BA Business Management

(Joint Honours)

The Business Management degree scheme at University of Wales Lampeter provides

students with the opportunity to develop both theoretical understanding and
practical skills that can be utilised in a career in a variety of business management
settings.

The Department is small and friendly, and places a strong emphasis on student
support and participative teaching and learning.

The booklet will provide you with an introduction to the content and structure of the
courses. If you would like any further information please contact us (details are on
the back page)

Contents

Course Content and Structure 2

Year 1 University Compulsory Modules 3

Year 1 Departmental Core Modules 4

Year 2 Departmental Core Modules 7

Year 3 Departmental Core Modules 9

Year 3 Optional Modules 10

Contact details 11
 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

BA Business Management (Joint Honours)

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

In each year students are required to take a number of compulsory and core modules,
which provide a core framework of understanding of business management. All first
year and second year students are required to take all compulsory modules with no
optional modules. Students can then choose additional optional modules from a wider
list. There is a greater choice in years 3.

In each year a joint honours student must take 60 credits. Some modules are worth
20 credits, but some are worth 10 credits (and these are clearly shown)

Combined honours students must take 40 credits in Business Management and 80

credits across two other subject areas.

Year 1 University Compulsory Modules:

Study Skills for MIT 10 credits
Information Technology Skills 10 credits

Year 1 Departmental Core Modules:

Principles of Management 1 20 credits
Principles of Management 2 20 credits
Introduction to Strategic Management 10 credits

Year 2 Departmental Core Modules:

Financial Management I 10 credits
Human Resource Management 20 credits
Marketing 20 credits
Research Methods 10 credits

Year 3 Departmental Core Modules:

Strategic Management 20 credits
Personal Management Skills 10 credits

Descriptions of all core modules are found on the following pages, together with lists
of currently available optional modules.

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Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 1 – University compulsory modules

1SSMIT0110 Study Skills for MIT

This module is designed to help students make the most of their chosen degree scheme by
developing study skills and encouraging reflective learning. The module has four main
elements: effective study, research skills, written communication, developing analytical skills.
Effective study includes:
• Review of skills needs for study and personal development
• The components of effective study
• Introduction to Personal Development Planning
• Time management
• Learning Skills & styles
• The relationship between teaching and learning (introduction to learning contracts)
Research Skills include:
• Reading and Information Gathering Skills
• Note taking (priorities, approaches and styles)
• Electronic Information Sources and Retrieval Skills
Written communication includes:
• Academic writing (essays, reports etc.)
• Referencing
• Meeting the assessment criteria (key words, analysis etc.)
• Plagiarism
Developing analytical skills includes:
• Logical reasoning
• Critical analysis
Teaching includes lectures, small group discussions, and practical exercises. Assessment
includes a skills demonstration portfolio, a reflective assignment and a personal development
review and plan.

1UWL0110 Information Technology Skills

The module is designed to provide an introduction to computing for students planning a
business career or who are likely to work in an office environment. Industry standard
software packages are used for the practical aspects of the course.
The workshop sessions are designed to provide the practical implementation. The module
provides a basic computer literacy which will be valuable during the students’ course and in
their subsequent work or study. The emphasis is on the use of micro-computer software
packages as tools to aid data-handling and decision making.
The topics covered includes:
• Windows Explorer
• Microsoft Word
• FTP
• Web page design & introduction to html
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
Assessment includes an assignment and an examination.

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 1 – Departmental core modules

1MIT1620 Principles of Management 1

Traditionally, the term "management" refers to the activities involved in the four general
functions: planning, organising, leading and coordinating of resources.

In order to appreciate current and emerging management trends, it is helpful to recognise

how management has evolved over time and what the key challenges for management are at
present and in the future.

This module delivers a broad understanding of management (including traditional and

emerging views), and delves into key areas of knowledge and skills required to carry out the
major functions of management.

Particular topics will be:

• The evolution of management thought – from scientific to the human relations
approach
• The essential functions of management
• The changing environment of management
• Types of Business Organisations
• Introduction to Marketing
• Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility

Foundations will be set for further exploration of other management topics in Principles of
Management 2.

Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case
study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of
analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed,
discovery and peer assisted learning.

Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions
and via one written assignment. There will be one summative assessment via an examination.

1MIT1720 Principles of Management 2

Building on the themes introduced in Principles of Management 1, this module will further
develop the topics essential to the understanding of modern business practice. A knowledge
of human resource management and leadership skills are prerequisites for all managers, as is
an understanding of financial matters, information systems and operational quality.

