Business ManagementBA (Hons)

Digital Business Management and Emerging Technology

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

At present companies are employing various digital systems to support their business processes and gain competitive advantage, so equally are developments in Internet Technology affecting the social networks of individuals. In this rapidly changing and evolving environment of digital systems, it is vital that the students, as future managers, are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to exploit and manage digital business opportunities and initiatives.

This unit helps the understanding of principles of digital business management. It will focus on the applications of technology, exploring such important issues as the integration of the business environment, business models, and Internet marketing, requiring the understanding of theory, implementation and maintenance issues. Overall, the unit aims to develop a view of digital business in practice.

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Financial Accounting

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Monday morning

(core, 15 credits)

AC4052 is a 15 credit core module which is designed to lay the foundation for understanding the accounting requirements of business organisations for internal and external reporting and decision making. It examines the financial accounting techniques for sole traders and limited companies.

This module aims to:

1. Enable students to understand the underlying principles of the financial accounting processes and to prepare/construct relevant accounting statements
2. Enable students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information systems and how they relate to the decision-making aspects of financial accounting statements
3. Enable students to analyse and interpret the financial accounting statements of a limited company
4. Enable students to understand the context of the professional accountancy framework and to enhance their employability skills.

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Learning Through Organisations

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This Professional Practice module will enhance the students’ understanding of what it means to be a business professional. This module will support the preparation for their future career by encouraging them to develop, put into practice and evidence the skills and behaviours that employers want to see.

The ‘Professional Practice’ approach ensures that as a developing professional the students understand how to learn effectively and efficiently either in the workplace or in a simulated context. They also learn how to use all the resources available to reflect on their progress. This module involves planning, conducting and reflecting on their own ‘performance episodes*’ and a more general reflection on their overall professional development to date. The written reports and reflections become part of their growth and productivity E-portfolio** which they will maintain throughout their programme.

In addition, they will have the opportunity to test, review and evidence their skills development via the on-line resources provided throughout the programme, which support the general skills required by employers. As such this module aims to,

1. Build understanding of the expected workplace knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes so that they become intrinsic performance and growth motivators.

2. Ensure the adoption of skills, attitudes and behaviours that improve self-awareness to aid reflective practice.

*A performance episode is defined as an initiative that the students take, made up of tasks, which develops their skills, and which involves both selecting knowledge from the programme and interacting with others. It must be measurable so that they are able to reflect on their professional skills development.

** The growth and productivity E-portfolio is a digital internet-based tool within which they will store all evidence of their Weekly via learning log, feedback from stakeholders, their reflections. It allows them to share their journey with others and to organise elements of it to help them progress further.

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Managing People in Organisations

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday morning
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to the management of people in organisations, or as it is commonly known ‘Human Resource Management’. It is aimed at students from a variety of disciplines, and not just those looking to pursue a career in HRM. Ultimately, the management of people is often the responsibility of line managers and supervisors so it is important that all graduates of Guildhall School of Business and Law are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement this effectively in practice. This module will take a critical perspective, illuminating to students not only the ways ‘good’ people management can contribute to performance and employee well-being but also the potential problems implementing this in practice.

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Principles of Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers. Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, organise, lead and coordinate the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively. The challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action, such as managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and, along with numerous other activities, achieve organisational success.

The traditional view of the purpose and role of management in the world of work was to seek stability and efficiency in a top-down hierarchy aimed at achieving bottom-line results. In contrast, the contemporary management approach expects managers to engage in motivating people and harnessing their creativity, sharing information and power, leading change, and finding shared vision and values in an increasingly diverse and complex workplace.

Today’s managers require the knowledge and ability to draw on both traditional and contemporary approaches to management when formulating workplace decisions. They also need the skills, tools, and techniques to manage their own career trajectory based on the acquisition of sound employability skills and accompanying behaviours.

In addition to knowledge, the module focuses on developing students as managers
which involves the ability to interact with, and motivate, a diverse range of people.
The module aims are to:

• enable students to identify and explain major developments in the history of managerial thought;
• provide students with the opportunity to develop management, leadership and employability capability to enhance their individual potential;
• develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex environments;
• enable students to develop their management and employability skills, such as critical thinking and writing, interpersonal skills, self-management, communication, team-working, problem solving, and presentation skills, in order to maximise their competitive edge in the business world.

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Principles of Marketing

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module aims to provide an understanding of the marketing process in contemporary organisations and in the context of tangible goods and services. The service sector accounts for a significant proportion of GDP and employment in most developed economies and therefore it becomes essential for students to gain insight within the area. In this module, students are introduced to a range of marketing theories such as the marketing concept, consumer behaviour, business environmental analysis, marketing research, consumer insights applicable to tangible goods and services marketing.

