Pearson HND Business (Procurement and Supply Management) (240 credits)

Unit 1 - The Contemporary Business Environment

The aim of this unit is to give students background knowledge and understanding of business, of the functions of an organisation and of the wider business environments in which organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance micro, SME, transnational and global) and how they operate. Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision making.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students gain in this unit will help them to have an insight into different business functions, which will support them with further study, support the development of analytical thinking and the application of key analytical tools used throughout business planning, and enable them to choose their preferred areas of specialism in future studies and in their professional career.

Unit 2 - Marketing Process and Planning

This unit is designed to introduce students to the dynamic world of the marketing sector and the wealth of exciting career opportunities available to support their decision making in their career choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the competencies and behaviours required by employers to work in the marketing sector. They will be introduced to the key principles of marketing, enabling them to develop a marketing plan and to employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. They will study the underpinning theories and frameworks of marketing while relating them to real-world examples, including products/services that they encounter in their daily lives.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students will gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities; whether this is setting up their own business or employment in an organisation.

Unit 3 - Management of Human Resources

The aim of this unit is to enable students to understand and be able to apply principles of effective HRM in order to enhance sustainable organisational performance and contribute to organisational success, holding business outcomes and people outcomes in equal balance. Students will apply HR practices in a work-related context, utilising their knowledge and practising skills and behaviours in relevant professional areas, including resourcing, talent planning and recruitment, learning and development and employee engagement.

On completion of the unit, students will understand the purpose and scope of HRM activities. They will be able to apply a range of people management skills to enhance the performance of an organisation by finding solutions to people-related problems.

Unit 4 - Leadership and Management

The aim of this unit is to help students to understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. Students will consider the characteristics, behaviour and traits that support effective management and leadership. Students will learn about the theories that have shaped the understanding of leadership and management and how these have provided a guide to action for managers and leaders who want to secure success for their businesses. Students will look at leadership styles, how and why they are used and the extent to which they are effective.

This unit also gives students an understanding of motivational strategies. They will develop motivational strategies covering intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of motivation. Finally, students will evaluate the importance of managing performance in achieving continuous improvement.

Unit 5 - Accounting and Finance

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce fundamental accounting principles that underpin financial operations and support good and sustainable decision making in any organisation. Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a range of financial and management accounting techniques.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to assist senior colleagues in producing and analysing budgets, drawing up simple financial statements and using financial ratios to interpret performance. Students will also explore wider aspects of accountancy, especially ethics, transparency and sustainability, and gain fundamental knowledge and skills that will enable them to progress to a higher level of study.

Unit 6 - Managing a Successful Business Project

The aim of this unit is to offer students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a small-scale business project. They will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and executing a business project that meets appropriate business aims and objectives.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have the confidence to engage in decision making, problem solving and research activities using project-management skills. They will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to enable them to investigate and examine relevant business concepts in a work-related context, determine appropriate outcomes, decisions or solutions and present evidence to various stakeholders in an acceptable and understandable format.

Unit 7 - Business Law

The aim of this unit is to enhance students' understanding of how business law is applied to the running of a business organisation. Students will gain knowledge of business law and examine the impact of the law on business operations and decision making.

The unit will enable students to illustrate the impact of the law on normal business operations and when registering a company and inviting shareholders to invest in it. They will gain an understanding of the law in relation to market abuse and director responsibilities. Students will be able to recognise the application of employment law while gaining a practical understanding of the skills and experiences undertaken by those practising in a business law context.

Unit 8 - Innovation and Commercialisation

This unit aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of innovation and commercialisation. In today's competitive landscape it is critical that organisations continually innovate both their product offering and processes to ensure that they remain competitive in the market. Adopting a more commercially driven approach is vital to maximise the Return on Investment (ROI).

By the end of the unit, students will have gained an understanding of how innovation is fostered, harnessed and managed in organisations. They will learn the value of innovation and its importance to supporting commercial growth. They will also acquire knowledge that will enable them to develop a creative and innovative approach that will benefit them throughout their career.

Unit 9 - Entrepreneurial Ventures

The unit aims to illustrate the concept of entrepreneurship and how having an entrepreneurial mindset can make a contribution to all businesses, be that a new business start-up or existing public and corporate organisations. Students will explore the skills, traits and characteristics of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Students will understand the importance of different size businesses on the economy and the contribution they can all make to society. Students will also learn about the need for intrapreneurs and the impact of disruptive entrepreneurship.

