Business and Management (with Foundation Year)

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Finance for Managers

  This module demonstrates the importance of accounting and finance in the context of new and small businesses. In this module you will learn how to prepare and analyse simple financial statements as well as how to apply management accounting techniques in the areas of planning, budgeting and short term decision making.

  In these sessions, you’ll learn financial principles and techniques for different business situations, and apply these to a combination of both in-class mini case examples and extended case examples.

• Exploring International Business

  In this module, you’ll be actively engaged with the study of Business and Management, through exploring essential characteristics of organisations in a global context, while assessing the role of management within this. You’ll explore the functions of business and the impact of the external environment on business choices. You’ll also use a variety of media including simulation and published accounts of decisions being enacted by businesses and managers today. 

  This will equip you with the core concepts required to analyse and research business and management issues. You’ll also develop your academic and employability skills, such as critical thinking, evidenced based decision-making and collaboration. 

• The Entrepreneur

  This module develops your entrepreneurial mindset and skills essential for success in the modern business world. You'll explore a full range of tools and techniques for innovation, creativity, and enterprise and learn to evaluate different components for success in diverse business landscapes. A multi-faceted approach to learning, combining classroom-based lectures with practical workshops, gives you the opportunity to apply behaviours, skills, and attributes associated with entrepreneurial success in a productive learning environment. This module also focuses on academic literacies, including critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of contested knowledge.

  On successful completion of this module, you will have a strong foundation in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in various business contexts.

• Business in Society

  This module is designed to provide an introduction to the ideas of personal corporate responsibility, sustainability, diversity and criticality that will underpin your professional career. You’ll also practise argument construction and debate in order to use wider thinking. 

  Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to critically analyse evidence, demonstrate critical awareness to the complexity of diverse global perspectives and construct an argument to an audience.

• Work, Employment and Globalisation

  To give you an understanding of the complex and dynamic challenges of contemporary global labour markets, you’ll explore contemporary issues about work, employment and global labour markets throughout this module. And you’ll investigate the changing nature and organisation of work, inequalities at work, migration and labour mobility, identity at work, and the digital economy. These issues will be examined using a variety of institutional, organisational and individual theoretical perspectives. 

  From exploring post-industrial work and society within different institutional contexts, you’ll gain a key understanding of issues of diversity and inclusion at work, while gaining the intellectual skills required to critically research and review literature. 

• Professional Practice 1

  In this module you will start to develop the personal and professional skills and mindsets to help you transition into your studies and life at Oxford Brookes. Through this module you will join and help build a student community and together you will review and understand the key topics required for you all to become critical thinkers and to thrive as independent learners.

• The Business Life Cycle

  Through this module you will participate in experiential learning activities that will help you engage and connect with your peers, while developing your employability skills. You will tackle real time and authentic business activities to grow your understanding of sustainability, and the role of business within the context of its community, including the role of diversity of the workforce and opportunities for practical application within a small business. Collectively you will be the co-creators of the business and of its entry into the marketplace. You will build your understanding and the practical application of businesses in how they can and should interact with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• International Business Strategy

  In this module, you’ll delve into the social issues and opportunities associated with international business, and the challenges associated with a dynamic business environment. To develop your understanding of globalisation, you’ll be provided with a thorough overview of current affairs. You’ll also explore international business, while considering issues of sustainability and equality. 

  By completing this module, you’ll be able to assess the management and operational environment in which international business operates, while also developing the ability to analyse specific international business, innovation and sustainability strategies pursued by firms (MNCs, SMEs, NGOs).

• Environmentally Sustainable Business

  You’ll look at the environmental sustainability challenges facing society and businesses. You’ll discuss key environmental issues such as:

  • global warming
  • pollution
  • biodiversity loss 
  • freshwater depletion 

  and the role of business in causing as well as responding to such issues. 

