helpful to recognise how management has evolved over time and what the key challenges for management are at present and in the future. This module delivers a broad understanding of management (including traditional and emerging views), and delves into key areas of knowledge and skills required to carry out the major functions of management. Particular topics will be: • The evolution of management thought – from scientific to the human relations approach • The essential functions of management • The changing environment of management • Types of Business Organisations • Introduction to Marketing • Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility Foundations will be set for further exploration of other management topics in Principles of Management 2. Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one written assignment. There will be one summative assessment via an examination.

1MIT1720 Principles of Management 2 Building on the themes introduced in Principles of Management 1, this module will further develop the topics essential to the understanding of modern business practice. A knowledge of human resource management and leadership skills are prerequisites for all managers, as is an understanding of financial matters, information systems and operational quality. The final part of this module does not in any way attempt to make accountants out of the students but attempts to give an understanding of how company accounts are prepared and the effect of management decisions on those accounts. Particular topics will be: 4

University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

• • • • • • • •

HRM, motivation and teamwork Decision making and communications in organisations Influence and power Organisational structure and essential management objectives Introduction to accounting – record keeping and preparation of accounts The distinction between profitability and cashflow Capital expenditure and depreciation Planning and forecasting

1MIT1510 Introduction to Strategic Management Effective managers around the world recognise the important role that strategic management plays in their organisation’s performance and this module explores the underlying reasons for that. Strategic management involves assessing your situation today and predicting the future. There are a number of analytical tools, which assist in the assessment process and provide relevant and current management information. Such insights, coupled with creativity and foresight are the fundamental ingredients of strategic planning. This module provides an overview of the strategic planning processes. Students learn to apply the tools of environmental analysis and to explore universally applicable strategies. In particular, the module aims to: • Define strategy • Illustrate the steps involved in the strategic management process • Compare and contrast different types of strategy • Assess the role and purpose of mission statements • Explain and differentiate between terms, such as values, purpose, goals and objectives • Identify key external influences on the organisation • Introduce the concept of the life cycle • Introduce and apply tools of strategic analysis • Explore the concepts of Total Quality Management and Bench Marking Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one written assignment. There will be one summative assessment via an examination.

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 2 – core modules 2MIT2410 Financial Management 1 Management in the modern commercial environment requires a mix of skills and an understanding of the financial implications of management decisions is essential in maximising the impact of an organisation’s strategy. This module attempts to build on the Basic Accounting module from year one and examines in more detail the effect of management decisions on the profitability of an organisation. It also strives to make the student consider the financial impact of any management decisions that may need to be made. Particular topics will be: • Financial statements • Financial resources - funding and associated costs • Performance indicators – calculation, analysis and improvement • Financial evaluation of a business – SWOT analysis • Break-even analysis Teaching sessions attempt to be interactive and will involve case study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one written assignment and there will be one summative assessment via an examination. 2MIT2620 Human Resource Management The objective of this module is to provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to the human resource function and the human resource processes in and around a business. While recognising other resources like financial and physical resources are essential to the efficacy of a business, people may also realise that human resources remain virtually limitless in their capacity to make an impact on a company both positively and negatively. The field of HRM is full of competing and conflicting models and theories, wherein there are very few absolutes that dictate how people should behave in the workplace and how they should be managed. The course will be separated into two parts. The first part of the module addresses strategic human resource management, performance management and change management. Topics covered include • The nature of human resource management and contemporary HRM thought • Human resource management strategies and planning • Structures and styles of management in organisations and their effect on the organisational culture • Managing human resources in the changing workplace • Human resource management and performance management The teaching style is to first present a perspective, followed by an in-depth discussion on relevant questions or a case study with accompanying analysis. Meanwhile, extensive illustrative material and evidence from company practices will be provided. The employment of case study analysis and empirical material attempts to articulate theory in a clear and practical manner with cases being illustrative of how theory informs practice. This encourages conceptual development through assimilation and integration of ideas. 6

