HR9412 - Business, Economy and Society

Lectures, seminars and online webinars will introduce and evaluate contemporary social, environmental and economic issues that affect business organisations. Students will critically examine how a range of organisations respond to these challenges using real word data. Students will work in asynchronous groups utilising online technologies to work together replicating modern business practice.

‘The learner-led, tutor-guided activities are organised in groups of around 20-30 learners working in smaller teams. This approach provides a closer, more personal academic support.
Academics will support you through the led sessions and in planning the types of activities you should be engaging in during your independent study time. They are also available upon request to support you outside of formal session time by responding to questions or concerns that you might have either via email or via individually pre-arranged appointments and/or drop-in sessions.
Academic support is also provided through the provision of a range of University learning support services. A wide range of online support materials is also available thought the virtual learning environment. These materials include recordings, webcasts, pre-recorded sessions, key academic skills, also an electronic reading list including RSS feeds that showcase the application of various practices presented in the module.

To support you in your academic progress, you will receive both formative and summative feedback on your work through the course of each academic year. Regular formative feedback on class activities provides you with the necessary guidance to scaffold your knowledge and understanding of the key concept and principles of the subject to enable your success in the final summative assessment. Summative feedback/feed-forward will be provided on your work after it has been assessed and graded. You should use all feedback that you receive to identify areas of strength and areas for future study and improvement’

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Develop Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of global social, environmental and economic issues which affect business organisations [MLO1]

• Gain a deeper understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals [ML02]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• Develop research and analytical skills through primary research of organisational documentation [MLO3]
• Develop inter-personal, team-working and culturally aware skills within a diverse team in a face to face and/or online environment [MLO4]

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

The module is summatively assessed by a short (10 mins) group presentation submitted as a recorded audio-visual artefact, and an individually produced, 3000-word critical report on the performance of a chosen organisation against social, environmental, ethical and economic criteria.

Presentation = 20% Marks [MLO1] [MLO2] [ML04]
Report = 70% Marks [MLO1] [MLO2] [ML03]
Peer assessment = 10% Marks [MLO4]

Feedback strategy

Feedback on your summative performance on this module will be provided in the form of written or oral feedback on both the group work artefact the submitted assignment. A peer assessment strategy will determine your performance working as part of a group.

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relating to webinar and seminar tasks. Students should, however, be aware that formative feedback can, and will, occur in any communication with an academic tutor.

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This module explores how business interacts with society and the economy, as well as the driving forces that are changing these relationships. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills to help you understand the broad context in which business managers and leaders operate and prepare you for future study, employment or even to become an entrepreneur. You’ll gain a theoretical and practical understanding of a broad range of global business issues through informative lectures and practical tutor-led workshops. Your tutors will introduce their own research and create a research-rich learning experience. You’ll be assessed on your understanding of the subject and ability to critically analyse and reflect on some of the most pressing issues in business and society. Wherever possible, this will simulate ‘real-world’ scenarios and you’ll work on a series of tasks during the semester to prepare for the final assessment.