By the end of the unit, students will have gained research skills and the knowledge that they can develop an entrepreneurial mindset that will benefit them throughout their career. They will understand the contribution that businesses make to the economy and the importance of entrepreneurial activity for all businesses in all sectors.

Unit 10 - Recording Financial Transactions

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce students to the essential principles of recording and organising business and financial transactions to which every organisation will need to adhere. Students will identify sources of accounting information and how it is then gathered and organised, using the dual entry bookkeeping system, in order to produce a trial balance.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to contribute effectively to the accounting and bookkeeping function of an organisation and understand how this is then the basis for producing financial statements. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to progress to a higher level of study.

Unit 11 - Business Data and Numerical Skills

In this unit, students will be introduced to the knowledge and skills needed to be able to support the collection, storage and interrogation of data for business decision making. They will explore methods of collecting data, both manually and online, and the techniques needed to interpret this quantitative and graphical data to produce information to assist business decision making. Students will also explore the numerical analysis techniques and digital platforms required to generate management information. They will gain the knowledge and skills required to present findings, conclusions and recommendations to a business audience.

The skills and knowledge gained from the completion of this unit will support the higher education study of business and academic research projects.

Unit 12 - Executive Recruitment Solutions

The aim of this unit is to give students the employment knowledge and skills required to carry out the role of executive recruitment and the services provided in human resource management. Students will look at the job specification of an executive recruiter, including the key roles and responsibilities, skills requirements and career opportunities. Students will then cover executive recruitment methodology; managing the process and managing client expectations. Students will have the opportunity to conduct an executive search, using a business simulated scenario, to facilitate 'real life' application for a given client brief to demonstrate skills.

Unit 13 - Human Capital Management

This unit will explore the key aspects of human capital management and how it can be used by organisations. Students will explore the transition and evolution from the traditional personnel management function, through to human resource management and now human capital management. Students will have the opportunity to focus on the key aspects of human capital management, including analysis of internal and external factors affecting the labour market and employment demand, workforce acquisition, workforce management and workforce optimisation and review the key interventions used in effective human capital management.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed sufficient knowledge and understanding of how human capital management can be used effectively by organisations to create value. Students will develop skills that enable them to adopt the techniques they have learnt.

Unit 14 - Digital Business in Practice

In this unit, students will explore the impact of a range of digital technologies in the workplace. They will examine how these technologies can support businesses aims and services, allow interaction with customers, for example to promote their business, to encourage people to visit their e-commerce site, to buy goods or services, to drive and increase sales and to provide high levels of customer service. The skills generated through an understanding of the practical and necessary use and application of relevant technologies will enable students to present themselves as being digitally literate to employers and give them the confidence to succeed in applying modern, digital methods.

Unit 15 - Operations Management

The aim of this unit is to enable students to explore how operations management manages all business activities to efficiently create and deliver products and services. This includes the transformation of inputs into outputs of finished goods and services, and activities throughout the supply chain. Students will explore the approach to quality management and continuous improvement in the production process. They will receive how operations managers have to look externally as well as at internal processes, considering suppliers' performance and customers throughout the supply chain.

By the end of the unit, students will have an insight into the complex nature of operations, processes and supply chain management, fundamental for understanding the holistic work environment in any industry and organisation.

Unit 16 - Managing the Customer Experience

The aim of this unit is to give students background knowledge and understanding of how hospitality businesses manage the customer experience - from the initial needs analysis through to after-sales follow-up.

Students will consider how technology is changing the way that customers interact with hospitality businesses and how digital initiatives should complement existing customer journeys while recognising that online and offline consumers are distinctly different. Students can then use this knowledge to provide customer service in business and services and in an online context to meet required business service standards.

Unit 17 - Professional Identity and Practice

The aim of this unit is to guide students through the process of self-assessment of skills and competences, personal career planning and the application of different learning and development approaches in a work environment. Students are not necessarily expected to engage in work activities but self-assessment and design must be applied in a specific work context to avoid the experience being generic.

The unit will give students direction on how to prepare for job applications and interviews in a formalised way, with the aim of improving their career prospects. Students are expected to undertake a practical interview arranged and guided by their tutor or a relevant employer.

