Programme Modules
Term 1
Management
The role of the manager has developed significantly over the past twenty-five years. Not just a person who gives orders and sees that they are applied, the modern manager must be aware of business strategy and understand how that can become reality through effective business policy. Modern managers understand how personnel is motivated, how policy is communicated and how market awareness is vital to survival in a competitive free-market economy.
Introduction to Accounting
A business manager who neglects a proper control of finances will soon encounter difficulties. Good accounting methods are essential both to budgetary control and to forward planning.Whilst the module does not attempt to deliver the skills associated with a fully qualified accountant, course members will become familiar with the principles of creating records of profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet analysis.
Study Skills
The Study Skills module is intended to provide the foundations for undertaking undergraduate studies. Some students are unsure about what is expected of them as they enter higher education; often the transition is difficult to negotiate. This module attempts to address any potential problem by providing the development for good academic practice. It is important to make explicit the criteria and standards applied in assessing students’ work and accordingly this module aims to initiate an understanding of what is required.
Term 2
Introduction to Computing
Computer systems have become a familiar feature of the modern business environment. However, the effective use of this tool depends upon an understanding of data collection and retrieval techniques as well as the theories underlying the analysis of statistical data. Successful analysis will assist in the development of reliable predictive skills and, therefore, better decision making.
Business Economics
Economic theory assists the modern manager to understand the ways in which the scale of operations may impact upon cost savings, as well as the influence of world economic trends upon individual business strategy. In this way, managers utilise micro and macro-economic data to improve decision making about future policy.
Business Law
An understanding of the legal environment within which business can thrive is of vital importance to a business manager. Apart from the intricacies of contract law, managers must be aware of EU legislation in respect of employment, exports and business development. In addition the entrepreneur, who may wish to establish a new business, should understand the benefits of incorporation as well as the advantages of other forms of company identity.
Term 3
Human Resource Management
This module complements the study of Employee Resourcing and considers, amongst others, theories of human motivation as an important area of understanding for all managers. In their efforts to obtain the best efficiencies from the human resource, managers will find the study of social scientific theories very helpful.This is especially so when a business is faced with the task of implementing necessary changes brought about by company mergers or the deployment of new systems.
Marketing
It has been argued that a market-led business will survive most challenges. Such a business ensures that every member of the organisation accepts the importance of delivering the best possible product/service to every customer. Understanding customers’ needs and responding appropriately is a fundamental pre-requisite of a market-led business.The module will explain how this might be achieved.
Management Accounting
This Module Complements the study of Introduction to Accounting in which course members gain an understanding of the principle methods used to record business financial data. In this study, course members will appreciate a range of accepted methods used in the interpretation of that data. By the close analysis of financial data, managers are able to respond to business needs such as future investment and cost savings.
Term 4
Telecommunications and Networking
Students will be encouraged, in this module, to appreciate the variety and purpose of the different communications systems available in the modern business world. In this way, the module will develop an awareness of the benefits of employing effective communication methods in their appropriate contexts.
Employee Resourcing
The employee resource represents one of the major cost overheads within an organisation. It is very important, therefore, that managers employ efficient recruitment and selection procedures so that businesses benefit from the most effective deployment of skills and knowledge.At the same time, this process must be carried out within the guidelines prescribed by employment law.
Managing Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Individuals are different. Some of these differences are demonstrated in gender, religious belief, ethnic origin and age. Modern managers must be sensitive to this diversity not only in order to foster equality of opportunity but also to develop a positive approach to the benefits that may derive from an understanding of individual differences.
Term 5
International Marketing
The opportunities for companies to develop an international business enterprise are greater now than they have ever been. Managers should be aware of certain principles which need to be observed when engaged in international marketing.The module seeks to develop an awareness of these principles by exploring the challenges of cultural differences, the legal environments of other countries and the various methods which could be employed to penetrate a new market..
Information Systems Management
Management forecasting and effective decision making relies heavily upon the nature and quality of the data available.The management of modern information systems offers the possible benefits of better informed strategic decisions.This module explores the most effective ways in which data may be captured, stored retrieved and interpreted.
Strategic Management
The module explores the ways in which the overall aims and objectives of a business might interact with the need to institute changes in response to external challenges. Management structures within organisations must accommodate these changes and adapt according to the business environment.
Term 6
Employee Law and Relations
The modern manager must be aware of the legislation affecting employee relations as well as the variety of approaches to conflict resolution.The module explores these with a view to developing in course members an ability to engage effectively in these areas of human resource management.
Project
A major skill relevant to business organisations is that of managing projects. It frequently entails using teams in which individual responsibilities need to be coordinated to ensure that objectives are met. The module explores the basis of an effective planning process through the appropriate scheduling of resources and offers the opportunity to final year undergraduates to demonstrate their skills in the preparation of a research project.The project should focus upon a particular business problem or opportunity.Typically, course members will choose a case study and make a critical appraisal in the light of related business theories.The benefit of this study is that it provides a real possibility that the conclusions of the project could make a contribution to business efficiency.
If you choose our 2 or 3 year degree with year 0 you will take the following courses in your first year:
Principles of Management
Computer Literacy
Advanced Critical Writing Skills
Numeracy
Academic Writing
Personal Development
GSM London
