IF0IBJ: An Introduction to Business & Management

Module code: IF0IBJ

Module provider: International Study and Language Institute

Credits: 40

Level: Foundation Level

When you'll be taught: Semester 2 / Summer

Module convenor: Dr Meiko Murayama, email: m.murayama@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Introduction to Business and Management introduces students to key themes and theories of business and management, providing a foundation for further study in these and related fields at undergraduate level. The content and study skills taught are widely applicable to a range of subject areas appealing to students on programmes in business, finance and accounting, economics, law, real estate, sociology, international relations, psychology, construction management, computer science and more.  

The module enables students to develop their ability to think critically, organise their thoughts logically, and argue persuasively in business and management contexts. Students learn basic business and management theory such as entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, HRM, finance and accounting. Students apply these theories into real world cases gaining insight into well-known companies such as BMW, KODAK, Ford, Nestlé, Google and Apple, as well as retail shops in Reading through a market research exercise. This enhances analytical thinking needed for study at a higher level.  

The module provides opportunities to develop various academic skills such as academic reading, research, note taking, public speaking, presentations, group working, problem solving, and essay and report writing skills. Students will also learn to use the University online teaching and learning platform Blackboard and develop a more independent style of learning. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. comprehend and discuss basic understandings of business and management operations.  
2. demonstrate good knowledge of the key principles and concepts on which business, economics, management and finance practices are based and apply them in context.   
3. show awareness of the role of corporate governance in organisations and evaluate the ethical issues faced by organisations and the individuals managing them.    
4. apply theory and generate creative solutions to business problems and issues presented as case studies.    
5. demonstrate the skills necessary to study effectively online and through face-to-face learning environments including: basic research, problem solving, decision making, challenging of assumptions, evaluative writing and managing information. 

Module content

The module is designed for students to gradually and steadily develop various academic skills through the study of basic business and management theories and real-world business cases over two semesters. Sustainability and ethical values will be covered throughout the year in various aspects of learning, including presentations and a group report. Students will gradually develop more advanced academic skills and critical and analytical skills as the module progresses over the two semesters.

The first semester focuses on building basic understanding of functions and operations of business organisations and understanding of how internal and external environmental impacts affect operations. Topics covered in Semester 2 include:

1. The features and importance of entrepreneurship using real-world examples;
2. Types, size and features of organisations to widen understanding of diverse business operations and activities including size, and type;
3. Business planning & objectives, stakeholders, internal and external environment which can affect business objectives;
4. HRM - the process of recruitment and types of training;
5. Financial activities such as sources of finance, costs, break even analysis, cashflow, budgeting and basic accounting records.

In the second semester the focus will shift to applying business and management concepts through real world examples and to create solutions for real businesses through market research. In this semester, the emphasis will be on developing a more independent study approach, team working and application of theories in a real-world context to enhance problem solving skills. The content of summer semester will include:

1. Market structure and marketing; marketing theories are applied in a retail business in Reading town centre with a group project involving market research;
2. Leadership and organisational structure; develops discussion and analytical essay writing skills applying theories to real-world cases;
3. Ethics and governance: to conclude the module, detailed analysis of ethics and governance is covered using real world examples such as Ford, VW or Enron to enhance ethical reflection and decision making.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught through a combination of in class lectures, workshops and seminars (discussions or presentations) as well as online sessions where appropriate.  Online tools such as discussion boards and other tools will be also used. Seminars allow students to work through examples and case studies at their own pace and offers a chance for individual and group presentations and group discussion. Furthermore, students will have an opportunity to apply marketing theories in real world business situations through a group project.

The schedule of this module, including start and finish dates, follows that of the January Start Foundation, which does not follow standard University Semesters. There is however significant overlap and Semesters referred to in this document are the University Semesters where most of this module teaching will take place. Information about specific key module dates will be provided by the International Foundation Programme prior to the start of the course.

Study hours

At least 84 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Mock test in Semester 2. 

Reassessment

Additional costs