Unit 18 - Work Experience

This unit aims to enable students to develop personal and professional skills by engaging them in practical tasks and activities in a relevant workplace. This unit is designed to facilitate supervised learning in a workplace that can fit around full-time or part-time student commitments, it enables an employer and an academic supervisor to monitor and support students through a goal-orientated process. The minimum work experience hours required for completion is 80 hours.

Students will be given the opportunity to identify and plan their own skills development in line with a chosen career path or direction. It is expected that students negotiate and agree work experience in an appropriate work context, agreed by the employer and academic supervisor. To allow students to evaluate the process and any shortcomings in their development going forward, they will monitor and record evidence from the tasks and activities they undertake.

Unit 19 - Research Project

The aim of this unit is to offer students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. The unit enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme, to develop a research aim and objectives and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. he unit also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research process, during which recommendations for future, personal development are key learning points.

Unit 20 - Organisational Behaviour

The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of how organisational behaviour concepts, theories and techniques can be applied in work and management settings in order to enhance individual, team and organisational performance. Students will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of business situations. They will appreciate how effective application of organisational behaviour principles can be used to explain why people behave and act in particular ways and to predict how employees will respond to certain demands. The unit also develops student understanding of the influence of culture, the operation of power and politics in organisations and how these variables influence the actions and behaviour of people in an organisational context.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed a range of transferable skills and knowledge. This includes core people management skills used to achieve positive organisational outcomes and to create value by recognising individual difference, team working and the creation of inclusive organisational cultures.

Unit 26 - Principles of Operations Management

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the role of operations in an organisation, how the nature of operations management has evolved and how it contributes to sustained competitive advantage. Students will understand the key concepts of operations management in an organisational and environmental context, and how this links to supply chain management, products and processes, organisational efficiency and effectiveness, and the achievement of tactical and strategic objectives. A variety of operations management techniques and frameworks will be explored, including continuous improvement, total quality management, benchmarking and risk analysis.

By the end of this unit, students will have an appreciation of the dimensions of operations management and its central role for organisations across a wide range of sectors. Students will also have the knowledge and skills required to progress to higher levels of study or employment in positions in operations, logistics and supply.

Unit 36 - Procurement and Supply Chain Management

The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ understanding of the nature, role and contribution of supply chain management to a business. The growth of global business has led to organisations becoming increasingly reliant on logistics and supply chain management in order to keep up with the demands of a global economy. Students will explore the purpose of supply chain management and its benefits to an organisation, their customers and their suppliers.

Students will consider the design, development, implementation, control and future development stages of supply chain. There is an emphasis on practical employability skills throughout this unit.

Unit 37 - Pitching and Negotiation Skills

This unit aims to give students a knowledge base and tools that will help them to develop these skills. Topic areas that they will investigate include analysing context prior to negotiation, information management prior to and during negotiation, the process of developing and presenting a case and being able to assess the successes of a new pitch.

This unit aims to give students a knowledge base and tools that will help them to develop these skills. Topic areas that they will investigate include analysing context prior to negotiation, information management prior to and during negotiation, the process of developing and presenting a case and being able to assess the successes of a new pitch.

Unit 21 - Financial Reporting

The overall aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements for incorporated organisations. Students will become aware of regulatory frameworks, including the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation), which inform and govern the production of financial statements and reporting of financial performance. Students will explore and critique conceptual frameworks for financial reporting in both national and international contexts. Students will be assessed in the preparation and analysis of financial statements to inform decision making, which will enable them to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of organisations operating in diverse and complex environments.

By the end of the unit, students will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to progress to a higher level of study or employment in the finance sector.

Unit 22 - Management Accounting

The overall aim of this unit is to develop students’ understanding of the scope and purpose of management accounting. The focus of the unit is on critiquing cost and management accounting techniques and using management accounting to monitor and evaluate company performance in complex operating environments.

Students will explore the significance of variance analysis and the application of different costing approaches. The contribution of the management accounting function in setting and negotiating performance measures across an organisation will also be analysed. On successful completion of this unit, students will be in a position to support an organisation to create value through effective decision making. Students will also have the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to progress to a higher level of study.

Unit 23 - Financial Management

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce students to core financial management principles and strategies. Students will consider the significance of the financial management function in an organisation as it seeks to maximise shareholder value, manage risk and achieve business objectives in complex operating environments. Students will be introduced to alternative sources of internal and external business finance and gain confidence in recommending strategies for managing working capital. A range of investment appraisal techniques will be assessed in order to support long-term decision making and best use of organisational capital.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be in a position to contribute effectively to the financial management function of an organisation. They will also develop fundamental knowledge of and skills in financial management to progress to higher-level study and employment in financial management, investment banking and financial analysis.

