Fashion Marketing and Business ManagementBA (Hons)

Contextualising Fashion

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module provides a motivational context for the co-creation of knowledge pertaining to sartorial culture. The content addresses a range of historical moments in the development of a ‘fashion system’ and examines how the inter-relationships between these elements inform changes in dress styles and practices. The pedagogical aims are to raise student awareness and understandings of (i) the relationships with globalisation, (ii) the impacts of technology, (iii) the creative trajectories underpinning the discipline and (iv) to develop abilities to articulate the discipline’s importance as a driver of contemporary culture. The key skills of academic reading & writing, analytical thinking and self-directed research are mobilised in completing assessment tasks predicated on constructively aligned learning outcomes. The learning experience complements that provided in other subject-specific modules and is designed to engage the whole of the Level 4 cohort together with international learners.

Read full details

Frameworks of Fashion

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module provides a motivational context for the co-creation of knowledge pertaining to the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of fashion. The content addresses a range of models and frameworks for application to fashion artefact, image or idea. The pedagogical aims are to raise student awareness and understandings of the differentiated approaches to the disciple based on (i) sociological, (ii) mass media, (iii) material culture perspectives and (iv) to develop the intellectual abilities required to ‘think through’ fashion as an area of academic concern. The key skills of academic reading and writing, analytical thinking and self-directed research are mobilised in completing assessment tasks predicated on constructively aligned learning outcomes. The learning experience complements that provided in the other subject-specific modules and is designed to engage the whole of the Level 4 cohort together with international learners.

Read full details

Learning Through Organisations

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This Professional Practice module will enhance the students’ understanding of what it means to be a business professional. This module will support the preparation for their future career by encouraging them to develop, put into practice and evidence the skills and behaviours that employers want to see.

The ‘Professional Practice’ approach ensures that as a developing professional the students understand how to learn effectively and efficiently either in the workplace or in a simulated context. 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 ‘performance episodes*’ and a more general reflection on their overall professional development to date. The written reports and reflections become part of their growth and productivity E-portfolio** which they will maintain throughout their programme.

In addition, they will have the opportunity to test, review and evidence their skills development via the on-line resources provided throughout the programme, which support the general skills required by employers. As such this module aims to,

1. Build understanding of the expected workplace knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes so that they become intrinsic performance and growth motivators.

2. Ensure the adoption of skills, attitudes and behaviours that improve self-awareness to aid reflective practice.

*A performance episode is defined as an initiative that the students take, made up of tasks, which develops their skills, and which involves both selecting knowledge from the programme and interacting with others. It must be measurable so that they are able to reflect on their professional skills development.

** The growth and productivity E-portfolio is a digital internet-based tool within which they will store all evidence of their Weekly via learning log, feedback from stakeholders, their reflections. It allows them to share their journey with others and to organise elements of it to help them progress further.

Read full details

Media Culture and Society

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

In an age of mass communication we are constantly bombarded by messages through advertising, content marketing, editorial, programming and other forms via the press, television, radio, film, music and the internet.

As such, the media is a powerful dynamic force and cuts through gender, class, race, creed, and nationality to form bonds between groups of people who may exist in totally different circles, potentially bringing us closer to a global culture. Social & cultural values are largely shaped and reflected by the consumption of media and this module seeks to provide students with an insight into the media industry and also act as introduction to models and tools designed to enable them to engage in a more deeply informed debate on this constantly changing subject.

The module aims to introduce students to the nature and make-up of the media industry and undertakes a critical examination of the role of culture and society in determining its development. It will examine both traditional and new media/digital platforms as part of a wider analysis of its influence on culture & society. Additionally the module aims to provide an introduction to the learning strategies that students will need to successfully study in higher education.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition and development of the following skills:

1. Academic Reading
2. Research
3. Application of Knowledge and Presenting Data
4. Communicating/presenting – orally & collaborating / working with others
5. Critical Thinking and academic Writing
6. Self- assessment/reflection

Read full details

Practice of Marketing

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module aims to provide an understanding of the theories of marketing and the practical application of the tactical tools of marketing in contemporary and technology driven organisations at local, national, regional and in a global context. In this module, students explore how different types of organisations deploy the marketing mix tools to implement their marketing strategy and to develop a competitive edge.

