Units - HND in Business - UOP -
(in partnership with University of Portsmouth)

Marketing :
(M23163)

This module is designed to introduce students to the principles of marketing, enabling them to develop a basic development launch strategy and to employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. While they will learn the underpinning theories and frameworks, they will also be able to relate these to real-world examples, including products/services that they encounter in their own daily lives. Organisations such as Apple, Google, VISA, Burberry, Zara, Cadbury, Nestle, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Unicef, BP and small local businesses all have at least one thing in common: they all use marketing to influence us to engage with their products and/or services. Whether it is becoming a loyal customer buying a product and service or donating to a charity, organisations use a range of marketing techniques and tools to inform and influence us.
LO1	Explain the concept and process of marketing.
LO2	Use the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning.
LO3	Identify the individual elements of the extended marketing mix.
LO4	Use the marketing mix in different contexts.

Human Resource Management :
(M23170)

The aim of this module is to enable students to appreciate and apply principles of effective Human Resource Management (HRM). People are the lifeblood of any organisation and being  able to attract, recruit and retain talented staff is at the core of all HRM activity. This module will explore the tools and techniques used in HRM to maximise the employee contribution and how to use HR methods to gain competitive advantage. Students will explore the importance of training and development in building and extending the skills base of the organisation  and ensuring it is relevant to the ever-changing business environment. Students will also consider the growing importance of becoming a flexible organisation with an equally flexible labour force, and become familiar with techniques of job design and with different reward systems.  The module investigates the importance of good employee relations and the ways in which employers engage with their staff and possibly with trade unions. Students will gain an understanding of the law governing HRM processes as well as the best practices which enable an employer to become an ‘employer of choice’ in their labour market.
LO1	Explore theories and practices of human resource management in the UK.
LO2	Analyse how employees are motivated and rewarded.
LO3	Explain rights and procedures related to the end of the employment.
LO4	Distinguish between Personnel Management and the strategic role of Human Resource Management.

Organisational Theories :
(M23165)

The aim of this module is to develop a student’s understanding of the influence culture, politics and power have on the behaviour of others in an organisational context. Students will consider the function of the manager and role of a leader and the characteristics, behaviours and traits that support effective management and leadership. Students will learn about the theories that have shaped the understanding of leadership and management and how these have provided a guide to action for managers and leaders who want to secure success for their businesses. Students will look at leadership styles, how and why they are used and the extent to which they are effective. This module also gives students an understanding of motivational strategies. They will develop an understanding of motivational strategies covering intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of motivation.
LO1	Identify the relationship between workplace structure and culture.
LO2	Define different management and leadership styles.
LO3	Describe ways of using motivational theories in the workplace.

The Business Environment
(M23166)

The aim of this module is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance, micro, SME, transnational and global) and how they operate.  Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-making.
LO1	Explain the purposes of business organisations.
LO2	Demonstrate an understanding of the local, regional and national environment in which organisations operate.
LO3	Demonstrate an understanding of the international environment in which business operate.
LO4	Identify and analyse how businesses operate in their market environment.

Business Law – Principles
(M23167)

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the basic principles of law relating to business. It provides an introduction to the rules relating to business units: their formation, the legal principles which would affect choice of unit and the nature of limited liability. It also provides an introduction to the law of contract, with a particular focus on the formation and contents of a contract. The learner is also enabled to understand the practical application of standard form business contracts. In addition, the module enables the learner to examine the tort of negligence and issues of liability which are particularly relevant to business.
LO1	Investigate the key provisions relating to formation and choice of business unit.
LO2	Understand and apply the elements of the tort of negligence and particular aspects of liability which are relevant to business.
LO3	Understand the essential elements of a valid and legally binding contract and its role in a business context.
LO4	Explore the significance of specific terms in a business contract.

Purchasing and Supply Chain
(M23172)

The aim of this module is to enhance students’ understanding of the nature, role and contribution of supply chain management to a business. The growth of global business has led to organisations becoming increasingly reliant on logistics and supply chain management in order to keep up with the demands of a global economy. Students will explore the purpose of supply chain management and how this links to organisational efficiency and effectiveness, consumer and supplier relationships and the achievement of an organisation’s strategic objectives.
LO1	Demonstrate the importance of purchasing and supply chain management within an organisation and explain how this contributes to the achievement of corporate objectives.
LO2	Critically evaluate supply management principles adopted for the procurement of specific goods and services and demonstrate the importance of these in developing supplier relationships.
LO3	Analyse the systems and techniques employed by purchasing to effectively manage the supply of goods and services to an organisation.
LO4	Explain the key issues faced by purchasing managers when sourcing goods and services nationally/globally and evaluate the potential impact of these issues.

