Details - A work based assignment of 2000 words weighted at 80% (Learning outcomes 1 & 2).
A reflective journal (500 words), weighted at 20%, relating to the learning, development and application of new skills (Learning outcome 3).

A minimum grade point of 4 must be achieved in both assessments.

The indicative content is expected to be diverse in nature, reflecting the issues that are current and are of direct concern to the students at the time. For the core content of this module: typical areas might be selected from the aspects listed below but other aspects may be added or subtracted as considered appropriate.

-The use of relevant costs for decision making within the Public Sector with consideration given to optimal product mix decisions.

- How all major change should be robust and challenged through a comprehensive business case to ensure that the change is the right change which addresses the root cause of an issue and not simply the effects. The business case should not only clearly demonstrate the value for money of the change proposed but also the critical success factors for the change, the timescales, resources and risks.

-You will study the uses of various performance and quality evaluation techniques, including return on capital employed, residual income as well as the non-financial performance indicators.

-Budgeting and performance evaluation, both in theory and in direct application wil be covered.

Adair J. 2006 Handbook of management and leadership. Thorogood Publishers U.K.

Blanchard K. 2004 The one minute manager meets the monkey. Harper Collins London.

Covey S. 2004 The seven habits of effective people . Simon and Schuster UK Ltd.

Gowthorpe C. (2005) Business Accounting & Finance for Non-Specialists. 2nd ed. Thompson

Whittington J. 2007 Exploring Corporate Strategy in the Public Sector. Pearson Education Ltd.

Staffordshire University electronic resources, the module web site and on campus library facilities.

The learning strategy for this module will require you to commit to one hundred and fifty hours of learning. The main emphasis is on the application of the learning in the work place and the return on investment to the organisation. Your learning strategy will be supported by academic study, including formal articles, case study analysis, activity based learning and reflective practice. This will apply to both the academic study and, most importantly, its application in the work place. You be encouraged to integrate your knowledge, evaluation and analysis skills as the module progresses.

The workshops will focus on the investigation process and the key aspects relating to the coursework. They will include talks and facilitated group discussion, peer review, group working and presentations based on group research, focusing on the application of new knowledge and skills in relation to your workplace.

You will be encouraged to research some of your own materials and share them in the workshops.

Learning support material will be provided for the module in the form of handouts, PowerPoint presentations and materials generated in the workshops themselves together with relevant support material on Blackboard.