The module aims to:

● Provide an understanding of the theories involved in creating and delivering value to customers using the tactical tools of marketing.
● Explore the practical application of the marketing mix in product/services, public sector/non-profit sectors marketing.
● Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and interpreting data skills.
● Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.

Read full details

Principles of Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers. Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, organise, lead and coordinate the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively. The challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action, such as managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and, along with numerous other activities, achieve organisational success.

The traditional view of the purpose and role of management in the world of work was to seek stability and efficiency in a top-down hierarchy aimed at achieving bottom-line results. In contrast, the contemporary management approach expects managers to engage in motivating people and harnessing their creativity, sharing information and power, leading change, and finding shared vision and values in an increasingly diverse and complex workplace.

Today’s managers require the knowledge and ability to draw on both traditional and contemporary approaches to management when formulating workplace decisions. They also need the skills, tools, and techniques to manage their own career trajectory based on the acquisition of sound employability skills and accompanying behaviours.

In addition to knowledge, the module focuses on developing students as managers
which involves the ability to interact with, and motivate, a diverse range of people.
The module aims are to:

• enable students to identify and explain major developments in the history of managerial thought;
• provide students with the opportunity to develop management, leadership and employability capability to enhance their individual potential;
• develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex environments;
• enable students to develop their management and employability skills, such as critical thinking and writing, interpersonal skills, self-management, communication, team-working, problem solving, and presentation skills, in order to maximise their competitive edge in the business world.

Read full details

Principles of Marketing

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module aims to provide an understanding of the marketing process in contemporary organisations and in the context of tangible goods and services. The service sector accounts for a significant proportion of GDP and employment in most developed economies and therefore it becomes essential for students to gain insight within the area. In this module, students are introduced to a range of marketing theories such as the marketing concept, consumer behaviour, business environmental analysis, marketing research, consumer insights applicable to tangible goods and services marketing.

The module aims to:
● Provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of marketing
● Provide an appreciation of contemporary issues in marketing.
● Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and data interpreting skills.
● Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.

Read full details

The Business of Fashion

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module provides a motivational context for the co-creation of knowledge pertaining to the commercial operation of the apparel industries. The content addresses a range of up-stream and down-stream processes fundamental to fashion business practice. The pedagogical aims are to raise student awareness and understandings of (i) the fabrication of fashion products (ii) the role of promotional strategies (iii) the retail ‘brandscape’ and (iv) to develop abilities to articulate how the sector identifies and categorises the taste communities/consumers of its creative outputs. The key skills of academic reading & writing, analytical thinking problem-solving, visual communication and self-directed research are mobilised in completing assessment tasks predicated on constructively aligned learning outcomes. The learning experience complements that provided in the other subject-specific modules and is designed to engage the whole of the Level 4 cohort together with international learners.

Read full details

Consumer Insights

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Effective marketing management requires the ability to understand consumer needs, influences and predict how consumers will behave within a given market situation. Marketers need an in-depth understanding and critical appreciation of customer responses to products, services and marketing offering. The module is designed to provide an in-depth and critical understanding of consumer insight and how it informs marketing practices. The module examines the various determinants of consumer behaviour, and introduces and examines the theories and influences of buyer behaviour and their application to managerial decision-making. In addition, the module builds on an appreciation of the market research processes methods and metrics used to gain consumer insight for informed effective marketing decisions.

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the importance of studying and understanding buyer behaviour. The development of market research, their role, and its contribution to the marketing function. Thus enable and develop student’s technical skills and knowledge in applying market research methods to consumer issues

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
1. Digital literacy and IT skills
2. Researching & analysing
3. Application of knowledge and presenting data
5. Critical thinking
6. Academic writing

Read full details

Fashion Buying (and Apparel Supply Chain)

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module seeks to provide a motivational learning experience and to stimulate the co-creation of knowledge pertaining to the processes of fashion buying, including how these are informed by and link to the practice of fashion merchandising along global supply chain networks. The module content addresses the various roles and responsibilities of these important players operating at all levels of the fashion business, from retailers of quotidian apparel through to couture labels. Discussion and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to fashion buying are designed to raise awareness of the inter-relationships between maximising profitability and meeting consumer expectations in a fast-changing business environment. The key skills of research, numeracy, analytical thinking, problem-solving, visual communication, academic reading & writing are mobilised in completing assessment tasks predicated on the module’s constructively aligned learning outcomes. Content delivery builds on the academic scaffolding constructed earlier in the programme in order to provide students wishing to develop careers in the fashion business insights into commercial realities of the apparel sector.