The module aims to:
● Provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of marketing
● Provide an appreciation of contemporary issues in marketing.
● Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and data interpreting skills.
● Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.

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Understanding and Managing Data

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Data analysis is a top business priority. It drives the opportunity for performance improvement and, with advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever increasing rate. As such, it is not surprising business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers today. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of quantitative and statistical analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

The module introduces data-based decision making and performance measurement and provides students with the practical experience of using Excel to transform data into meaningful information. It further introduces students to forecasting, target setting and project management. As such, it provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making. In doing so, it provides the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance measurement.

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Understanding the Business and Economic Environment

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The focus of this module is to equip students to understand organisations in contexts past, present and future, and enable them to analyse the macro, micro, internal and external business and economic environments in which they operate. An understanding of the environments will facilitate the interpretation of situations and enable decisions that add value for businesses. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organizations and the effect these have on business practices.
The module is designed to be used by Level 4 undergraduate students on a range of programmes. Examples, illustrations and case studies will be drawn from chosen industry sectors such as advertising, aviation, events, finance, marketing, music, transport, tourism, and applied to reinforce basic concepts. This will enhance the ability of students to understand particular business problems and aspects of the business and economic environment. Topics and case studies will cover business issues that are contemporary and relevant to the real world.

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Fundamentals of Project Management

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Projects come in many shapes and forms, from small to large, familiar to unfamiliar, simple to complex, urgent to non-urgent and widely supported to strongly resisted. Anyone undertaking the sponsorship, governance or management of a project needs to recognise that there are risks to its completion on time, to budget and to the customer’s satisfaction. They should therefore know that it may be unsuccessful in some way, or even fail completely.

It is easy to find examples of such failures; the current Crossrail project, the delayed opening of the Berlin International Airport, the chaos when Heathrow Terminal 5 opened, the government’s failure to meet its targets for Corona Virus testing, and the countless software development projects that have been late, failed to meet user needs or been riddled with bugs.

There are various bodies of knowledge specific to managing Programmes, Projects and Portfolios of Projects that seek to provide the methods and tools to manage projects successfully. These are necessary but not sufficient; they do however go a long way towards improving project success rates. Organisations like the Association for Project Management and the Project Management Institute continue to work to improve the status and competency of project managers, as well as the competency of organisations.

This module introduces students to the role of the project manager, the nature of projects and how to manage them successfully, focusing on the linear project in which the project output is clearly defined at the commencement of the project. Such projects are typical in the construction industry but can be found widely in business organisations. You will also look at the way Agile projects change the approach to project delivery to deal with uncertainty in the product to be delivered and to accept changes in requirements or circumstances.

The module aims to enable students to:

• assess projects to determine the approach most likely to succeed
• contribute to the design and development of effective project organisations that provide governance, assurance, support and direction to the project team
• plan and manage simple projects using both linear and agile methods
• prepare key project documents
• create project plans using project management software including the use of Gantt charts
• communicate project management plans, risks and issues effectively.

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International Selling and Negotiation

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

Selling is an essential function of business. This module provides students with the opportunity to gain and develop essential selling and negotiation knowledges and skills. It will particularly consider the international perspective in selling to prepare the students for the importance of taking into account the richness of our current global context. The module supports the BABM&M course as it supports a marketing management perspective which includes understanding the selling function and learning from it to improve the overall marketing management function. There has been regular research confirming employers’ need for employees with selling skills as they argue that ‘selling is a life-blood of businesses’ since businesses cannot survive without effective results from this important function. Accordingly, the understanding of this business function should give students the edge over other students without such knowledge when seeking employment opportunities. Past students of this module have confirmed the importance of undertaking this module in helping them find a job. Additionally, selling has a broader perspective as it enables students to learn how to be more persuasive while remaining ethical in their business transactions.

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Leadership in Practice

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module provides students with an understanding of leadership in both theoretical and practical terms. In order to develop students cognitive academic abilities a study of leadeship theory will be undertaken. In this module students will explore the core theoretical underpinning of the theories of leadership. Using current case study examples they will learn how to apply their leadership knowledge critically. With the use of multi-media students will analyse how an understanding of leadership theory can contribute to developing, leading and managing business organisations.
Students will explore the importance of the traits, behaviours and characteristics of leaders through the critical lens of current leadership models. To develop their knowledge of leadership in practice students will use real world case studies to develop their understanding of leadership dilemmas and how theory can be used to help solve them. Students will explore the role of Power, Influence and Ethics in the role of the leader and how this can be developed to create a more ethical approach to leadership. In addition students will examine how leaders deal with conflict in the workplace through workplace examples and cases.

