A work based assignment,(1200 words) (60%) (Learning Outcomes 1-
2).

Preparation and presentation of a poster relating to an aspect of the module content. (40%) (Learning Outcome 3)

This module introduces the student to the place of their organisation in the wider economy and society, and encourages them to explore how the organisation interacts with these elements.

Content will expect to cover the following topics and themes:

• Models for understanding the business environment
• PESTLE analysis
• SWOT analysis
• How competitive forces shape the business environment
• Porters 5 Forces model
• Fundamentals of economics:
• Supply and demand
o The rational consumer
• The role of Government, policy and regulation, and the impact of social trends and mores
• Trans-national aspects –
o The EU and impacts on business activity
o The Global Economy and its implications

This module will focus on key aspects of the wider operating environment for the organisation, introducing key concepts through a variety of presentation methods and leading learners through a selection of interactive tasks using analytical tools to identify significant environmental factors and uncover their potential and actual impacts on both the organization and the managers own operational demands.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities and 126 hours of independent and self-directed study.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities Module website
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – www.cipd.co.uk
Employers for Work-life Balance – www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk
Department for Trade and Industry – www.dti.gov.uk/employment
www.guardian.co.uk
www.timeonline.co.uk
www.economist.com
www.independent.co.uk

Begg, D, Vernasca, G., Fischer, S & Dornbusch, R. (2014) Economics, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hall

Brooks, I, Weatherston, J., and Wilkinson, J. (2011) The International Business Environment – Challenges and Changes, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall

Craig, T., and Campbell, D.J. (2012), Organisations & the Business Environment (2nd Edition), Butterworth Heinemann

Ferguson, K. (2002) Essential Economics A Guide for Business Students, Palgrave

Hornby, W. Gammie, B. & Wall, S. (2001) Business Economics, Longman,

Mulhearn, C. et al, (2011) Economics for Business (2nd Edition), Palgrave

Sloman J, (2013) Essentials of Economics, 6th Edition, Prentice Hall

Worthington, I & Britton C, (2011) The Business Environment, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisational context (Knowledge and Understanding)
2. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate tools for understanding the business environment (Analysis, Application)
3. Communicate effectively information and arguments in an appropriate format (Communication)