University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

2MIT4120 Marketing There are literally hundreds of definitions for marketing. According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, ‘marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably’. This clearly involves much more than simply advertising or selling; it requires market research and the ability to identify and empathise with current, as well as potential customers. In other words, marketing covers a wide range of absolutely essential management activities, which makes the right products available to the customer, in the right place, at the right time and at the right price. This module provides an overview of the basic elements and philosophies of marketing, as well as some background knowledge on the evolution and development of marketing practices, right up to current practice in this field. Students will be required to explore consumer buying behaviour and develop marketing strategies and plans. Particular areas to be addressed are: • Definitions and the history of marketing • Key elements of market research • Consumer behaviour • Market segmentation • The tools of marketing • Marketing planning, management and control • Definitions of a product and product management • Marketing and technology Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation, synthesising, communication, team and leadership skills through selfdirected, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one summative, written assignment. 2MIT9010 Research Methods The objective of this module is to present a comprehensive and practical introduction to the methods and techniques employed by social scientists in the conduct of social research. These methods and techniques have been developed, modified and practised throughout the history of the social sciences, and constitute the methodological heritage of modern researchers. Through teaching, it is anticipated that students can deepen their understanding of the methodological approach to social science research and enrich the link between theory and practice in an empirical environment. The following topics will be covered in detail • Approaches to management research • Experimental approaches • Gaining access to information • Survey techniques • Pre-understanding and understanding • Quantitative vs. qualitative methods • Using the literature & secondary sources • Research quality – reliability & validity approaches • Case study research • Multi-method The teaching style is to first present a perspective, followed by an in-depth discussion on relevant questions or a case study with accompanying analysis, if available. The employment of case study analysis and empirical material attempts to articulate theory in a clear and practical manner with 7

University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

cases being illustrative of how theory informs practice. This encourages conceptual development through assimilation and integration of ideas.

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 3 – core modules 3MIT3020 Strategic Management The development of a good strategy requires not only a thorough analysis of the external environment, but also the internal competencies of an organisation. This data is synthesised into a strategy, which integrates the plans of the different functional areas so that there is a clear and measurable plan describing how the organization intends to achieve its vision. The Strategic Management module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principals of strategic management. Students are required to apply the tools of environmental analysis and explore the issues involved in strategic development, strategy evaluation and change management. The following elements will be included: • Definition, key elements, core areas and importance of strategy • Environmental analysis: internal and external • Competitor and customer analysis • Strategy evaluation and selection • Management of change Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case study analysis and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one written assignment and one two hour examination. 3MIT5910 Personal Management Skills Over recent years it has become increasingly important that students graduate with a range of personal transferable skills appropriate to the opportunities of the graduate labour market, and that they are able to manage and facilitate their own personal and career development. Many of the necessary skills will be acquired within the learning programmes of the discipline specific modules offered by the Department of Business & Entrepreneurial Management, whilst others require specific consideration; this will enable students to ensure that they gain the most from the learning experience at Lampeter and also during their subsequent career. This module and a sister module (1mis5510 Personal Management Skills I) provide the framework for this element of the degree programme. The first module focuses specifically on some of the skills that are important within the learning context, whilst this module focuses on wider career development skills. Topics covered will include: • Self Exploration Personal Perceptions and values • Work Exploration Present and future work patterns, Entrepreneurial skills and portfolio Working, The local labour market • Career Planning Investigating vocational options, CV preparation, Preparing a Personal Action Plan • Managing Transitions Using transferable skills, Maintaining your personal portfolio, Interview Preparation, Personal change management, Using emotional intelligence The module will include various forms of reflective formative assessment. Summative assessment will be via a Personal Development Portfolio, and a one hour seen examination.

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 3 – optional modules 20 Credits Modules 3MIT2920 Leadership Principles and Practices 10 Credits Modules 3MIT6010 Small Business Management 3MIT5410 Entrepreneurship 3MIT5110 Change Management 3MIT4310 Organisational Behaviour 3MIT4410 Project Management 3MIT2510 Financial Management 2 3MIT5210 Current Issues in Management 3MIT5710 Managing across Cultures 3MIT5810 Operations Management Systems

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University of Wales Lampeter Department of Management and Information Technology

Contact details: The Administrator Department of Management and Information Technology University of Wales Lampeter College Street Lampeter Ceredigion SA48 7ED Phone: 01570 424727 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01570 424994

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