Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module BUSI59515: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)
Department: Business School (Business)
BUSI59515: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 15 | Availability | Available in 2015/16 | Module Cap |
|---|
| Tied to | N1KS17 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | N1KR17 |
| Tied to | N1N317 |
| Tied to | N1N417 |
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:
- Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype). 
- The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video content, 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% | Same |
Formative Assessment:
A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.
■ 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