MSc Management degree

This two-semester module will:

1. encourage you to take ownership of your personal learning and development
2. improve your capabilities in the area of literature searching, referencing, academic writing and critical analysis for academic research
3. develop your understanding of the needs of organisations in the international business environment, including the methods of recruitment used by global organisations
4. give you the skills to develop your own body of evidence of your demonstration of management competencies.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• literature searching using reputable sources
• Harvard referencing for business and management
• management competencies and the requirements of organisations
• the current business environment and trends in the labour market
• skills identification and promotion throughout the job application process
• interpersonal skills and team working
• human behaviour and body language

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• appropriate resources for academic literature searching
• effective acknowledgement of sources using appropriate referencing techniques
• the complexity of the current global business environment
• management competencies and how to effectively market themselves for recruitment
• evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses in relation to the career they wish to pursue
• interpret the requirements of an organisation
• interpret evidence for their own personal achievement of management competencies
• critically evaluate data collected in context with previously published knowledge or information
• engage in critical reasoning, debate and augmentation
• perform appropriate literature searching/ business information searching using library databases or other reputable sources
• critically analyse and discuss appropriate sources
• exhibit confidence in written and verbal communication skills
• manage a group project effectively to a tight deadline applying organisational, teamwork, time management and interpersonal skills.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 7 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 32 hours
• guided independent study: 111 hours

Assessment

• 2,000-word individual written assessment: 30%
• 4,000-word individual written assessment: 30%
• group poster/presentation: 40%

This module will introduce you to the range of alternative techniques and strategies for managing people at work and will develop your expertise in evaluating the different techniques and strategies in varied circumstances.

Module content

Topics covered will focus on the key areas of human resource management (HRM), such as:

• the nature of HRM
• performance and reward
• recruitment and selection
• training and development
• organisational culture
• international perspectives
• ethical perspectives.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the philosophy and principles of HRM
• assess some key techniques for managing people and their strengths and weaknesses
• analyse key contemporary issues in relation to HRM
• conduct research, using various data sources in order to integrate theory and practice regarding people management activities in work organisations
• analyse organisational practices in order to identify the assumptions which underpin them
• work effectively in a small team to conduct research into HRM issues
• critically evaluate international and comparative perspectives of HRM
• analyse the ethical implications of HRM practice in an organisational context.

Teaching and learning

• seminars: 3 hours
• lectures: 33 hours
• guided independent study: 114 hours

Assessment

• 3-hour exam: 100%

This module will:

1. give you a broad understanding of the basic concepts in accounting and financial management with an emphasis on decision making
2. develop your technical and analytical skills in aspects of accounting and financial management
3. equip you with the financial awareness needed for further study in business and management.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• the nature of accounting and financial management
• an introduction to published financial statements
• analysing the financial strengths and weaknesses of an organisation within its competitive environment
• an introduction to management accounting, planning and decision making
• financial management, longer term decision making and investment appraisal.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the business context of accounting and financial management (AFM)
• identify and explain the linkages and distinctions between financial accounting, management accounting and financial management and their roles in the management process
• define basic accounting terminology and explain straightforward financial statements and other accounting information
• define and illustrate basic accounting concepts
• compile, analyse and interpret financial information
• analyse accounting and financial management problems and select appropriate solutions
• discuss some of the advantages and shortcomings of financial information used in decision making
• discuss the part that self-interest and moral hazard play in financial reporting
• apply basic accounting concepts, principles and techniques
• compute and use basic accounting ratios
• analyse and structure problems in management accounting.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 33 hours
• guided independent study: 117 hours

Assessment

• 3-hour exam: 100%

This module examines the principles of marketing, from theoretical and practical perspectives. It will enable you to develop an understanding of applied marketing and build a solid foundation in the subject.

Marketing content

Topics studied may include:

• marketing environment
• marketing planning process
• segmentation, targeting and positioning
• marketing orientation, organisational and consumer buyer behaviour
• the marketing information system
• the marketing mix.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to:

• explain the critical issues relating to each marketing mix element
• comprehend the new media and its effect on marketing
• construct a framework marketing plan for an organisation
• analyse the marketing environment of an organisation
• debate marketing issues in a group setting
• analyse marketing problems using appropriate marketing tools
• work effectively in a small team on analysing and solving marketing problems
• make oral presentations to a management audience
• select appropriate tools and techniques to support creative ideas
• demonstrate effective communication and report writing skills.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 126 hours (includes 12 hours of blended learning)

Assessment

• individual coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations management and illustrate its application in organisations in both the manufacturing and service industries.

