Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) BA (Hons)

Contemporary Marketing Practice (Core)

The dynamics of the marketing environment, namely buyer behaviour, product pricing and product promotion, are all explored within this module. You will examine the role marketing communication plays in business and some techniques used to generate interest and purchasing decisions. As part of this module, you will develop an understanding of the significance of research in market development and product innovation.

Introduction to Management (Core)

This module introduces students to the management skills they will need to develop as they embark on their university studies and into their careers, and to the broad functional disciplines that underpin the study of management and provides an integrative platform upon which to build on in later modules. This will be achieved by examining the discipline of management from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This will be done whilst identifying and building essential management and study skills which will be important for successful progression through the programmes of study.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Organisational Behaviour (Core)

This module examines the nature of organisational behaviour from both an individual and corporate perspective. It provides you with a good understanding of work psychology and the important role it plays in managing relationships between colleagues, staff and managers. The module considers the impacts of situational influences and concepts, such as job satisfaction, diversity, work motivation and leadership. You will gain an appreciation of psychology in professional and business settings. You will also realise the interface of human psychology in the workplace.

Contemporary Business Issues (Core)

You will consider the impact of economic issues on business and entrepreneurs as part of this topical business module. You will learn to identify and assess business environment factors; understand the market mechanism and consider its relevance for the performance of businesses and organisations. This module will also examine the relationship between government and markets as well as consider the international and ethical dimension to businesses and entrepreneurial activity.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Financial Decision Making (Core)

This module introduces you to methods of research and data collection, data analysis, and some financial mathematics used by decision makers in a business or organisational context. It gives a broad appreciation of the role of key methods and approaches essential to commercial decision-making processes. Emphasis will be placed on the application of essential techniques and methodology, and the interpretation of results. This should help you to understand the value and limitations of data and financial information in decision making.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Human Resource Management (Core)

You can explore the strategic role human resource management (HRM) plays from both an organisational and employee-focused perspective, as part of this business management module. You will also gain an appreciation of the selection, training, appraisal and reward of employees which could be useful for your own career ambitions. This module will help you reflect on personal attributes as well as prepare plans for your career. Particular reference will be made to corporate and business environments, drawing upon examples and scenarios from around the world.

Corporate Finance (Core)

This module analyses the nature and practice of corporate finance from both a domestic and international perspective. The module seeks to equip you with a detailed understanding of the risks and rewards of investment and the strategies for successful commercial financing. You will learn to differentiate between different financial products, such as equities and derivatives. The module will provide the conceptual tools necessary for informed financial decision-making and will stress the practical framework of corporate finance operation throughout.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Diploma Level.

Fundamentals of Accounting (Core)

This is a core module for all business management programmes and recognises the importance of accounting and solid budgetary control. This module introduces you to the role and nature of financial accounting in business operations and highlights the concepts that encompass responsible financial management. You will learn to understand key items of information contained in the published financial statements of companies and other organisations. The module includes the preparation of accounting statements, with emphasis on their use, interpretation and limitations.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Certificate Level.

Business Economics (Core)

Micro and macroeconomic issues significantly influence many business decisions. In this module you will examine the concepts of supply and demand, equilibrium and elasticities and their impact on business and pricing strategies. You will also question the effects of industry structure and competition. From a macro-economic perspective, you will consider the effect of national income as well as fiscal and monetary policy. You will also debate global aspects of the economy such as balance of payments, international trade and exchange rates.

Research Methods in Business and Management (Core)

This module provides you with an understanding of research in management and business as preparation for the Level 6 independent research project. You will be encouraged to consider relevant philosophies, approaches and methodologies in research such as primary and secondary research, self-completion questionnaires and ethnography, and qualitative and quantitative research. You will consider the role of ethics in research and will learn to apply these methods to a realistic business and management situation.

International Human Resource Management (Optional)

On this module, you will consider the principles, theory and practice of International Human Resource Management (IHRM). You will discuss issues of culture on organisations, and learn of the challenges for managing human resource in an international context, such as international staffing, selection, training and development, compensation and performance management. You will also consider some of the regulatory and legislative barriers that influence international human resource management, such as industrial relations and the European Social Policy.

International Management (Optional)

Management is challenging, but managing across national borders presents far greater and complex challenges. During this module, you will compare and contrast different frameworks used in management at a global level. You will consider the social and cultural backdrop to cross-border management as well as the importance of foreign direct investment in the world economy. You will examine issues of management development and corporate decision-making within the context of international operations, and will also understand how international perspectives can influence international operations.

