Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LM Strategically Understanding the Business Environment
School	Birmingham Business School
Department	Management
Module Code	07 38010
Module Lead	Dr Liza Jabbour
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-160 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This is a broad and introductory module that aims to give students an understanding of the economic and the wider political and institutional context in which business operates. In so doing the module will look at the foundations of contemporary macro and micro economics. The module will develop in students an understanding of the factors which underpin economic analysis, and how economic contexts can vary and evolve over time. A key focus will be the internal economics of the firm, the environment in which firms operate and in turn how these factors can, and should be used to inform and develop real world strategies, business acumen and management decisions. The module will introduce fundamental concepts and analytical approaches used in management and economics, and will show how these concepts can be applied to business decision-making and the Digital Age.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Explain and evaluate the essential concepts and methods of economics. Critically appraise the constraints imposed by economic, institutional and political contexts on firm decision making and business strategy. Critically evaluate uncertainty and risk related constraints and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of approaches to managing, mitigating and coping with uncertainty and risk. Identify and evaluate the impacts on business of public policy and the business environment, including the Digital Age. Appraise the complexities of businesses’ strategic interaction with their environment, including implications for business ethics, responsible and sustainable management.
Assessment	38010-01 : Group Video : Practical (30%) 38010-02 : Individual Assignment : Coursework (70%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: (1750 word equivalent) 7-8 minute group video presentation where groups would be asked to make the case for a specified economic policy (30%). (2000 word) Individual policy brief, or a policy report assessing a specific economic policy (70%). Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s): (1000 word) Individual critical analysis of group video presentation where groups were asked to make the case for a specified economic policy (30%). AND/OR(2000 word) Individual policy brief, or a policy report assessing a specific economic policy (70%).
Other
Reading List