BSc (Hons) Business and Management

Summary 2012/13

• Management at Edge Hill University ranked top in the North West for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2010;
• Gain a broad-based Business and Management degree or specialise in your second and third year;
• Benefit from a brand new building and facilities for Business and Management students.

This Business and Management programme is a keystone degree in Edge Hill Business School. It will help you understand the wide-ranging issues organisations encounter and critically explores management issues using theoretical concepts. The programme looks at small to multi-national organisations across a range of sectors.

Depending on the modules you select, you may be eligible for exemptions from national professional bodies, for example the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. These exemptions provide accelerated access to an internationally recognised, professional qualification. Graduates are also entitled to Associate Member status of the Chartered Management Institute so you will be able to use the letters ACMI after your name.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, plus evidence of numeracy.

Details

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wants a thorough grounding in business practice and theory, with the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of business.This course will also help you develop vital industry contacts and experience through work placements.

What will I gain from this programme?

The programme combines vocational and academic activity to give you valuable skills recognised by employers. Depending on which modules you take, you may be eligible for exemptions from national professional bodies (e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). These exemptions provide accelerated access to an internationally recognised, professional qualification.

Graduates are also entitled to Associate Member status of the Chartered Management Institute and you can use the letters ACMI after your name.

How we will support you

Our state-of-the-art Business School building was opened in January 2009. Set in the heart of the campus this dynamic space is a visible testament to how much we have developed in a short space of time and complements our modern approach to teaching and learning. Full support will be provided to help you get the most from your learning experience. You will be assigned a personal tutor and there is a range of other support options available. Extensive use is made of information technology to support classroom activities.

What will I study?

All undergraduate business students follow the same course in the first year. This will provide you with a thorough grounding in a range of business functions and introduce you to the environment in which organisations operate.

In Year 1 you will study the core modules giving you an understanding of the economic markets, business relationships and processes and management techniques.

Year 2 will enhance your core knowledge as you follow a straight Business and Management or designated specialist route or choosing a combination which meets your interests. You can specialise in areas such as Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business and Accounting.

In Year 3 you can undertake a dissertation or in-depth organisational study. You will study a variety of contemporary issues but with an emphasis on strategic decision-making, building on your earlier study of business functions. We will help develop you as a communicator, team worker and leader to complement your knowledge growth.

How will I study?

As well as preparing for and attending lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, you will spend time reading and completing coursework, including written assignments, portfolios, presentations and poster and video production.

Placement

You will be helped to gain practical experience in the workplace, with work-related learning and graduate enterprise being particular features of the programme. You can also choose to spend a year in industry on work placement before starting your third year.

Who will be teaching me?

All our staff are passionate about student learning and development. These degrees are delivered by specialists in Accountancy, Marketing, Human Resource Management, E-Commerce and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, among others. The team includes active researchers who publish in academic journals and academically and professionally qualified staff. All team members are people with an energy and enthusiasm for their subject areas.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme there is a combination of different forms of assessment to test intellectual development, vocational capability and critical thinking. Coursework often involves both individual and group based working. Case studies and problem-solving exercises are used. Examinations take a variety of forms, using both seen and unseen questions.

What are my career prospects?

A degree in Business and Management equips you for a range of career opportunities in both general management and the specialist function. Typical graduate careers include accountancy, administration, banking, education, finance, human resource management, marketing, public sector management, retailing, and small and medium sized enterprise management. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a career in teaching (further training required).

Professional Accreditation

Chartered Management Institute

Related Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (Accounting)
• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management)
• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (International Business)
• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (Leisure and Tourism)
• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (Marketing)
• BSc (Hons) Business and Management (Part Time)

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre.

As a student with the Edge Hill Business School, you will study in an outstanding, dynamic learning environment with some of the most contemporary and cutting-edge facilities in higher education. You will be encouraged to take an active part in the success of the Business School within the business community, throughout your programme of study and beyond.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time study in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

For students choosing the 4-year route, tuition fees and financial support arrangements are the same as the equivalent year of the full-time programme, with fees for the sandwich year still to be confirmed.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support an application.

Direct entry to Year Two of the programme is available to students who have obtained an HND in Business Studies with overall merit.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Gary Brown, Edge Hill Business School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584505
• Email: browng@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

BUS1000 Business Economics. Business and management, in its use of scarce resources, is firmly rooted in economics. This module will give you an understanding of markets, how they affect pricing and investment decisions, and also look at the economic environment in which businesses operate, appreciating the impact of policy change and international influences.

BUS1001 Law for Business. An understanding of some basic legal principles is important to managers, in particular the rules relating to contract, consumer protection, corporate liability and employment. An understanding of these key areas of liability can help inform decision making in organisations. Recourse to law though is generally to be avoided so this module considers the subject in a wider context, introducing you to issues relating to risk evaluation, and developing management skills in problem analysis and solution. To this end the module will utilise a number of case studies looking at organisational problems and debate some of the of the key relevant policy areas.

