International Year One in Business

30 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the topic of organisational behaviour which is vital in understanding how contemporary businesses operate. 

This module will help you in understanding how organisations have developed and to consider how they may look in the future. You will also explore what influences people’s behaviour when working independently, as part of a team and in the wider organisation. 

There is a particular emphasis on managing and leading people in businesses and you will explore your own approach to leadership, identifying what skills you should develop in order to become a successful manager. This module is useful in helping you to understand the important role of people within the organisation and how their performance impacts on other areas of business, such as finance, that you will also study on this programme.

You will explore the global workplace; considering some of the key issues that affect businesses' long-term success and their impact on the wider environment. The ethics session will encourage you to consider what is ‘right’ and the important role you have in shaping the future of business. You will be encouraged and supported in developing a critical mindset and in questioning their own values and attitudes.

As a business student, you will have a clear focus on employability within a commercial context and you will develop valuable workplace skills throughout the module including: expanding your cultural awareness; identifying your own values and how these may (or may not) align with employers; identifying your learning preferences and developing team working skills. Theory will be critically applied to business organisations through the use of case studies and practical activities.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. Lectures will cover the topic content using bursts of short lectures, supported by short case studies, industry research, quizzes, group work and presentations. Workshops will consist of small group work and individual activities.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a presentation and a report.

40% - small group presentation, exploring the impact of one specific area of organisaion behavior on a business organisation of your choice.

60% - individual business report, on the topic of leadership and an analysis of your leadership style, identifying how this could be further developed.

30 credits

This module will provide you with a core set of skills, enabling you to become proficient in academic reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

It will be an introduction to academic texts, language and referencing. You will take part in lectures, seminars, group work and structured academic writing, so you can practice the necessary academic skills needed for their future programmes. You will develop critical thinking skills through tasks such as text analysis and in-session group discussion tasks and the ability to construct coherent academic assignments, including written essays and presentation work. 

You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts such as referencing methods, awareness of academic integrity and academic tone and register and apply these skills and knowledge to both generic topics initially and then to your own chosen subject pathway. 

The class will allow for opportunities to practice and develop spoken and written English skills, within an academic context. You will be guided in assignment organisation, structure, style and content so you apply these skills across subjects and modules in your undergraduate degree.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover the topic content using bursts of short lectures, supported by short case studies, industry research, quizzes, group work and presentations. Workshops will consist of small group work and individual activities.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a source matrix, position essay and a reflective essay. 

60% - source matrix and position essay, which will assess your academic writing, critical thinking and ability to produce an academic argument.

40% - reflective essay, based on in-class group tasks completed over the module.

30 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the topic of marketing and data analytics which is vital in understanding how contemporary businesses operate in a marketing context.

This module will help you in understanding how organisations develop their marketing strategiesusing data insights. In recent years, technological advancements and the digital revolution have fundamentally transformed marketing. Marketers now need to analyze, assess, and create marketing and data analytics strategies that align with the evolving needs of businesses. 

You will also explore how the effectiveness of a marketing strategy largely hinges on the quality of decision-making. Rational and fact-based decision-making processes are anticipated to generate greater value for businesses. You will also gain understanding of the broader context, examining the market environment and evaluating how data can be interpreted, utilised, and presented meaningfully. 

You will also explore EDI as this module will cover case studies from various cultural and global perspectives. You will also be introduced to the topics of primary and secondary research that will help you in creating a marketing plan. 

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group presentation and an individual report. 

30% - group presentation, analysing one particular market. 

70% - individual report, presenting a marketing plan for a particular product.

30 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the financial acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of launching and managing entrepreneurial ventures. 

It covers the entire venture life cycle, from the initial development of a business idea to the planning andexecution of an exit strategy. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of key financial concepts,including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity, and learn how to analyse financialstatements through ratio analysis. The module emphasises the importance of cash flow management and forecasting within an entrepreneurial context, ensuring you can effectively manage financial resources.

Throughout the module, you will explore various sources of capital, such as angel investors, venture capitalists, private equity funds, and crowdfunding, and learn practical techniques for bootstrapping entrepreneurial ventures. 

You will also evaluate the operating and financial performance of entrepreneurial ventures, providing you with the tools to assess business viability and success. Interactive sessions will help you develop essential skills in presentation and pitching to investors, preparing you for real-world entrepreneurial challenges. 

The module will also address the ethical considerations and responsibilities of entrepreneurs, encouraging you to consider the broader impact of their business decisions on society and the environment. You will be encouraged to develop a critical mindset and question your own values and attitudes towards entrepreneurship. 

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. Lectures will cover the topic content using bursts of short lectures, supported by short case studies, industry research, quizzes, group work and presentations. Workshops will consist of small group work and individual activities.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group presentation and an individual report. 

30% - group presentation, analysing one startup’s financial ratios.

70% - individual report, where you will write a detailed business proposal supported with financial data.