Students will have the opportunity to identify, reflect on and develop their own leadership skills. They will conduct a self-leadership audit through identifying their leadership style, traits and skills, e.g. negotiation, communication and then develop a self reflective piece to evidence their leadership skills development. They will then develop a plan to demonstrate what they have learned and how they might apply their new leadership knowledge in practice, in their future career roles.

Students on this module will have opportunities to enhance key leadership skills e.g. goal setting and communication skills, developed earlier, and to develop key skills such as negotiation and persuasion as a means of dealing with conflict and morale issues that can arise when managing and leading people.

The module aims to:

1. Develop students understanding of core leadership theory, current models and leadership in practice.
2. Develop students understanding of power, politics and conflict in organisations.
3. Help students to identify their own leadership styles, traits, skills and behaviour e.g. negotiation and persuasion, and how they can apply this in their own leadership practice.

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Organisation Design and Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module introduces and explores a range of key topics related to organisation studies. A broad range of organisation theories are drawn upon to encourage students to develop a critical approach towards their understanding and analysis of key issues within contemporary organisations. The module assessment strategy has been designed to test the extent of the achievement of the module learning outcomes.

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Creating a Winning Business 1

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

The University has a policy that undergraduate students must, take a Work Based Learning (WBL) module i.e. a module which requires them to directly experience and operate in the real world of work and to reflect on that episode in order to identify skill and knowledge areas that they need to develop for their career.

This module challenges students to be creative in identifying a new business opportunity and in examining the viability of all aspects of the idea in the real-world context e.g.

• Supporting an existing small business to understand how a business runs
• Respond to small business’s client briefs
• Testing potential customers’ views.

As a result of client brief and feedback, business concepts and/or ideas will develop over the duration of the module.

The QAA Benchmark on Business and Management (2019) emphasises the attribute of “entrepreneurship” and of “the value of real-world learning”. In terms of promoting work related skills, the module specifically focuses on practical techniques for responding to client briefs in evaluating and developing business ideas and so develops creative yet practical thinking.

In addition, it requires students to examine market potential and prepare a presentation of their findings assuming the role of a business consultant. The module requires a high level of self-reliance to explore the business idea based on a client brief. Students develop an understanding of the role of business start-ups, business growth and development.

These skills and techniques are of practical relevance to anyone considering developing a business, working for a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a larger organisation where the business environment is constantly evolving and producing new challenges and opportunities.

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Learning through Work

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

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Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas.

The module offers an opportunity for students to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake a final year project / dissertation module.

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The Practice of Consultancy

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

Consultancy is big business and the sector continues to experience strong growth. The UK consultancy industry alone employs more than 80,000 professionals and is worth an estimated £12 billion per annum; making it the second largest consultancy base in the world.

Management consulting involves engaging with stakeholders to provide objective, specialist advice. It is concerned with diagnosing issues and inefficiencies, solving problems, improving performance and implementing solutions to deliver complex change, maximise growth and to create value for organisations.

The Practice of Consultancy develops the practical research and consultancy skills required for a career in Business Analyses and Management Consultancy and prepares students for the final year Consultancy Project. Specifically, the module introduces research methods for consultancy and aims to develop a practical understanding of the tools and techniques of problem analysis and issue clarification. A range of business frameworks are applied to structure diagnostic analyses and thinking, whilst data, metrics and analytics are evaluated to inform the process and to provide the client with evidence-based solutions. Finally, this module aims to develop students’ communication skills through the preparation of a report to present the outcome of the consultation to their client.

Management consulting covers a broad range of activities and, to be effective, a consultant needs to be client-oriented and solution-focused. Expertise, resourcefulness, an analytical mind, creative thinking, an ability to manage relationships, empathy and excellent communication skills are essential to building trust and ensuring recommendations are implemented. By taking an applied, problem-solving approach, this module encourages students to enhance their competencies in these areas.

