Business ManagementCertHE

Data Driven Decision Making

Data analysis is an important aspect of modern businesses and management. It informs organisational performance. With advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever-increasing rate. It is therefore logical that business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of appropriate analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

You will be introduced to data-based decision making and performance measurement and you will be provided with the practical experience of using technology and intelligence to transform data into meaningful information. In particular, you will be introduced to data description, categorisation and project management.

You will be provided with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making and textual data analysis. In doing so, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business and management information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance.

Financial Accounting

This is a 15-credit core module which is designed to lay the foundation for understanding the accounting requirements of business organisations for internal and external reporting and decision making. It examines the financial accounting techniques for sole traders and limited companies.

This module aims to:

1. Enable students to understand the underlying principles of the financial accounting processes and to prepare/construct relevant accounting statements

2. Enable students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information systems and how they relate to the decision-making aspects.

3. Enable students to understand and record the double-entry bookkeeping.

4. Enable students to understand the context of the professional accountancy framework and to enhance their employability skills

Fundamentals of Business

This is a 15-credit core module that introduces students to the fundamentals of business. Business functions including innovation, operations, marketing, human resource management, finance and accounting, all of which interact with one another, can only be fully understood when the environmental, organisational, and strategic contexts within which the business operates are also understood. The focus of this module is the development of students’ understanding of how business organisations work and operate in the wider environment. Students’ have opportunities to examine the various functions of businesses and their relevant environments. They will analyse a variety of business situations and cases. This module introduces students to the concept of globalisation in terms of its impact on socio-cultural, political, economic and technological factors. The main aim of the module is to introduce students to the impact of various contexts on business itself, and to provide them with opportunities to enhance a wide range of academic and business skills such as commercial awareness, and sensitivity in terms of people and cultures.

People, Management and Organisations

This module introduces students to the foundations of management and organisational functions. It begins with an overview of the history of managerial thought, exploring how key ideas have developed and shaped modern management practices.

Students will examine the main functions of management—planning, organising, leading, and controlling—and how these tasks are carried out in real organisational settings. The module highlights the central role of people in organisations, focusing on motivation, teamwork, communication, and leadership as essential elements of effective management.

A key aim of the module is to support students in developing practical managerial skills. Through case studies, group activities, and reflective tasks, students will begin building confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and working with others.

In addition to practical skills, the module introduces a range of models and approaches that help explain how organisations function and how managers can respond to challenges. These frameworks provide useful tools for analysis and critical thinking.

This module offers a strong foundation in understanding how organisations operate and what it means to be a manager. It blends theory with practice to help students begin thinking critically and effectively about leadership and management in today’s world.

• You will learn about definitions of management and the development of managerial thoughts to be able to analyse modern management practices.
• You will find out about the importance and impact of management functions.
• You will gain knowledge and skills about practices to integrate and develop people in organisations.
• You will assess and develop your own managerial skills throughout the module.
• Overall, this module develops the understanding of the importance of management in organisations.

Personal and Professional Skills Development

This module introduces students to how universities work and how they can be successful in their studies. It provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges at university. The module is designed to provide students with the main elements of the learning process. An important distinction is that students enter university to learn, not to be taught, and this module is designed to provide students with guidance in the learning process. It introduces study techniques addressing for example time management, academic reading and writing, and reflective thinking

This module will support the preparation for the future career by encouraging them to develop, put into practice and evidence the skills and behaviours that employers want to see.
It will encourage students to see themselves as a developing professional, which will help them to learn effectively and efficiently. They also learn how to use all the resources available to reflect on their progress. This module involves planning, conducting and reflecting on their own experience throughout the module by completing weekly tasks, which will serve as a basis for the reflective commentary submitted at the end of the year.

The module supports students in developing digital literacy and effective communication across online and face-to-face environments, recognising the importance of these skills in academic and professional contexts.

The module aims to:
- provide students with a sound understanding of what is required to succeed when studying at university level;
- build an understanding of the expected workplace knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes;
- provide a framework for the development of a range of academic, professional, and personal skills that will contribute to life-long learning and employability;
- ensure the adoption of skills, attitudes and behaviours that improve self-awareness to aid reflective practice.
- use digital tools to effectively support learning and professional collaboration.

You will find reflect on and further develop the following aspects
- Academic skills (e.g. academic reading and writing, reflection, time management)
- Professional and employability skills (e.g. managerial competencies, career development)
- Personal skills (e.g. self-management, emotional intelligence)

Cultural Awareness

This module introduces students to the study of intercultural communication, focusing on key theories and concepts such as cultural dimensions, communication styles, and intercultural competence. It examines the impact of cultural differences in international business settings and aims to provide a solid foundation in understanding cultural diversity. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and group discussions, students will develop autonomy and enhance their communication skills.

