This module introduces people management and effective leadership practice within the organisation. In particular, it analyses themes that relate to the changing landscape of people management including: the strategic organisational context of attracting and selecting people for work; training; performance management; and the employment relationships. It also deals with the actual way in which effective business leaders emerge within organisations and how they use people management practices and their distinct qualities, such as cross-cultural awareness to motivate and reward diverse employees. It provides you with the opportunity to optimise your potential and be involved in the day-to-day decision-making processes within organisations that advocate change as a route to achieving competitive advantage.

On successful completion, you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and focused awareness of the internal and the wider business context in which to manage and lead effectively within and across teams.

What makes us tick? Have you ever noticed that you approach some things in your life differently to other people? Have you ever watched a celebrity and wondered why they do the things they do or keep making the same mistakes? By taking a critical look at issues such as personality, our preferred ways of looking at and approaching the world, intelligence, emotions, and persuasion this module will consider what has changed since the study of this extensive field began and delve into ideas about what makes us unique and what unites us as human beings. Through examining issues like contemporary approaches to measuring intelligence and personality, you will gain a critical understanding of the ways in which humans are likely to behave in certain situations. You will also gain an understanding of contemporary issues in behavioural change and understand how we might go about getting someone to change their behaviour (and if that is even possible).

If only we could activate a trusty hologram therapist in a crisis. They would leap into action, save the day, and never get tired (*not considering the bedside manner). Here on planet Earth, we humans need to plan for our own needs before we tend to those of others. In our rapidly changing world, we need to know which things to hold on to, which things need updating, and which things are holding us back. This module presents a unique fusion of theory, practice, critical thinking, problem solving, positive psychology, and a dose of evidence-based practical strategies to help you thrive and give those around you a lift. You will critically examine what works in mental health in the online space and develop skills to proactively choose factors that support psychological health into the future. Join us for the best adventure you will ever undertake, as you give your mind an upgrade.

“Optimism generates hope… hope releases dreams… dreams set goals… enthusiasm follows (Martin Seligman)”
Psychology has historically focused on a deficit approach, thereby ignoring a vast wealth of positive experiences. Only recently has psychology begun to shift its focus and explore positive psychological phenomena such as resilience, growth, flow and well-being. This module will explore the ethos of positive psychology, taking students through a number of positive psychological phenomena and how these different approaches are applied.

Organisations face several challenges and opportunities which they must respond to through marketing decisions. This module develops your understanding of the marketing decisions that organisations face. Through the application of marketing theory, models, and tools you will gain an understanding of the importance of the organisational environment and the impact this has for analysis, planning and control in a marketing management context.

Climate change, resource depletion and population growth, and the role of business in society are amongst the most highly debated subjects today and create a profound challenge to the status quo for all organisations. But these issues also create opportunities for innovation and change, and the business case for acting sustainably is becoming increasingly persuasive. In this module, you will explore the range of meta-challenges facing business, understand the social and the business case for acting sustainably, and discuss how sustainability can be managed.

On successful completion of the module, you will have a critical understanding of the sustainability challenges and opportunities, and how businesses can manage these.

Managers in all sectors are required to take account of the financial impact of their decisions. Whether they are being required to approve the purchase of new plant and machinery, increase or decrease the workforce, increase marketing efforts, or authorise the new strategic and budget plans, one of the key aspects of the decision is the financial impact. Managers therefore need to understand financial reports, be able to question the information provided in them and make decisions based upon the information provided by them.

This module seeks to enable you to make well-informed decisions based upon a sound knowledge of financial reports, systems, and developments in the accounting and financial environment.

This module introduces practical techniques for identifying emerging trends in the business environment, both in a national and international context. It encourages the use of conceptual frameworks and practical tools and techniques to improve the quality of strategic decision-making, and develops the insights and competencies needed to present strategies and business plans in a persuasive manner.

This module provides you with a firm foundation in the principles of operations and supply chain management. It introduces you to a broad range of operations management challenges facing managers working in modern organisations and equips you with the knowledge and tools to resolve them. The module explores the information needs of organisations and systems to support operations management processes. The focus of the module is on how firms can achieve competitive success through improving the processes involved in delivering products and services.

This module supports you to develop the research competencies appropriate for a taught master’s course and relevant for future careers in professional, business management roles. To achieve this, you will be required to develop a proposal for a piece of self-directed research.

In this module you are required to produce a piece of self-directed, original work on your chosen subject area, at an advanced level, based on independent research. This should demonstrate critical thinking an understanding of the philosophy and core principles of research (empirical or non-empirical) and show competence in the design, execution and reporting of a research project in a business and management context. You will develop an ability to carry out subsequent research independently and to commission, manage and evaluate the research activities of others. Effective leaders, managers, citizens, and employees need to be capable of basing their decision-making on information and knowledge derived from research. Therefore, the skills acquired producing the project will contribute to your effectiveness throughout your career.