Philosophy and Ethics for Business Decision Making (Optional)

The module provides you with a philosophical and ethical framework for making ethical decisions in the world of business. Discussion around concepts of trust, fraud and corruption will feature in this module and you will be encouraged to discuss and debate the ethical dimensions of such issues in class. You will explore the use of ethical investments and consider the role of professional bodies on codes of conduct and guidance that drive ethical business behaviour. This module challenges you to be a creative thinker and to apply ethical and philosophical decision making to real-world business problems or scenarios.

Principles of Entrepreneurship (Optional)

This module introduces you to entrepreneurship in practical and theoretical methods. The module exposes you to different entrepreneurial approaches, including social entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship across gender and ethnicity. It also explores the importance of entrepreneurship to national economies. You will develop an awareness of key skills needed for exploiting new business opportunities, namely marketing and financial planning. You will also meet people who run SMEs, providing you with real examples to enhance your learning opportunities.

Project Management and Practitioner Skills for Managers (Optional)

The module develops practical skills associated with being a good and effective manager. It outlines the methods and techniques used to overcome some different situations faced by managers in real life. You will learn how to handle organisational culture, managing a project to specification, handling meetings and negotiating, as well as developing and managing a team. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own styles of management and communication and will learn to improve and enhance your networking skills which will make you a more business-ready prospect for future employers.

Business Law (Optional)

Understanding how the law affects the operation of a business is crucial to the success or survival of the business. During this module, you will be exposed to the national, EU and international legal environments in which businesses function. This module explores the most important and frequently occurring areas of law relevant to most businesses.

The complex nature of the law means that even deciding the appropriate form of business organisation is a question which results in many legislative outcomes. This module will help you to make that decision.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Diploma Level.

Starting a Business Venture (Optional)

Starting a business is an exciting venture for anyone to take up. In this module, theory and practice combine to provide you with the skills to set up your own business. This module takes you on a journey starting with identifying gaps in the market right through to preparation of a business plan and all stages in between. This module is designed to ensure you are aware of the best conditions for business success, and are given the opportunity to present your business idea to a panel of business leaders in a Dragon’s Den format.

Consumer and Commercial Law (Optional)

The customer isn’t always right: therefore an awareness of consumer and commercial law is very important to any business selling goods to customers. This module will guide you through the important principles of law governing sales transactions and the law of agency. In particular, it will consider contractual arrangements and the Sale of Goods Act; it will look at where responsibility rests when a good is faulty or defective; what exemptions and limitations exist around transactions and what remedies buyers and sellers have at their disposal. You will gain useful knowledge when buying and selling goods which can be applied against everyday purchases as well as in business.

International Marketing and Supply Chain Logistics (Optional)

This module provides you with a detailed understanding of the international marketing function and supply chain logistics involved in modern business activities. It will increase awareness of the complex relationship between marketing internationally and the supply chain function. You will explore how the international business environment impacts upon the marketing and supply management function within the business and the requisite modifications needed to access international markets. A theme of ethics in international marketing is also embedded throughout the module. 

Leadership in Organisations (Optional)

Leadership is the subject of much academic research, debate and analysis and even media headlines regularly attack public figures on their leadership. In this module you are guided through styles of leadership and examine the effectiveness of each. You will consider and identify successful business leaders and understand how and why they have achieved success. The module includes sessions where you get unrivalled access to a panel of business leaders. You are also encouraged to critically analyse current research on leadership to help you define your own style.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Diploma Level.

Management Accounting (Optional)

Good management accounting is important for a business to strive in a competitive setting. This module gives you a strong understanding of the theory of management accounting in businesses and organisations. You will examine the role of ethics and social responsibility in management accounting, and will also gain an appreciation of the underlying concepts on which management accounting is founded. The module provides practical skills associated with management accounting, such as appraising capital investments, developing marginal costing and devising and controlling a budget.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Certificate Level.

Marketing Strategy and Implementation (Optional)

In order for a business to survive or grow it needs to employ marketing techniques as part of a strategy to generate awareness, interest desire and then action. This module looks at current approaches and techniques for managing the development and implementation of marketing strategies. Sessions cover various marketing models that are used in business and public service. You are also made aware of the integral role social responsibility and ethics has in marketing. You will discover the analytical tools that help marketing managers make effective and important marketing decisions.

Contributing to the Community (Optional)

As local employers and suppliers of services, businesses are an integral part of any community or society. On this module, students with business or management ambitions will develop an appreciation of social issues and concerns. This module provides you with practical work experience in a community-focused service, such as a charity, social or education service.