Key skills developed will focus on oral and written communication, such as academic writing styles/structures and research/critical reading as well as the development of transferable study skills, such as time management and revision techniques.

Digital Business and Marketing

This module introduces you to the core principles and practices of digital marketing in both local and international contexts. You will explore how digital technologies shape marketing at operational, tactical, and strategic levels, with a focus on areas such as brand management, social media, content strategy, and digital analytics.

You will examine how digital trends influence consumer behaviour, marketing communication, and the role of the marketing professional within the global economy. Through practical tasks and critical reflection, you will develop the skills needed to respond strategically to dynamic market environments and to understand the impact of digital forces on branding and organisational performance.

Throughout the module, you will also strengthen key transferable skills including critical thinking, teamwork, negotiation, and self-management. By the end, you will be able to apply strategic and analytical approaches to solve digital marketing challenges with confidence and creativity.

Fundamentals of Airline and Airport Operations

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning airline and airport operations. It critically examines the breadth of operational activities within both sectors and analyses the key challenges they encounter. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these challenges are managed within the constraints imposed by regulatory frameworks and economic pressures. 

You will develop a foundational knowledge of airline certification processes, airspace regulations, cost structures, and issues affecting airline profitability. The module also explores the intricate operational requirements necessary for the successful execution of a flight, from origin to destination. Furthermore, it investigates the complex network of interrelationships among various industry stakeholders, highlighting their respective roles and contributions. 

The module further offers a detailed overview of core airport management functions essential to the integrated and efficient performance of the wider aviation system. 

In its second component, the module focuses on contemporary management challenges faced by airport operators. Topics include governance models, organisational structures, and regulatory environments. The discussion situates airport management within the broader context of global aviation development, with particular attention given to the distinctions between publicly and privately operated airports, as well as hybrid models that occupy positions along this spectrum. 

Introduction to Creative Enterprises

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning the creative industries. It critically examines the components and impact of these industries at both local and global levels.

Students will develop a foundational understanding of key sectors, including events, the music business, fashion, and the tourism and travel industries. They will explore major event types and sectors, gain insight into the structure and lifecycle of events, and examine the diverse professional roles involved in event production. Through this exploration, students will begin to appreciate the strategic and creative skills necessary for successful event delivery, while also considering the broader societal significance of events.

The module provides an overview of the music industry, highlighting its appeal to fans, artists, producers, and entrepreneurs. Students will explore what makes this sector dynamic and influential, and how they can position themselves as future leaders within it.

In today’s fashion industry, sustainability, technology, and globalisation are key drivers of change. Students will examine how these factors influence product development and market strategies, enabling them to craft holistic approaches to fashion marketing and business management.

Finally, the module explores the global scope of the tourism industry, along with the economic, social, cultural, and environmental challenges it faces. By understanding these complexities, students will be better equipped to lead and innovate across the creative industries.

Management Accounting Fundamentals

The module aims to establish a foundation for students to grasp the essential knowledge and techniques that form the basis of management accounting. You will cover the following key areas of management accounting:

• Cost classification and behaviour

• Tools and techniques for planning, control, and decision-making

• Techniques for short-term decision-making

• Capital investment appraisal methods

The module has the following aims:

1. You will explain the function of management accounting and how costs are classified based on output, activity level, and decision-making.

2. You will prepare overhead cost statements to determine the total costs of products, services, and activities.

3. You will apply break-even analysis in short-term decision-making.

4. You will understand the short-term decision-making techniques such as Make or Buy, Shutdown, Accept/Reject, and Pricing.

5. You will calculate simple variances for effective cost control.

6. You will develop essential analytical skills to evaluate financial information and make informed management decisions.

Understanding the Business and Economic Environment

The focus of this module is to equip students to understand organisations in contexts past, present and future, and enable them to analyse the macro, micro, internal and external business and economic environments in which they operate. An understanding of the environments will facilitate the interpretation of situations and enable decisions that add value for businesses. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organizations and the effect these have on business practices.
The module is designed to be used by Level 4 undergraduate students on a range of programmes. Examples, illustrations and case studies will be drawn from chosen industry sectors such as advertising, aviation, events, finance, marketing, music, transport, tourism, and applied to reinforce basic concepts. This will enhance the ability of students to understand particular business problems and aspects of the business and economic environment. Topics and case studies will cover business issues that are contemporary and relevant to the real world.