There will be one assessment covering LO1 & 2.

Reflective case study based appraisal demonstrating understanding and appreciation of the business environment and its impact upon businesses. The format of the assessment will be chosen by the module leader for the semester and can include YouTube presentation, blog, filmed group poster presentation or written report.

Understanding the Business Environment is a practice based module giving students the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the importance of business, the types of business and the business environment.

The module includes:
• Why businesses exist
• Different forms of business including Profit and Social Enterprises/Non-profit businesses
• Roles of owners, shareholders, stakeholders
• How the internal environment changes the business
• How the external environment can affect a business

1. Understand, describe and explain why and how businesses exist.
Learning
Knowledge & Understanding
Reflection
Enquiry
Communication

2. Describe briefly the current and potential future business environments and their impact upon businesses
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
Communication
Reflection

Students will be exposed to a variety of tools for understanding the business environment. Learning approaches include in class demonstrations and discussions, digital media, peer to peer and Socratic learning, workshops, group activities, and simulations. Using case studies, students will reflect upon the underpinning theoretical aspects of this module in relation to real world examples.

Students will engage in a variety of learning forums including:
Tutor-led formal presentations and group-based tutorials. There will also be a technology supported guided learning programme via the VLE.

Wetherly, P., & Otter, D. (2014). The Business Environment: Themes and Issues in a Globalizing World. Oxford University Press.
Sharma, R (2015) International Business Environment. Amazon ISBN 9780131869424