Module Descriptors
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
XXXX46899
Key Facts
Faculty of Business, Education and Law
Level 4
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- CASE BASED STUDY weighted at 30%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
- Case study assignment of 1500 words
(30%) (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)
- End-of-year examination - 2 hour
(70%) (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)
(30%) (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)
- End-of-year examination - 2 hour
(70%) (Tests Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). Of this there will be 72 hours of class support, and 228 hours of self-directed study. This contact hours will differ for part-time students as they will have work-related experience. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon all of the following:
- Tutor-led sessions
- Group discussions
- Case study analysis
- Directed reading
Any or all of the above will lead into problem-solving and other learning activities for students.
During Week 3, all students will participate in a diagnostic test and receive formative feedback that will inform subsequent learning
The assessment strategy is based upon the premise that the module encompasses a range of different types of business knowledge, hence different forms of assessment reflect that diversity. Furthermore, the major point of assessment is at the end of the module, when students will have attained maturity in the subject matter and will have had the opportunity for formative reflection as a result of the various stages and outcomes of the assessment process.
The module will draw upon all of the following:
- Tutor-led sessions
- Group discussions
- Case study analysis
- Directed reading
Any or all of the above will lead into problem-solving and other learning activities for students.
During Week 3, all students will participate in a diagnostic test and receive formative feedback that will inform subsequent learning
The assessment strategy is based upon the premise that the module encompasses a range of different types of business knowledge, hence different forms of assessment reflect that diversity. Furthermore, the major point of assessment is at the end of the module, when students will have attained maturity in the subject matter and will have had the opportunity for formative reflection as a result of the various stages and outcomes of the assessment process.
Module Texts
Sloman, J. & Sutcliffe, M. (2001). Economics for Business. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-273-65187-0
Worthington, I. & Britton, C. (2003). The Business Environment. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-273-67827-2
Worthington, I. & Britton, C. (2003). The Business Environment. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-273-67827-2
Module Resources
Library
On-line databases
TV/Video
The Module website
Other websites, including:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/business/ramsay/environment/
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/keyskills
On-line databases
TV/Video
The Module website
Other websites, including:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/business/ramsay/environment/
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/keyskills
Module Indicative Content
The business environment (internal and external) and how it affects decision-making in different functional & business areas
The importance of the national and international environment to wider company decision-making:
Social & sociological aspects: Introduction to global culture, markets and customers; macro level changes in trends, tastes, and major consumer shifts; demographic change and it effect on location and structure of organisations
Political/economic aspects: Supply, demand, elasticity; costs and break-even analysis; economic drivers for company ownership; stakeholders; differing business markets, B2B, B2C, Not-for-profit; statutory and regulatory change; the structure of markets; market failure issues; aggregate expenditure and demand; fiscal and monetary policy; exports, imports, exchange rates; trade and globalisation; introduction to the EU and international business
Technological aspects: speed of change and implications of 24/7 economy for organisations, customer, employment and demand patterns
The importance of the national and international environment to wider company decision-making:
Social & sociological aspects: Introduction to global culture, markets and customers; macro level changes in trends, tastes, and major consumer shifts; demographic change and it effect on location and structure of organisations
Political/economic aspects: Supply, demand, elasticity; costs and break-even analysis; economic drivers for company ownership; stakeholders; differing business markets, B2B, B2C, Not-for-profit; statutory and regulatory change; the structure of markets; market failure issues; aggregate expenditure and demand; fiscal and monetary policy; exports, imports, exchange rates; trade and globalisation; introduction to the EU and international business
Technological aspects: speed of change and implications of 24/7 economy for organisations, customer, employment and demand patterns