  You’ll explore macro (economic, policy, governance) as well as micro (organisational and individual) perspectives. You’ll also be introduced to a variety of stakeholder perspectives and frameworks for evaluating business responses. Through the module you’ll develop your key competencies for sustainability that are endorsed by UNESCO (2017) and the QAA/Advance HE (2021). The competencies are:

  • systems thinking
  • anticipatory thinking
  • normative competency 
  • strategic thinking
  • collaborative competency 
  • critical thinking
  • self-awareness 
  • integrated problem-solving competency.

• Organisational Behaviour and Management

  This module focuses on contemporary debates in the field of organisational studies, enhancing your ability to understand and apply organisational behaviour concepts to real-world problems. The module covers core topics, and you will distinguish between individual, group and organisational levels to analyse complex organisational issues. You will also develop an awareness of diverse perspectives, cultures, and values. Additionally, the module facilitates learning in adaptive and collaborative environments, helping you develop independent and self-motivated learning strategies.

  After completing the module, you will be well-equipped with the skills and knowledge required to analyse evidence critically and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of organisational behaviour and management.

• Live Client Strategic Project

  Overall, this module aims to provide students with a practical understanding of project management principles and how they can be applied in the context of developing and executing business projects. By exploring the links between an organisation's strategy, its competitors, and the external business environment, students will be better equipped to create value for organisations and contribute to their success. Additionally, the use of live case studies provides students with a practical and experiential learning opportunity that can help to enhance their skills and understanding.

  On successful completion of this module, you will acquire the ability to recognize and appraise sources of competitive advantage, and evaluate the appropriateness of strategies implemented by organisations. You will also develop skills to scrutinise and assess the effects of both competitive and macro-environments on organisations and their strategic decision-making.

• Applied Financial Skills

  Building on from first year accounting study, this module allows you to critically evaluate the financial results of strategic and financial decisions as reported by different companies. You’ll develop desirable skills of financial analysis and management accounting to support the needs of future managers and marketing professionals. 

  This module will also allow you to develop the confidence to use financial information both independently, and collaboratively with financial specialists. 

• Responsible Marketing Management

  While this module addresses a broad range of concepts that fall under the marketing management umbrella, it will be delivered via an extremely practical task structure that facilitates an engaged and productive academic journey. The module takes key marketing principles such as customer centricity and approaches them through the lens of management, giving you a profound understanding of the pillars of marketing. 

  On successful completion of the module, you’ll be able to appreciate emerging marketing techniques and theories, perform critical market analysis and apply multi-faceted solutions to marketing problems.

• Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for who will take the optional Year 3 work placement)

  This module is designed to provide practical guidance and support in undertaking a placement search, preparing for the placement experience, and succeeding in the modern workplace. Throughout the module, you will develop critical self-awareness and personal literacy skills, enabling you to self-reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and target your placement search effectively. Additionally, you will also explore methods of effective and targeted placement search, increasing your chances of securing a placement.

  In summary, this module is an essential component of your employability journey. By integrating with co-curricular activities, the module provides a holistic approach to employability, ensuring that students have a broad range of skills and experiences to draw upon in their future careers.

Optional modules

• Accounting for Managers

  This module will be your introduction to accounting and financial information. You will develop the skills to interpret and be able to read the financial statements of a business, and draw information from various sources within the business that can support key business decisions. You will explore the various sources of finance that are available to fund businesses and their ventures. You will finish the module confident in your ability to deal with the internal and external financial information important to every business.

• Introduction to People Management

  This module is designed to introduce you to the operational role and functions of people management and how it supports organisations to manage their diverse workforce in an international context. People management is an essential tool for all line managers as it provides them with the skills, knowledge and competencies that equip you to be effective in how you recruit, motivate and reward your staff. This module offers you an operational ‘toolbox’ that covers all the core, fundamental features of people management.

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to identify the essential components of viable people management policies whilst also illustrating their effectiveness and engage in appropriate and accurate communications amongst different business contexts.