Transferable skills
Student will develop a range of key skills and knowledge, including:

• Critical evaluation, problem identification and problem-solving skills
• Research skills (quantitative and qualitative research)
• Numeracy
• Analytic, divergent and creative thinking
• Communication (critical reading, interviewing, listening, negotiating, advising, presenting and report writing skills)

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Artist Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module develops the student’s knowledge of the artist management business, by focusing on historical and current issues, as well as the acquisition of practical skills.
The module provides an intellectual framework for management of the music business, within the UK and internationally. It uses real-life practitioner case-study examples and industry frameworks and enables students to develop the necessary management competencies to operate successfully as artist managers and/or self-employed performers within the music business. It will cover key areas from artist management activities, recorded music, digital technology, business planning, production, royalties, through to live music, distribution, promotion, and copyright. The aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scope and nature of the music management processes, from the development of creative ‘product’, to its distribution and consumption by the end-consumer.

The module aims:
1. To explain the role of management and managers within the music business
2. To explain the contractual relationships and legal and financial implications of artist management
3. To enable students to understand how to manage the business affairs of performing artists, and start-up a management business, and secure employment in the sector
4. To develop the attributes of self-evaluation and a creative and ethical approach in a variety of contexts, informing career orientation

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Company and Business Law

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This Company and Business Law module aims to expose students to the advantages and costs of forming limited liability companies. The module also empowers students to analyse and appreciate the regulatory framework around company activity. Students will be able to analyse most company activity from the point of view of creditors, especially during insolvency. The module also deals with aspects of Employment Law especially the employee-employee relationship.
Accordingly, students’ knowledge and analytical skills in the area of company and business law will be greatly enhanced.

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Developing Inclusive Organisations

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

We live in a more diverse society than ever before. Structural changes in labour markets have led to increasing numbers of women, older workers and disabled people in employment, with fewer younger people in many industrialised economies. Globalisation and migration has also lead to greater ethnic diversity. We are also clear about the business for diverse workforces, and the benefits this can bring to society.

However, there is a question as to whether a diverse workforce always equals inclusion. There is evidence that many of these groups are marginalised and face employment disadvantages in practice. The aim of this module is to illuminate some of the inequalities experienced by these groups, and then to examine theoretical perspectives helping explain these and provide insights into how these can be better remedied in practice.

Whilst arguably the principles of inclusion transcend the protected characteristics (Equality Act, 2010), it is clear that these groups tend to suffer more inequalities in the workplace than others (despite law that protects against this). This module will therefore look at the meaning of inclusion and how it differs from concepts of equality and diversity – what it adds and where it might be lacking. We will examine closely the different dimensions of diversity (gender, age, race/ethnicity and so forth) in order to understand the specific barriers these groups experience, and what methods organisations can develop to ensure more inclusive workplaces – so that everyone feels valued regardless of identity or background.

A broader aim of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to ‘step into the shoes’ of diverse marginalised groups and the specific barriers they face, so they are better prepared to identify and promote inclusive workplaces, as social justice champions of our future. This is something our society needs and London Metropolitan University is passionate about developing – values driven graduates who make a positive contribution to the world (see Strategic Plan).

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Field Trip

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to enables students to complete a research-based project that deals with and / or provides a solution to a practical business problem. The student’s topic is linked with the destination of the field trip (for example Toulouse, with a focus on Airbus) and has to be appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to map out the applied problem, develop appropriate research questions, identify and use theoretical concepts/prior literature, and use robust and appropriate methods and data analyses in an independent, ethical and disciplined manner. Students will have the opportunity to talk, observe and develop networks with experienced leaders in the organisation where the problem is focused. The field trip is time constrained replicating the realities of the business world. The students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen problem, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data required for providing a practical solution. The module aims to stimulate development of students’ ability to relate theoretical material taught in the class to real world practice. It constitutes a useful and appropriate preparation for the final year dissertation or consultancy project.
The module is subject to minimum number of students participating and circumstances allowing travel.

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Marketing Communications

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The module will enable you to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the nature and importance of integrated marketing communications and the individual purpose and characteristics of its component tools.

This module builds on Level 4 marketing modules knowledge and aims to define and explore the marketing communications process and the role of an integrated marketing communication approach in both traditional and digital communication formats, in achieving marketing objectives. The changing environment and impact of technology are explained as background for synthesis of the communications process.

In addressing QAA skill benchmarks for business and management, the module specifically focuses on the following areas:

1) Ability to conduct research into business and management issues.
2) Developing skills including identifying, formulating and solving business communication challenges.

More broadly, the module aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:

- Academic writing and reading
- Analysing data/research
- Critical thinking and being creative
- Communicating/presenting, orally and/or in writing
- Digital Literacy and IT skills
- Commercial awareness, including corporate social responsibility

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Principles of Finance

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The module is designed to introduce students to the basic theory of finance and to apply the theory to the selection and management of financial and investments portfolio. The module will help students to understand theories of finance to develop the skills of valuing investments and critically evaluate the frameworks for pricing securities, risks and reward relationship.

