In this module, you will embrace the fundamental principles of global business strategy, exploring how organisations operate and compete in a fast changing, complex and interconnected world. You will examine the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal forces shaping international markets and learn how firms develop strategies to survive, expand, adapt, and sustain competitive advantage across borders. Taken together, these factors present many challenges and opportunities for international markets. You will go on to explore how these external factors of the business environment can be linked to the internal factors within the sector and company context that could determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing organisations seeking to compete in global markets. You will explore the concept of globalisation and examine its positive and negative impacts in different international markets as well as examining the need for companies to operate in ethical ways to meet corporate social responsibility expectations.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you will be introduced to the core principles of managing business operations, by examining how companies plan, and manage the key priorities and processes that deliver company strategies and action plans. You will explore key operational challenges and opportunities facing companies including understanding business structures, people management, meeting legal requirements, managing supply chains, understanding the value of data analysis and managing financial operations.
Module description to be updated to: In this module, you will explore the fundamental principles of marketing, with a strong emphasis on integrating digital and traditional strategies. You will examine how marketing operates across different industries and learn to apply key concepts in real-world contexts. A core focus will be on customer value, understanding how businesses attract, engage, and retain customers in an evolving digital landscape. You will also critically assess the relationship between marketing and sustainability, as well as the ethical challenges facing modern marketers. By engaging with contemporary case studies and real-life industry examples, you will develop a broad knowledge base that can be applied to various career paths in the field of business. Upon completion, you will not only have a strong foundation in marketing theories and philosophies but also a critical perspective on digital marketing operations and management. You will gain insight into how global economic shifts and changing consumer behaviours, marked by increased scrutiny of ethical practices, are shaping the future of marketing.
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 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.
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Project Management is a key skill for any future professional. This module focuses on providing a sound basis for managing or working on project outcomes, cost and time. This module covers: Project Management Body of Knowledge; the importance of stakeholder and risk management; scheduling and costing; monitoring and controlling techniques, time management and resource optimisation; improving the success of projects; and the principles of agile project management.
In this module, you will discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of contemporary international business. You will develop a solid understanding of core AI concepts impacting organisations today, including Machine Learning and Generative AI, and learn to articulate their business value proposition. You will actively investigate the practical application of AI in driving innovation and efficiency across key business functions such as marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. A central theme will be evaluating AI’s potential to disrupt traditional business processes and enable new business practices, equipping you to identify opportunities for competitive advantage. You will also confront the critical ethical challenges inherent in AI deployment, developing the understanding needed to champion responsible AI practices within organisations. Through analysis grounded in international contexts, you will evaluate the complex opportunities and hurdles AI presents globally, considering diverse regulatory environments and cultural factors. You will critically assess the real-world managerial and organisational implications of implementing AI solutions. Upon completion, you will possess not just a solid grasp of AI fundamentals and applications, but also the critical skills to analyse AI’s impact on business practices, evaluate its global complexities, and advocate for its responsible implementation. You will be equipped to navigate the AI-driven future of business and contribute meaningfully to organisations harnessing its power.
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This module provides the opportunity for you to bring together your learning on live brief assessments and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing a current issue in business. You will be presented with a current business issue to and be required to research, analyse and evaluate the issue effectively as a team. You will act as the expert on your field of study to bring the perspective of that specialty to a complex business problem. You will be required to 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 cover qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, such as hypothesis testing. You'll create a poster presentation on your project for your team to display, and answer questions on, 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. Students on specialist courses will be expected to choose a topic for their project which is in line with their course, in order to meet the course learning outcomes. E.g. students on the BSc (Hons) Marketing course should choose a Marketing topic, students on the BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management course should choose a Human Resource Management topic, and students on the BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurship course should choose an Entrepreneurship topic. Students on the BSc (Hons) Business and Management are able to choose from the wider range of Business and Management topics. Supervisors will advise on the suitability of a topic for a student’s course.
This module provides you with a strategic and practical understanding of how data analytics supports and drives effective business decision-making. Building on core analytical principles, the module focuses on the application of analytics techniques to real-world business challenges. You will learn how to select and implement the appropriate analytical models and apply them using industry-relevant tools such as Excel and Power BI. The module also explores the art of storytelling with data, equipping you with the communication skills needed to translate analytical insights into compelling narratives for key stakeholders. Emphasis will be placed on how data-driven insights influence operational and strategic decisions across business functions. In addition, the module encourages a critical awareness of the ethical considerations and organisational impact of deploying business analytics in an international and AI-enhanced environment.
In this module, you will explore the evolving nature of work in response to significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting societal values and rapid technological advancements. It offers insights into how these changes impact organisations and individuals, focusing on how management and human resources can navigate this landscape. You will examine key labour market transformations, including the growth of the gig economy, automation, and hybrid work models. You will learn how organisations adapt to these societal and environmental shifts, and how managers and HR professionals can lead through uncertainty and transformation. Additionally, you will investigate contemporary issues such as labour rights and the implications of automation and AI through ethical, gendered, cultural and global lenses preparing you for the future of work. Finally, you will explore why conflicts arise within the workplace, focusing on the impact of gender, class, and contractual relationships and examining how external forces like unions, government policies, and organisational regulations shape employment relations and organisational responses.
In this module, you will explore the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within modern business environments. You will critically examine the transformative impact of AI on organisational decision-making, operations, and competitive positioning. Emphasis will be placed on the ethical, social, and legal implications of AI deployment, as well as the strategic frameworks required for its successful implementation. Through a combination of case studies, practical workshops, and interactive discussions, you will develop the analytical tools and leadership skills required to manage AI initiatives in diverse organisational contexts. The module will also address contemporary issues such as AI governance, change management, workforce transformation, and the future of AI in global business. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design, evaluate, and lead AI-driven strategies that support and enhance broader organisational goals and values.