• Research Methods for Business and Management

  This module prepares students to undertake a piece of business or management research for their Masters project by developing appropriate knowledge, understanding and transferable intellectual and practical skills. Emphasis is placed on developing skills most likely to lead to a successful closure of a research journey set within any organisational setting identified by students in the role of either academic or practitioner researchers. Skills such as the ability to frame research aims, generate research questions/hypothesis, and research objectives, the ability to generate a conceptual framework, the ability to select and justify a particular research design and methodology and the ability to act as an ethical researcher so as not to spoil the field are all central features of this module. In addition the generation of core practical skills such as the ability to generate and analyse quantitative and qualitative data are central to this module. By developing this knowledge, understanding and transferable intellectual and practical skills the true aims of conducting research will be realised. Students will gain confidence in a range of cognitive and practical skills suitable to conducting research projects in a range of international business contexts so as to add to knowledge and understanding. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes. Multiculturalism has been considered during the design of this module and will be considered when the assessment brief is written.

• Human Resource Management in Context

  This module is concerned with the environment in which organisations operate, and how organisations have to respond to the very dynamic environment which they operate in.

• Contemporary Issues in International Management

  Organisations and managers have to adapt, change and evolve to meet the conflicting, competing and complex business related environmental change factors, whose rate of change is developing at an exponential rate. Irresistible influences from National, International and Global Macro. Micro and Operating environments are shaping and influencing contemporary management theories and practice. Today’s managers must equip themselves with new skills and knowledge in order to interact with and respond to the emerging challenges that change brings and where appropriate take the required corrective action. Business leaders are required to develop higher level management skills, especially critical evaluation and decision making within National, International and Global contexts, when needing to respond effectively to the challenges within these constantly changing operating environments. This module provides professional managers with an opportunity to consider reflect and critically appraise a range of current contemporary management issues, including developing International lenses of reference from a theoretical and practical application whilst relating these factors to the art of management. The course content will provide a framework to assess how these issues impact within organisations and how managers are able to react to these issues. The module will develop within students a critical appreciation of the challenges faced by management professionals in developing responses to business environment conditions which are complex, dynamic and diverse. This module engages students with contemporary issues in context with associated links to organisational strategy and management approaches and systems related to information, networks and collaborations as well as organisational learning. In achieving its overall objectives, the module will encourage students to further develop, engage, evaluate and critique their contemporary understanding with a view to the realities of practice and organisations. Students will consider interactions, theories and frameworks that explain contemporary issues and ground this in organisational and individual contexts. It is widely accepted that such issues are crucial to the viability of organisations across all sectors and contexts and the creation of value (however defined). As a result both the study mode and module content further facilitate the application of, and reflection on, theory and understanding in practice and this is evidenced in the learning outcomes and the associated development of the individual’s understanding.

Core modules, PG Diploma stage

• International Marketing and Brand Management

  Although the economic global boom of the 90s has been affected by the recessions and downturns of the 21st century, there is no doubt that the interdependency of nations will not be reversed. The Internationalisation of business is examined in this module from the Marketing perspective. One of the key drivers of international trade has been Global Brands. In this module students will learn the techniques of International Marketing as it responds to the cultural differences and similarities of the 21st Century; they will learn how to assess market opportunities and develop brand strategies appropriate for different markets. A key strength of the module is the interrelationship between elements of international marketing and brand management and development. For example, students will need to be able to recognise and apply a range of international marketing strategies associated with the development of global brands. In short, while some modules concentrate on international marketing or brand management, this module teaches students an in-depth knowledge of both. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes. Particular attention is paid to brands in the emerging BRIC economies, thereby recognising the increasingly growing dominance of brands from emerging markets. Examples include Tata Group and the Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo. The assessment methods for this module include a group presentation and report and an individual assignment.

• Finance for Decision Making

  Management decision making is a complex subject involving many variable factors. This module explores the financial element contained in decisions and the techniques that may be used to assist informed management decisions. It is assumed that the student has already acquired a knowledge of financial vocabulary, the concepts behind basic financial terminology and the financial statements. The module begins by considering the availability of financial information that may be relevant to decision making and how this fits with that needed for the informed decision. This is further developed to the type of decision and differing requirements, leading to a more bespoke deliverable information set that meets the context of the decision. In order to fulfil the requirements identified as necessary for the informed decision the module explores the financial techniques developed by financial and management accountants and how they may be used and applied. Finally consideration is given to the relevance and weighting of the financial element in the decision making process and how qualitative issues may be incorporated in the overall decision. The link to corporate governance best practice is also explored. The module is designed to be contextualised for students from different organisations and sectors, and for it to be delivered to students without practical management experience. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes. The module will be assessed by two written assignments. The first assignment will encourage students to reflect upon the theory and techniques that underpin financial management practice while the following assignment will encourage students to consider how accounting can inform decision making within an organisation.

Core modules, MSc stage

• Postgraduate Major Project

  This module support students in the preparation and submission of a Master stage project,Dissertation. For 60 credits this involves a length of 15,000 words. The major project enables you to demonstrate some or all of the following: – the ability to raise significant and meaningful questions in relation to your specialism; – depth of knowledge which may involve working at the current limits of theoretical and or research understanding; – critical understanding of method and its relationship to knowledge; – awareness of and ability to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in your research or professional practice; – the ability to draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions from information which may be complex or contradictory; – the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge; to develop new approaches to changing situations; and contribute to the development of best practice; – the ability to communicate these processes in a clear and effective manner, as appropriate to the ‚audience’; and – the capability to evaluate your work from the perspective of an autonomous reflective learner. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes. The project is developed in conjunction with a specified supervisor and must be in the area of study of the Masters course being undertaken. The Major Project should enable you to demonstrate the ability to explore important and relevant questions in the context of your specialist area. You should be able to explore detailed knowledge of the research area, demonstrating depth and/or breadth as appropriate; a critical understanding of appropriate methodologies and theories; the ability to present well-argued conclusions from a range of different sources, using material that may be complex and challenging, as appropriate. You should be able to recognise and propose solutions to issues raised in the course of research. You should be able to communicate your research in coherent terms, both orally and in writing, as required.

Optional modules

• Strategic Management

  The module explores the core field of strategic management, and how strategy contributes to organisational performance. It focuses on your organisation’s internal and external environment, and addresses key issues such as competitive advantage.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

  This module reviews the classical models of entrepreneurship and examines the main characteristics of entrepreneurs within organisations. Recent approaches to entrepreneurship are examined. Ways of fostering entrepreneurial culture, at every level within the organisation, are surveyed. The role of entrepreneurship and innovation in economic growth are analysed by applying, for example, Porter’s Diamond model to a selected region. The role and nature of small business start-ups is critically reviewed. Creative and integrative thinking are stimulated by application of various methods, e.g. Buzan’s Mind-Mapping. The context of innovation within the modern business environment is reviewed. The significance and outcomes of the innovation process are examined. Mechanisms for protecting innovations and intellectual property are reviewed.