The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). Of this there will be 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of self-directed study. The contact hours will differ for part-time students as they have work-related experience. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon all of the following:
- Tutor led discussions
- Group discussions
- Case study analysis
- Directed reading
A variety of learning styles (auditory, visual and kinaesthetic) will be catered for during classes and within the formative assessment.
The summative assessment will be an assignment given out towards the end of the module where students can demonstrate knowledge of the crucial topics, and apply them to an area of their own interest. This area of interest will be guided to ensure that the knowledge gained can be usefully utilised.

An Assignment length 1500 words weighted at 100% (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)

MANKIW N. & TAYLOR P. (2006) Economics, Thomson. (ISBN 978-1-84480-133-6)
SLOMAN J. (2006) Economics 6th Edition, Prentice Hall. (ISBN 0 273-70512-1)
WORTHINGTON I & BRITTON C. (2006) The Business Environment 5th Edition, Prentice Hall. (ISBN 0-271-70424-9)

Library
Internet
On-line databases
TV/Video
Module Website
Quality Newspapers
Journals

The business environment (internal and external) and how it affects decision-making in different functional details

Social and sociological aspects: introduction to global culture, markets and customers; macro level changes in trends, tastes and major consumer shifts; demographics; 24-7 economy; Internet

Economic aspects: scarcity, opportunity costs, economic systems (introduction); demand, supply, elasticity; market failure, government failure; solutions and business opportunities