Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI53615: Business Analysis (DL)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI53615: Business Analysis (DL)

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to N1D507
Tied to N1D707
Tied to N1DM07

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with an introduction to economic principles and analysis which are vital to an understanding of the economic environment in which business operates and to effective managerial decision-making.

Content

  • Microeconomic analysis of business decisions.
  • Analysis of the impact of changes in the macroeconomic environment on business performance and business decisions.
  • Criticla understanding of information conveyed through corporate reporting.
  • Analysis of company performance based on financial data.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should have:
  • an operational knowledge of the fundamentals of economic analysis and they are relevant to business decision-making and strategic planning.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should be able to:
  • understand and evaluate, critically, economic theories on business issues;
  • identify and understand the components of financial statements;
  • appreciate the basic accounting concepts used and the impact of judgement and choice ont he statements;
  • understand the difference between profit and cash;
  • use financial statements to compare historical performance, comment on relatie strengths and weaknessess and assess the likely future performance.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Through a combination of learning materal, self assessed exercises and a formative assignment on key topical issues, together with guided reading.
    • On the DL MA Programme each module is delivered in discrete Units which are equivalent to a lecture session. A DL Unit normally consists of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading.
    • Each student is allocated a Tutor for each Module. the Tutor is tasked with providing feedback on formative work and is available for individual consultation as necessary. Tutoring is normally provided at a distance and may be conducted by email, telephone, post or fax.
    • The DL Programme offers annual residential seminars. In addition to offering core curriculum, the seminars provide the opportunity for DL Students to interface with members of Faculty, meet Tutors and to interact with other members of the student cohort.
    • Tutorials are conducted by email, post or fax. Students are unlikely to require more than 5 hours of telephone support form a tutor combined with a further 5 hours of tutor time in answering questions recevied by post, fax or email.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Units 9
    Tutorials 5
    Residential seminar
    Preparation & Reading
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Examination 90 minutes 100%
    Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Assignment 1500 words 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    One 2000 word assignment


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University