Read full details

Marketing Communications

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module will enable you to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the nature and importance of integrated marketing communications and the individual purpose and characteristics of its component tools.

This module builds on Level 4 marketing modules knowledge and aims to define and explore the marketing communications process and the role of an integrated marketing communication approach in both traditional and digital communication formats, in achieving marketing objectives. The changing environment and impact of technology are explained as background for synthesis of the communications process.

In addressing QAA skill benchmarks for business and management, the module specifically focuses on the following areas:

1) Ability to conduct research into business and management issues.
2) Developing skills including identifying, formulating and solving business communication challenges.

More broadly, the module aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:

- Academic writing and reading
- Analysing data/research
- Critical thinking and being creative
- Communicating/presenting, orally and/or in writing
- Digital Literacy and IT skills
- Commercial awareness, including corporate social responsibility

Read full details

Online Fashion Retailing

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Thursday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The fashion industry operates in a dynamic environment resulting in a rapid change in the online retailing and service offering. Increasingly consumers are switching between channels in their purchasing of Fashion. The module will deal with a range of theoretical, practical techniques in understanding and researching the management of fashion on line retailing. The module examines the various factors, which influence on line customer journey, trends in multichannel approaches and strategies.
This module has been designed to build on level 4 knowledge with a focus on the understanding of the management of fashion on line retailing. This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the importance Internet retailing and its contribution to Fashion retailing.
The module aims to:
• Develop an understanding and demonstrate the scope of digital retail issues both operationally and theoretically in designing and implementing successful internet retailing strategies.
• Enable and develop student’s technical skills and knowledge in applying market research methods using appropriate digital metrics.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
1. Digital literacy and IT skills
2. Researching & analysing
3. Application of Knowledge

Read full details

The Practice of Consultancy

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Consultancy is big business and the sector continues to experience strong growth. The UK consultancy industry alone employs more than 80,000 professionals and is worth an estimated £12 billion per annum; making it the second largest consultancy base in the world.

Management consulting involves engaging with stakeholders to provide objective, specialist advice. It is concerned with diagnosing issues and inefficiencies, solving problems, improving performance and implementing solutions to deliver complex change, maximise growth and to create value for organisations.

The Practice of Consultancy develops the practical research and consultancy skills required for a career in Business Analyses and Management Consultancy and prepares students for the final year Consultancy Project. Specifically, the module introduces research methods for consultancy and aims to develop a practical understanding of the tools and techniques of problem analysis and issue clarification. A range of business frameworks are applied to structure diagnostic analyses and thinking, whilst data, metrics and analytics are evaluated to inform the process and to provide the client with evidence-based solutions. Finally, this module aims to develop students’ communication skills through the preparation of a report to present the outcome of the consultation to their client.

Management consulting covers a broad range of activities and, to be effective, a consultant needs to be client-oriented and solution-focused. Expertise, resourcefulness, an analytical mind, creative thinking, an ability to manage relationships, empathy and excellent communication skills are essential to building trust and ensuring recommendations are implemented. By taking an applied, problem-solving approach, this module encourages students to enhance their competencies in these areas.

Transferable skills
Student will develop a range of key skills and knowledge, including:

• Critical evaluation, problem identification and problem-solving skills
• Research skills (quantitative and qualitative research)
• Numeracy
• Analytic, divergent and creative thinking
• Communication (critical reading, interviewing, listening, negotiating, advising, presenting and report writing skills)

Read full details

Creating a Winning Business 1

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

The University has a policy that undergraduate students must, take a Work Based Learning (WBL) module i.e. a module which requires them to directly experience and operate in the real world of work and to reflect on that episode in order to identify skill and knowledge areas that they need to develop for their career.

This module challenges students to be creative in identifying a new business opportunity and in examining the viability of all aspects of the idea in the real-world context e.g.

• Supporting an existing small business to understand how a business runs
• Respond to small business’s client briefs
• Testing potential customers’ views.

As a result of client brief and feedback, business concepts and/or ideas will develop over the duration of the module.

