In your first year you'll study with our partner, ARU College. This module will provide you with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to business, accounting, finance, marketing, tourism and economics. You will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. You'll also be introduced to specific concepts related to your degree programmes including the functions of a business, business law, ethics and intercultural studies. Real-world applications of these theories in business will be highlighted, and you will practice applying the theory to case studies. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Core Maths; Ethics; Intercultural Studies; Business Law; Introduction to Business.
Organisational 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 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 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 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 seasonal 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 seasonal market event where available where you’ll pitch your product or service to a public audience, integrating all aspects of your learning.
View the full module definitionThis module presents a fusion between the philosophies which underlie marketing, with a strong emphasis of integrating digital and traditional concepts and the real life application of marketing across a variety of sectoral contexts. You'll examine the core marketing concept of customer value and the interplay between marketing and sustainability and the ethical challenges and critiques of modern marketing. You'll gain a wide range of knowledge across a breadth of sectors and be able to adapt these to whatever career or future research you choose. On completion of the module you'll have not only a solid grounding in marketing philosophies and theories but also a critical view of marketing, based around the realisation of the reality of modern digital marketing operations and management in a context of increasing global economic challenges, but also within a context where the customer profile is shifting to become increasingly demanding, critical and questioning of the motivations and ethics behind the marketers activities.
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.
This 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.
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of how operations and supply chains are managed within a global business environment. It explores the strategic and operational challenges organisations face when designing, managing, and improving supply chains across international markets, integrating key business management principles throughout. You'll develop core knowledge of operations management, including production planning, logistics, inventory control, and quality management, alongside broader business management topics such as strategic decision-making, leadership in operations, and financial considerations within supply chains. The module critically examines how globalisation, digital transformation, and sustainability are reshaping supply chain strategies and impacting overall business performance. Key areas include supply chain integration, procurement management, supply chain risk mitigation, and the use of information systems to drive efficiency and innovation. You'll also explore how supply chains align with wider corporate strategies to create competitive advantage, improve customer value, and enhance organisational resilience. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, simulations, and applied projects, you'll develop analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to both business management and operations. Contemporary issues such as ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and the influence of international trade policies and geopolitical risks on supply chains will also be covered. By the end of the module, you will critically evaluate the complexities of international supply networks, apply business management principles to operational challenges, and design strategic solutions that support business growth and sustainability.
You'll look at the main theoretical concepts underpinning events studies today, the theoretical framework for the study of event management, in relation to marketing, hospitality and tourism. You'll cover the responsibilities of event managers, both in-house and external; the development of the sector from corporate hospitality to customer experiences; and management challenges. You'll learn the practical skills like project managing events (feasibility, planning, delivery and evaluation); design and production; functional management (operations, HR, finance and marketing); and the critical assessments for health, safety and risk management. You'll understand how to apply these principles by exploring the feasibility of an event to fit a brief and planning that event in detail incorporating all relevant principles such as risk management and other critical assessments. As part of this you'll be encouraged to support university events to build up your event log for employability and experience applying the concepts to practice. This module is embedded in both theory and practical experience and you'll have the opportunity to begin networking with events practitioners and building your own social capital and contacts book as you build your experience.
View the full module definitionThe 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.
Ruskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
You'll have the opportunity to bring together your learning on live brief assessments and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing a current issue in business. You'll be presented with a current business issue and be required to research, analyse and evaluate the issue effectively as a team. You'll act as the expert in your field of study to bring the perspective of that specialty to a complex business problem. You'll identify the key problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, process data, critically appraise and present the findings of your project using a variety of media. You'll create a poster presentation on your project for your team to display, and answer questions on, to an audience of academics and employers at a poster presentation event. You'll write a group business report on the outcomes of your project, evidencing your recommendations alongside an individual piece of reflective work on how you approached the issue, worked successfully as a team member, conducted robust business research and developed sound conclusions and recommendations.
Confetti, helium balloons, hot house flowers and glitter anyone? The finishing touches that make an event memorable can also be the most damaging for the environment and threaten the future of the events industry. This contemporary module examines ‘green events’ from parties and festivals to mega-events to see how they can be managed sustainably, considering issues such as corporate social responsibility, impact and legacy. The issues are relevant across marketing, tourism and hospitality and cannot be ignored by event producers. Consumers, particularly those in younger generations, are more concerned about climate change and sustainability and event producers must work harder and more imaginatively to plan ‘green events’ that do not negatively impact upon local communities or ecosystems. You'll have the opportunity to work with an event producer to support sustainable event production and reduce impacts on the environment and community. You'll also have the chance to develop your debating skills to confidently discuss hot topics around ‘green events’. This module will acknowledge current debates and issues around ‘green events' such as the rise in veganism, reduction of single-use plastics, and careful consumption (reduce, hire, reuse).
View the full module definitionYou'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.
View the full module definitionThis module provides you with advanced knowledge and applied skills in strategic management, specifically tailored to experience-based sectors such as tourism and events. You will critically analyse internal and external business environments, evaluate strategic options and formulate responses that support long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability. You'll engage with the real-world challenges facing organisations in these sectors, including digital transformation, crisis management, and ethical and entrepreneurial disruption. Strategic thinking will be developed through the application of analytical frameworks such as stakeholder analysis, competitive positioning models and TOWS analysis. You'll demonstrate your strategic capability in two stages: first, by examining a current strategic issue within a chosen organisation or sector, and second, by communicating strategic recommendations in a professional and creative media format. The module culminates in a visual presentation of a strategic plan, enabling you to apply theory to practice, reflect critically and communicating your thinking effectively in response to dynamic and uncertain environments.