The ability to manage projects effectively is widely regarded as a key aspect of management in both private and public sector organisations. This module considers the nature of the project environment, the role adopted by the project manager and the relationships between projects and the objectives of the sponsoring organisation. Throughout the module reference is made to the practical tools and techniques which underpin the activities of the project manager and support the core objectives of the project. Tutorial exercises and case studies support this approach. Students are given hands-on experience of PC software tools - deployed to facilitate planning,costing, critical path analysis (CPA) and resource management. Subsequent PC-based activities include optimisation, progress monitoring, trouble-shooting and rescheduling. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes. Multiculturalism has been considered during the design of this module and will be considered when the assessment brief is written.
View the full module definitionThis module focuses on building leadership skills essential for international and cross-cultural settings. It prepares you to lead diverse global teams by adapting leadership styles to fit various cultural norms and communication methods. The module covers strategies for managing ethical challenges and resolving cross-cultural conflicts, using real-world case studies to develop your cultural intelligence. The goal is to equip you with the soft skills needed to foster collaboration and effectively lead international teams by developing advanced soft skills through coursework, experiential learning, and self-reflection exercises. The curriculum is structured to build critical capabilities such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, essential for effective business navigation. Additionally, the module integrates technology into leadership, teaching you how to use AI in management. You'll learn how to demonstrate using AI-powered tools for scheduling, resource allocation, communication, and risk management tasks. You’ll develop strategic plans by applying AI for forecasting, scenario planning, and optimisation, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and ethical standards. You will exhibit teamwork and collaboration skills by actively participating in group projects and simulations, contributing to successful outcomes in a collaborative environment. This module is designed to prepare you as a future leader for the challenges of diverse, culturally varied, and technology-driven business environments. It provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in these dynamic settings, making it an ideal choice for those with a global mindset and a passion for leadership.
View the full module definitionIn this hands-on module, you'll work in a dynamic team to conduct sustainability analysis. You will engage in critical analysis and application of key sustainability frameworks such as Lifecycle Assessment (LCA). You'll develop strong analytical skills to assess environmental impacts and sustainability metrics. You'll synthesise the sustainability analysis to identify areas for improvement. You'll further make recommendations for innovative solutions to sustainability challenges aimed at enhancing sustainability practices. The agile teamwork will give you applied experience of collaboration, and adaptive planning. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped with a robust foundation in sustainability analysis and be equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to sustainability initiatives across various sectors. Furthermore, you'll have worked in a dynamic team to hone your team work and project management skills.
View the full module definitionThe module offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advancements in big data analytics and their transformative impact on business operations and strategy. Throughout the course, you’ll delve into key topics such as data mining techniques, machine learning fundamentals, real-time data analytics, and advanced analytics techniques. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of these concepts through case studies highlighting innovative business applications across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Additionally, the module addresses ethical considerations, privacy protection, infrastructure, and future trends in big data analytics. By the end of the module, you’ll have gained a deep understanding of how big data analytics drives innovation and competitive advantage in the evolving landscape of business.
View the full module definitionOn this module, you'll actively explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing business capabilities, optimising processes, redefining business strategies and transforming industries. This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies can be leveraged to drive innovation, optimise operations and enhance decision-making using a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. The core AI concepts including machine learning, natural language processing and automation will be explained. Through dynamic sessions and hands-on labs, the module empowers you to determine where and how to leverage AI-driven automation, insights and decision support to achieve key business goals. You'll explore the practical applications of AI across key business functions such sales, marketing, customer service, HR, finance, operations and supply chains. The module will also focus on the ethical, social, and managerial implications of AI, preparing you to navigate the challenges of implementing AI solutions responsibly. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to strategically incorporate AI into business models, drive data-driven decision-making and implement AI-driven transformations.
View the full module definitionManagement decision making is a complex subject involving many variable factors. The primary objective of this module is to provide a conceptual and analytical framework for looking at organisations operating in capital, financial and operational markets. You'll explore the financial element contained in decisions and the techniques that may be used to assist informed management decisions. You start by considering the availability of financial information that may be relevant to decision making and whether this fits with the information you need to make the decision. This is further developed to the type of decision and differing requirements, leading to a more bespoke deliverable information set that meets the context of the decision. You'll gain an appreciation of core themes prevalent throughout financial management. The module also explores the financial techniques developed by financial and management accountants and how they may be used and applied. Finally, consideration is given to the relevance and weighting of the financial element in the decision-making process and how qualitative issues may be incorporated in the overall decision.
View the full module definitionThis major project module allows you to engage in a substantial piece of secondary research focussed on a topic relevant to your business degree award and specialist subject area under the supervision and guidance of a member of academic staff. This module requires you to develop their chosen topic into a specific project under the guidance of your supervisor. Supervisors will discuss with you contemporary research problems and issues based on their research and practice, and you'll be required to conduct literature reviews, evaluate and critically appraise a range of information, investigate and adopt suitable theoretical frameworks, research methodologies and methods, and process and analyse data to produce a coherent and justified solution to the problem(s) identified. Throughout the module your supervisor will support you in terms of content and skills development so that you can work semi-autonomously on your individual research project. This is achieved through regular supervisory meetings throughout the year, which will allow for individual discussion of the tasks that will have to be completed in order to develop the project smoothly. You'll receive formative and constructive feedback from your supervisor in order progress your research to a conclusion. Attendance at meetings and engagement with the proposed tasks are essential to successful completion of the project.
View the full module definitionEntering third level education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all students to make the most of the opportunities Higher Education provides, so they reach their potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and various complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we expect all students to have completed their Into ARU exploration by week 6. Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete by that date, will be signposted to existing services so that we can be confident that they are supported.
View the full module definitionYou'll critically review existing entrepreneurship and innovation models and concepts, including process models, and explore ‘patchwork’ and ‘opportunity’ based approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation. During the module you'll explore how ‘innovation’ comes from a variety of sources, examine the principles of ‘open’ innovation, and recognise the importance of exploiting available networks and developing an innovative culture. Your ability to analyse and critique ‘entrepreneurial’ business models, both existing and conceptual, will be improved through the utilisation of tools such as the Business Model Canvas. You'll think creatively by proposing innovative solutions to creating and capturing value through the medium of consultancy report and applying some of the theoretical underpinnings of the module. Finally, the principles of entrepreneurship and innovation are analysed in the context of entrepreneurs, start-up and family businesses from across the globe, in various commercial, public-sector and not- for-profit sectors, emphasising the importance and challenges of ‘social’ and ‘sustainability-led’ innovation.
View the full module definitionWithin this module you'll explore the fields of management and strategy, noting how strategic analysis and formulation contribute to an organisation’s performance. You'll explore practically relevant ideas and frameworks that facilitate strategy design and implementation, dealing with the craft of strategy, identifying and choosing superior competitive positions, how to analyse strategic situations and how to create the organisational context to make the chosen strategy work. Practical and problem-oriented, this module places emphasis on the application of concepts and exploration of frameworks to assist you in analysing and gaining insight into competitive situations and strategic dilemmas. You'll also explore the fields of management and strategy, noting how strategic analysis and formulation contribute to an organisation’s performance.
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