The QAA Benchmark on Business and Management (2019) emphasises the attribute of “entrepreneurship” and of “the value of real-world learning”. In terms of promoting work related skills, the module specifically focuses on practical techniques for responding to client briefs in evaluating and developing business ideas and so develops creative yet practical thinking.

In addition, it requires students to examine market potential and prepare a presentation of their findings assuming the role of a business consultant. The module requires a high level of self-reliance to explore the business idea based on a client brief. Students develop an understanding of the role of business start-ups, business growth and development.

These skills and techniques are of practical relevance to anyone considering developing a business, working for a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a larger organisation where the business environment is constantly evolving and producing new challenges and opportunities.

Read full details

Learning through Work

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

Read full details

Business to Business Marketing and Sales

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module looks at marketing challenges and specifically those facing businesses that serve the needs of organisations rather than households. ‘ Business to Business Marketing’ is a substantial, exciting and lucrative area. This module is used as a platform to help students understand the complexities of the business to business marketplace, Supply Chain Management, B2B Sales Management, Key Account Management, and other business marketing related fields of interest.

‘Business Marketing’ is a managerial process that facilitates the exchange of goods and services between organisations. The aim is to focus on key aspects such as manufacture, process, creating client value, negotiation, exchange and/or the supply of parts or finished products so that these are passed on to the next stage in the supply chain. This module looks at how each stage adds value, how vertical collaborations help create value, and how relationships can create and maintain market advantages. Business to business trade is a complex, risky and uncertain process. It requires strong business relations and links, good negotiating skills, some degree of bargaining power but most importantly a detailed knowledge of marketing.

‘Business Marketing’ offers a comprehensive introduction to the main theoretical and practical concepts of Business to Business Marketing including Sales organisation and management. The module looks at the connection between the different stages along the supply chain and how products are traded and handled between businesses before they reach the end consumer. ‘Business Marketing’ aims to also cover the complexities of buying and selling, and how marketing plays a vital role in creating and maintaining long lasting businesses relationships. The module additionally provides a rationale for allowing third parties to gain control of one’s vital marketing operations and functions.

Module aims to:

• explore the important and complex business processes many firms require to go through when firm to firm trade is initiated and developed, and look at the significance of Sales and Key Account Management to capitalise on marketing opportunities.

• examine supply chains and explain why products need to pass through a number of manufacturing stages and through different distribution channels before reaching end consumers.

• enhance students’ commercial awareness, research, and academic reading and presentation skills and prepare students to become more business oriented by applying theory in a relevant manner to find solutions to authentic business marketing problems and challenges.

• evaluate the importance of ethics, social responsibility, social justice, inclusion and sustainability and how these may lead to competitive advantages and better business prospects.

Read full details

Crafting Advertising Campaigns

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module introduce students to the role advertising plays within the changing global technological environment of marketing communications. The module covers the key stages in advertising campaign development with the aim of enabling students
craft, plan, execute and evaluate advertising campaigns. The module content includes how advertising agencies are structured and the differing relationships with client companies; how agencies work with clients; crafting a commercially and creatively viable strategic advertising brief; developing and producing a realistic and effective advertising campaign plan; creative strategy, media planning and buying process; measures of advertising campaign effectiveness; and how advertising works within the regulatory framework in which advertising operates across markets and international cultures.

This module has been designed to build on Level 4 modules knowledge with a focus on the understanding of advertising theory and principles. The module aims to:

• Develop a critical understanding of advertising function and its contribution to the marketing communication strategy
• Provide students with key skills and knowledge in developing strategic creative briefs and effective advertising campaign plan.
• Explore the role of advertising in improving brand effectiveness and brand communications.
• Develop students' understanding and knowledge of the issues in the changing structure of advertising industry in both a national and global context.
The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
- Researching and analysing
- Academic writing and reading
- Application of knowledge and presenting data
- Critical thinking
- Communicating/Presenting, orally and in writing
- Being creative
- Inter-cultural communication

Read full details

Digital Marketing

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

8 Module description
In the current business environment, it is imperative that marketers keep pace with the dramatic and far-reaching changes fuelling digital transformation. This module is about appreciating the importance of the ever-evolving, dynamic digital marketing landscape. Within the digital marketing landscape you will be introduced to the digital marketing channels and their applications. You will be presented with theoretical frameworks and models, which are relevant to the analysis of the digital marketing practice. You will examine the development of supporting technologies for digital marketing and examines digital channels and their suitability for inclusion for effective integrated online and off line marketing programmes and campaigns. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), customer acquisition and retention, mobile marketing, email marketing, online PR, affiliate marketing, social media, video and multichannel marketing are all explored in detail. Additionally the importance of effective digital monitoring and measurement techniques that enable organisations to improve digital marketing effectiveness performance and planning will be explored Related legislation, regulation and codes of practice will also be examined
The module aims to –
• Develop students' understanding and knowledge of the issues in digital marketing.
• Provide students an understanding of the nature of digital marketing concepts and techniques, and the role of digital marketing in improving an organizations marketing effectiveness and planning.