Unit 24 - Understanding and Leading Change

The aim of this unit is for students to understand the different types and scope of change that may occur in an organisation. The unit will aim to illustrate the drivers/triggers for change and how they vary and affect organisations in different ways, including the degree of impact and management’s response to change. Students will gain an appreciation of how the depth of change can influence organisational behaviour both during and after the change.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to apply a range of change management concepts, including diagnosing driving/resisting forces, planning for change and dealing with change in organisational settings. This will put students in a strong position to contribute to change initiatives in the workplace.

Unit 25 - Global Business Environment

The aim of this unit is to explore the wider position that some organisations have in the global environment. Students will gain an appreciation of the complexities of operating in a global environment, enabling them insight in to an organisation’s current or aspirational global presence.

On successful completion of this unit, students will understand the wider global environment in which organisations operate. This enables students to add value to an organisation as they will be able to apply their knowledge in such a way that they could advise senior managers (in large and small organisations) on global matters that they might not have otherwise considered.

Unit 26 - Principles of Operations Management

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the role of operations in an organisation, how the nature of operations management has evolved and how it contributes to sustained competitive advantage. Students will understand the key concepts of operations management in an organisational and environmental context, and how this links to supply chain management, products and processes, organisational efficiency and effectiveness, and the achievement of tactical and strategic objectives. A variety of operations management techniques and frameworks will be explored, including continuous improvement, total quality management, benchmarking and risk analysis.

By the end of this unit, students will have an appreciation of the dimensions of operations management and its central role for organisations across a wide range of sectors. Students will also have the knowledge and skills required to progress to higher levels of study or employment in positions in operations, logistics and supply.

Unit 27 - Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Students will explore concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship and developing creativity. They will learn about and use methods and frameworks to help develop and assess new venture ideas, including defining product or service benefits, identifying target customers and understanding the industry and competitors from the perspective of a new entrant. They will also learn about market research and apply primary and secondary research techniques to investigate an entrepreneurial idea. They will then assess whether it is likely to be a commercially viable business or a social enterprise proposition.

By the end of the unit, students will have acquired creative skills and thinking for innovation, preparing them for jobs and technologies that do not e

Unit 28 - Launching a New Venture

The unit gives students a practical understanding of what is required to successfully launch a new venture. It gives students an opportunity to plan the launch of a specific new venture idea. They will learn about and work through the stages of planning to launch the venture. This will include an explanation of the idea and how it will attract customers and have competitive advantage. Students will also learn about the need for resourcefulness when starting a new venture, and about identifying and using personal networks, which can offer a valuable source of knowledge, resources, advice
and opportunities.

Students will develop a promotional plan to launch a new venture and prepare a budget and a cash flow forecast for the launch and the first 12–18 months of operation for the chosen venture.

Unit 29 - Managing and Running a Small Business

This unit will give students a practical understanding of the key aspects of running a small business or social enterprise. Students will learn about the activities involved in running a small business, including developing good relationships with customers, planning and allocating operational resources, forecasting and budgeting, interpreting financial statements, being an employer, dealing with legislation and regulation, and how to put a business plan together.

Students will develop an understanding of how all the different aspects of running a business interrelate so as to achieve success and develop an appreciation of the benefits and importance of organisation and planning.

Unit 30 - Resource and Talent Planning

The aim of this unit is to develop students’ understanding and ability to apply principles of effective workforce and talent planning to organisational development and to implement related approaches to the recruitment, retention and development of staff to enhance sustainable organisational performance and success. Students will consider the ethical implications of decision making in this area, taking account of the legal issues of fairness and justice, rules and organisational procedures.

On completion of the unit, students will understand the purpose and scope of human resource and talent-planning activities. Students will be able to apply a range of workforce planning, evidence and people-management skills to enhance the performance of an organisation by solving problems and finding evidence-based solutions.

Unit 31 - Employee Relations

The aim of this unit is to develop students’ understanding of the wider external context that influences the employment relationship and priorities in the employee relations system. Students will recognise that good employee relations have implications beyond the employment contract. Aspects such as communication mechanisms and conflict management are important in building and maintaining positive employee experiences, effective relationships and higher levels of performance.