Module content

Topics covered may include:

• an introduction to operations management
• processes, layout and location
• quality management and improvement
• materials management
• capacity
• scheduling and loading
• operations strategy
• supply chain management
• control and management systems (eg Lean and ERP)
• performance measurement
• international and ethical aspects of operations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the methodologies used by operations managers to decide how, where and when a product or service should be manufactured or delivered
• discuss how these methodologies can be used to achieve the requisite timeliness, quality, delivery and cost
• explain how operations management strategies and practices may need to change in the face of competition and modern technology
• describe and analyse manufacturing and service operations
• propose and assess options for the improvement of manufacturing and service operations
• explore and discuss the global and ethical implications of operations decisions
• link theory and practice in operations management
• analyse case studies
• apply qualitative and quantitative reasoning from available information
• achieve effective self-management.

Teaching and learning

• seminars: 12 hours
• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 114 hours

Assessment

• 2,500-word individual coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This two-semester module will:

1. encourage you to take ownership of your personal learning and development
2. improve your capabilities in the area of literature searching, referencing, academic writing and critical analysis for academic research
3. develop your understanding of the needs of organisations in the international business environment, including the methods of recruitment used by global organisations
4. give you the skills to develop your own body of evidence of your demonstration of management competencies.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• literature searching using reputable sources
• Harvard referencing for business and management
• management competencies and the requirements of organisations
• the current business environment and trends in the labour market
• skills identification and promotion throughout the job application process
• interpersonal skills and team working
• human behaviour and body language

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• appropriate resources for academic literature searching
• effective acknowledgement of sources using appropriate referencing techniques
• the complexity of the current global business environment
• management competencies and how to effectively market themselves for recruitment
• evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses in relation to the career they wish to pursue
• interpret the requirements of an organisation
• interpret evidence for their own personal achievement of management competencies
• critically evaluate data collected in context with previously published knowledge or information
• engage in critical reasoning, debate and augmentation
• perform appropriate literature searching/ business information searching using library databases or other reputable sources
• critically analyse and discuss appropriate sources
• exhibit confidence in written and verbal communication skills
• manage a group project effectively to a tight deadline applying organisational, teamwork, time management and interpersonal skills.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 7 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 32 hours
• guided independent study: 111 hours

Assessment

• 2,000-word individual written assessment: 30%
• 4,000-word individual written assessment: 30%
• group poster/presentation: 40%

This module will:

1. provide you with an understanding of the role and importance of information systems in organisations
2. develop your ability to work independently
3. integrate the various core components of your master's programme and reinforce the concept of management as an integrated multi-disciplinary activity
4. develop relevant transferable skills.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• general introduction to information systems in organisations
• critical evaluation of possible applications of new and emerging technologies within a variety of organisational and economic contexts
• exploration of the strategic role of information systems in organisations, organisation and leadership, the trend towards systems integration, and the outsourcing of systems activities
• elaboration on the activity of designing information systems in the context of dynamic change
• specification of requirements and the involvement of stakeholders in this activity
• exploration of the management and benefits of information systems.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• assess the likely impacts of introducing new technologies into an organisation
• discuss the nature of and reasons for information systems success and failure
• critically evaluate the different development approaches available to facilitate successful information system design and development
• discuss the issues involved in designing for change
• develop skills for designing information systems
• participate in debates on issues concerning the development and management of information systems
• research information systems topics in the business press and academic literature
• develop persuasive arguments and conclusions on information systems and issues.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 114 hours

Assessment

• group coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will consolidate your learning from semesters one and two by enabling you to develop the skills you need to analyse a given industry.

Module content

Topics covered may include:

• generic approaches to industry and external environment analysis
• theoretical concepts and tools of analysis of the remote and operating environment (eg PESTEL analysis, DEEPLIST, Porter's five forces and market segment analysis), identifying its impact on an industry or sector
• use of secondary sources of data and publicly available material.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• develop an appropriate structure for analysing an industry and the organisations therein
• use appropriate tools to analyse a given industry and assess the industry environment
• critically debate the application and use of these tools
• systematically assess the industry environment of a business and appraise its effect on a specific industry
• evaluate the competitive nature of a specific industry
• act autonomously in obtaining, analysing and applying information from a variety of sources including publicly available material
• deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
• communicate complex ideas orally to an audience of a specialist and several non-specialists
• critically discuss the relevance of environmental forces on a given industry/sector.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 1 hour
• tutorials: 2 hours
• lectures: 6 hours
• guided independent study: 141 hours

Assessment

• presentation: 10%
• 5,000-word individual essay: 90%

This module will:

1. provide an understanding of the key concepts and core issues in international marketing
2. build on your knowledge of basic marketing
3. develop decision-making skills for the successful formulation, implementation and control of international marketing programmes
4. enhance communication and team-working skills.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• the nature of international marketing decision-making
• globalisation
• the international marketing environment:
  • international marketing research
• market selection and entry strategies
• standardisation/adaptation of marketing mix
• organisation and control of international marketing operations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• analyse the international marketing environment of an organisation
• describe the core issues associated with the development of international marketing strategies
• explain the key decisions and problems associated with developing a marketing mix in an international setting
• evaluate the impact of contextual influences on international marketing decision making
• debate international marketing issues in a group setting
• use web-based information on international marketing
• develop cultural awareness/sensitivity.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 130 hours