BUS1002 Accounting. An ability to understand and interpret information is an invaluable skill for all who are involved with organisations. Indeed, the main decision making tool used by organisations is arguably financial information. This module will develop your skills in understanding and evaluating financial information, both from a ‘financial viewpoint’ and also a ‘statistical perspective’.

BUS1003 Personal Development. This module will allow you to focus on your own skills and provide discussion on opportunities for development. The module will commence with a period of study skills development to assist learning, highlighting the strong links between study skills and employability skills and the process of personal continuing development throughout professional level work (CPD). Personal tutors will be involved in the development of reflective skills and action planning for future employment challenges. There will be a company problem introduced by a suitable organisation that all learners will engage with from a team perspective.

BUS1004 Work, Management and Organisational Behaviour. Contemporary management issues arise from an historical and international relationship between management, organisation and society. The module provides both an introduction to the functions and activities of management and organisation and a framework for understanding their consequences for people within the workplace and for society at large. You will develop skills associated with academic enquiry, writing and debate.

BUS1005 Information Systems equips you with an understanding of how the effective use of information, communication and knowledge management can underpin the development of long-term exchange relationships and support the business strategies of organisations across different sectors. A wide range of information systems and communication media will be examined with particular emphasis on new media including e-commerce.

Year 2

BUS2000 Marketing. Central to the success of any organisation (profit-making or not-for-profit) is an understanding of the fundamentals of marketing. This module aims to define marketing and introduce you to key marketing concepts and models. It considers some of the central philosophies of marketing thinking and practice through a range of contexts set against some of the significant and dynamic changes that the business environment presents.

BUS2001 Human Resource Management. People management has come to occupy a central position in most organisations and HR professionals now occupy more senior positions in organisations than was the case throughout much of the twentieth century. The increasing diversity of the UK workforce places different demands on HR managers who are often on the frontline dealing proactively with emerging problems. This module will equip you with an understanding of the changes in people management and how such changes have impacted on the HR professional’s role.

BUS2003 Research Methods. The ability to undertake research, to appreciate the different research methods and methodologies, to have knowledge of the sources of information and an understanding of the problems of research is fundamental to the academic experience. This module will familiarise you with the main methods of social research and the contexts in which it is conducted. You will develop a firm understanding of the principles and perspectives of social research, gaining practical experience in the use of research methods.

BUS2005 Graduate Enterprise. Work related learning is recognised as a key element in the provision of management programmes at undergraduate level. This module enables you to contextualise and evaluate theoretical perspectives in a practical setting whilst at the same time informing your own future learning processes and outcomes.

BUS2006 Work Related Learning. Employers value students who have undertaken work experience, been able to reflect upon that experience and then go on to articulate and apply what they have learned. This module gives you the opportunity to experience work in an employment or voluntary setting, honing skills sought after by employers and therefore enhancing your employability on completing this degree.

BUS2007 Culture and Change provides a theoretical and practical vehicle for analysing the nature of and the influences behind organisational change. You will examine the links between change, culture and diversity, analysing some of the key elements involved in the development of both individual and organisational performance.

BUS2008 Managing People. The purpose of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of the changing nature of work and the workforce, as well as raising your awareness of the practical strategies used by organisations to manage such changes.

BUS2009 Retail Marketing. Effective marketing planning is essential for all organisations. This module offers you the opportunity to focus on the marketing planning process and place the tactical marketing activities examined in the Principles of Marketing module in the context of the marketing planning process. Specifically, this module provides you with the opportunity to examine the complex nature of marketing planning for organisations in the retail sector which constitutes a dynamic and vital element of the British economy.

BUS2010 Services Marketing. The service economy has seen considerable growth in the economies of many developed nations and now represents a significant proportion of both domestic and international trade. In addition to commercial and public sector providers there has been an increase in activity by not-for-profit service organisations and charities. This module examines the implementation of marketing concepts, theories and practices to organisations operating in this increasingly competitive environment.

BUS2011 Financial Management and Control focuses on the importance and relevance to all organisations of management accounting theories and systems in the decision-making process.

BUS2012 Financial Reporting builds an understanding of more advanced financial accounting, its concepts and principles. This starts with basic techniques and then develops a deeper understanding and knowledge of the concepts and principles and their application. You will evaluate the use of the techniques and apply them in a practical context.

BUS2013 International Business will develop your understanding of key economic concepts and theories, examining the operation of business in a fast changing world from an economic perspective. In addition, the module will consider other significant international factors such as business cultures, political systems, pressure groups and environmental issues. As well as having a theoretical underpinning, the module will be highly topical, analysing individual markets. You will develop analytical skills, examine business issues from a range of perspectives, interpret statistics and learn to think in economic terms.

