This module equips you with essential business skills and knowledge to identify opportunities and develop and execute a successful product or service tailored to the uniquely challenging winter market. You’ll explore core business concepts, including value proposition development, market research, marketing strategies, and budgeting whilst working as part of a team and building skills in leadership and decision-making in a dynamic business environment. You’ll learn to conduct industry-specific research, understand customer needs, and devise marketing strategies that respond to seasonal demand. You’ll also develop SMART objectives and apply Effectuation Theory to guide decision-making in uncertain market conditions. Additionally, the module covers important aspects of business operations, such as event planning, regulations (e.g. for food products), and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business contexts. Throughout the module, you’ll engage in team-building exercises, leadership development, and budget management while working collaboratively on your business plans. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to apply these skills in a real-world scenario, culminating in a final winter market event where you’ll pitch your product or service to a public audience, integrating all aspects of your learning.
View the full module definitionThis module aims to provide essential quantitative skills useful for economists. You’ll work with those mathematical tools and methods which are used frequently in economics to provide the mathematical foundations necessary to study second year economics modules such as Micro and Macro Economics and Introduction to Econometrics. You’ll begin with revision of basic algebra, covering exponents, roots and logarithms and manipulation of algebraic expressions before progressing on to linear and non-linear equations, differentiation and elementary statistics. To further aid your understanding you will undertake exercises during seminars where you’ll learn how to put that theory into practice solving complex problems and applying those principles to economic examples.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your 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 complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionOrganisational behaviour is about learning how people behave in, and towards, organisations so as to better understand how to be a high performing employee. In this module you'll be introduced to a range of organisational behaviour issues that you may encounter in your career, from dealing with demotivation to building and participating in high performing, diverse teams. You'll be provided with evidence-informed analyses of the ways in which culture, leadership, power, and politics affect workers and workplaces to help you understand the human side of management, and diagnose problems affecting organisations both independently and as part of a group. Running through the module, also, is a key theme of how technology affects work and workers; we'll begin with the creation of Scientific Management and the growth of assembly lines that transformed skilled, independent humans into semi- and un-skilled workers, and consider whether there are any parallels with the growing interest in AI in the business world. Along the way you'll have the opportunity to tackle business issues using organisational behaviour-related theories, models, concepts and research evidence to build your human and social capitals, and critical analysis skills. At the module's core is the aim to inspire you to value and continuously use the best available management research and evidence to effectively manage and lead people, cultures, and organisations throughout your careers.
View the full module definitionIn an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, understanding the global business environment is paramount for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This module delves deep into the multifaceted dynamics that shape international business operations and markets. Spanning from global trade patterns and international market structures to the nuanced socio-cultural and political factors that influence cross-border transactions, this module provides you with a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities inherent in global commerce. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, you’ll gain insights into the external forces impacting multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) beyond their domestic markets. This module will introduce concepts, models and frameworks that can be applied to increase the probability of success for your own organisations and will equip you to develop your own plans within the overall business context. It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving in the context of global business, equipping you with the skills required to analyse complex information and make strategic decisions.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to foundational understanding of the financial environment and essential analytical skills required for business decision-making. It covers important parts of financial systems, trends in digital finance and FinTech, ethical principles, sustainability, and the role of financial markets. You'll learn to evaluate financial data using advanced analytical techniques, supported by practical applications such as ratio analysis, financial statement interpretation, and the use of Microsoft Excel. By engaging with this module, you'll gain an in-depth appreciation for the financial decision-making process, including investment appraisal, the time value of money, and the evaluation of financial data credibility. The module also emphasises the application of theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, helping you build valuable skills for careers in business, accounting, and finance.
View the full module definitionThis module is part of the Faculty of Business and Law’s Learning by Doing framework and contributes to the Elevate Programme (Team Projects/Consultancy). You'll work in teams on two external-facing projects: one addressing a challenge set by a real organisation through the Live Brief, and the other based on a second consultancy task relevant to current industry themes. These collaborative projects are delivered with the support of the Business Clinic and involve feedback from tutors, peers, and external stakeholders. You'll apply innovation and business tools to analyse problems, co-create solutions and deliver evidence-based recommendations to professional standards. The module emphasises experiential learning, teamwork, communication, critical reflection and practical problem-solving preparing you to confidently navigate entrepreneurial and consultancy contexts in both commercial and social environments.
