What will I learn on this module?
This module will give you an essential foundation in business practices. You will learn about different types of organisations and the functional areas within each organisation. You will also learn about the aspects of the internal and external environment which impact on the organisation. This will include learning about analysing organisations using tools such as Porters Five Forces model and by using frameworks such as SWOT and PEST, you will be guided to understand how this information can be used to increase competitive advantage.
You will learn about how information systems are used at various levels in the organisation and how information is used and transferred between functional areas which will help you to gain an understanding about the impact of decision making at all levels of the organisation. You will also learn about sustainability and the social and ethical responsibilities of an organisation.
To carry out appropriate research you will be guided to identify various information sources and to recognise the validity and appropriateness of different sources. You will also learn to identify important aspects of information and to summarise appropriately. Throughout the module you will learn about reflecting on your own learning and development. The skills you learn in this module will be built on in future years and will be directly relevant to gaining employment either on placement or following graduation.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn by a series of workshops. Mini lectures at the start of each topic will provide a foundation and a starting point, you will then investigate these topics further in groups. Each group will select a particular organisation which the investigations will be based on throughout the module.
You will produce a series of posters to present your findings and you will receive feedback on each of these which can then be improved before the final assessment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by feedback from tutors during practical sessions and you can come and see us to discuss module questions on a one-to-one or small group basis face-to-face as and when the need arises. All lecture and seminar material will be available on the eLearning Portal (eLP). In addition, the university library offers support for all students through providing electronic reading lists and provides an excellent Ask4Help Online service if you are having difficulty or would like some advice when undertaking your own research on the module. IT support is also on hand if you are experiencing difficulties accessing university systems.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 - You will be able to identify different types of organisations and how they interact with the environment.
MLO2 - You will be able to recognise the external and internal information businesses require to operate efficiently.
MLO3 - You will be able to explain the impact that the development of information systems and technology has had on the organisation and recognise the professional, ethical, social and legal issues involved.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4 - You will be able to work as a team to investigate different aspects of an organisation and to present your findings.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5 - You will acquire the skill to reflect on your own learning and development and be able to communicate findings appropriately.
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the module you will work in teams to produce a series of posters presenting your findings from given tasks.
In your teams you will present each of these posters in the seminar sessions where you will receive formative feedback from the module tutor as well as from your peers. Following this feedback you will have an opportunity to update your posters before they are finally assessed.
The group summative assessment will take place at the end of the module at a poster conference where you will present your posters together with a summary poster. (MLO1,MLO2, MLO3) (50%)
The work will be assessed by the module tutor but will also be peer assessed. (MLO4)
The individual component is a reflective commentary where you will reflect on your learning and development in the module. (2000 words) (50%) (MLO5)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
On this module you will learn about different types of organisations and the environment in which they operate. You will learn about how external influences can impact on the success or failure of an organisation as much as internal factors. Throughout the module you will work in groups and select one specific organisation to research in depth. You will present the findings from the research as a series of posters which are prepared throughout the module and then can be reviewed after receiving formative feedback to be assessed at the end of the module. There is also an individual element to the assessment and you will be required to provide an individual reflection of your learning.
Course info
UCAS Code GN50
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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