This module should be advantageous for graduates seeking employment in any industry. For Non project managers to develop knowledge of the concepts, processes, tools and competencies for managing projects and be able to apply these in real life situations in any industry and job role. Module should enable students to acquire up to date knowledge on Project Management in a modern workplace, specifically looking at what makes projects successful and why they fail.

This module equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required in modern business environments. A strong understanding of business strategy and analysis is crucial for various roles. For instance, Business Analysts must be proficient in change management, negotiation, and impact assessment, ensuring that organisational improvements are effectively implemented while managing both intended and unintended consequences.

Effective critical thinking is key to evaluating the impact of decisions on internal and external stakeholders and conducting cost-benefit analyses.

Key competencies developed in this module include:

• Decision-making and strategic alignment – ensuring all stakeholders share a common vision.
• Collaboration and teamwork – working effectively with diverse individuals and project managers.
• Scenario planning and problem-solving – anticipating challenges and managing change.
• Data analysis and presentation – questioning assumptions, interpreting insights, and communicating findings in a clear, audience-friendly manner.

The module strikes a balance between contextual and theoretical discourse in the area of strategic management and the practical and professional challenges which face business professionals when driving strategy, providing a critical insight into the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively and strategically in the role of a business analyst.

This module explores the critical role of sustainability in contemporary business management, focusing on the strategies and practices organisations adopt to achieve sustainable growth. You will examine the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions of sustainability and their implications for ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility.

Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, this module equips you with the skills to critically analyse sustainability challenges and develop innovative solutions that align with sustainable development goals (SDGs). By the end of the course, you will be prepared to integrate sustainable principles into business models and contribute to creating value for stakeholders and society.

This module will explore and examine a range of key themes, theories and concepts in order to develop knowledge and understanding for students to appreciate the complexity of managing, leading and operating in the Third Sector. Via a range of interactive lecture/workshops students will study inter-related themes such as:

• Fundraising mechanisms, approaches and opportunities 
• Reasons and motivations for giving and supporting the Third Sector
• The role of the Charity Commission
• Contemporary trends and issues in the Third Sector
• The role of philanthropy and altruism 
• Third Sector Regulations and Governance 
• Trustees and board management
• Financial management in the Third Sector
• The Donor Pyramid and Donor Journey
• Association with celebrity's as Patrons and the Brand impacts
• Challenges facing the Third Sector 
• Public support and perception of the Third Sector 
• Legislation and law within the Third Sector 

Retail Management

An interactive module examining the contemporary retail environment.

Food, fashion, cars, houses, books, electricals, DIY, etc etc.; retail is a significant and important sector employing almost 3 million in the UK alone.

The module does not simply teach students ‘how to run a shop’ – as the sector is so broad, and this is best learned on-the-job with the specific retailer. This module is more strategic in nature, examining the challenges and opportunities of the constantly changing retail landscape, exploring retail management concepts, contemporary topics as consumer behaviour and preferences evolve.

As well as learning about retail, this module will also provide you with an opportunity to develop your commercial awareness by learning from not only academics but also retailing specialists who contribute to the module.

Students will also develop employability skills, in readiness for your graduate job opportunities due to the nature of the assessment.

The module is designed to enable students to develop and apply business research and analytical skills that will enhance their employability and rapid progression to management positions in the workplace. It requires them to: 

• Undertake a research project that is 'scoped and framed' within a required degree programme of study.
• Design and conduct appropriate in-depth research in an elected area of study.
• Acquire, consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge, methodologies, and research approaches in a ‘real world’ environment.
• Develop and utilise skills in critical investigation; analysis and synthesis of evidence; reflection and autonomous learning.

This is a self-directed module which enables and empowers students to initiate and develop their own project concept appropriate to their discipline of study.

Students within their final year of studies are very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module aids them to gain 'graduate trajectory' and enable them to better move into their chosen profession / industry as seamlessly as possible upon graduation.  

After the initial lectures setting out the style and scope of the module and opportunities, students decide on the content of their project and assessment (co-creation), and pitch this to staff by way of an initial project proposal.

Students then receive tutorial support and supervision throughout the year and agree the form that their final assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with other stakeholders (internally or externally) where appropriate in the developing the project or work.

The People Management and Analytics module provides an in-depth understanding of how to manage people and change effectively within an organisation, incorporating both theoretical and practical elements. Upon completion, students will gain key insights and skills in the following areas:

1. Professional Standards and Ethics: Students will learn to uphold and maintain the standards set out in the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) code of professional conduct, ensuring they can apply ethical practices in people management.
2. Understanding Employment Relationships: Students will critically reflect on the factors that influence the employment relationship within an organisation, evaluating both internal and external determinants.
3. People Performance: Students will explore the concept of people performance, examining the internal and external factors that drive individual and organisational outcomes. They will develop an understanding of how people analytics can be used to enhance performance management.
4. People Analytics: Students will gain an understanding of how data and analytics can be leveraged to improve people performance, providing them with a practical skillset to apply in a variety of organisational contexts.
5. Leading Others : Students will consider the nature and significance of leadership in organisations, evaluating contemporary and future contexts in the light of developments in theoretical approaches to leadership and how they apply. 
6. Managing Change Effectively : Students will critically reflect on the challenges inherent in successfully leading change and the role of the future leader in doing so.

Throughout the module, students will engage with a variety of learning activities, including in-class discussions, collaboration and group work, providing opportunities for active participation and the development of analytical and problem-solving skills. They will be encouraged to critically engage with real-world case studies and practice applying academic concepts to practical scenarios.

Students will learn how to produce a professional business report with graphs highlighting the key data outlining real business people management issues and making suggestions to improve ; will complete a Portfolio, including analysis and reflection focussed on leading in the future and a presentation based on a self selected change scenario. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address real-life people management challenges and apply them in a professional setting.