Furthermore, you will be introduced to various aspects of finance such as financial markets, instruments, concepts, and the institutional arrangements relating to the issuances and trading of various capital market securities.

This core module aims to enable students to:

1) understand the basic theory of finance and develop the skills of valuing investment
instruments;

2) critically evaluate the conceptual frameworks for pricing securities;

3) undertake a written critical review of contemporary theories in finance.

4) calculate risk and return and establish the relationship between risk and return.

5) recognise the investment environment and for making investment decisions.

The module also aims to help students in the development of the following skills:

. academic writing;
. researching
. critical review of empirical data
. analysis of economic financial data;
. problem solving skills and decision making
. quantitative problem-solving and decision-making;
. self-assessment and reflection.

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Risk and Crisis Management

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The aviation and travel industry has a huge number of interdependent factions within it and this leads to vast operational complexities. This together with a highly regulated industry, a competitive and dynamic external environment and a substantial level of Government involvement has the potential expose this sector and, airlines and airports alike, to a vast array of risks and uncertainties, both internally and externally. Because of the very nature of those risks, there are many uncertainties and disruptive events and this module seeks to understand how to put in place a co-ordinated, effective response that mitigates the effect of such events and minimises harm to an organisation’s stakeholders.

This module will explore the types of risk that the aviation and travel sector are exposed to and, what possible solutions might be put forward to mitigate against these. The module also seeks to understand what crisis management is and how to effectively apply it to the aviation industry.

More specifically the module will help develop the students understanding of how to assess, evaluate, mitigate and monitor risks as they pertain to the sector.

The module aims are as follows;

• to develop students understanding of theoretical modules for risk and crisis management
• to allow students to identify good practice and lessons learnt from both the sector itself and, related industries.
• to build a practical knowledge base of the resource requirements and facilities necessary for airlines, airports and the travel industry to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in sub optimal business environments
• to enable students to assess risks and develop robust business contingency plans to mitigate against such risks

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Sustainability, Business and Responsibility

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module will address the critical issue of how current thinking on climate change and sustainability will impact on businesses and organisation. The need to create more sustainable organisations and businesses is fundamental to current and future organisational development strategies. It is necessary for students to understand the growing influence of the sustainability agenda on industry. This influence takes on many forms, from government policies and international agreements to the measuring the impacts of organisational practices on the ecology and communities. In the future, organisations, businesses, communities and individuals will be expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental and social impacts. This module will examine the current and future challenges. It will equip students to deal with the challenge of creating sustainable forms of business that operate within ecological and socio-economic limits.

It will explore the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles.

The overarching aim of the module is to ensure that students develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles and how these principles are applied. It will explore the varied tools and techniques used to apply sustainability principles, by governments, business and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present. Such appreciation will be developed progressively via more specific aims which are:

1. To engage with the growing international debate and practice around sustainability, business and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
2. To evaluate how this will challenge organisations and business.
3. To examine tools and techniques for evaluating and implementing of sustainability
4. To analyse the evolving policy frameworks within which business operates.
5. To understand how changing environmental realities may affect business practice.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
1. Academic reading
2. Researching
3. Problem-solving and decision making
4. Critical thinking and writing
5. Application of knowledge and presenting data
6. Academic writing

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Financial Decision Making for Managers

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Financial decision-making is important for any and every business. This natural mental process needs to be informed to select a course of action from several alternative options. One of the most essential elements that help to facilitate the implementation of the business strategy in an organisation is Finance. The financial manager of an organisation plays a central role in making decisions on optimum utilisation of financial resources and assess the implications for shareholders and other stakeholders, and the need for effective corporate governance. Therefore, managers require critical understanding of key financial management issues, performance indicators and methodologies relating to financial management frameworks. Managers use these tools when they are faced with making financial decisions in the business environment. This module provides students with knowledge about financial decision-making approaches and control systems businesses use to make managerial decisions.

The module also provides the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the impact of financial decisions. It enable learners of today, who are managers of tomorrow, to participate in decision making processes concerning the utilisation of finances in investment, financial and risk management, and the delivery of value for money in achieving the objectives of the business. Although managers are not always required to perform detailed financial analysis, they need to have a clear understanding of how the process of financial management and decision-making work to ascertain that decisions are properly made and implemented and that apposite risk management system are in place.

