Business Management BA (Hons)

How does a business operate? How is it structured? How is it affected by its internal and external environments? How is it managed effectively? This module seeks to answer these kinds of fundamental questions about the nature of business and to give students an integrated understanding of business in the context of real organisations, to inspire them with a real interest in the discipline at the beginning of their degree study. The module will introduce students to 3 key areas of Business Management:

Roles and functions of management in relation to leadership and employee behaviour, key marketing concepts and basic financial methods.

The module will lead to the development of a personal professional portfolio reflecting on the 3 key areas and additionally the skills required to thrive in a Business Management relate career.

This module aims to introduce students to how businesses apply core concepts and tools in real-world scenarios, blending theoretical learning with practical applications to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Students will develop a strong foundation in business operations, covering key topics such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), organisational structures and operations management.
 
Through case studies and real-company applications, they will critically analyse management theories and assess their effectiveness in different contexts. The module will also explore digital business management, equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate modern business environments and tackle real-world challenges effectively.

This module provides a foundational understanding of data analytics within the context of business, focusing on basic data handling, descriptive analytics, and Excel proficiency. A portion of the module introduces financial data and metrics relevant to managers.

Students will be able to understand the role and importance of data in business decision-making processes, be able to use Excel for basic data handling tasks, including sorting, filtering, and performing simple calculations, to apply descriptive analytics to interpret and summarise business data for managerial insights and to conduct basic break-even analysis and interpret financial data to inform business decisions.

This module will use a series of workshops to explore key themes associated with digital capabilities, academic skills and professional development. Digital and professional skills will dominate the curriculum, offering students rich opportunities to develop their own knowledge and abilities. 

The topics will include, but are not limited to:

• Digital skills 
• Understanding how to utilise different digital platforms and applications 
• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Academic integrity including academic writing, referencing and responding to feedback
• Idea generation and problem solving
• Developing effective teams: team dynamics, negotiation and conflict resolution
• Commercial and subject/discipline awareness; understanding the academic and environmental contexts
• Personal management; planning and time management, avoiding stress and tackling assignments/exams
• Managing your professional image; CVs, social media profiles, portfolios
• Personal and professional development planning
• Career awareness and action planning

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

This module explores the dynamic and complex world of international business, examining how organisations operate and compete in our interconnected global economy. You will investigate essential concepts including international trade, cross-cultural management, and global business strategy.

Through case studies of multinational corporations and analysis of contemporary global business challenges, you'll develop a deep understanding of how companies navigate different markets, cultures, and business environments. The course equips you with practical insights into international market entry, global supply chain management, and cross-border financial operations.

By the end of this module, you will be able to critically assess the opportunities and challenges that globalisation presents to businesses and understand how organisations can successfully adapt their strategies for diverse international markets.

This module explores the critical role of corporate responsibility in shaping sustainable business practices within a global context. Students will examine and compare corporate governance frameworks, appraise the impact of CSR and ESG principles on sustainable growth, and evaluate how technological advancements influence ethical decision-making and accountability.

Through immersive learning, including live lectures, workshops, independent study, and business simulations, students will engage with real-world challenges, developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and ethical reasoning. Assessments emphasise practical application and teamwork, encouraging students to craft effective stakeholder engagement strategies and collaborative solutions for complex business scenarios.

By integrating critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective, this module equips students to navigate and lead in the dynamic, responsible, and sustainable corporate landscape of the future.

This module offers a dynamic learning experience through workshops, experiential opportunities, masterclasses, and interactive events, aimed at developing practical business skills. You will engage with design thinking, ideation, prototyping, and the creation and refinement of new business ideas in a team.

You will develop your knowledge and skills in a variety of creative areas which include the creation of an innovative product or service for the market, which will be prototyped, and presented to a panel and to potential customers. The assessment involves creating a 4000-word reflective portfolio, documenting key learnings, challenges, and the application of concepts in business idea development and implementation. This comprehensive approach prepares you for entrepreneurial success and real-world business challenges.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.  

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.  

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:  

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)  

• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 5 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement 

• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.   

• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.  

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting. 

The People Management module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key human resource management (HRM) principles and practices, particularly in the context of contemporary organisations.

Students will gain a solid foundation in upholding the standards and ethical behaviours outlined in the CIPD Code of Professional Conduct, ensuring that they develop a professional approach to people management. It will deepen their knowledge of HRM functions, allowing them to recognise and carry out critical activities such as resourcing, retention, reward management, employee engagement, and supporting the employment relationship.

Throughout the module, students will engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of people management. They will be encouraged to evaluate and improve the techniques used in managing people in the workplace, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Real-world application of academic concepts will be a key focus, with students exploring case studies and presenting solutions to practical HR challenges.

Assessments will allow students to demonstrate their grasp of HRM concepts and their ability to apply them to real-life scenarios.

This module will include a range of financial and data based topics. 

This module will cover key areas of business finance which will include budgeting, tax (personal & business), depreciation and sources of finance for investing and capital structure. 

This module will explore financial data gathering, data mining, and data collection. Explore how to assemble databases using relevant sources (such as FAME, Yahoo Finance and Investing.com), types of financial data, and ethics in data handling.

This module will include analysis data for ratio analysis, breakeven analysis, investment appraisal (projects), loan amortisation and forecasting. Providing students with the skills required to collect and analyse data; and its presentation by means of relevant methods and tools. 

These key areas will be applied through business case studies, activities and projects. 

Topics:

• Introduction to Finance & Data
• Financial Budgeting
• Tax
• Depreciation
• Sources of Finance
• Data
• Data Visualisation
• Ratio Analysis
• Breakeven Analysis 
• Investment Appraisal
• Loan Amortisation 
• Forecasting 

This module will enable students to apply academic learning to real business case studies and scenarios through the completion of 'consultancy' projects, business scenario role-play and associated reflective learning. The module is designed to prepare students to become competent and knowledgeable professionals in the dynamic field of business consultancy. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to pursue successful careers across a variety of organisations, industries, sectors or contexts.

This module is designed to enhance learners’ professional skills in a real-world job setting and is structured to bridge theory and practice, featuring engagement with industry through guest lectures, business networking and practical case study applications. This module enhances practical skills and broadens professional networks, aligning with the university's goal of preparing students for impactful graduate careers. This module will provide learners with hands-on experience of real-world business scenarios, which will help them understand business expectations, build confidence and prepare them for the world of work.   

This module is designed to provide experiential learning opportunities to enable students to apply academic learning to real business case studies and scenarios through a combination of group and individual learning. The primary objective is to equip students with professional skills and experience essential for graduate career roles enhancing their employability, professional effectiveness and subsequent professional advancement.

Throughout this module, there will be a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring learners are equipped with the skills and mindset to meet business demand for sustainability literate graduates

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional

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.