On successful completion of the unit, students will have demonstrated a range of cognitive skills, in particular critical thinking, information handling and problem solving abilities, as well as recognised professional capabilities. These include the ability to make evidence-based judgements on people-management issues generated through insight and evaluation of the employee relations specialist area.

Unit 32 - Strategic Human Resource Management

The aim of this unit is to explore the contribution that strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) makes towards the development and achievement of sustainable organisational strategies. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of seminal and contemporary HR models, theories, concepts and practices, which enable HR practitioners to make a positive contribution to sustainable organisational performance from an HR perspective.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have the confidence to contribute to strategic decision making in an HR context. The unit takes an evidence based and outcomes-driven perspective supporting the acquisition of core knowledge in the areas of business acumen and the adoption of a business-focused approach to managing people. An understanding of the range of people practices and their impact on people behaviour, and how to enable culture change effectively. Strong theoretical and applied foundations of learning will support student understanding and knowledge. The learning that takes place on this unit will enable students to add value to an organisation’s HR function and role.

Unit 33 - Marketing Insights and Analytics

This unit is designed to enhance students' knowledge and understanding of the consumer's decision-making process. To gain competitive advantage and maintain market share, organisations understand the importance of seeking answers to questions such as:

- How do we buy products and services?
- What motivates us to seek out a particular product or service?
- What research do we undertake prior to making a decision?
- Do we seek out other people's opinions through social media and other digital technologies?
- To what extent do other people's opinions influence our own?
- How do we feel after we have made the purchase?

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities, whether they are starting their own business or working for an organisation in a marketing function.

Unit 34 - Digital Marketing

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to digital marketing and its importance in the successful marketing of organisations. The unit will enable students to develop an understanding of how organisations use various digital tools and techniques to engage their customers and maintain a competitive advantage.

This unit is designed to give students the knowledge and tools to work as part of a digital marketing team or to go on to further study in this specific area.

Unit 35 - Integrated Marketing Communications

This unit is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of marketing communications and the techniques used. They will learn underpinning theories and frameworks of marketing and be able to relate them to real-world examples, for example promotions they are likely to encounter in their daily lives.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students will gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities, whether they are setting up their own business or if they are employed by an organisation.

Unit 36 - Procurement and Supply Chain Management

The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ understanding of the nature, role and contribution of supply chain management to a business. The growth of global business has led to organisations becoming increasingly reliant on logistics and supply chain management in order to keep up with the demands of a global economy. Students will explore the purpose of supply chain management and its benefits to an organisation, their customers and their suppliers.

Students will consider the design, development, implementation, control and future development stages of supply chain. There is an emphasis on practical employability skills throughout this unit.

Unit 37 - Pitching and Negotiation Skills

This unit aims to give students a knowledge base and tools that will help them to develop these skills. Topic areas that they will investigate include analysing context prior to negotiation, information management prior to and during negotiation, the process of developing and presenting a case and being able to assess the successes of a new pitch.

This unit aims to give students a knowledge base and tools that will help them to develop these skills. Topic areas that they will investigate include analysing context prior to negotiation, information management prior to and during negotiation, the process of developing and presenting a case and being able to assess the successes of a new pitch.

Unit 38 - Law of Contract and Tort

The aim of this unit is to give students knowledge and understanding of the essential elements of a valid contract and the principles of the tort of negligence. The unit covers the essential elements of an enforceable contract and the situations wherein the law requires the contract to be in a particular form. The unit also covers how the law determines whether negotiating parties reached an agreement and when the parties will be regarded as intending the agreement to be legally binding. Students will identify the key terms and conditions to be found in a business contract and investigate the importance of classification of terms and how they are established.

On completion of this unit, students will understand appropriate remedies to contracts that have been discharged by breach and how the law attempts to compensate for harm done by awarding damages to given situations in tort. Students will be able to explore the appropriate remedies to contract and tort in the business scenario, using examples of decided cases.

Unit 39 - Company Law and Corporate Governance

The aim of this unit is to give students knowledge and understanding of the law with regard to how companies are formed, administered, financed and managed. Students will learn skills in applying the relevant rules, particularly in business situations, as this unit is linked with the general business law unit which students have already completed.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have the confidence to advise on the matters of company administration and the modern requirement of good governance, and to make a positive contribution in the workplace.

