Module Specification

(This template should be completed electronically; boxes will expand as you type)

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM

1. The module learning outcomes in section 6 should be aligned with the overall
programme outcomes listed in the programme specification.

2. Learning outcomes in section 6 are grouped under four main headings (A/B/C/D).
However, where a heading is not appropriated to a particular module, it would be
reasonable to remove it from this form.

3. The number of learning outcomes may vary between modules according to content
and number of credits.

4. The assessment strategy and methods in section 7 should cover the full range of
intended learning outcomes.

5. Detailed guidance on credit level descriptors and on linking module learning outcomes
to assessment and teaching strategy can be found in the SEEC website at
http://www.seec.org.uk/academic-credit/seec-credit-level-descriptors-2010

1. 1. Factual information

Module title B 120 An Introduction to Business Studies Level 4

Module tutor Credit value 8 CH (30
Points)
Module type taught Notional 2 hours
learning hours lecture and
1 office
hour
weekly
Notional learning hours are proportional to previous credit weight (16cr = 60 and 8cr = 30) –
unless we find another ratio
2. Rationale for the module and its links with other modules

This key introductory Level 1 course is the first in our degree in business studies and forms the
core of the certificate in business studies. It explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and
investigates the business functions of human resource management, marketing, accounting and
finance. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in
which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of
business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions
are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations
affecting business are introduced.

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3. Aims of the module
The academic purpose of this course is designed to introduce learners to the internal and
external elements of a business and to understand the context in which a business operates.

After studying the course students should be able to:

1. Describe the key characteristics and roles of a business explain, in simple terms, some
theories about how businesses operate
2. Discuss some important issues concerning the interactions between a business and the
social, economic, political and technological context within which it operates.
3. outline the key course topics and explain why they are important in understanding a
business explain how the different components of this course are related to each other
4. plan how to organise their studies, including gaining access to computer-based services
5. become aware of the ways they learn and how the different elements of the course were
used by them in this learning

B120 is available in the undergraduate programme and as a free-standing course. The course
will assume no prior study. By the end of B120 students should be able to:

1. learn from non-text as well as text-based materials, and enhance their general study
skills
2. use written communication for a variety of audiences
3. demonstrate thinking skills (holistic, integrative and critical) and show deeper
understanding of some technically detailed topics
4. search for and select information, using (online) library services and other information
sources, developing confidence in managing information
5. Use examples and analyse case studies to enhance understanding, support conclusions
and illustrate issues concerning business functions in organisational contexts.

4. Pre-requisite modules or specified entry requirements

Pre-Requisite Modules are:
EL 111: Freshman English
EL 122: Intermediate English concurrently with B 120

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 5. Intended learning outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding Learning and teaching strategy

At the end of the module, learners will be expected to: develop and This 30 point level 1 course will be taught individually, using Open
demonstrate the following Knowledge and understanding : University SOL materials supported by a student-focused e-desktop,
moderated FirstClass conference, and face-to-face tuition.
After studying the course the student will know and understand
Assessment is via 1 TMA on each of the first 4 books. The End of
A1: The internal and external factors affecting business organisations and Course Assessment will test most of the Learning Outcomes for the
their stakeholders. course.

A2: The operation and management of the HR function of a business TMA02, a report on an aspect of HRM
organisation.
TMA03, an assignment based on the interpretation and presentation of
A3: The operation and management of the finance and accounting quantitative data
function of a business organisation.
This 30 point level 1 course will be taught individually, using Open
A4: The operation and management of the marketing function of a University SOL materials supported by a student-focused e-desktop,
business organisation. moderated FirstClass conference, and face-to-face tuition.

Book 2

Book 3

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B. Cognitive skills Learning and teaching strategy

At the end of the module learners will be expected to: TMA04, an essay on an aspect of marketing

B1: Recognise, compare and contrast different ways of analysing business TMA01, a short case study
case studies and other material about contemporary business practice.
ECA, an extended case study
B2: Apply their knowledge in the analysis of practical business problems
and issues. 1. Key skills
2. Read and précis written text materials for key salient points.
B3: Recognise, compare and contrast different interpretations of and 3. Communicate effectively in writing, showing recognition of
approaches to practical business problems and issues. audience and purpose.
4. Select data, information and ideas from different sources and
present in an appropriate fashion to support an argument.
5. Identify some of the key strengths and needs of their own
learning and identify opportunities to address these.

C. Practical and professional skills Learning and teaching strategy

At the end of the module, learners will be expected to: All TMAs. All assignments but particularly TMA02, an essay, and
TMA04, a report
C1: Analyse work-related cases and situations to identify problems in the
organization and management of a functional area. All TMAs and the ECA

C2: Identify and communicate potential solutions based on knowledge of Study Guide reflective activities and the Learning Diary
theory and applying it to their own work situation.
All TMAs and the ECA

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D Key transferable skills Learning and teaching strategy
At the end of the module, learners will be expected to: All TMAs

D1: Read and précis written text materials for key salient points. All assignments but particularly TMA02, an essay, and TMA04, a
report. All TMAs and the ECA. Study Guide reflective activities and
D2: Communicate effectively in writing, showing recognition of audience the Learning Diary
and purpose.
All TMAs and the ECA
D3: Select data, information and ideas from different sources and present
in an appropriate fashion to support an argument. This course does not assume work experience but all formative
learning activities throughout the books and study guide require
D4: Identify some of the key strengths and needs of their own learning students to reflect upon and apply their own life or work experiences.
and identify opportunities to address these.
Assessment is via 1 TMA on each of the first 4 books. The End of
Course Assessment will test most of the Learning Outcomes for the
course.

