BA (Hons) in Business Studies Modules, Final Year Programme

Customer Service Excellence (20 credits)

With the advent of globalisation and technological development, managing successful customer relationships in different contexts is becoming more complex. In this module Customer needs are discussed with a view to identifying training skills requirements for all employees going beyond just customer interfacing staff to develop a customer-centres philosophy as core values in the business. This analysis helps to ensure that the customer service is organised, professional, cost effective and smoothly run. The module represents the opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue within the hectic international business world which continually affect business decision making.

Strategic Management (20 credits)

All organisation need to position themselves to secure competitive advantage in a dynamic environment. This applies to SMEs, MNCs, public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations. Strategy, at corporate, tactical and operation levels impacts on all parts of the business and makes the difference between success and failure. Strategic decision making determines what business an organisation is (or wants to be) in and how it will compete. Strategic planning is an ongoing and iterative process which enables organisations to achieve their strategic goals. Strategic management is the process through which the organisation is structured and managed to effectively implement its plans.

All aspiring managers need to understand the strategy process, and the contribution that managers, teams and individuals make to organisational success. This module provides students with an understanding of prescriptive and emergent approaches to strategy. It explains the importance of environmental analysis and considers how strategic options can be developed, evaluated and implemented.

Global Business Environment (20 credits)

International trade has always been important in generating the wealth of nations. The UK has had a history of exploration and international trade, particularly with former colonies in the Indian Sub-Continent and Africa. During the 20th century organisations such at the European Union, the World Trade Organisation and G8 have developed to break down barriers to trade and to encourage international business in an increasingly dynamic global environment. Now, at the beginning of the 21st Century we see the rise of China and India as powerful international trading nations. Russia, with its rich resources is becoming a major player in the international energy industry, creating massive fortunes for its entrepreneurs, while anti- globalisation protestors campaign against the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

It is vitally important that 21st century managers understand and respond to environmental change. This module considers the global environment in which business operates. It considers the factors driving global integration and the factors that promote local responsiveness. It considers the operation of the organisations associated with world trade and the economic principles which drive internationalisation and globalisation.

Law for Managers (20 credits)

This module develops knowledge and understanding of some of the laws that managers need to be aware of. It focuses on the law relating to the establishment and operation of business organisations (e.g. companies and partnerships) and the law of employment.

Innovative Marketing (20 credits)

The module sets out to develop students understanding and awareness of post-modern marketing principles and innovative marketing practice especially within the fast growth small firm sector. The module will aim to show the central role of marketing and innovation in the creation of competitiveness within organisations and the need for entrepreneurial marketing approaches that help maintain competitive advantage within the fragmenting market space.

Research Project (20 credits)

The programme culminates in a Research Project focussing on either Employee Relations or Human Resources, which can be based on a business topic of personal interest to you.