BUS2014 Global Corporate Social Responsibility. Companies operating in globalising markets are increasingly required to balance the social, economic and environmental components of their business, while building shareholder value. Organisations that choose to ignore this responsibility, risk their futures, reputations and profits. It is imperative that the modern manager is aware of the various ethical issues that may have an impact upon their organisation and devise mechanisms to deal with them. This module will develop your understanding of an organisation’s overall responsibility to its various stakeholder groups, together with the mechanisms by which they are able to analyse and address these. You will consider the importance of ethical theory and the mechanisms of regulation and control.

BMS2032 Industrial Placement provides an opportunity for professional development in the work place. You will have the chance to demonstrate the skills and abilities built up in the two years of study on the programme to date, contextualising and evaluating the theoretical concepts you have learnt by applying them within a practical environment. The module plays a particularly important part in enabling you to transfer the application of your key skills into different situations, greatly enhancing your prospects of finding a rewarding job at the end of the programme.

Year 3

BUS3000 Strategy and Decision Making. The rapidly changing organisational environment within which today’s managers operate requires you to develop a deep understanding of the internal and external factors influencing strategy and decision-making. This module equips you with a critical understanding of how psychological, political, economic, social, cultural and technological factors influence decision-making and strategy formulation / implementation in a range of different types of organisation. Adopting an inter-disciplinary approach, the module also provides an opportunity to develop cognitive skills such as critical analysis and evaluation, communication skills (oral and written), team work, decision-making and creativity.

BUS3001 Dissertation enables you to undertake a largely independent research project. It develops your ability as an independent learner, able to manage a project over an extended period of time. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of academic and vocational skills (within categories such as research, self-management, cognition and communication) that are very likely to be relevant to your future employment or postgraduate studies.

BUS3002 International Management. Irrespective of size, UK firms are increasingly finding themselves located in global supply chains. At the core of their responses to the problems linked to supply chain management, UK businesses are placing an increasing importance in their graduate management recruitment programmes to students with a sensitivity to differences between firm specific, sectoral, regional and national culture. The module will draw upon neo-contingency theory to highlight the specificity of these cultures and assess how they impact upon the experiences of the global manager.

BUS3003 Advanced Human Resource Management envisages the embedded nature of economic relationships and offers conceptualisations of the employment relationship that enable a better understanding of the complex and various motivations that lie behind people’s actions. If you want to develop a career in Human Resource Management, this will help you to gain a better understanding of your role in the complexity of a modern organisation. It will also enable you to look critically at existing HR practice and envisage the possibility of a re-worked HRM model of developed, empowered and involved employees.

BUS3004 International Strategic Marketing. In view of emerging world markets and increasing globalisation this module develops an informed appreciation of international marketing. It provides the means for you to integrate aspects of operational marketing within a strategic and international perspective, further developing your analytical, critical and problem solving skills in the process.

BUS3005 Marketing Communications. Organisations have a wide range of stakeholders that include consumers, intermediaries and employees. Consistent messages conveyed to them are a result of planned and integrated communication activities from across the organisation. This module examines a wide range of communication media, with particular emphasis on new media including e-commerce. Direct marketing will be evaluated and the social and ethical considerations of marketing communications will also be considered.

BUS3006 Consumer Behaviour. The marketing concept stresses the importance of satisfying customers. In order to satisfy customers, companies need to examine the influences on what, where, when and how they buy. Understanding the factors that affect buyer behaviour enables marketers to predict the response of customers to marketing strategies. This module covers the theories and models relating to how the consumer behaves and the influences on the buying decision.

BUS3007 Accounting for the Environment looks at issues in an area of accounting that has developed rapidly over the last few years, and has grown into an important and distinct focus for accountants. You will consider how business operations impact on the environment, for example through global warming, pollution, recycling, ethical policies and oil energy efficiency, and analyse how businesses account for this impact, with the growth in environmental reporting. This module explores a range of the most important concerns within this area, allowing you to critically engage with them, and discover the impact of green issues on the way organisations view themselves and behave.

BUS3008 Advanced Corporate Reporting builds on the work of first and second year modules to ensure that you will be able to exercise judgement and technique in corporate reporting matters and can react to current developments or new practice

BUS3009 Finance for Managers, based on criteria laid down by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, provides an opportunity to develop your accounting skills. On completion of the module, you will have a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of financial and management accounting at a managerial level.

BUS3010 Global Influences. An appreciation of economic and geo-political contexts in the twenty-first century is essential for contemporary business. The emergence of the concept, the possibility and the realities of global organisational activities brings fresh issues and challenges for employees trying to make sense of organisational life in the twenty-first century. This module helps you to develop a conceptual understanding and appreciation of these evolving and transformatory global contexts and also considers their subsequent consequences.