Applied Marketing
(M23169)

This module enables students to consolidate and integrate previous knowledge of marketing, and enables them to apply and evaluate analytical tools. Upon completion learners will be able to understand the planning needs of organisations required to achieve specified marketing objectives.
LO1	Select and apply appropriate marketing research techniques.
LO2	Investigate market size and assess future demand.
LO3	Understand buyer behaviour, the purchase decision making process and customer satisfaction.

Business Finance
(M23164)

This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of finance and financial issues within a business. One of the most important skills a business student can have is the ability to study and analyse the published financial statements of limited companies.  This includes analysing the financial statements, calculating and interpreting financial ratios and is a standard business technique used in order to compare company performance between companies and over time.  For any business the importance of financial planning in terms of identifying sources of finance, cash budgeting and long-term decision making is essential.  The ability to identify shortages and surpluses and recognise the implications of failure to finance adequately are vital for the survival of businesses.  Assessing the viability of a long-term project using different types of investment appraisals and other costing techniques allows a business to make an informed decision on capital spending and future cash flow planning.
LO1	Evaluate the financial performance of a business.
LO2	Understand and evaluate the sources of finance available to a business.
LO3	Make decisions based on financial information.

Data Management
(M23173)

Information is the most valuable resource that an organisation possesses. The effective gathering, protection, analysis, processing and dissemination of information is vital to the success of any organisation. As globalisation and the 24-hour economy develops and increases, organisations must ensure that their information systems are reliable, efficient and able to cope with rapid change. This module introduces students to the importance of information to organisations. They will examine how systems can be used to support core business functions and enable organisations to be more productive and competitive in the global marketplace. The aim of this module is to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary business information technology (IT) systems.
LO1	Identify and analyse the use of Management Information Systems with an organisation.
LO2	Demonstrate and understand the use of databases within an organisation.
LO3	Demonstrate and understand the use of spreadsheets within an organisation.
LO4	Demonstrate and understand how information can be integrated within an organisation.

Human Resource Development
(M23178)

The aim of this module is for students to develop their understanding of the nature and role of training and employee development and to investigate a range of initiatives aimed at developing skills within the labour market. It explores how people learn as well as developing a systematic approach to the design and delivery of training. Consideration is given as to how to measure the effectiveness of training and development in practice.
LO1	Explore a range of differing learning theories and learning styles.
LO2	Critically evaluate the planning and design of a training and development plan.
LO3	Explain the role and purpose of evaluation and evaluation techniques.
LO4	Examine a range of government-led initiatives aimed at developing skills in the labour market.

Small Business Enterprise
(M23183)

This module is designed to allow students to develop entrepreneurial skills in the planning, resourcing and development of a new small business.
LO1	Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of starting a new small business.
LO2	Demonstrate an understanding of the planning and resourcing required of starting a new small business.
LO3	Demonstrate an understanding of the small business sector.

Research Project (yr long)
(M23175)

The aim of this module is to develop independent enquiry and critical analysis skills by undertaking a sustained research investigation on a business topic of the student’s choice.  This module offers students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. The module enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme, to develop research aims, objectives and outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. The module also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research process during which recommendations for future, personal development are key learning points.
LO1	Formulate a research specification.
LO2	Carry out research according to specification and agreed procedures.
LO3	Evaluate the research.
LO4	Write a research report.

Working with and Leading People
(M23176)

The aim of this module is to help students to understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. Students will consider the characteristics, behaviours and traits that support effective management and leadership. Students will learn about the theories that have shaped the understanding of leadership and management and how these have provided a guide to action for managers and leaders who want to secure success for their  businesses. Students will look at leadership styles, how and why they are used and the extent to which they are effective.   In addition, this module will guide students through the process of self-assessment of skills and competences and personal career planning.
LO1	Identify and analyse styles of leadership.
LO2	Demonstrate ability to work in a team.
LO3	Produce a personal development plan.
LO4	Demonstrate an understanding of managing performance in the workplace.

Business Strategy
(M23174)

The aim of this module is to develop students’ awareness of the different types of strategic approaches that could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic role for an organisation. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories, models and concepts that underpin the process of strategic analysis, planning and implementation to support an organisation’s strategic choice and direction.
LO1	Understand and apply the process of strategic planning.
LO2	Select the appropriate strategy and evaluation process.
LO3	Review and formulate new strategies as appropriate.
LO4	Outline the implementation of a new strategy.

Project Management
(M23181)

The aim of this module is to introduce students to project management tools and techniques which can be used across different business sectors. It will explore the  value of projects to business and enterprise, and challenge students to reflect on the factors that contribute towards project success.
LO1	Explain the principles of project management.
LO2	Understand planning of projects.
LO3	Select and explain appropriate project management systems and procedures.