You will develop your societal awareness and gain a greater understanding of local level organisation. The placement acts as a case study for you to explore issues of social justice and community action. The module also helps to develop your employability skills through the process of self-reflection and evaluation and by applying theory to practice.

Experience and Employment in Business (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Behavioural Economics (Optional)

Do people act rationally? This module introduces you to some of the most fascinating human and behavioural insights accumulated by the marketing and communications industries, combining behavioural psychology with economic analysis. You will explore the contrast between what rational agents are supposed to do, according to standard economic theory, and how humans actually behave.

Research Project (Core option)

Drawing on the research proposal developed in Research Methods in Business and Management, you will refine and carry out your research proposal and develop a body of work in evidence. As part of the module, you will develop the ability to locate and evaluate, academic literature and business reports. The module will enable you to demonstrate a holistic understanding of business management issues and to exemplify your research, reporting and analytical skills through a significant piece of independent research.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership.

Independent Study (Core option)

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an extended final year piece of independent study which is a value and integral element of Higher Education. The Independent Study will culminate in an extended essay or report which will be defended and discussed in a viva. The process of undertaking the independent study will require students to develop skills in time management, project management and develop their academic and professional writing and communication skills.

Students will be allocated a supervisor and will receive a combination of small group and individual supervision. Throughout the process, students will be responsible independent learners who will be rewarded for their self and project management and their initiative and problem-solving ability. The independent study should demonstrate and develop students’ ability to think critically and professionally and to synthesize complex ideas through their writing and their discussion.

Financial Markets and Institutions (Core)

For students who have wondered what FTSE, CAC and Dow Jones are or what happens on Wall Street or the City of London then this module provides some context. It discusses the historical developments and market structure of major international financial markets such as the equity, debt and currency markets as well as the risks and opportunities faced by businesses operating in these markets. The module also touches upon current developments in these markets, and various international funding and investment techniques.

Stock Market Investment (Core)

Price fluctuations for stocks and shares makes timely investment seem impossible to many people. However, on this module, you will get a better understanding of what influences these fluctuations, how securities are traded and how stock and shares are valued. This module explores the opportunities for investing in stock markets followed by discussions on investment theories and valuation processes. You will also be exposed to the practical aspects of investing. On completing this module successfully, you will be able to analyse investment opportunities from both theoretical and practical considerations with a view to making appropriate investment decisions.

Building a Start-up Business (Optional)

This module complements the Starting a Business Venture in Level 5 and is designed specifically for Business Management students with a viable business idea that they wish to take to market.

The module includes tailored business development sessions where you will learn and collaborate with others in developing your business. You will have access to mentors and successful start-up entrepreneurs and will draw upon their experience. At the end of the module, you will present your business plan to a panel of business owners and can then go on to seek investment and funds to take it to market.

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility (Optional)

This module progresses themes of business ethics embedded earlier in the degree, in terms of management of finance, human resources, and marketing. It also enables you to engage critically with a number of other issues identifiable in the theory and practice of business ethics, such as different approaches to business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, transnational corporations, ethical investment and whistle-blowing. It, therefore, equips you with a critical insight into becoming an ethical and responsible business practitioner.

Digital Business (Optional)

Online and digital business is now central to the development of most businesses and economies. This module will help you understand the impact of digital technology on different sectors – private, public and charitable/third sector and apply digital ideas to developing strategies and tactics.

The information and communications technology foundations of digital change are covered, as well as the emergence of new business models (such as two-sided information platforms) exploiting digital techniques, and how they challenge conventional models. Hands-on practical experience of developing your own ideas and applying them are also central to the module, and issues of privacy and security are covered.

Employment Law (Optional)

An understanding of employment law is important for all businesses, including self-employed people. This module covers key components of employment law in England and Wales from an individual perspective, as well as examining current challenges. You will gain an appreciation for equality and family friendly laws as well as laws and regulations affecting dismissal and redundancy. The module also considers the impact of law on topical issues such as those presented by the so-called ‘gig economy’.

Entrepreneurship in Context (Optional)

Entrepreneurship is a profound social force. For every development in the modern era, the technologies and ideas that constituted those developments have been configured and realized through entrepreneurship, in one form or another. Not only has entrepreneurship found ways to allocate food, energy, and information in society, but it has determined how they will be allocated. This module takes an interdisciplinary perspective on entrepreneurship in its global context, drawing insights from economics, anthropology, sociology, geography, and politics. Using these various lenses, the module will help students think about the functions of entrepreneurship in society.

