Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI59515: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (DL)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI59515: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a perspective on the particular issues relating to the smaller business, this Module will draw on the school’s particular expertise in small business.

Content

  • Definitions of a Small Firm
  • Role of Small Firms in the Economy
  • Small Firms and Regional Development
  • Small Firms and Technological Development
  • Government and Small Firm Public Policies
  • Enterprise Support Network
  • Strategic Partnering: Large Firm-Small Firm Relationship
  • Franchising

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • understand the development of small firms and their economic role/function, their management and the conditions necessary for their survival and growth;
  • apply appropriate knowledge and techniques to analysing small enterprise performance and problems.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • identify the critical characteristics of a small firm.
Key Skills:

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

    • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
    • The written assignment will test students’ understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    1 Compulsory Tutor Assessed Assignment, (1,500 words).

    ■ 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