Module Additional Assessment Details
An assignment (1500 words) (80%) (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)
A Reflective Journal, relating learning and the development of skills (20%) (Learning Outcome 3, 4 and 5)
Module Indicative Content
The external business environment and the internal organisational environment and how it affects decision-making in different functional details.
Macroeconomic aspects: circular flow of income, aggregate expenditure and demand, fiscal and monetary policy; exports, imports, exchange rates; trade and globalisation; introduction to the EU and international business.
Political and Ethical aspects: government policy, corporate social responsibility, the environment, public vs private equity
The fundamental distinction between civil and criminal law. The formation of business contracts and obligations arising. The law relating to the tort of Negligence and the implications for business organisations. An introduction to employment legislation.
Module Learning Strategies
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 126 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.
Module Resources
Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
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 Texts
Mankiw N. & Taylor P. (2006) Economics, Thomson. (ISBN 978-1-84480-133-6)
Sloman J. (2006) Economics 6th Edition, Prentice Hall. (ISBN 0 273-70512-1)
Worthington I & Britton C. (2006) The Business Environment 5th Edition, Prentice Hall. (ISBN 0-271-70424-9)