The module focuses on fundamentals of financial management, the need for accounting and finance, financial governance, making capital investment decisions, balancing risk and return, tools of financial analysis, interpretations and planning, reading financial reports, cost challenges in decision making, working capital management, sources of finance, cost-volume-profit analysis and its use in managerial decisions and planning.

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Leading Innovation

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This final-year core module “Leading Innovation” aims to enable students to study and apply in practice:

a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership style
a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation practice, and organisations in a range of industries engaged with innovation practice
a range of innovation theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation processes, and organisations in a range of industries that innovate
the synergies between leadership and innovation in a range of contexts

The Module will be based around two themes:
(i) Theme 1: Leadership, where they will study, reflect on, and use leadership theories and techniques to assess and develop their own personal leadership style. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating classic and contemporary theories, and directly applying the ideas from these theories to their own experience and ambitions.
(ii) Theme 2: Innovation, where they will study, analyse, and evaluate the innovation processes of selected organisations and industries (by critiquing, for example, Case Studies), and how innovation is achieved and operates within the contemporary economy (by critiquing, for example, classic and contemporary examples). In addition, students will study the synergies between leadership and innovation, an emerging area in academic research and in practice. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating innovation practice and performance, informed by the leadership theories and techniques covered in Theme 1.

Each theme will conclude with an assignment: Theme 1 will conclude with a team-based formative assignment, and Theme 2 will conclude with a pairs-based summative assignment. Once complete, this Module aims to enable students to understand a long-term timeline. Firstly, students will ‘look back’ and be exposed to classic and contemporary leadership texts, so they can critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership style. Secondly, they will ‘look forward’ and critically evaluate how innovation can further emerge in the economy and society, and how contemporary and future organisations and industries can ensure sustainability through enhanced innovation, blended with enhanced organisational leadership.

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Practising Business Strategy (with simulation)

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

Strategy is a crucial subject, concerned with the development, success and failure of all kinds of organisations, from multinationals to entrepreneurial start-ups, from charities to government agencies, and many others. Accordingly, strategy constitutes a key element of all professional business and management qualifications.

It equips aspiring managers and leaders with the knowledge, skills and techniques required to critically analyse contemporary organisations within changing environments nationally and globally; to formulate, evaluate and defend realistic and creative proposals for future strategic direction; and to plan for the effective implementation of the strategy selected.

Overall, the module aims to:

• Develop the knowledge and understanding to critically apply a range of practical strategic management tools for strategic analysis, choice-making and implementation across public, private and not-for-profit organisations of all sizes across all sectors;

• Enable students to translate their analysis of contemporary organisations and contexts into persuasive, creative and realistic proposals for an organisation’s future strategic direction;

• Enable students to apply structured insight into the realities of an organisation’s internal and external context in order to develop implementation plans which help maximise achievement of strategic objectives; and

• Enhance student employability by developing transferable skills such as research, analysis, evaluation, decision-making, presenting data and influencing others across different cultures, within both existing organisations and entrepreneurial start-ups.

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The Practice of Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This final-year core module “The Practice of Management” aims to enable students to:

- study and apply a range of management theories and techniques to critically evaluating their personal development and management style
- study and apply a range of management theories and techniques to critically analyse large PLCs, plus to wider global issues.

The Module will be based around two themes:
(i) Theme 1: Personal and Academic Development, where they will study, reflect on, and use management theories and techniques to assess their own qualities and career ambitions. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating classic and contemporary theorists, and directly applying the ideas from these theorists to their own experience.
(ii) Theme 2: Professional Development, where they will study, analyse, and evaluate the management and performance of large corporations, and, looking ahead, consider these corporations in light of the UN’s Global Sustainability Goals 2030, justifying ways in which their selected PLCs will need to be strategically re-aligned and managed internally in order to contribute to these long-term external goals. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating management and business strategy and performance, and creatively re-designing corporate strategy to contribute to wider social, political, and cultural objectives.

Each theme will conclude with an assignment: Theme 1 will conclude with an individual formative assignment, and Theme 2 will conclude with a pairs-based summative assignment. Once complete, this Module aims to enable students to understand a long-term time line. Firstly, students will ‘look back’ and be exposed to classic and contemporary texts, theories, and techniques, which they will apply to their personal and professional development. Secondly, they will ‘look forward’ and evaluate how contemporary PLCs can contribute to future wider global socio-political objectives, namely the UN’s Global Sustainability Goals 2030, which will strengthen their professional development.

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Consultancy Project

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Monday morning
all year (September start) - Monday afternoon
all year (September start) - Wednesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon

(alternative core, 30 credits)

The Professional Consultancy / Project is a capstone module in which students will be required to undertake a business project aimed at enhancing their employability as well as providing a platform for further professional development.