The module Data Analytics and AI in Business is designed to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage data-driven insights and AI technologies in a modern business environment. The module covers fundamental principles of data analytics and AI while emphasizing the strategic opportunities and challenges they present across various industries. You'll develop a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and AI applications, learning how to interpret complex datasets, generate actionable business insights, and design AI-driven solutions to enhance decision-making processes. The module explores the importance of data and AI in shaping modern business strategies and addresses essential concepts such as data types, data collection methods, data cleaning, and data visualization. You will gain an understanding of key AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, and how they are applied in real-world business contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing data-driven decision-making skills, including the creation of key performance indicators (KPIs) and methods for performance measurement. The module also examines the role of big data and business intelligence, introducing you to tools and techniques for managing and analysing large datasets. You'll also explore ethical and regulatory considerations related to data privacy, responsible AI use, and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Industry-specific applications of data analytics and AI will be examined across sectors including finance, marketing, supply chain management, and human resources. You'll learn to identify risks and develop strategies to mitigate them by addressing risk management and data security. Through practical projects and case studies you'll apply your knowledge and skills to real-world business challenges, using data analytics and AI to drive innovation and competitiveness in a variety of business environments.
In this module you’ll build your knowledge of those factors affecting firms and countries performance. You’ll discuss the theoretical explanations offered by economists and social scientists and examines the writing of leading experts. By the end of the modules you’ll be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative explanations of firms strategies, performance and countries economic growth and development. Within Micro Economics you'll look at the way in which varying decision-making units make decisions, the fundamental concepts that underpin these and the firms' input and output decisions based on profit maximisation and cost minimization in different market sessions.You'll explore customer choice based on utility maximisation and how it applies to the labour market as well as game theory approaches and asymmetric information problems, such as adverse selection, moral hazard and principle-agent problems. In Macro Economics you'll consider determination of national income, the workings of the monetary system, causes and consequences of inflation and the reasons behind unemployment. You'll explore in more detail the determinants of positive, zero and negative growth as well as how growth and development are affected by changes in population numbers, resources, infrastructure, innovation, government intervention and stability. You'll understand how economists are able to define, evaluate, measure and attempt to boost employment, economic growth and development to reduce inflation and public debt.
View the full module definitionThe aim of this module is to introduce the tools and concepts necessary to perform empirical research projects based on data analysis, from a practical perspective. You’ll get a sound understanding of how to ask questions of data to look at the existence of statistical relationships among different characteristics or variables. Most questions will be on the possible existence of statistical relationships among different characteristics or variables in the data sets. As datasets are most often samples of an original population, you'll focus on how to extend empirical findings from the sampling data to statistical statements about the populations, how to collect, manage and prepare secondary data for a research project and using the econometrics software Stata. You'll test your hypotheses using the linear regression model, an essential step to understand differences between causation and correlation and be introduced to the concepts of Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. Every topic will be accompanied by a practical computer workshop, where you'll use basic commands of Stata software to produce an independent empirical research project.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
In this module, you’ll build your knowledge and skills as you navigate the complexities of international business strategy in dynamic and competitive global environments. It emphasises the importance of business analytics and strategic frameworks in decision-making, fostering innovation, and addressing sustainability challenges across borders.The module is designed to develop your entrepreneurial mindset by encouraging creativity, opportunity identification, and risk assessment in global contexts. It integrates a focus on international innovation and management, enabling you to understand how to drive innovation across borders and manage diverse teams effectively. Additionally, the module enhances employability skills, including strategic thinking, leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. You’ll learn to apply theories and frameworks to practical business scenarios, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and adaptability in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments.
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You'll develop understanding of the shift towards more environmentally, socially and economically responsible business practice and in particular focus on the drivers behind this shift; including an understanding of the sustainable development goals and growing business arguments for including a consideration of sustainability in all business and management practice. The module promotes a personal approach to the issues of sustainability and personal and social responsibility. The module includes an authentic assessment where you'll be diagnosing, designing and evaluating an environmental management plan for your households or organisations, while reflecting on your personal responsibility and ethical behaviour. You'll pay special attention to questioning the different responses of business in relation to social responsibility and sustainable management. If you're studying BSc (Hons) Business Management, successful completion of this module provides exemption against the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) unit 5022V1 Organisational Corporate Social Responsibility.
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