This is the final entrepreneurship module available to students at St Mary’s, and complements the preceding modules – Principles of Entrepreneurship (MGT5016) and Starting a Business Venture (MGT 5024). The first module in this series was concerned with helping students understand what entrepreneurship is, the second with how to do it. This final module in the entrepreneurship pathway offers students the chance to thoroughly consider the question of why entrepreneurship – both in terms why entrepreneurship has produced the global outcomes that it has, and why the students of this course might want to engage in entrepreneurship themselves.

International Entrepreneurship Project (Optional)

Social enterprise is often seen as a UK phenomenon. In this module, you are encouraged to examine issues of social entrepreneurship in a global context. You will conduct supervised but independent research on a social entrepreneurial project. You will develop analytical and research skills but will also gain an appreciation for the challenges faced by different environments and cultures and the experiences of social entrepreneurship encountered by those communities.

Law of International Trade (Optional)

Many businesses buy and sell products internationally, in order to reap the benefits of global trading. This module guides you through some of the most important sets of rules, conventions and documents that facilitate international trade. It focuses on how those regulations are treated and interpreted domestically. As part of this module you will participate in a practical session where you consider the key regulations applicable into pre-determined goods being sold across national borders. You will also become conversant in the Bills of Lading, Hague-Visby and Letters of Credit.

Management of Organisational Change (Optional)

Organisations often change and restructure to operate more efficiently or to meet the demands of new markets or services. In this module, you will develop an appreciation of some complex factors contributing to organisational change, including practical and theoretical approaches to the subject. You will evaluate the implications of change, particularly in relation to individuals, groups, organisations and society. You will also develop the necessary analytical tools to define, plan and manage change situations.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Diploma Level.

The Enterprising Workplace (Optional)

This module provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace whilst reflecting on, identifying and improving your own skills, knowledge and professional identity. You will be introduced to the concepts of enterprise, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship and will explore how these exist within organisations.

Charity Management (Optional)

In this module you will consider how charities and third sector organisations function as a form of business practice. You will gain an appreciation of the current issues facing charitable and third sector organisations in the UK. You will examine management practices, such as planning, fundraising, and marketing as well as understand the impact of law and governance on such organisations. You will develop insights into the contribution made by charities and third sector organisations to society whilst realising the role of ethics in managing such organisations.

International Financial Reporting (Optional)

The globalisation of business has led to a gradual move in the UK away from domestic generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) to international rules. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is emerging as the generally accepted regulator of the international rules. This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the underlying reasons for the harmonization of accounting standards internationally. Furthermore, you will learn how to prepare a range of financial statements that comply with IASB international financial reporting standards (IFRS).

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Certificate Level.

International Strategic Management (Optional)

This module analyses the operation of strategic management in corporate, public and not for profit organisations. The module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the formulation and development of strategy from both an organisational and individual perspective. You will consider external factors such as industry trends and environmental impacts, and particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between corporate strategy and the achievement of competitive advantage.

Management Consultancy Project (Optional)

This module seeks to develop your practical managerial skills within the context of a live business assignment, for example developing marketing plans, business strategies or organisational behaviour recommendations. You will act as management consultants, linking with an appropriate industrial or commercial organisation in order to prepare your final consultancy report. Through both practical experience and exposure to appropriate theory, the module will develop the key skills of analysis, fact management and contextual decision making.

Managing in the Workplace (Optional)

In this module, you will consider the challenges of leadership and management. You will learn how these practices impact on the culture and success of an organisation through real-life examples. You will identify, observe and develop skills required to promote positive management practice and will analyse your own management style. You will be encouraged to consider leadership qualities and how you can demonstrate these at all levels in an organisation.

Social Enterprise (Optional)

This module will examine the theory and practice of social enterprise. You will gain a unique outlook on enterprises that reinvest surpluses into society. As part of the module, you will explore the nature and impact of social enterprise in a wider socio-economic context. You consider some challenges and opportunities that social enterprises present and develop a social enterprise proposal for action. On completing the module, you will be equipped with the skills to develop your own entrepreneurial business in the social sector.

Contemporary Issues in Marketing (Optional)

This module is designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments in marketing. These are coming thick and fast, mainly because of the rapid rate of change stimulated by digital marketing techniques, but also by the disruption in markets that digital technology causes and new business models, including platform-based ones. This module uses the latest research from the teaching team and inputs from visiting senior marketers.

Marketing Consultancy Project (Optional)

Marketers often act as consultants to their organisations, bringing the customer’s perspective into decision-making. You’ll learn that marketers are also big buyers of external consultancy, but must learn to buy consultancy well and interpret it productively. You’ll learn to carry out a marketing consultancy project, which involves not only research, analysis and presentation but also learning how to manage clients to produce good relationships and results.