The module builds on the acquisition of the following Skills
• Analysing data & problem solving
• Application of Knowledge and presenting Data
• Digital literacy and IT skills

Read full details

Field Trip

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to enables students to complete a research-based project that deals with and / or provides a solution to a practical business problem. The student’s topic is linked with the destination of the field trip (for example Toulouse, with a focus on Airbus) and has to be appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to map out the applied problem, develop appropriate research questions, identify and use theoretical concepts/prior literature, and use robust and appropriate methods and data analyses in an independent, ethical and disciplined manner. Students will have the opportunity to talk, observe and develop networks with experienced leaders in the organisation where the problem is focused. The field trip is time constrained replicating the realities of the business world. The students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen problem, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data required for providing a practical solution. The module aims to stimulate development of students’ ability to relate theoretical material taught in the class to real world practice. It constitutes a useful and appropriate preparation for the final year dissertation or consultancy project.
The module is subject to minimum number of students participating and circumstances allowing travel.

Read full details

Sustainability, Business and Responsibility

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module will address the critical issue of how current thinking on climate change and sustainability will impact on businesses and organisation. The need to create more sustainable organisations and businesses is fundamental to current and future organisational development strategies. It is necessary for students to understand the growing influence of the sustainability agenda on industry. This influence takes on many forms, from government policies and international agreements to the measuring the impacts of organisational practices on the ecology and communities. In the future, organisations, businesses, communities and individuals will be expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental and social impacts. This module will examine the current and future challenges. It will equip students to deal with the challenge of creating sustainable forms of business that operate within ecological and socio-economic limits.

It will explore the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles.

The overarching aim of the module is to ensure that students develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles and how these principles are applied. It will explore the varied tools and techniques used to apply sustainability principles, by governments, business and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present. Such appreciation will be developed progressively via more specific aims which are:

1. To engage with the growing international debate and practice around sustainability, business and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
2. To evaluate how this will challenge organisations and business.
3. To examine tools and techniques for evaluating and implementing of sustainability
4. To analyse the evolving policy frameworks within which business operates.
5. To understand how changing environmental realities may affect business practice.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
1. Academic reading
2. Researching
3. Problem-solving and decision making
4. Critical thinking and writing
5. Application of knowledge and presenting data
6. Academic writing

Read full details

Brand Management

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding on brands, brand equity and strategic brand management. It outlines the concepts and framework of branding, which are crucial in designing, implementing marketing campaigns as well as activities to build, measure and manage brand equity. It provides students with the tools and techniques to improve long-term profitability via creating effective brand strategies.

Aims of the module:

• Explore the role of branding from a corporate and consumer perspective.
• Examine the theory of branding.
• Develop students' understanding of the role played by marketing communications in the building and maintenance of brands.
• Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.
• Develop students’ critical writing, application of knowledge and decision-making skills.

Read full details

Consultancy Project

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Monday morning
all year (September start) - Monday afternoon
all year (September start) - Wednesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 30 credits)

The Professional Consultancy / Project is a capstone module in which students will be required to undertake a business project aimed at enhancing their employability as well as providing a platform for further professional development.

This module requires students to undertake and write up an individual project that gives them the opportunity to not only consolidate their learning on the programme, but also to clearly apply their learning in a real-world context. Furthermore, it will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their professional competences built throughout the programme.

If in employment students may choose to use a work-based consultancy project (subject to agreement from their employer). Alternatively, they may choose a project which is research-based.

Students will also be required to present their project via an on-line presentation or podcast. This module gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their professional credibility and to use their academic, business and technical skills in a professional context.