• Leading with Purpose: Lessons from the Nonprofit Sector

  The module covers various non-profit organisations such as charities and social enterprises, and emphasises the unique aspects of the third sector, which relies heavily on a volunteer workforce. By taking this module, you will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of non-profits and learn how to address strategic issues that these organisations face. Additionally, the module will help you develop both conceptual and practical skills that are essential for non-profit placements, independent study modules, or dissertations.

  Overall, you will have a broad understanding of the third sector, its similarities and differences from the private and public sectors, and the opportunities and challenges that come with working in the non-profit sector. By acquiring this knowledge, you can pursue a career in non-profit organisations or become an informed citizen who can contribute to the sector in various ways.

• International Markets and Competition

  In this module, you’ll consider the different exchange rate regimes, both in theory and in practice. You’ll also explore theory of international trade, the costs and benefits of protectionism, national and international measures to encourage competition. You’ll also be able to understand how to prevent anti-competitive behaviour and their rationale, and study the international organisations that control and regulate free trade.

  You’ll be able to analyse international data from a variety of sources, and explain international trade patterns including trading blocs and the role of MNCs and FDI.

• Family and Society in Business

  Through this module you will build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of family businesses and social economy organisations (SEO’s) on the business landscape. 

  Firstly you will focus on family businesses and develop your insight into the unique challenges, dynamics, and advantages of family-owned enterprises, along with the strategies for effective governance and smooth transition across generations. You will delve into the study of cooperatives, including definitions, types, principles/values, governance structures, and the benefits and challenges associated with them.

  You will conclude the module by examining the role of SEOs in economic development and exploring the current state of SEOs in the business landscape. You will also look at the contribution of SEOs to sustainable economic growth and societal well-being. 

• Design Thinking and Project Management

  You start to build your project management experience and apply a design thinking framework to identify, develop and refine an idea. You will be working in teams and have the opportunity to work on a problem and apply a design thinking approach which is integrated with the workshop. You will take part in a series of workshops, building on previous learning. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of project management to a specific challenge. This will help you to develop your practical problem solving skills, improving your collaborations skills and communication skills.

• Operations and Supply Chain Management

  Supply chain management is concerned with managing and controlling the activities along a chain of supply. From procuring materials to delivering finished goods that satisfy customer orders. 

  This module will help you study, in a global context, the processes necessary to strategically manage the flow of materials and products in order to achieve a competitive advantage. You’ll examine how effective logistics and purchasing systems can become key business enablers. Also you’ll look at how the management of international supply chains must form a significant element of the strategy of any organisation operating on a global basis. By the end of the module you’ll gain a deep understanding of the various threads in a supply chain and that an improved supply chain can be of a significant benefit for a whole business.

• Business Analytics and Decision Making

  This module concentrates on developing an understanding of the wider strategic and tactical aspects of analysing corporate performance. In teams, you’ll use a range of IT systems to develop a business intelligence system. And you’ll also explore the nature of decision making in business, from strategic to transaction based decision making, and the role of IT in supporting it. 

  Upon completion of this module, you’ll develop the necessary skills to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data, while being adept for management decision making.You’ll also have the ability to evaluate appropriate frameworks used for developing business intelligence solutions.

Optional Placement Year

Compulsory modules

• CHOOSE ONE MODULE FROM:

• Placement

  On this placement you will be able to access a 40-52 week work-based learning / placement opportunity to help develop your employability and enterprise skills. You will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your own work-based targets and reflect upon your progress in the role you have on your placement. Halfway through your placement you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises your gained knowledge on your placement and the tasks you have/ will complete in your placement role.

• Full Year International Study Abroad

  This is your opportunity to study Business topics abroad in order to experience a different national, educational and business culture and to build on your knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies you’ve gained so far. You will undertake an international study exchange at a university outside the UK, arranged with the University’s exchanges office. This international study exchange lasts for one academic year and is taken after your second year of studies (Level 5).

• OR CHOOSE THESE TWO OPTIONS:

• Short Placement

  This 24-week placement is your opportunity to develop your employability and enterprise skills. In the UK or Europe you will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement.

