MBA

30 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and methods necessary to address pressing strategic, social and ethical challenges businesses face. 

It provides a critical understanding of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in an international context. You will learn to apply strategic concepts and tools essential for managers in multinational firms, with a focus on sustainability practices influencing business policy and stakeholder relationships. Additionally, the module emphasises the importance of data-driven decision-making and non-market strategic management, preparing future professionals to navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

The module provides a number of essential frameworks to guide future managers in analysing the main factors relevant to the strategy-making process. These frameworks are designed to offer a structured approach to strategic analysis, ensuring that all critical aspects are considered. Real-world case studies and insights from leading corporations will be utilised to illustrate the practical application of the strategic frameworks.

All business operations transpire within a complex social landscape, and non-market aspects play a significant role in strategic management. This includes political, economic, and environmental issues that can impact organisational success. The module highlights the importance of understanding these non-market factors and incorporating them into strategic planning.

You will learn how to analyse and address social and ethical issues that businesses face today. This includes topics such as corporate governance, ethical leadership, and social justice. By understanding the broader impact of business decisions, you will be able to foster a more ethical and responsible business culture.

Teaching and learning

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic decision-making and how to apply it within business contexts. Each week, you will participate in a carefully organised learning experience comprising of a one-hour lecture and a three-hour workshop. 

Lectures will introduce and elaborate on key concepts and frameworks pertinent to strategic decision-making. These sessions are designed around the indicative course content, aiming to give you a solid theoretical foundation. The lecture topics will encompass a broad spectrum of examples and case-based learning drawn from business practices and societal contexts to demonstrate the practical applications of these concepts. This approach ensures that you can relate theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their comprehension and retention of the material.

Workshops will delve deeper into the theoretical approaches, exploring the detailed exploration of business cases. You will examine various scenarios that are likely to arise in organisational, management, and business situations.

You will engage with real-life case studies; where you will learn to navigate complex ethical issues and make informed decisions that are both strategic and responsible. You will explore global sustainability challenges and opportunities, learning how to drive innovation through sustainable practices and responsible leadership.

You will also have 30 minutes of online support, which will include resources such as articles, videos, interactive modules and quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group presentation and an individual case study.

50% - group presentation, where you will focus on a specific problem.

50% - individual case study report, where you will critically discuss and evaluate a company’s strategic sustainability issue(s).

30 credits

This module uses concepts, frameworks and practical case examples to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in Global Talent Management. With an ever-changing and interconnected world, there is a growing need for inclusion and psychological safety in the workplace. The module leverages equality, diversity and inclusion and cross-cultural principles to build your confidence in leading, managing and sustaining talent strategies across international borders.

Topics covered on this module include strategic principles of global talent management; global workforce diversity; talent sourcing and development; succession management; engagement and retention strategies; talent analytics; coaching and change management principles; global mobility and integration; cross cultural management; technology for talent management, ethics and CSR principles. 

You will engage in interactive workshops, group and peer to peer learning, and case study analyses to contextualise theoretical concepts. The module is structured to offer opportunities for working with others, communicating your views, learning from external contributors in a safe and inclusive environment.

You will develop your critical thinking, analytical skills; confidence in presenting, people resourcing and management skills and inclusive practice and decision-making capabilities. 

We use a coaching approach to teaching, which will help you embed learning into practice, and to develop your own confidence in coaching others. We want to prepare you for global leadership roles, grow your confidence and expertise in leading diverse global talents.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for this module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour workshop per week.

The lectures will be developed around the key concepts and frameworks used in global talent management and will use a range of examples and cases from practice and society to demonstrate the application of concepts.

The seminars will concentrate particularly on the elaboration of specific theoretical approaches with reference to their possible application through the selection of case examples which are likely to arise in people management, organisational, management, and business situations. Seminars will include the discussion of case studies, real life HR and business dilemmas, practice sessions and presentations.

You will also have 30 minutes of online support, which will include resources such as podcasts.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a poster and written reflection.

50% - poster, where you will critically outline how global companies can create and sustain inclusive global talent strategies.

50% - written reflection – you will write a reflective account of your journey, learning and experiences on the module.

30 credits

This module aims to equip you with the essential knowledge and a profound understanding of financial performance management concepts and techniques, and their application, enabling you to make informed financial decisions in organisations across industries, sectors, and geographic areas.  

Topics include the nature and purpose of financial management, financial reporting and communication, financial statement analysis, ratio analysis, balanced scorecard, project appraisal techniques.

You will explore companies’ reporting tools, including annual reporting and sustainability reporting, assess companies’ financial and non-financial performance, and explore the use of financial and non-financial information to inform decision-making. You will explore companies’ external environment and focus on emerging challenges (including sustainability, sustainable development goals, artificial intelligence, economic crisis), and their effect on companies’ performance. 

Throughout the module, you will engage in case study analysis and group discussions to contextualise theoretical concepts. Practical workshops will involve critical analysis of real cases, data collection and analysis, use of technology to enhance learning. You will also have the opportunity to work with others and communicate your ideas and recommendations effectively. 

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for this module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour workshop per week.

Lectures will cover key concepts and techniques used in financial management and will use a diverse range of examples and real cases to demonstrate the application of concepts and tools. 

Seminars will focus on the application of theoretical knowledge to real cases. Seminars foster analytical skills, focusing on data collection and analysis. Seminars are interactive and provide a number of activities, including case studies, group discussion, quizzes, data collection. 

You will also have 30 minutes of online support.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group presentation (50%) and a case study individual report (50%).

30 credits

This module will provide you with a critical understanding of a wide range of components within the marketing framework, including market orientation, market segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP), branding, competitive analysis, and marketing communications, among others. 

It generates insights into formulating and executing marketing plans and strategies, with a focus on marketing communications. The module incorporates pragmatic case studies showing how companies create customer value and establish a sustainable competitive advantage over time within the context of increasingly sophisticated market environments including more demanding consumers, the digital revolution, and the globalization.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminar activities, group work, and group discussions. It will encourage you to apply pivotal marketing concepts and strategies to real-world scenarios to evaluate their innovative strategic marketing solutions. 

The teaching delivery for this module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour seminar per week.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an individual report and a group presentation.

70% - individual report, where you will critically analysis and design a marketing strategy and implementation plan underpinned by academic and professional literature.

30% - group presentation, where you will deliver a marketing plan that focuses on market analysis, product development and STP (segmentation, targeting and positioning) strategy.

60 credits

You will apply your knowledge to a real-world business setting.

You will choose from three career pathways:

1. Consultancy challenge – collaborating with international businesses, NGOs, and community organisations, through a structured consultancy challenge, you will work in teams to tackle real-world business problems. This hands-on experience not only strengthens your professional skill set but also enhances your professional and social capital and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
   
   
2. Research internship - as a research intern, you will undertake a small research project under the supervision of experienced researchers from our Centre for Sustainability and Responsible Management. You will experience projects that are beneficial for a wide range of stakeholders, including local and central governments, businesses and charitable organisations.
   
   
3. Start-up pathway - if you're interested in becoming a entrepreneur, this pathway is specifically designed to support you with developing of a new venture idea.