Assessment

• group-based international marketing report: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will present a range of issues affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• the small business sector and start-ups
• entrepreneurs and owner-managers
• elements of business plans for SMEs
• strategy and growth in SMEs
• growth models for SMEs
• the financing and financial management of SMEs
• management strategies in small firms
• UK government policy towards SMEs
• contemporary issues in the small firm sector
• idea generation and evaluation
• SMEs and innovation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• assess the economic contribution of the SME sector
• describe the growth patterns of SMEs and identify the characteristics of entrepreneurs
• explain growth models for SMEs
• analyse the development of government policy towards SMEs
• evaluate the funding of SMEs and appraise the relationship between SMEs and their principal financiers
• assess the components of a business plan
• clearly describe a business and its people
• analyse the competitive position and critical success factors of a business
• link objectives, strategy, risk and financial implications of an operational plan
• gather relevant data and evidence from various sources and apply them appropriately under time-constrained conditions
• integrate theoretical concepts from a variety of subject areas and apply these to practical case study-situations.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 114 hours

Assessment

• 3-hour exam: 100%

This module will:

• give you an understanding of the various approaches to business forecasting and explore their use in practice with standard packages
• develop your ability to interpret numerical information
• give you skills in analysis and modelling of management situations and a sophisticated approach to the evaluation of alternatives in complex scenarios.

Module content

The module concentrates on time series analysis and begins with decomposition and regression-based forecasting methods before extending the approaches into ARIMA methods. The factors affecting the choice of method are also explored.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• compare and contrast various standard approaches to business forecasting
• select appropriate forecasting methods in various business situations
• use numerical reasoning and interpret numerical information in complex scenarios
• use standard forecasting packages on business type data.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 3 hours
• computer labs: 5 hours
• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 118 hours

Assessment

• group coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will introduce you to a range of behavioural and organisational concepts which provide the basis for the management of human resources. You will also develop an awareness and clear understanding of how people work individually, in groups and within organisations.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• an introduction and history of work psychology
• individual differences (eg personality and intelligence)
• attitudes at work
• stress and well-being
• leadership
• positive psychology
• new forms of working
• creativity and innovation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe prominent theories of human behaviour at work
• discuss the main individual characteristics that influence behaviour at work and the appropriate use of intelligence and personality testing
• explain key issues concerning leadership, performance, well-being, development and the psychological context of work
• use theory to explain work behaviour and how it can be modified
• discuss strengths and limitations of theories in terms of conceptual integrity and practical use
• conduct desk research and reviews of organisational behaviour issues
• integrate theoretical concepts from a variety of subject areas and apply these to practical situations
• gather relevant data and evidence from various sources and integrate them appropriately.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 8 hours
• lectures: 22 hours
• guided independent study: 120 hours

Assessment

• 3,000-word individual coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will:

1. introduce and develop the key principles of enterprise resource planning (ERP)
2. introduce the fundamental concepts of supply chain management (SCM) in the context of ERP
3. provide an understanding of the role of ERP systems in the effective management of organisational processes
4. provide hands-on experience of SAP, an industry standard ERP software.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• ERP-enabled supply chain management and materials requirements planning
• international supply chain issues
• inventory management, logistics strategy including ethical issues
• enterprise integration
• ERP concepts, tools and techniques
• ERP-enabled accounting, control and marketing
• the role and use of SAP software in support of business processes.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you be able to:

• explain the key ERP-enabled supply chain management practices that are applied within business organisations
• critically assess the benefits, limitations and implications for organisations of applying ERP systems
• explain the process by which an ERP-enabled strategy is formulated and implemented
• use SAP software to model a case organisation's production planning, management accounting and logistics processes
• use SAP software to analyse the performance and potential strategic pathways for a case study organisation
• work, in groups, to develop a computer based proposal
• prepare and deliver an effective technical management presentation.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 12 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 118 hours

Assessment

• in-class test: 25%
• individual coursework assignment: 75%

This module will:

1. give you an understanding of the role of global logistics and supply chain management within various business contexts
2. identify and analyse the complexities and uncertainties affecting global supply chains
3. give you a critical appreciation of the emerging trends and concepts in logistics and supply chain management
4. develop relevant transferable skills.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• basic concepts of logistics and supply chain management
• supply chain strategies, and lean and agile supply chains
• procurement and outsourcing
• managing the global supply chain
• supply chain relationships
• the role of logistics in supply chain management
• transportation and distribution management
• the role of technology in supply chain management
• performance measurement and evaluation
• supply chain vulnerability, risk and resilience
• sustainable logistics and supply chain systems
• emerging trends:
  • new supply chain designs
  • ethical issues.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• evaluate the principles, methods and practices of logistics and supply chain management
• develop a critical appreciation of the emerging issues including ethics and sustainability with regards to logistics and supply chain management
• critically assess risks associated with global supply chains and the effect on business operations
• identify and analyse the problems and issues related to logistics and supply chain management
• apply logistics and supply chain theory for designing supply chains
• critically evaluate risks and vulnerabilities affecting global supply chains
• communicate effectively in writing, orally and via case discussions
• obtain, analyse and apply information from a variety of sources, including publicly available material.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 36 hours
• guided independent study: 114 hours

Assessment

• 3,000-word coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module builds on the foundation provided by the Marketing in the Organisation module in semester one and develops the knowledge and skills needed for a career as a brand manager.

Module content

The module presents the key principles, theories and practices of brand management through experiential learning. The topics covered will build and strengthen your understanding of brand management with the creation of a portfolio of theory and practical examples.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• define and discuss the principles of branding
• apply key branding theories, such as customer based brand equity theory
• explain branding strategies and discuss how they might be applied
• employ branding principles, theories and strategies to real and/or simulated marketing contexts
• identify the characteristics of strong brands and successful brand management strategies
• criticise examples of real brand management strategies
• formulate and define brand management strategies
• work effectively to produce a case study report, applying theory to practice.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 126 hours

Assessment

• 5,000-word individual coursework assignment: 100%

This module builds on your understanding of marketing and develops a critical appreciation of the role of marketing communications (as both a concept and process) in the success of marketing strategies.

Module content

This module has a particular emphasis on theory, which underlines marketing communications, to provide you with the essential background to understand consumers, the communications planning process, and the communications mix.

Topics covered may include:

• an introduction to marketing communications
• integrating marketing communications
• advertising
• sponsorship
• public relations, sales promotion and social media marketing.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• understand the role of communications in marketing activity
• define and interpret the meaning of integrated marketing communications
• analyse, assess and evaluate specific integrated marketing communications strategies by presenting solutions to class exercises
• evaluate, compare and contrast selected individual components of the communications mix in formative (class exercises) and summative assessment (group project involving a marketing communications campaign).

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 126 hours

Assessment

• group coursework assignment: 50%
• 2-hour exam: 50%

This module will allow you to develop skills in:

1. assessing the strategic direction of competing companies
2. learning and managing your own learning
3. working independently with self-confidence
4. evaluating the strategic pathway of a selected company.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• strategic fit
• analysis of basis of competitive advantage
• resource-based view (RBV)
• knowledge-based view (KBV)
• dynamic strategic capability
• network theory
• strategic choices
• strategic methods (make, buy and ally)
• internationalisation strategies and evaluation in the context of host countries
• evaluation criteria
• international diversification and firm performance
• SWOT analysis.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe, analyse and evaluate the strategies of a selected company
• apply appropriate theoretical concepts, models and practical techniques
• identify appropriate methodologies for competitive strategy analysis and evaluation
• undertake a critical evaluation of at least one organisation within its contextual setting
• evaluate the appropriateness of alternative strategies
• synthesise environmental analysis with internal analysis
• construct an analytical report assessing the relationship between strategy, structure, culture and working environment of an organisation
• obtain, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources including publicly available material.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 6 hours
• tutorials: 6 hours
• guided independent study: 288 hours

Assessment

• 10,000-word individual report: 100%

This module will:

1. give you a critical understanding of the concepts involved in global strategic management and its application in the private and public sectors
2. develop your skills in strategic analysis, the development of strategic options and the implementation of strategy.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• the concepts of global strategy and strategic management
• environmental analysis and strategic positioning
• strategic capability
• corporate governance
• business and corporate level strategy
• strategic evaluation
• strategy implementation
• global strategic leadership
• organisational structure and design
• the cultural context
• business ethics and corporate responsibility
• managing strategic change.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain the concept of global strategic management as applied to a variety of different organisations in the global context
• develop mission statements and meaningful corporate objectives in a global context
• identify the elements of an organisation's strategic position
• conduct a detailed environmental analysis
• explain the relationship between the capabilities and competitive advantage of an organisation
• distinguish between strategic options
• recognise the problems and implications of implementing the strategies
• evaluate the relationship between strategy, resources, culture, structure, design and working environment of an organisation
• distinguish between the core areas of corporate and business level strategy and how they link together in an organisation
• evaluate an organisation's strategies
• analyse the multiplicity of factors and inter-relationships that make up a complex scenario
• demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing problems.

Teaching and learning

• lectures: 23 hours
• guided independent study: 127 hours

Assessment

• 5,000-word individual coursework assignment: 100%