The final part of this module does not in any way attempt to make accountants out of the
students but attempts to give an understanding of how company accounts are prepared and
the effect of management decisions on those accounts.

Particular topics will be:

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Department of Management and Information Technology

• HRM, motivation and teamwork

• Decision making and communications in organisations
• Influence and power
• Organisational structure and essential management objectives
• Introduction to accounting – record keeping and preparation of accounts
• The distinction between profitability and cashflow
• Capital expenditure and depreciation
• Planning and forecasting

1MIT1510 Introduction to Strategic Management

Effective managers around the world recognise the important role that strategic
management plays in their organisation’s performance and this module explores the
underlying reasons for that. Strategic management involves assessing your situation today
and predicting the future. There are a number of analytical tools, which assist in the
assessment process and provide relevant and current management information. Such insights,
coupled with creativity and foresight are the fundamental ingredients of strategic planning.
This module provides an overview of the strategic planning processes. Students learn to apply
the tools of environmental analysis and to explore universally applicable strategies. In
particular, the module aims to:
• Define strategy
• Illustrate the steps involved in the strategic management process
• Compare and contrast different types of strategy
• Assess the role and purpose of mission statements
• Explain and differentiate between terms, such as values, purpose, goals and
objectives
• Identify key external influences on the organisation
• Introduce the concept of the life cycle
• Introduce and apply tools of strategic analysis
• Explore the concepts of Total Quality Management and Bench Marking
Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case
study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of
analytical, evaluation, communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed,
discovery and peer assisted learning.
Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions
and via one written assignment. There will be one summative assessment via an examination.

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 2 – core modules

2MIT2410 Financial Management 1

Management in the modern commercial environment requires a mix of skills and an
understanding of the financial implications of management decisions is essential in maximising
the impact of an organisation’s strategy.
This module attempts to build on the Basic Accounting module from year one and examines in
more detail the effect of management decisions on the profitability of an organisation. It
also strives to make the student consider the financial impact of any management decisions
that may need to be made.
Particular topics will be:
• Financial statements
• Financial resources - funding and associated costs
• Performance indicators – calculation, analysis and improvement
• Financial evaluation of a business – SWOT analysis
• Break-even analysis
Teaching sessions attempt to be interactive and will involve case study analysis, scenario
building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation,
communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted
learning.
Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions
and via one written assignment and there will be one summative assessment via an
examination.

2MIT2620 Human Resource Management

The objective of this module is to provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to the
human resource function and the human resource processes in and around a business. While
recognising other resources like financial and physical resources are essential to the efficacy
of a business, people may also realise that human resources remain virtually limitless in their
capacity to make an impact on a company both positively and negatively.
The field of HRM is full of competing and conflicting models and theories, wherein there are
very few absolutes that dictate how people should behave in the workplace and how they
should be managed. The course will be separated into two parts. The first part of the module
addresses strategic human resource management, performance management and change
management. Topics covered include
• The nature of human resource management and contemporary HRM thought
• Human resource management strategies and planning
• Structures and styles of management in organisations and their effect on the
organisational culture
• Managing human resources in the changing workplace
• Human resource management and performance management
The teaching style is to first present a perspective, followed by an in-depth discussion on
relevant questions or a case study with accompanying analysis. Meanwhile, extensive
illustrative material and evidence from company practices will be provided. The employment
of case study analysis and empirical material attempts to articulate theory in a clear and
practical manner with cases being illustrative of how theory informs practice. This
encourages conceptual development through assimilation and integration of ideas.

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

2MIT4120 Marketing

There are literally hundreds of definitions for marketing. According to the Chartered
Institute of Marketing, ‘marketing is the management process responsible for identifying,
anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably’. This clearly involves much
more than simply advertising or selling; it requires market research and the ability to
identify and empathise with current, as well as potential customers. In other words,
marketing covers a wide range of absolutely essential management activities, which makes the
right products available to the customer, in the right place, at the right time and at the right
price.
This module provides an overview of the basic elements and philosophies of marketing, as well
as some background knowledge on the evolution and development of marketing practices,
right up to current practice in this field. Students will be required to explore consumer
buying behaviour and develop marketing strategies and plans. Particular areas to be
addressed are:
• Definitions and the history of marketing
• Key elements of market research
• Consumer behaviour
• Market segmentation
• The tools of marketing
• Marketing planning, management and control
• Definitions of a product and product management
• Marketing and technology
Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case
study analysis, scenario building and discussions. This will facilitate the development of
analytical, evaluation, synthesising, communication, team and leadership skills through self-
directed, discovery and peer assisted learning. Assessment will be formative through
questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via one summative, written
assignment.