Unit 40 - Consumer and Intellectual Property Law

The aim of this unit is to give students knowledge of the law relating to consumer transactions, consumer credit and intellectual property in terms of everyday dealings. They will learn to recognise that a business operates in a diverse legal framework and that consumer transactions are governed by statutes and regulations, creating specific legislation for sale of goods and consumer protection.

Students will explore intellectual property as a creation of the mind, to deal with industrial property and copyright. Intellectual property rights allow creators and owners of intellectual property to benefit from their own work. Students will have opportunities to apply knowledge and understanding to a range of consumer scenarios and evaluate case law relating to consumer rights and protection.

Unit 41 - Taxation

This unit introduces students to a range of taxation principles and many of the issues that organisations need to consider to ensure that they comply with the taxation legislation of the country in which they operate. The unit also introduces students to the principles of personal and business taxation, the legal and ethical issues relating to taxation, the obligations of taxpayers, taxation systems and taxation planning.

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to contribute positively to an organisation’s responsibilities with regard to taxation. The unit will also prepare them for progression to a higher level of study.

Unit 42 - Statistics for Management

The aim of this unit is to give students an understanding of how management information and decision making are enhanced by applying statistical methods. Students will learn about a range of statistical techniques and how they can inform management thinking. While studying the unit, they will develop their numerical abilities and increase their confidence in handling data in order to turn data into information and knowledge.

On completion of the unit, students will have the skills and knowledge to support further higher education research and data analysis, which is valued at higher education level. They will also have developed the essential skills required by business managers to build better products and deliver services that satisfy customers and increase their company's market share and profit margins.

Unit 43 - Business Strategy

The aim of this unit is to develop students’ awareness of the different types of strategic approaches that could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic role for an organisation. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories, models and concepts that could significantly support an organisation’s strategic choice and direction.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed sufficient knowledge and understanding of strategy to make a positive, efficient and effective contribution to the development of business plans and operational direction. They could do this in the role of a junior manager responsible for having a specific input into an organisation’s decision making and planning.

Unit 44 - Business Information Technology Systems

The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary business information technology (IT) systems and how organisations develop and continuously review their IT strategy in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Students will explore the areas of business that benefit from the support of IT systems and how organisations are using IT as a driver for business improvement.

By the end of this unit, students will be able to critically analyse the application of current and future technologies and suggest best solutions for an organisation.

Unit 45 - Business Data Analytics and Insights

This unit aims to give students an understanding of how organisations in different contexts improve their efficiency through the use of effective data management techniques. Students will look at the importance of data analysis and interpretation in informing business decision-making processes to enable organisations to stay current and competitive in a volatile macro environment. Students will learn how key decision makers, at various levels, are able to improve strategic outcomes by utilising more effective processes to gain an insight into the most appropriate data and information available to a business. This, in turn, informs effective business strategy.

On completion of this unit, students will have greater understanding and awareness of fundamental data analysis processes, data mining and data transformation. Broader topics such as data management ethics, legislation relating to data and using data in strategic choices will also be explored. This will enable students to develop a career that focuses on the analysis, interpretation and effective use of data.

Unit 46 - Developing Individuals, Teams and Organisations

This unit gives students knowledge of key areas for a career in human resource development and management positions where employee training and development are part of their role.

This unit will give students knowledge of the different factors involved in diagnosing the skills, training and development requirements for their future employees and for their individual career goals. Students will be introduced to the concept of highperformance workplaces and the strategic benefits this can bring to an organisation. They will recognise that their professional development is just one route to improving
the performance of the teams and organisations in which they work. Students will plan towards achieving their career goals while becoming aware of the context in which learning takes place and how development needs are linked to learning interventions aimed at supporting an organisation’s strategy.

Unit 47 - Human Resources

This unit gives students the opportunity to make links between the role and function of HR and emerging HR developments. This will make them aware that HR is a key contributor to organisational success.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the role played by HR management in adding value to activities that contribute to the success of an organisation. Students will understand the typical aims and objectives of the HR function in a contemporary context, enabling them to make an effective contribution to the HR department of an organisation.

Unit 48 - Customer Value Management

This unit is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of why it is important for marketers to enhance and manage the value of customer interactions. Students will learn underpinning theories and frameworks, and will be expected to relate them to real-world examples, including their own experiences.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students will gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities, whether they are setting up in business independently or if they are employed by an organisation.