TMA02, a report on an aspect of HRM, TMA03, an assignment based

on the interpretation and presentation of quantitative data, TMA04, an
essay on an aspect of marketing. TMA01, a short case study. ECA, an
extended case study. All assignments but particularly TMA02, an
essay, and TMA04, a report.

B120 Course was introduced into AOU Since September 2008

signifies the true start of the business studies programmes. This is an 8
(eight) credits hours semester course with 4 (four) TMAs and an ECA
in the U.K. As to AOU version, the ECA will be replaced with an
examination (in order to satisfy and comply with local accreditation
and to overcome plagiarism issues). Moreover, the number of
assignments will be reduced to 1(one) TMA and the midterm
examination (as there is a significantly greater emphasis on face to
face tuition than the UK OU version, the formative assessment of

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D Key transferable skills Learning and teaching strategy
students will form a part of the development of students skills in this
course) The importance use of online forms as introduced in the UK
version of B 120 is maintained in the course.

Students have to prepare a social marketing plan for a social

marketing problem and organisation of their choice and identify the
range of stakeholders.
They have to conduct an ethical audit and analyse against the wider
environment.
Students have to prepare a plan to move their company into
‘responsible ‘marketing.
This course does not assume work experience but all formative
learning activities throughout the books and study guide require
students to reflect upon and apply their own life or work experiences.

6. Indicative content.

The course provides knowledge of the basic functions of business, such as is suitable to a level one entry course in a Business Studies degree.

Book one provides an introduction to some of the key influences affecting different business organisations such as culture, structure, ethics and the
external environment. It provides an overview of the different functions within a business and how they work together and offers an insight into
some of the issues facing small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Book two is an introduction to managing people and the role of the human resource management (HRM) function within business. In addition to
discussing some of the main HRM activities such as recruitment, job design and managing performance, it also tackles the more fundamental issue
for businesses of why people might want to go to work in the first place.

Book three is an introduction to accounting and financial management in business and why the raising of funds and the management of financial
resources is crucial to business success.

Book four is an introduction to marketing. It covers some of the key concepts in marketing such as the marketing mix and relationship marketing

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6. Indicative content.

but also looks at what is marketing, why business needs it, whom are its stakeholders and how marketing can affect both society and the natural
environment.

Book five provides a review of the course and presents an alternative way of thinking about business. Despite the dominant image in business
studies text books is of a business as being large, in the private sector and generally in America or Europe. By looking at issues like the
development of business thought, constructivist views of what business is and other types of business and business influences such as
globalisation, the intention to to get students to start questioning some of the established 'truths' about what a business is. This will be important
preparation for future studies.

The Study Guide provides an on-going narrative and directional links across the five main course books. It will provide or indicate where extra
help with study skills can be found, for example, and draw together concepts which span the course. It will set out assignments for the course and
provide support and guidance for their completion. it will also include a learning log where students are encouraged to reflect upon and record
their developing knowledge and skills as the course progresses.

7. Assessment strategy, assessment methods and their relative weightings

 TMA will assess the students’ ability and understanding of the course materials provided in the class room as well as to test his/her
reflection and critical thinking..
 One two- hour Mid-Term Assessment (MTA)
 One 3 hour FINAL EXAM at the end of the course.
 The balance between components of assessment is shown in the following table:

Components Form of Assessment & Marks %

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TMA 20 50%
MTA 30
FINAL ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM 50 50%
GRAND TOTAL 100 100%

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Assessment tasks A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 D1 D2 D3 D4
TMA X X X X X X X X X X
MTA X X X X X X X

Final Exam X X X X X X X X

9. Teaching staff associated with the module

Tutor’s name and contact details Contact hours

10. Key reading list

Author Year Title Publisher Location
Diane Preston 2006 An Introduction to Business Open University Business School U.K
Studies
Diane Preston 2006 An Introduction to Human Open University Business School U.K
Resource management in
Business
Diane Preston 2006 An Introduction to Open University Business School U.K
C0-Author: Tudy Day Accounting and Finance in
Business
Diane Preston 2006 An Introduction to Marketing Open University Business School U.K
C0-Author: Anja Schefer in Business
Diane Preston 2006 Different Ways of Looking at Open University Business School U.K
C0-Author: George Watson, Business
Fran Myers, Anja Schefer , and
Penny Marrington

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11. Other indicative text (e.g. websites)
Online Support Materials: Your tutor will facilitate your tutorial group, through formal face-to-face or electronic collaboration, and informally in
the tutorial group. The main body of the course is paper-based, presented as text, as well as the Course File which contains the supplementary
material and a set book. There will also be use of PPT which is prepared for the use of all candidates via LMS, where students will access
important materials, an on-line version of the Course File, and PDFs of the course texts and set book. This will allow flexibility of use of the
material as well as give students access to web links relevant to their study, discussion with other students and their tutor. Moreover; Students may
also seek the following websites. Open University UK: http://www.open.ac.uk/ , Arab Open University: http://www.arabou.edu.kw

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