Professional Consultancy Project aims to:

1 Demonstrate the ability to utilise and contextualise knowledge by applying analytical skills to a business situation or problem
2 Demonstrate the ability to assemble a coherent and a sustained piece of writing that evaluates a business/project problem/solution
3 Create an opportunity to further develop a range of skills associated with research including analysis, interpretation, written expression, formal report writing, and self-managed study
4 Engage students on a complex, integrated activity that will consolidate and integrate previous skills and learning
5 Provide students with a ‘showcase’ opportunity that allows them to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a significant and specialised task

Read full details

International Fashion Strategy

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Keywords
International Fashion Strategy, Retail Motives, Theoretical Models, Entry Modes, International Management, International implications, Cultural Differences.

The module covers the most recent developments in international fashion management, such as international management of resources, International procurement and sourcing, strategic marketing planning and international strategy. International Fashion Strategy differentiates itself from other level 6 planning and strategy modules in that it brings together knowledge from the fields of corporate strategy as well as international business; furthermore, it applies this combined knowledge to real-time fashion businesses.
This module focuses on the reasons for fashion businesses strategic analysis and the implications for internationalisation. Therefore, strategic corporate issues such as current retail climate, competitive, comparative and cooperative advantages, critical success factors, market position will be investigated as they will be essential to plan for methods of international strategic development, methods of entry, market appraisal and strategic and tactical choices such as organic vs inorganic expansions.
Academic models associated with internationalisation and its varied process will be analysed and discussed in the context of fashion.


The main aims of the module are to:
- develop students' understanding and knowledge of the main theories, models and concepts of international strategy with direct application to the fashion business environment
- develop students’ understanding and knowledge of the internationalisation process
and the various options available for international expansion
- develop an understanding of the scope of marketing analytics in designing and implementing successful international marketing strategies
- enables students to critically evaluate strategic options undertaken by fashion businesses and identify competitive advantage both domestically and internationally.
- enable students to enhance their critical thinking abilities and their capabilities to develop strategic solutions to businesses in a variety of retail contexts and situations

Skills development includes: problem-solving, academic reading, researching, critical thinking, and academic writing, digital literacy and IT skills, time management, team skills, independent working, referencing skills, intellectual discussion and awareness of contemporary debates in the business management related disciplines. Assessment components provide the vehicle for skills development.

Read full details

Leading Innovation (Fashion)

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This final-year module “Leading Innovation – Fashion” aims to enable students to study and apply in practice focusing on concepts pertaining to Fashion Business:

- a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership
- a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation practice, and organisations in a range of industries engaged with innovation practice
- a range of innovation theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation processes, and organisations in a range of industries that innovate
- the synergies between leadership and innovation in a range of contexts

The Module will be based around two themes:
(i) Theme 1: Leadership, where they will study, reflect on, and use leadership theories and techniques to assess and develop their own personal leadership style. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating classic and contemporary theories, and directly applying the ideas from these theories to their own experience and ambitions.
(ii) Theme 2: Innovation, where they will study, analyse, and evaluate the innovation processes of selected organisations and industries (by critiquing, for example, Case Studies), and how innovation is achieved and operates within the contemporary economy (by critiquing, for example, classic and contemporary examples). In addition, students will study the synergies between leadership and innovation, an emerging area in academic research and in practice. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating innovation practice and performance, informed by the leadership theories and techniques covered in Theme 1.

Each theme will conclude with an assignment: Theme 1 will conclude with a team-based formative assignment, and Theme 2 will conclude with a pairs-based summative assignment. Once complete, this Module aims to enable students to understand a long-term time line. Firstly, students will ‘look back’ and be exposed to classic and contemporary leadership texts, so they can critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership style. Secondly, they will ‘look forward’ and critically evaluate how innovation can further emerge in the economy and society, and how contemporary and future organisations and industries can ensure sustainability through enhanced innovation, blended with enhanced organisational leadership.

Read full details

Strategic Marketing

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module seeks to present the latest developments in strategic marketing thinking and development of marketing plans. The module critically evaluates the linkages between strategic marketing planning and corporate planning, organisations marketing competencies in relation to competitive advantage, market performance, customers, competitors, product and service portfolios, current and future positioning and value proposition. It also applies appropriate analytical frameworks and techniques suitable for planning, implementation, measurement and evaluation of marketing plans.

