Programme Modules
Term 1
Management
The role of the manager has developed significantly over the past twenty-five years. Not just a person who gives orders and sees that they are applied, the modern manager must be aware of business strategy and understand how that can become reality through effective business policy. Modern managers understand how personnel is motivated, how policy is communicated and how market awareness is vital to survival in a competitive free-market economy.
Introduction to Accounting
A business manager who neglects a proper control of finances will soon encounter difficulties. Good accounting methods are essential both to budgetary control and to forward planning.Whilst the module does not attempt to deliver the skills associated with a fully qualified accountant, course members will become familiar with the principles of creating records of profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet analysis.
Study Skills
The Study Skills module is intended to provide the foundations for undertaking undergraduate studies. Some students are unsure about what is expected of them as they enter higher education; often the transition is difficult to negotiate. This module attempts to address any potential problem by providing the development for good academic practice. It is important to make explicit the criteria and standards applied in assessing students’ work and accordingly this module aims to initiate an understanding of what is required.
Term 2
Introduction to Computing
Computer systems have become a familiar feature of the modern business environment. However, the effective use of this tool depends upon an understanding of data collection and retrieval techniques as well as the theories underlying the analysis of statistical data. Successful analysis will assist in the development of reliable predictive skills and, therefore, better decision making.
Business Economics
Economic theory assists the modern manager to understand the ways in which the scale of operations may impact upon cost savings, as well as the influence of world economic trends upon individual business strategy. In this way, managers utilise micro and macro-economic data to improve decision making about future policy.
Business Law
An understanding of the legal environment within which business can thrive is of vital importance to a business manager. Apart from the intricacies of contract law, managers must be aware of EU legislation in respect of employment, exports and business development. In addition the entrepreneur, who may wish to establish a new business, should understand the benefits of incorporation as well as the advantages of other forms of company identity.
Term 3
Human Resource Management
This module complements the study of Employee Resourcing and considers, amongst others, theories of human motivation as an important area of understanding for all managers. In their efforts to obtain the best efficiencies from the human resource, managers will find the study of social scientific theories very helpful.This is especially so when a business is faced with the task of implementing necessary changes brought about by company mergers or the deployment of new systems.
Marketing
It has been argued that a market-led business will survive most challenges. Such a business ensures that every member of the organisation accepts the importance of delivering the best possible product/service to every customer. Understanding customers’ needs and responding appropriately is a fundamental pre-requisite of a market-led business.The module will explain how this might be achieved.
Logistics and Operations Management
This module complements the study of Introduction to Accounting in which course members gain an understanding of the principle methods used to record business financial data. In this study, course members will appreciate a range of accepted methods used in the interpretation of that data. By the close analysis of financial data, managers are able to respond to business needs such as future investment and cost savings.
Term 4
Information Technology
Management decisions are based on both qualitative and quantitative information relating to the company and its environment. Particularly in respect of storage and retrieval of information, computers have taken over from more traditional methods and it is vital for managers to be fully aware of the technology of handling information. This module dwells on the variety of hardware and software available to the modern manager in achieving the aim of making informed decisions.
Internet Development: Coding and Programming
To introduce common approaches used in the coding phase of software development. To
promote an understanding of programming concepts in a simple scripting language. To
relate organisational goals and tasks to the programmes produced and to website design.
Telecommunications and Networking
To identify the uses and benefit of telecommunications and networking and to determine
methods of introducing systems development technology. To demonstrate methods of
creating secure networks and data pathway. To demonstrate the importance of the
internet and the design of web pages.
Term 5
International Marketing
The opportunities for companies to develop an international business enterprise are greater now than they have ever been. Managers should be aware of certain principles which need to be observed when engaged in international marketing.The module seeks to develop an awareness of these principles by exploring the challenges of cultural differences, the legal environments of other countries and the various methods which could be employed to penetrate a new market.
Visual Net Programming
This module aims to provide a thorough grounding in visual basic net programming to
enable students to be able to produce both stand alone visual basic programs and also
other Microsoft applications. It also aims to illustrate the application of visual basic
programming and visual basic NET for application to various business scenarios.
C++ Programming
This module aims to demonstrate the foundations of object orientated principles and the
C++ programming environment. It also aims to illustrate the methods of illustrate the
methods of preparing structured programs in C++ and to apply the concepts across the
class of object orientated languages. It will additionally develop an understanding of the
methods of writing programs relevant to practical business situations.
Term 6
Strategic management
The module explores the ways in which the overall aims and objectives of a business might interact with the need to institute changes in response to external challenges. Management structures within organisations must accommodate these changes and adapt according to the business environment.
Project
A major skill relevant to business organisations is that of managing projects. It frequently entails using teams in which individual responsibilities need to be coordinated to ensure that objectives are met. The module explores the basis of an effective planning process through the appropriate scheduling of resources and offers the opportunity to final year undergraduates to demonstrate their skills in the preparation of a research project.The project should focus upon a particular business problem or opportunity.Typically, course members will choose a case study and make a critical appraisal in the light of related business theories.The benefit of this study is that it provides a real possibility that the conclusions of the project could make a contribution to business efficiency.
If you choose our 2 or 3 year degree with year 0 you will study the following modules in your first year:
Principles of Management
Computer Literacy
Advanced Critical Writing Skills
Numeracy
Academic Writing
Personal Development
GSM London