Unit 49 - Sales Management

This unit introduces students to the discipline of sales management for the 21st century. Students will learn about the key principles of sales management, the techniques of selling and how to manage portfolios for an organisation effectively. Students will have the opportunity to develop key skills in developing and coordinating sales, implementing sales techniques and management of sales operations.

This unit gives a comprehensive overview of sales management and gives students the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s increasingly complex and fast-paced sales environment.

Unit 50 - International Marketing

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to a variety of methods that organisations use to coordinate their international marketing efforts, students will critically evaluate the various challenges that organisations face when doing so. Through the analysis of different marketing approaches in different international contexts students will learn about the international marketing environment.

This unit will give students the knowledge they need and the ability to work effectively with marketing teams internationally and to study marketing at a higher level.

Unit 51 - Brand Management

The unit is designed and structured to give students an end-to-end understanding of brand management. Students will explore a range of tools and techniques that can be employed to maximise brand value. They will look at a number of case studies that contextualise information in real-world examples to aid understanding of how effective brand management can be achieved.

This unit gives students a comprehensive overview of brand management - starting with why brands are so important and how they are formed, through to measuring brand value and managing a portfolio of brands over time.

Unit 52 - Product and Service Development

This unit explores the journey from ideas generation through to the launch of a new product or service. Students will examine the processes behind new product development (NPD) and consider the potential risks involved. Through the combination of theory and practice, students will develop knowledge and understanding and be able to apply it in either an organisational or entrepreneurial context. They will be given the opportunity to design and pitch their new or renovated product or service of their choice and evaluate their performance.

On completion of the unit, students will have developed confidence and competency in pitching and presenting an idea, teamworking and creative thinking skills. These are all vital skills, required in a dynamic and forever changing work environment.

Unit 53 - Planning for Growth

This aim of the unit is to give students an awareness of how SMEs develop and grow. They will understand the options for SMEs in terms of exiting successful or unsuccessful businesses and will be able to appreciate the importance of making informed choices when choosing routes to growth. They will also understand the potential risks vs rewards involved with growth.

Students will learn about and apply techniques for identifying opportunities for growth and appraise options for achieving growth. Students will also learn about the sources of investment finance and consider how an SME attracts investors and the appropriate approaches to gain stakeholder interest.

Unit 54 - E-Commerce and Strategy

In this unit, students will gain an understanding of how and why businesses and organisations develop e-commerce strategies to remain competitive in the global market. Students will develop an appreciation of the elements and resources required to set up an e-commerce site and will be engaged in the design and implementation of their own strategies that would, in reality, form part of a secure e-commerce site. Students will examine the impact that e-commerce has on society and the global market for consumers, buyers and sellers in terms of the benefits and drawbacks of online purchasing. Students will research and investigate the technologies involved in setting up a secure e-commerce site in preparation for their own e-commerce strategy.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have gained a technical and a practical insight into e-commerce strategy, design and development. As a result, they will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.

Unit 55 - Planning Social Media Campaigns

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs on countless themes, the ability to leave comments about news, online stores, file-sharing platforms and wikis have become essential elements of daily life. They are also valuable tools in the way that businesses communicate with their existing and potential audiences. Social media has transformed the way that people and businesses communicate, by allowing engagement across multiple channels with greater personalisation and targeted dissemination.

In this unit, students will explore this new cultural ecosystem, where we use new practices of communication and social interaction through social media. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to analyse a market to plan and develop strategic communication campaigns through social media.

Unit 56 - Tapping into New and International Markets

In this unit, students will explore how organisations are able to move into international markets, assessing the opportunities and threats of them doing so. They will investigate international trade theories and approaches to expanding internationally by importing and exporting. The unit aims to give students key tools and techniques to aid organisations in evaluating whether they should tap into international markets and assess the various implications of doing so.

On completion of this unit, students will have a clear understanding of the international environment and considerations that need to be made by business if they are seeking to expand on an international scale. This is invaluable knowledge and understanding for students who aspire to work in the global business arena.

Unit 57 - Business Intelligence

In this unit, students will examine the concept of business processing in terms of data capture, conversion and information output and they will define the tools and technologies associated with business intelligence functionality. Students will use business intelligence tools and techniques to demonstrate an understanding of a given problem. Finally, students will evaluate the impact of business intelligence on effective decision making.

On successful completion of this unit, students will appreciate the importance of business intelligence in terms of optimising decision making and performance. By exploring the tools, techniques and systems that support business intelligence, students will be aware of their role and contribution, and their importance to organisations. As a result, students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.