This module requires students to undertake and write up an individual project that gives them the opportunity to not only consolidate their learning on the programme, but also to clearly apply their learning in a real-world context. Furthermore, it will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their professional competences built throughout the programme.

If in employment students may choose to use a work-based consultancy project (subject to agreement from their employer). Alternatively, they may choose a project which is research-based.

Students will also be required to present their project via an on-line presentation or podcast. This module gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their professional credibility and to use their academic, business and technical skills in a professional context.

Professional Consultancy Project aims to:

1 Demonstrate the ability to utilise and contextualise knowledge by applying analytical skills to a business situation or problem
2 Demonstrate the ability to assemble a coherent and a sustained piece of writing that evaluates a business/project problem/solution
3 Create an opportunity to further develop a range of skills associated with research including analysis, interpretation, written expression, formal report writing, and self-managed study
4 Engage students on a complex, integrated activity that will consolidate and integrate previous skills and learning
5 Provide students with a ‘showcase’ opportunity that allows them to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a significant and specialised task

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Dissertation

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning

(alternative core, 30 credits)

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

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Creative Media Practice and Music Business Models

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module will analyse and critically evaluate new and conventional models for music and media business in theory and practice, focusing on change and creative business innovation. Theoretical models will be examined with particular attention to monetisation of music by means of streaming, software/apps and blended experiences. Such creative enterprise phenomena apply to novel modes of delivery, content, devices and media convergences. Opportunities and threats including lateral [digital strategies] phenomena are analysed through the lens of entrepreneurship and corporate decision-making in theory and practice.

Students will critically evaluate business market positioning, examine best sources of reliable research information concerning new types of business customers and end users, and examine tactical alliances in music services and media markets.

Innovation and change are also explored, ranging from traditional portfolio development to new delivery methods, to emerging business strategies. This will be done by utilising and confronting key concepts in strategic management and recognising the relevance of cultural knowledge in this area of creative industries. Case study research and business simulation methods will be encouraged in analysis, with the aim of developing new approaches to business modelling and innovation.

Module Aims:
This advanced module aims to equip students with a refined and robust skillset for analysis, evaluation and implementation in business modelling and strategic practice.

1. Mapping and analysing patterns of change in innovative industry practices through the transformation of key sectors and enterprises.
2. Exploring specific contexts within which management of innovation takes place and fully contextualise the analysis of enterprise practice behind the development of new business models
3. Developing multidisciplinary syntheses of creative management, innovation and implementation in experience/service portfolios, identifying multiple factors that shape music/media business modelling in practice
4. Addressing conceptual solutions, operations and skills sets utilised for monetisation of cultural/creative value by means of innovation and strategic management in music/media contexts
5. Applying the understanding of strategy and tactics within the context of music/media business innovation

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Marketing Communications in Practice (Context Fashion)

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday morning

(option, 15 credits)

With the challenges presented by new media, shifting media patterns, and divided consumer attention, the optimal integration of marketing communications takes on increasing importance. The module is designed to enable students unlock the power of integrated marketing communications (IMC) by taking advantage of the unique strengths of different communication options, and combining and sequencing them strategically.

The module provides students with key industry-standard skills needed to develop a successful career in marketing communications, digital marketing and social media. It enables students to gain a first-hand experience in setting up live marketing communications campaigns in different contexts by combining both traditional media and new digital options.

The module content includes critical reflection on the academician–practitioner gap in understanding how marketing communications might work; developing a marketing communications pitch in response to a strategic creative brief and creative deliverables; crafting message strategy and creative strategy supported with Adobe Creative Cloud; media planning and buying - advanced measurements and calculations of traditional and digital media buys using advanced Excel program; campaign implementation and scheduling process using Microsoft Project software; practical challenges in monitoring and controlling IMC campaigns, setting campaign metrices and contingency plans; addressing regulatory, legislative and ethical issues and the interrelationships between marketing communications, culture and society. Additionally, students will be encouraged to successfully complete online courses including Advanced Google Analytics and Google Analytics 360 which are highly sought-after skills by employers.

