Business Management and Marketing BA (Hons)

First half of Year Two – Core modules

Buyer Behaviour

This module explores, in depth, the core theories relating to Consumer Behaviour (both pre-and post-consumption) and applies them in a range of differing marketing contexts. You will develop a deeper knowledge and awareness of consumer behaviour in a variety of contexts – such as being a ‘customer’ of a charity. You will study as well consumer behaviour across all consumption stages (pre-consumption, consumption, post-consumption, and disposal). The module looks at various ‘cognitive’ and ‘experiential’ models of behaviour as well as discussing the ethics of manipulating buyer behaviour and the importance and influence of children. The module will also cover buyer behaviour in business markets as organisational buying can be fundamentally different to personal buying.

Research for Marketing

During this module you will explore the core theories relating to Marketing Research and Marketing Planning, applying them to a range of differing marketing contexts. You will study the marketing planning process and how it supports the development of marketing strategies and tactics. The module will also take a practical approach, teaching you how to develop appropriate methods for conducting marketing research and understand the more practical issues. You will be asked to develop a research questionnaire or hold interviews with fellow-student ‘consumers’, to experience the process of research first hand.

Integrated Marketing Communications

This module focuses on developing your ability to apply marketing communication theory and tools, in order to design, prepare and implement a strategic marketing communications campaign. You will look further into the concepts and techniques used in the interpretation of markets and market trends and develop the ability to work effectively individually and collaboratively to achieve goals in relation to set targets. The module will cover strategic marketing communications planning frameworks; how to develop strategies, plans and objectives; applying and coordinating the promotional mix; the role of marketing communications in building customer relationships and value; internal and external communications; measuring the effectiveness of marketing communications and the use of marketing communications in different contexts including international and global markets.

Second half of Year Two

You can either select one of our unique opportunities initiatives below or continue with your taught modules.

Option 1 – Study Abroad

Experience life in another country by studying at one of our partner universities. Choose from a host of countries in Europe or go further afield and study in the USA, South America, Australasia and South East Asia. This is a great opportunity to develop your independence and explore another culture.

Option 2 – Enterprise Project

Explore your entrepreneurial side and start to develop the meaningful and practical skills needed to run your own business. Supported by NTU Enterprise, NTU's centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, during this opportunity you'll work alongside other young entrepreneurs and a dynamic network of mentors and advisors, to develop your own ideas into a live enterprise project.

Option 3 – Internship

Get a taste of the working world and gain some essential industry insight with a 16-18 week work placement. The experience will allow you to put your learning in to practice, with the experience gained improving your future career prospects, and sharpening your interpersonal and professional skills.

Option 4 – Continue with taught modules

If you didn't fancy doing any of the above options then you can continue your studies at university. With a mixture of both compulsory and optional modules, the first will enhance your knowledge and skills set in your area of study, with the later allowing you to tailor your learning experience.

Students on Sandwich courses are eligible to choose the Enterprise project or continue with taught modules in the second half of their second year. They are not eligible for options 1 and 3. However, they are able to use their sandwich year to study or work abroad.

Core modules

Employment and Enterprise

Following on from the Personal Development module in Year One, you will build and further reflect on your personal and professional skills, attributes and behaviours. You will have the opportunity to participate in part-time work, volunteering, consultancy work, business competitions and challenges, and develop a range of skills to enhance your employability.

Managing and Organising

Managing and Organising aims to develop an understanding of the human aspects of managing and organising work. It draws upon ideas from disciplines such as work psychology, organisational sociology and human resource management to provide insights into possibilities for managing and organising work. The module considers the nature of the changing context of managing and organising and examines the central issues and contemporary concerns that this presents for HR. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to develop a critical perspective which encompasses views from both those managing and those managed, as well as a consideration of the wider impact of choices taken in regards to managing and organising work activities. Whilst exploring classic studies in managing and organising, these ideas will also be examined in the context of the contemporary changing international workplace. The module is relevant to a broad range of careers given that HR issues are a concern for all.

Plus one optional module from:

International Business and Communication

This module will provide you with an overview of how international business is conducted, with a particular focus on what makes international business different from domestic business. You will examine the major theories that explain international business transactions and the institutions influencing those activities. You will also study the financial exchange systems and institutions that measure and facilitate international transactions and the dynamic interface between countries and companies attempting to conduct foreign business activities. Reference will be made throughout the module to the strategy, behaviour and management of multinational corporations and the actions and policies of international regulatory bodies and agencies.

Managing the Global Supply Chain

Covering various areas of marketing and operations, this module will provide you with a practical understanding of the structure and organisation of supply chains, including sustainability and ethical issues. You will be introduced to aspects of operations, logistics and procurement and further develop your understanding on the importance of the flow of goods and information in providing value through global delivery systems.

Digital Entrepreneurship

The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of digital entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship within a global marketplace. Using both a critical and practical perspective, the module examines the process of developing a digital business, enabled and/or enhanced by internet technologies, smart and mobile phones and their applications, and other emerging technologies.