• Work-based Learning

  This module is also a 24-week work-based learning opportunity for you to develop your employability and enterprise skills. As on the other modules you will have the opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. This could include employment, volunteer work experience or undertaking a consultancy type project. 

  You will agree a brief before your work-based role begins,set work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Professional Practice 3

  Build your knowledge of the theory and practice of career management. You will  demonstrate critical insight into your own knowledge, skills and experience and consider how this might allow you to manage your post-graduation career. You will also apply these ideas as you develop and run a learning activity for others.

• Business Governance and Human Rights

  It is becoming increasingly accepted for businesses to be socially responsible. In light of this, our module provides you with the opportunity to understand current corporate structures and governance regimes, which are being used to hold businesses accountable for their activities. With a particular emphasis on human rights, you’ll explore issues such as human trafficking, child labour, discrimination, environmental degredation and abuses within global supply chains.

  You’ll be equipped to evaluate the ways in which businesses are meeting their social responsibilities internationally, the capacities for businesses to have possible impacts, and strategies for development and change.
   

• Business Strategy and Futures in Disrupted Environments

  This module will equip you with the necessary skills to appreciate, understand, and cope with a fast paced, and changing business environment. Within a contextual framework of current disruptive innovations, you’ll also evaluate and challenge the norms of business models. 

  You’ll gain analytical skills that can be used to evaluate the impact of disruptive innovation, new technologies, modes of employment and their impact on business now and in the future. These analytical and evaluation skills can also be used to develop directed goals for career development.

Optional modules

• Optional Modules choose 45 credits from:

• Entrepreneurial Business Management (30 credits)

  This module provides you with an in-depth focus on the skills involved in evaluating business ideas, the practical steps involved in launching a business and the necessary processes of winning the finance. The module also addresses those issues that ventures must consider when planning an exit strategy and so focuses attention on the purpose of business enterprise. In Semester 1 this module explores contemporary theories of entrepreneurship and applies them to real life case studies. In Semester 2 the module focuses upon the preparation of a complete plan for a new business, capable of attracting funding.

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to apply appropriate analytical concepts to provide support for untried venture proposals, understand the range of technical issues faced by those in start-up ventures and reflect on application of entrepreneurship theory, based on experience in a practical setting.

• Dissertation Enquiry (30 credits)

  This module comprises an extended study of a topic, selected with appropriate supervision and guidance from any suitable area from Business and Management. You will engage in research and employ methodologies which require a thorough understanding of the process of research as well as use of material that is at the forefront of the discipline selected.

• Enquiry Oriented Research Project (30 credits)

  This culminating module draws together research skills developed earlier in the programme to support you in developing an extended study, selecting from a range of topics offered from the Faculty of Business research community. The project includes designing and implementing an investigation which takes account of multiple and possibly conflicting stakeholder objectives; applies suitable research approaches in an ethical manner; and communicates, using suitable technologies, with the intention of making recommendations for practice.

• Entrepreneurial Business Ideation (15 credits)

  This module provides you with an in-depth focus on the skills involved in evaluating business ideas, the practical steps involved in launching a business and the necessary processes of winning the finance. The module also addresses those issues that ventures must consider when planning an exit strategy and so focuses attention on the purpose of business enterprise. In Semester 1 this module explores contemporary theories of entrepreneurship and applies them to real life case studies. In Semester 2 the module focuses upon the preparation of a complete plan for a new business, capable of attracting funding.

• Entrepreneurial Business Launch (15 credits)

  On this module, you will be able to apply appropriate analytical concepts to provide support for untried venture proposals, understand the range of technical issues faced by those in start-up ventures and reflect on application of entrepreneurship theory, based on experience in a practical setting.

• Social Enterprise and Social Innovation (15 credits)

  The module covers a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary issues in entrepreneurship allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set. Throughout the module, you will learn from experts in the field and gain practical insights into entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning, including research and working within a community of like-minded individuals, enhancing your personal and professional growth. Moreover, emphasis is placed on interaction within a research community, providing you with valuable teamwork and communication skills.

