MBA5112 - MBA 1 - 2018

Topic 1 - Business models and strategy

Business models describe how organisations are configured to create, deliver and appropriate value. In the modern world, technology and globalisation are among the primary forces disrupting existing models in every sector of the economy, and executive leadership requires an understanding of this complexity. New systems that combine hardware, sensors, data storage, microprocessors, software, and connectivity impact industry structure and the nature of competition; businesses are increasingly facing new competitive opportunities and threats. Industry boundaries are being reshaped and entirely new industries are being created. This unit introduces and examines business models, the infrastructure and technologies of business, forces of change in the business and competitive environment, the impact on business models and business strategy initiatives and responses.

Topic 2: Markets and customers

Markets and customers focuses on analysing markets, customer behaviour and related business strategy, and on developing and executing marketing strategy. In an interactive digital environment, consumer and organisational buying behaviour is critically altered, and appropriate models of marketing are required. The unit explores market orientation, market research and analysis, marketing planning and marketing implementation in a range of contemporary contexts, including industrial and consumer markets and private and public sectors. It also looks at the contribution of marketing activity and thinking to other business functions and activities, including stakeholder and relationship strategy, and takes a strategic approach to marketing leadership.

Topic 3: Financial and managerial accounting

Professional managers in every discipline need to understand the role of the accounting function in organisations. Financial and managerial accounting introduces the processes and techniques that enable managers to plan and control organisational activities and make informed, value-enhancing decisions. From a strategic perspective, the topic explores financial performance by introducing a range of techniques used by internal and external stakeholders to assess firm value. It also explores the role of accounting in planning, decision making and performance evaluation, and introduces a range of tools to understand cost behaviour, product pricing, budgeting and performance measurement.

Topic 1 - Business models and strategy

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explore business models in a range of sectors
2. outline and explore the business strategy process
3. evaluate the impact on business models of globalisation, regulation, technological innovation and other forces of change
4. critically analyse dynamic competitive patterns in business sectors
5. demonstrate capabilities to develop appropriate strategies in a rapidly-evolving business environment.

   Topic 2: Markets and customers

   The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

6. appraise the role of market orientation in contemporary organisations
7. be able to critically analyse market and customer behaviour and outline a market research study
8. develop the skills to apply marketing knowledge to a range of marketing opportunities and challenges
9. design and execute a marketing strategy and marketing plan
10. articulate the application of marketing thinking to the challenges of organisations.

    Topic 3: Financial and managerial accounting

    The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

11. analyse and apply the theory and techniques of financial and management accounting practices to organisational activities
12. analyse and interpret accounting information using a range of tools to draw conclusions on financial performance useful to internal and external stakeholders
13. evaluate financial information to support economic decisions and the deployment of resources in the interests of sustainable value.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average six/eight hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information