2MIT9010 Research Methods

The objective of this module is to present a comprehensive and practical introduction to the
methods and techniques employed by social scientists in the conduct of social research.
These methods and techniques have been developed, modified and practised throughout the
history of the social sciences, and constitute the methodological heritage of modern
researchers. Through teaching, it is anticipated that students can deepen their
understanding of the methodological approach to social science research and enrich the link
between theory and practice in an empirical environment. The following topics will be covered
in detail
• Approaches to management research • Experimental approaches
• Gaining access to information • Survey techniques
• Pre-understanding and understanding • Quantitative vs. qualitative methods
• Using the literature & secondary sources • Research quality – reliability & validity
• Case study research • Multi-method approaches
The teaching style is to first present a perspective, followed by an in-depth discussion on relevant
questions or a case study with accompanying analysis, if available. The employment of case study
analysis and empirical material attempts to articulate theory in a clear and practical manner with

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

cases being illustrative of how theory informs practice. This encourages conceptual development
through assimilation and integration of ideas.

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 3 – core modules

3MIT3020 Strategic Management

The development of a good strategy requires not only a thorough analysis of the external
environment, but also the internal competencies of an organisation. This data is synthesised into a
strategy, which integrates the plans of the different functional areas so that there is a clear and
measurable plan describing how the organization intends to achieve its vision.
The Strategic Management module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the
principals of strategic management. Students are required to apply the tools of environmental
analysis and explore the issues involved in strategic development, strategy evaluation and change
management.
The following elements will be included:
• Definition, key elements, core areas and importance of strategy
• Environmental analysis: internal and external
• Competitor and customer analysis
• Strategy evaluation and selection
• Management of change
Teaching sessions will be interactive and will involve students in practical exercises, case study
analysis and discussions. This will facilitate the development of analytical, evaluation,
communication, team and leadership skills through self-directed, discovery and peer assisted
learning.
Assessment will be formative through questioning and task setting during learning sessions and via
one written assignment and one two hour examination.

3MIT5910 Personal Management Skills

Over recent years it has become increasingly important that students graduate with a range of
personal transferable skills appropriate to the opportunities of the graduate labour market, and
that they are able to manage and facilitate their own personal and career development. Many of
the necessary skills will be acquired within the learning programmes of the discipline specific
modules offered by the Department of Business & Entrepreneurial Management, whilst others
require specific consideration; this will enable students to ensure that they gain the most from the
learning experience at Lampeter and also during their subsequent career. This module and a sister
module (1mis5510 Personal Management Skills I) provide the framework for this element of the
degree programme.
The first module focuses specifically on some of the skills that are important within the learning
context, whilst this module focuses on wider career development skills.
Topics covered will include:
• Self Exploration Personal Perceptions and values
• Work Exploration Present and future work patterns, Entrepreneurial skills and portfolio
Working, The local labour market
• Career Planning Investigating vocational options, CV preparation, Preparing a Personal
Action Plan
• Managing Transitions Using transferable skills, Maintaining your personal portfolio, Interview
Preparation, Personal change management, Using emotional intelligence
The module will include various forms of reflective formative assessment. Summative assessment
will be via a Personal Development Portfolio, and a one hour seen examination.

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

Year 3 – optional modules

20 Credits Modules

3MIT2920 Leadership Principles and Practices

10 Credits Modules

3MIT6010 Small Business Management

3MIT5410 Entrepreneurship
3MIT5110 Change Management
3MIT4310 Organisational Behaviour
3MIT4410 Project Management
3MIT2510 Financial Management 2
3MIT5210 Current Issues in Management
3MIT5710 Managing across Cultures
3MIT5810 Operations Management Systems

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 University of Wales Lampeter
Department of Management and Information Technology

Contact details:

The Administrator
Department of Management and Information Technology
University of Wales Lampeter
College Street
Lampeter
Ceredigion
SA48 7ED

Phone: 01570 424727

E-mail: mit@lamp.ac.uk

Fax: 01570 424994

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