Aims of the module:
• Develop knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, models, concepts and context of strategic marketing and the planning process.
• Systematically conduct a marketing audit, develop an effective marketing strategy and tactical marketing plan using suitable analytical tools and frameworks.
• Foster a critical awareness and understanding of current issues in strategic marketing and planning in context of theory and practice.
• Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and decision-making skills.

Read full details

Creative Artists Rights and Legal Disputes (Option)

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday morning

(option, 15 credits)

The module explores how creatives, celebrities, and performing artist rights’ are impacted by the business environment, and examines the impact of the law and the litigation process upon them. This module provides the key skills necessary to understand the legal concepts, case law, and legal disputes underpinning a career in the entertainment sectors.

Module aims:

• Understand the legal, business, and cultural context underpinning creative artist rights and the enforcement of these rights through contract, litigation and legal procedure
• Understand the relevant boundaries between civil rights, criminal offences and government regulation of the entertainment industries.
• Understand the legal issues underpinning legal disputes and case strategy and conduct
• Understand the commercial impact of the various rights considered
• Consider the implications of new technology, social media platforms and related issues on artist rights
• Develop skills of legal academic reading, and research
• Critical Thinking and Writing

Read full details

Global Marketing and Sales in the Digital Age

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

Marketing is an essential component of any organisation regardless of size and has application globally, helping an organisation to retain and recruit news customers and increase the scale of a business.

Marketing is focused on the customer and the value of the product offering to stimulate demand, while sales activities are designed to encourage customer purchase. Both functions need to be integrated within an organisation to improve business performance.

Global marketing helps an organisation to find and develop new market opportunities while maintaining its domestic market(s.)

This module is intended to allow students to focus and explore the key components and nature of marketing and sales in a global market.

The global events of 2019 demonstrate the key linkages and interdependence of markets and demonstrate the importance of designing, distribution and selling products/ services in markets around the world, while maintaining a home market.

The module aims to:

• Provide an understanding of the role and importance of marketing and sales in a global setting.
• Explore a range of strategic choices available to organisations when seeking to expand globally.
• Provide an overview of marketing management in the ‘digital age’
• Explore the relationship and interdependence of marketing and sales
• Examine the impact of communication including digital applications to support product/service delivery in a global market.

Read full details

Personal Finance

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module has been nationally promoted by the UK financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA), [now Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)], as a ‘unique idea’ in their ‘National Strategy for Financial Capability in Higher Education’ (2009), and disseminated to all universities as an exemplar for raising student interest, expertise and enthusiasm in personal finance. FSA refers to London Metropolitan University as one of only four universities awarded the FSA Curriculum Development Grant for “unique ideas” put forward for the creation of a financial capability module, the unique idea for this University being the innovative Competency Based Action Learning (CoBAL) curriculum which is the outcome of doctoral level research conducted in collaboration with real-world organisations such as the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the FSA, and the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC).

The module underlines the role personal judgement plays in personal finance, and the many perspectives that inform personal judgement, enabling the student to formulate and employ Action Learning strategies for the development of knowledge, skill and attitudinal competencies in personal finance, and for increased ability and confidence in dealing with the complexities of making financial decisions in the five domains of financial capability identified by the FSA.

This is an Extension of Knowledge (EoK) module which any student on any course in the University is able to take as an option module subject to their course incorporating a relevant slot in their course structure. The module’s EOK status recognises the need for students of all subjects to have a good grasp of Personal Finance.

Read full details

Social Marketing

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to introduce the students to a developing specialist new field associated with marketing. It provides the students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge about marketing to apply it to situations where the aim is to help address social problems. Students will learn how this developing new science makes use of several disciplines, in addition to marketing, to help improve the welfare of our societies. This field has been successfully applied to many social ills ranging from obesity, drinking and driving to discrimination and domestic violence.
Students will be first introduced to the history and concepts of social marketing and shown the procedures used by social marketers to address social problems. The students will be encouraged to develop their critical as well as applied abilities during their studies.
By the end of the module the students will not only be able to appreciate the benefits of social marketing but also learn very useful skills about how to apply it. The knowledge and skills of this module will combine with previous skills achieved by students in the course, to enable them to understand and apply their marketing skills to both commercial as well as social situations. It will also help develop a socially responsible attitude as well as enable them to consider pursuing this professionally rewarding specialist area for their career.

Read full details