This module is a core requirement at Level 6 for students taking the BSc Business Economics. It develops pluralist approaches to understanding the aims, methods and outcomes of production and exchange organizations ("businesses" for short), with particular reference to the limitations as well as the possibilities of markets.
The core theme is the contrast between neo-classical and other perspectives, including the "capabilities" approach, transaction cost economics and other heterodox schools of thought.
Particular themes include the aims and methods of business strategy, the "make or buy" decision, the nature of relationships within and between businesses, and the costs and benefits of different systems of governance of economic exchange.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The learning and teaching experience will involve weekly workshops, which will present an overview of the theoretical perspectives addressed by the course as well as develop research and other academic skills in preparation for assessments, as well as providing an opportunity for deeper engagement with the substantive content of the module.
Group work will be encouraged through task assignment and exchange of prepared material during workshops and independent study, where relevant.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshop | 46 |
Guided independent study | General independent study for preparation of assessments and exam revision | 254 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Students will prepare two pieces of coursework for formative assessment in the first instance. They will submit a revised version (1,500 words) of one of these as part of the summative assessment, together with a supplementary essay (500 words) justifying their choice of work for final presentation and reflecting on the feedback given on the original work.
In the first semester students will undertake a literature search and review related to a case-study in transaction costs economics. This will assess practical ability to apply differing conceptual frameworks and evaluate their usefulness in the context of a canonical case study.
In the second semester students will write an essay and illustrative case study on a topic related to corporate strategy; This will assess ability to integrate case study and survey material relating to the formulation of strategic decisions and evaluation of their effects.
Breadth and depth of knowledge, along with the ability to apply this to a specified problem without special preparation, is assessed by the final two-hour exam.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
Demonstrate understanding of what corporate strategy is, appreciation of the significance of strategic decisions and critical awareness of different approaches to formulating strategy | Essay/case-study Exam |
Evaluate how organisations respond to and affect changing market and technological opportunities | Essay/case-study |
Evaluate different approaches to transaction cost economics | Literature review Exam |
Use economic theory to analyse issues in business organisation and strategy. | Exam |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Coursework | Essay/case study or literature review | 50 |
Written Exam | Two hour unseen examination | 50 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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