Business Management and Marketing (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.

Digital Business (Core)

Our Digital Business module at Level 4 will begin to equip you with some knowledge and initial practical skills desired by employers. At St Mary's, this course is covering important areas of Digital Business and will provide you with a solid foundation for a career in the contemporary business field - private, public or voluntary sector organisations. This is a core module because the world of 2030 when the students’ careers will be developing is, and will continue to be, characterised by the reinvention of new business models. This core module is deepened by the knowledge and skills that would be acquired in the follow up Digital Business Strategy module (also core) in level 6.

More and more companies establish digital systems to support their business processes and to gain strategic competitive advantage. In this turbulent environment characterised by the acceleration of various technologies, the greater prevalence of AI, new digital infrastructures, and the ‘obsession’ with consumer centricity through worldwide internet connectivity, our students, as the managers of tomorrow must possess the knowledge and skills to exploit digital business opportunities.

This module will set out the basic principles of digital business transformation by organisations and some of the changes in their management. It will help our students distinguish between digital business and e-commerce marketplaces. It will focus on new technology infrastructures, exploring also important issues as the integration of the new business environment in organisational strategies, new transformative business models, the reimagination of customer centred marketing, and, the necessity for cultural change.

The module will help students develop a view of the digital business in practice and in theory through both academic references and major practical consultancy reports.

• Credits: 20

Financial Management (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.

Professional Skills (Core)

This module builds upon the knowledge and understanding students will have achieved in MGT4016 Introduction to Management. They will apply their group-working skills, goal-setting practice and reflection, as well as using their numeracy and business communication skills within this module.

Students will be introduced to professionalism and will experience employment-related scenarios which will develop their ability to assess situations and make judgements. These judgements will be informed by consideration of fundamental ethical principles and the commercial imperatives which drive many business decisions. Students will also focus on their own employability, reflect on their current skills and plan to develop the areas which they have identified as priorities.

• Credits: 20

Leadership in Organisations (Core)

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.

Being a Marketing Manager (Core)

You can’t be a good marketing manager just by learning lots about marketing. You must also be able to think and act like a professional marketing manager. This module trains you in the personal, professional and technical skills you need for this and gives you lots of practice in applying them and prepares you for your marketing placement.

The skills you need include using information technology to analyse data and create and present powerful presentations for your colleagues and for the outside world, preparing marketing budgets and plans, creating briefs for marketing agencies, how to work with colleagues in different functions, and perhaps most important of all, how to continue improving your skills.

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.

Marketing Strategy and Implementation (Core)

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.

International Marketing and Supply Chain Logistics (Core)

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. 

Experience and Employment in Business (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Business Economics (Optional)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ethics in Communications and Marketing (Core)

This module investigates ethical issues in communications and marketing. Underpinned by philosophical ideas about what is right and wrong, it takes an applied approach to ethical dilemmas in the workplace, specifically in the communication and marketing industries. You will also critically examine ethics in marketing in relation to corporate social responsibility and ethical consumerism, and consider professional codes of conduct and ethical practice in the media.

Consultancy Project (Core)

Module description coming soon.

Contemporary Issues in Marketing (Core)

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.

Strategy (Core)

The module explores strategies, strategy processes, and strategy concepts associated with multinational organisations. It helps students to develop an understanding of strategy formation in business organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations and other organisational forms.

The module will provide students with a comprehensive appreciation of strategy formulation and implementation from both an organisational and individual perspective. Themes like strategic decision making, organisational structure, organisational learning, and the organisational environment will feature on this module.

• Assessment: Online discussion and seminars 3,500 words 70%; Business Case presentation 12 minutes 30%
• Credits: 20

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.

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.