  Overall, this module offers you a unique learning experience that combines academic rigour with practical insights, giving you a competitive edge in the job market while developing essential research and self-development skills.

• Leading and Managing Change (15 credits)

  After completing this module, you will have an understanding of the nature of change and key theories, frameworks, principles and practices relevant for the management and leadership of change. You'll be able to evaluate critically the actions taken by those leading change. You will be better prepared to lead and manage change in your own managerial careers and have an increased awareness of your own potential for ongoing personal development in leading and managing change.

• Business Ethics (15 credits)

  This module is designed to address our changing world that is facing social and environmental challenges. You’ll develop the capacity to make ethically defensible decisions as members of business organisations and of society in general. You’ll analyse and evaluate the ethical propositions of others. And you’ll evaluate the ethics of different systemic models of production, distribution and exchange.Upon completing this module you will be able to evaluate and apply ethical reasoning to local and global business dilemmas and economic systems, and you’ll be able to evaluate the significance of a range of western and non-western ethical perspectives. 

• Contemporary Issues in International HRM (15 credits)

  This module enables you to review and develop disciplinary knowledge and research skills within a contemporary global context. The module adopts a broad definition of international human resource management to include issues relating to the impact of diversity management, national culture, the debates in the comparative HRM literature and examples of differences in the way HRM is conducted around the world. It also examines how international organisations deal with the extra complexity that operating internationally brings to HRM.

• Critical Management (15 credits)

  This module is designed to provide you with a range of benefits to support your development as a successful corporate leader. Through the exploration of contemporary business themes and analysis of current cases, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the external drivers that shape organisational strategy, behaviour, and management. This understanding will enable you to recommend effective policies and strategies that align with stakeholder interests and wider societal responsibilities. Additionally, this module focuses on both national and international levels, which will help provide a global perspective on business themes and their impact on strategy.

  By developing cognitive skills such as critical thinking, analysis, creative problem solving, and decision making, you will be better equipped to navigate complex business environments with confidence.

• Business and Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

  Gain and further a basic knowledge about Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on machine learning technologies (supervised and unsupervised learning), to highlight its role in disrupting business practices in both manufacturing and services sectors. You will also examine, tackle and learn about the ethical challenges posited by AI.

• Responsible Leadership (15 credits)

  The module aims to develop critical thinking in evaluating the application of change management theory and normative practices to challenges taking place in organisations and wider society. The literature used in the module draws on a breadth of sources including the mainstream and contemporary literature on change management. It aims to increase personal reflexivity and self-awareness. 

  After completing this module, you will have an understanding of the nature of change and key theories, frameworks, principles and practices relevant for the management and leadership of change. You'll be able to evaluate critically the actions taken by those leading change. You will be better prepared to lead and manage change in your own managerial careers and have an increased awareness of your own potential for ongoing personal development in leading and managing change.

• Business Law (15 credits)

  In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of International Business Law. You’ll gain key knowledge of the legal environment of business organisations throughout the world. You’ll gain excellent analytical skills as you compare and contrast these environments, and consider how they affect trading between states. 

• Contemporary Issues in Finance (15 credits)

  This module provides an opportunity for students to investigate the forces shaping the contemporary financial system. A variety of issues will be examined, taking the financial turmoil of 2007-2008 as a starting point. The emphasis will be on both the underlying causes of recent financial developments and the more general implications of these for our understanding of finance and on the possibilities open to regulatory authorities, companies, investors and other interested groups to respond to these developments.

• International Marketing (15 credits)

  International businesses need to understand international marketing strategy to create sustainable competitive advantage. Within this context, you’ll analyse critical success factors, while drawing from a rich theoretical background. Organisations are increasingly conscious of the importance of ethics, professionalism and social responsibility, which are all issues that will be examined in depth, at an international level, in this module.

  Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll understand the effects of a rapidly changing global environment on a diverse range of organisations, develop a set of professional values based upon a critical appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives, and you’ll be confident in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.