Using theory, analytical frameworks and practical examples, the module will provide you with the cognitive and practical skills and capabilities to explore a market opportunity, develop a digitally enhanced business idea and the requisite considerations of implementing such an idea in either a start-up, or a new (channel to) market for an existing firm.

Placement year

A vital component of our degree courses is the placement year. This time spent working in business provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. We have links with a wide range of sectors, firms and organisations that offer student placements. If you have decided to undertake a placement year then this will last for a minimum of 48 weeks during your third year.

Our Employability Team is here to inspire and enhance every stage of your career planning and as a graduate of NTU, you will be able to access their services for three years after your course has finished.

Services they provide include:

• finding placements, internships and part-time work
• pursuing self-employment
• taking gap years and time out
• getting into volunteering
• providing advice on further study.

Or

Taught modules

If you have decided to continue with your studies please view the 'final year' tab for your list of modules.

Developing Professional Impact

This module is designed to expand your horizons and challenge your attitudes and behaviours both in relation to subject specific issues and wider business concerns such as global citizenship and sustainable business practices. It will encourage you to build on your strengths and explore a range of possibilities as you embark on your next steps.

Contemporary Issues in Strategic Market Management

This module will provide you with a global understanding of two key themes – strategic management and entrepreneurship. Integrating these two concepts represents the latest critical thinking in the field of strategic management, meaning you will develop an awareness and practice of strategy making and entrepreneurial behaviour in different markets and cultures.

Comparative International Management

Influences of culture on management, and managing within and across diverse cultures, have become increasingly relevant in today’s business world. This module aims to address the issues of cultural differences, and practical implications of the internationalisation of management, the organisation and its people. Personal experiences of national and organisational cultures – either through work in multinational corporations or travel far and wide – provide a rich pool of experiences, stories and ordeals that can serve as important inputs into discussions and debates about management, organisations, people and cultural diversity. This module adds to this experience through theoretical and conceptual knowledge and frameworks concerning different management styles and philosophies from an International Human Resource Management perspective. It uses practical experience and current topical research and case studies to explore key debates and issues central to the international organisations. During this module you will examine and explore problems that arise from these matters and the solutions that are needed.

Improving the Customer Experience

This module will develop your understanding of service, service value, and service experience in a global context. You will explore the impacts these concepts have on business performance and how they can be improved. You will explore how service delivery can be improved, and examine the situational factors that have an impact on relevant customer and supplier relationships. You will also study the roles of the consumer, employee, inanimate environment and technology within a services marketing context. You will also develop a critical perspective on post-purchase consumer behaviour; examine the industrialisation and commodification of services; explore service failure, recovery and complaints management and ethical and social concerns.

report and academic writing skills.

Plus one optional module from:

Research Project

For this module you will undertake a purposeful, individual, in depth study of a relevant topic, developing your independent learning, critical thinking and knowledge of research techniques relevant to your subject area. The project will develop your ability to manage a major piece of work, for which you will be completely responsible, and will be completed over a period of several months. You will learn to utilise and improve your time management and communication skills, as well as test your initiative and resourcefulness. To support your development during this module you will study essential skills such as critical thinking, conducting a literature review, understanding the appropriate research framework, practical research methods and skills, report and academic writing skills.

Sustainability in Enterprise Project

This module is designed to give you a deeper understanding of sustainability issues affecting firms. It incorporates a live consultancy experience, where you are required to apply your knowledge to critically review aspects of enterprise practice and infrastructure and recommend ways to reduce carbon emissions. You will learn how to critically review sustainability issues presented by an enterprise and analyse evidence, arguments, concepts and data to formulate sustainability and carbon management recommendations for an enterprise.

Plus one optional module from:

Global Supply Chain Strategy

Working at a strategic level, this module will clarify how marketing, design, distribution, logistics and project management may be integrated and help you to develop a broader and deeper understanding of how supply chain performance can be strategically improved.

You will cover a number of areas during the module including; ·

• looking at supply chains from a strategic and global perspective
• key concepts in supply chain improvement
• interpreting lean and agile supply
• supply chain dynamics – Forecasting, information flow and bullwhip
• design for the supply chain – postponement, mass customisation, product life cycle, sustainability
• managing CSR in the supply chain – sustainability, environment and transport
• managing risk in a supply chain.

Digital Customer Experience

Customer behaviour has dramatically changed with the digital revolution. This module provides you with insights into the digital customer experience and highlights ways to adapt to this changing market, allowing you to fulfil customers’ strategic needs. It will provide the knowledge and skills to select appropriate channels to market to meet objectives. It will also help to ensure you provide the desired customer experience, by understanding the customer's journey while complying with relevant legislation and regulation.

International Tourism: Sustainability, Developments & Impacts

This module aims to provide an insight into the global patterns of tourism development and the impacts (economic, environmental and social) that can result, particularly in a heritage tourism context. You will explore the relationships between tourism and local communities, the importance of sustainable development and models and patterns of international tourism demand and supply.