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MAN-10077 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

MAN-10077 - Exploring Business Foundations: Principles and Practices
Coordinator: Sunday Adebola Tel: +44 1782 7 33425
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733094

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module introduces students to the essential concepts and practices in business, including basic economics, management principles, and the roles of marketing and finance. Students will learn about the structure of various business organizations and begin to understand the dynamics of the business world. The module allows students to think about the implications of different aspects of business functioning in an industry of their choice.

Aims
This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of core business principles and practices, including key disciplines such as management, marketing, finance, human resource and economics. It explores the structures, roles, and operations of business organisations, fostering an understanding of how different departments collaborate to achieve objectives. Additionally, the module encourages students to apply analytical skills in evaluating business operations, decision-making processes, and organisational performance across various industries.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain fundamental principles in management, marketing, finance, human resources and economics and how they are applied within various business contexts.: 1
describe the roles and interactions of different departments within an organisation and evaluate their contributions to overall business performance.: 1
explain how business managers make strategic decisions, considering factors such as resource allocation, risk, and market conditions.: 2
use relevant business theories and models to propose solutions to practical business challenges, using case studies and examples.: 2
analyse how economic, social, technological, and political factors influence business strategies and organisational performance across different industries.: 2

Study hours

24 hours of lectures
24 hours of tutorials
75 hours of tutorial preparation
77 hours of coursework preparation
100 hours of guided independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 40%
Analysis and Reflection on Business Management Scenarios and Journal Articles
In this 1,000-word assessment, you will be provided with business management-related scenarios or journal articles that align with the topics covered in this module. You will summarise and critically analyse the materials, reflecting on their real-world implications and offering a relevant perspective grounded in practical and theoretical insights.

2: Essay weighted 60%
Essay (2000 words)
Students will be provided with a selection of organisations to analyse and will: Describe a Current Business Challenge Identify and describe a specific business challenge faced by the organisation, focusing on areas such as management, marketing, finance, or operations. They will use detailed and specific information to clearly articulate the issue. Apply Relevant Concepts Apply concepts from the module to explain the challenge in depth, using theories, models, and principles from fields such as management, marketing, finance, or economics. Students will consider factors such as organisational structure, decision-making processes, and external influences in their analysis. Propose a Solution Propose a solution to address the challenge, supported by evidence from the module materials and their understanding of the organisation. Students will demonstrate how applying business principles can resolve the issue and enhance the organisation’s performance.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025