Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website
Management Help Website
http://www.managementhelp.org/prsn_prd/critical.htm
John Ramsay's Learning and Grade Improvement Techniques
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/business/bsadmin/staff/s3/jamr.htm

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 10 hours of class support and 140 hours of independent and self directed study.

There will be an initial class session to introduce the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Blackboard and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined. There will be additional tutorial support available, for students to address queries regarding the module content and to clarify any issues arising from the coursework assignment.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Blackboard. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Cottrell, S., (2005) Critical Thinking Skills Palgrave Basingstoke
ISBN 1403996857
Moran, K. (2000) Investment Appraisal for Non-Financial Managers: A Step by Step Guide, London: Prentice Hall,

The assessment is in two parts;

Part 1 - A group presentation on a specific problem solving exercise. 10 mins (20%) (LO 1, 2 and 3)

Part 2 - An individual report on the same topic as presented in Part 1. (1500 words) (80%) (LO 1, 2 and 3)

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the formal use of critical reasoning processes and skills. Students will develop higher order thinking in relation to topics critical to decision making within organisations. Students will consider:

- Deductive and inductive logic
- Problem solving techniques
- Decision making models
- Business risk assessment
- Present arguments in both the written and verbal formats
- Financial aspects of decision making, including marginal costing, beak-even analysis and investment appraisal