Business and Marketing MA

Compulsory modules: Organisations and People: This module examines key issues arising from contemporary research in organisational behaviour (OB) and human resource management (HRM). It provides an integrated analysis of management, organisations and people, developing the conceptual, strategic and practical skills necessary for managers in complex, global organisational contexts. International Strategic Management: This module analyses strategic decision making within business. You will develop a critical understanding of the strategic processes of business management, the interconnections with the functional domains of marketing, human resource management and corporate finance, and the management of knowledge systems. Marketing Strategy: This module critically evaluates the contributions of various schools of thought in marketing, and examines the relevant analytical models and management practices, with emphasis on the strategic importance of marketing to all organisations. Management Research: This module analyses the philosophical basis for research in the management sciences, and examines a number of key methodological issues and approaches. Research designs for both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are developed, including interviews, case studies, focus groups, surveys and experiments. New Venture Creation: This module examines the advantages and disadvantages of the various routes to business start up, including new venture creation, or establishing a business based on your own expertise, experience and ideas; buying an established business; purchasing a franchise; and succession through a family firm, an increasingly common way of becoming involved in entrepreneurial activity. International Marketing Communication: This module examines the processes by which integrated marketing communications (IMC) programs are planned, developed and executed. Individual communication vehicles included in an Integrated Marketing Communication plan are explored. Optional module (choose 1): Knowledge Management: This module examines the processes whereby organisations and individuals develop and utilise their knowledge bases. Successful knowledge management hinges on people, culture and technology. As such it has professional and academic links with organisational behaviour and organisational learning. Contemporary Issues in Management: This module develops several theories and concepts in contemporary management theory and practice. It provides a detailed and critical analysis of management, further developing the conceptual, strategic and practical skills necessary for managers in complex, global organisational contexts. International Business: This module examines the opportunities and constraints faced by businesses that operate on a pan European basis. Emphasis is placed on the multi dimensional characteristics of an economic and social space that is subject to a unique system of supra national governance. Public Sector Management: This module identifies the distinctive characteristics of the public sector in a competitive market driven environment. Organisational forms in the public sector are reviewed, in the light of the changing culture of public services, competition, best value and public expectations. Consumer Behaviour in a Global and Digital World: This module will introduce students to the main theories which purport to explain consumer behaviour from the perspective of gaining an understanding of the consumer as an individual as well as how consumers are influenced by their cultural environment.