What you will study
The module is structured into seven blocks. The first block is a general introduction, and the last provides integration and consolidation. The remaining five blocks cover the five functional areas.
Block 1 Introduction – familiarises you with the approach of the module, its values and assumptions and develops the concept of practice-based learning. It includes a brief outline of each function and an explanation of how its contribution will be developed in later blocks. A major case study from the retail sector is introduced.
Block 2 Operations Management – focuses on the role and purpose of the operations function and the impact this function can have on organisational strategy. It explores the most important design decisions within operations management and explains the challenges inherent in planning and controlling operations. The importance of taking a supply chain perspective within operations management is also emphasised, as well as the role of performance measures and quality management.
Block 3 Marketing – explores the nature of marketing and the importance of understanding the complexities of the marketplace. It looks at the marketing environment and its impact on marketers; addresses how marketers can formulate their marketing strategy to ensure their products and services satisfy customers’ needs and compete effectively.
Block 4 Accounting and Finance – is concerned with how accounting information is provided to and used by managers to make informed business decisions and exercise control. It covers financial accounting, cost and management accounting, and financial management.
Block 5 Human Resource Management (HRM) – explores how the term HRM has developed and the type of activities and issues that the HRM function is concerned with. HRM has become a key feature of any manager’s job as the responsibility for team and individual performance has been pushed down the organisation. Accordingly, this block explores the link between HRM and business strategy. It also identifies the main aspects of the employment relationship and the key activities involved in ensuring that an organisation is adequately resourced with people who can perform the tasks required of them.
Block 6 Information Management – covers all aspects of managing information within organisations. It introduces information as a key resource and explores the purpose of the information management function. The role of information in various forms of decision making is examined along with the ramifications this can have for organisational sense making and organisational power. It explores how information management systems reshape business processes and fuel organisational change.
Block 7 Conclusion - draws conclusions about the roles of functions within organisations, and the importance of their interactions. It will also assist you to complete your assessed work.
A feature of this module is that it makes use of an integrative approach in bringing out the inter-connectedness of the five business functions being examined. This will be done through case studies and online group activities which examine, reflect and contextualise the functions that may be undertaken in a whole range of situations. These situations could include your workplace; a voluntary organisation where you are an unpaid helper; your own office; the home of a client; or even in your own home.
The module will prepare you with practical skills that are in line with the Quality Assurance Agency’s benchmark statement expectations for business studies. It also aims to enhance employability as the curriculum is of benefit to students in the employment market and also relevant to many studying for their own personal development.