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

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

1. ANALYSE THE INTERACTION OF THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON A BUSINESS IN ITS ENVIRONMENT, AND GENERATE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THAT INTERACTION Analysis
Application
Communication
Learning
Problem Solving

2. DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES THAT UNDERPIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Analysis
Application
Communication
Learning
Problem Solving

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.

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

FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS ONLY

Sloman, J. and Wride, A. (2010) Economics 7th edition. Financial Times Prentice Hall

Taylor, S. (2005) Business Statistics 2nd edition. Palgrave Macmillan.