This module builds on Level 5 modules knowledge and aims to:

• Develop an advanced understanding of marketing communications theory and practice with focus on both strategic and operational-level IMCs.
• Enable students to develop effective IMC campaigns in both Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) contexts.
• Provide students with key skills in response to a strategic creative brief and creative deliverables.
• Develop realistic media planning and buying strategy as well as measures of IMC campaigns.
• Develop critical awareness and competence in suggesting ethical and sustainable strategic alternatives to local as well as global organisations.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
- Researching and analysing
- Academic and highly specialist writing and reading
- Application of knowledge and presenting data
- Critical thinking and being creative
- Communicating/presenting, orally and/or in writing
- Digital Literacy and IT skills

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Organising and Managing Across Cultures

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module explores a range of topics connected with working and managing across different social cultures. It examines cross-cultural management in both international and intra-national contexts, and draws on perspectives from social anthropology, social psychology, organisational behaviour and management theory.

One of the summative assessments, the group presentation, enables students to experience some of the challenges of working across cultures first hand. The work undertaken in this module in teams also addresses one of the course outcomes to which this module contributes and enables students to build valuable related skills.

The module is designed with weekly lectures followed by interactive seminar sessions. This design, together with the research for, and feedback from the presentations feed forward to the second assessment, the report. In producing individual analytical reports, students will develop analytical and evaluation skills relevant both to this module and to the related course pathways.

The content and design of the module underpin the broader objectives of the courses of which it is part. The content will substantially contribute to developing students’ understanding of management theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles, and in particular implications for the management of people in international or cross-cultural contexts. The design and assessment frameworks reflect a student-centred learning approach, where students learn with and from each other, and where students progressively learn to discuss, debate and evaluate key organisational issues.

The content of this module reflects the socio-cultural breadth in our student body and staff, with over 140 nationalities represented on the campus (londonmet.ac.uk, 2020).

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Personal Finance

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module has been nationally promoted by the UK financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA), [now Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)], as a ‘unique idea’ in their ‘National Strategy for Financial Capability in Higher Education’ (2009), and disseminated to all universities as an exemplar for raising student interest, expertise and enthusiasm in personal finance. FSA refers to London Metropolitan University as one of only four universities awarded the FSA Curriculum Development Grant for “unique ideas” put forward for the creation of a financial capability module, the unique idea for this University being the innovative Competency Based Action Learning (CoBAL) curriculum which is the outcome of doctoral level research conducted in collaboration with real-world organisations such as the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the FSA, and the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC).

The module underlines the role personal judgement plays in personal finance, and the many perspectives that inform personal judgement, enabling the student to formulate and employ Action Learning strategies for the development of knowledge, skill and attitudinal competencies in personal finance, and for increased ability and confidence in dealing with the complexities of making financial decisions in the five domains of financial capability identified by the FSA.

This is an Extension of Knowledge (EoK) module which any student on any course in the University is able to take as an option module subject to their course incorporating a relevant slot in their course structure. The module’s EOK status recognises the need for students of all subjects to have a good grasp of Personal Finance.

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Service Excellence for Creative industries

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday morning

(option, 15 credits)

‘Service Excellence for Creative Industries and Aviation’ investigates practices and strategies used in managing exceptional relationships between customers and service providers. Consistent delivery of high-quality service increases customer loyalty, businesses reputation and competitive advantage, hence the module focus lies in the exploration of all aspects of excellent service delivery.

The aim of the module is to provide students with understanding of the importance of service excellence, including reflection on their own professional conduct practices, and equip them with analytical ability to assess and improve service delivery.

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Social Marketing

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to introduce the students to a developing specialist new field associated with marketing. It provides the students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge about marketing to apply it to situations where the aim is to help address social problems. Students will learn how this developing new science makes use of several disciplines, in addition to marketing, to help improve the welfare of our societies. This field has been successfully applied to many social ills ranging from obesity, drinking and driving to discrimination and domestic violence.
Students will be first introduced to the history and concepts of social marketing and shown the procedures used by social marketers to address social problems. The students will be encouraged to develop their critical as well as applied abilities during their studies.
By the end of the module the students will not only be able to appreciate the benefits of social marketing but also learn very useful skills about how to apply it. The knowledge and skills of this module will combine with previous skills achieved by students in the course, to enable them to understand and apply their marketing skills to both commercial as well as social situations. It will also help develop a socially responsible attitude as well as enable them to consider pursuing this professionally rewarding specialist area for their career.

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Strategy in Tourism and Travel

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Friday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module critically analyses the theories and models that guide the development of business strategy for the travel sector with reference to current issues and case studies. Students will apply principles to practice through ‘live’ examples, for example strategies of start-up airlines entering scheduled routes.

The aim of the module is to apply theories and models of sustainable competitive advantage to the travel sector with particular reference to liberalization of travel markets, and continuing barriers to market entry. It also aims to examine the significance of organizational structure and people management for business strategy in the travel sector.

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