The main aim of this module is to introduce you to how businesses operate in practice through active, experiential learning.

Indicative content includes:
How businesses function in real-world contexts
Key business functions (marketing, operations, finance, HR)
Business decision-making and problem-solving
Teamwork and workplace communication
Customer needs and value creation
Digital tools used in business practice
Professional behaviour and business etiquette
Reflection on learning through practice

Accessibility and Inclusion:
The module supports accessibility and inclusion through flexible assessment formats in Assessment 1, allowing students to choose from a range of digital submission methods (e.g. blog, infographic, video, narrated slides). Teaching is scaffolded through guided workshops and formative feedback to support students transitioning into higher education and developing academic confidence.

Simulation:
Simulation is embedded through authentic, practice-based learning. Assessment 1 simulates real-world business investigation by requiring students to explore how a current business operates in practice, while Assessment 2 simulates professional problem-solving through the development and presentation of a practical business response using an academic poster format.

Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice:
The module is strongly employability-focused, introducing students to how businesses operate across key functional areas including marketing, operations, finance and people management. Both assessments develop professional awareness, business reasoning, digital communication and presentation skills relevant to a wide range of business contexts, including commercial, social enterprise and digital businesses.

Sustainability:
Sustainability is introduced through consideration of contemporary business challenges and opportunities, including social, environmental and economic factors influencing business practice. Students are encouraged to consider responsible decision-making and long-term business viability when exploring challenges and proposing solutions.

Academic, Digital and Research Skills:
Academic, digital and research skills are developed progressively. Assessment 1 builds confidence in digital communication and information handling, while Assessment 2 develops research skills, academic conventions and structured argument through the investigation and presentation of a business solution.

A1: Individual Digital Business Report (40% 1,000 words or equivalent)
Business in the Real World

You will select one real, current business (local business, global brand, online set-up, social enterprise, influencer brand etc.) and produce a digital case study on:

What the business is and its purpose
How the business operates its practice
A current real-world challenge or opportunity

You will submit the work in your chosen method of digital case study, this can be:
Blog-style report (1000wds)
Infographic (1000wds)
Short video (5 mins)
Narrated slides (5 mins)

Formative opportunities may include:
Business selection activity early in the module, with tutor feedback on the suitability and scope of the chosen organisation
In-class workshops exploring business purpose, operations and real-world challenges, with guided discussion and feedback on applying concepts to practice
Structured planning support, including guidance on structure, digital format choice and alignment to learning outcomes
Peer discussion and feedback activities focused on clarity of explanation and effective digital communication
Optional draft outline or storyboard feedback, enabling students to check direction before final submission

These formative activities support students in developing a clear, well-structured digital case study and preparing for progression into Assessment 2.

A2: Individual Academic Poster (60% 2,000 words)
My Business Solution

Based on the research carried out in A1, you will now develop practical business responses to the challenge / opportunity.

Key aspects that you need to consider:
Proposed solution or improvement for the business
Clear explanation of how it works in practice
Justification of business reasoning

Formative opportunities may include:
Feedback on Assessment 1, explicitly linked to how insights and challenges can be developed into practical business responses
Poster planning and design workshops, focusing on academic poster conventions, visual communication and structuring arguments clearly
Tutor-led sessions on business problem-solving, supporting students in developing justified, realistic solutions
Peer review of draft poster content or layouts, focusing on clarity, coherence and strength of business reasoning
Drop-in support sessions for guidance on research use, justification of solutions and academic presentation standards

These activities enable students to refine their ideas, strengthen justification, and communicate solutions effectively in a professional academic format.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments. Together, these strategies create a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the academic agility and entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in modern business environments delivered at level 4.

1. Identify how businesses operate in practice across different functional areas.

Knowledge and Understanding
Digital literacy

2. Apply basic business concepts to real-world business scenarios and challenges.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Investigate practical business solutions to real world challenges.

Research Skills

4. Present business ideas using effective communication and basic digital skills.

Digital Literacy
Communication

Baines, P., Fill, C. and Page, K. (2022) Essentials of Marketing. 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Brown, R. and Mason, C. (2023) Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Growth-Oriented Entrepreneurship. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

Daft, R.L. (2021) Management. 14th edn. Andover: Cengage Learning.

Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D. and Regnér, P. (2023) Exploring Strategy. 13th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

McDonald, M., Wilson, H. and Konuş, U. (2020) Marketing Plans: How to Prepare Them, How to Use Them. 8th edn. Chichester: Wiley

What does business look like in practice, and how do real organisations make decisions?

You will engage in hands-on business challenges that simulate real-world practice. You will work as an aspiring Business Manager to solve practical business problems, pitch ideas, and reflect on your learning while developing the professional skills needed for success in business and management study.