Module Title Contemporary And Pervasive Issues Module Code 25-6010-00L Semester of Delivery See Module Information Tables Mandatory/Elective/Option See Module Information Tables Level 6 Credit Points 20 Assessment Mode Weighting CW100 Pre-requisites Co-requisites Class Contact Hours Average Weekly 1.5 Directed Learning Average Weekly 5 Module Leader Jim Chandler Faculty Organisation and Management Module Banding A Approval Status Validated Rationale One of the highest level cognitive skills is the ability to integrate theory and practice across a wide disciplinary range and this should constitute a core element of the undergraduate programme. Furthermore, a key requirement of a modern business and management education is to prepare students adequately for the world of work. Today businesses have to operate in a complex environment in which ethical, legal, political and economic factors play an increasingly important part. A sound understanding of these issues must be seen as part of the professional equipment of the managers and decision-makers in both public and private business sectors. Moreover, in an era of rapid change, undergraduate education cannot expect to deliver a finished product; but must take responsibility for fostering the capacity and vision to undertake continuing learning. Indeed, to aspire to senior positions in organisations students must be able to assume ever-changing roles. At final year level students have a number of resources upon which to draw; namely modules studied during the first two years of the course, the one-year work placement and increasing maturity. The rationale for the module, therefore, is the application of wide-ranging knowledge and learning to key contemporary and pervasive issues in order to develop the intellectual skills students will require to function creatively and effectively in the modern world. Summary of Aims The aims of this module are to:- 1 Enable students to identify contemporary and pervasive issues in the field of business and management which reflect the dynamism and vibrancy of the business environment; 2 Facilitate student learning with respect to the analysis of such issues; 3 Enable students to demonstrate understanding of the impact of these issues on business and management and how organisations might themselves affect the issues; 4 Encourage students to use insights from previous study and placement experiences in order to explain the nature and effects of key contemporary issues; 5 Provide opportunities for students to explore in depth issues of their choice and, in so doing, demonstrate positive and critical attitudes towards change and enterprise. Anticipated Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:- 1. analyse the possible impact of contemporary and pervasive issues upon the current and future context in which organisations are located, including their socio-economic, technological, ethical and political dimensions. 2. integrate a range of subjects, disciplines and topics in the fields of organisation and management in order to explore contemporary and pervasive issues in a multi-faceted way. 3. critically analyse contemporary and pervasive issues from the perspective of a range of different stakeholder and social groups. 4. evaluate the place and purpose of business within its wider social context and analyse the mutual dependence of business and society. 5. communicate their ideas effectively and be able to secondary and primary source material either individually or in groups to develop their understanding relevant to the course. The module will be assessed through coursework which will be composed as follows: Presentation (25% weighting) Students will in small groups provide an oral presentation which they may supplement as appropriate with other material on an issue linking at least two major themes relevant to the module. The assessment will concern learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6. Summative Project (75% weighting) Students will be required to write an individual project of approximately 5,000 words connecting at last two themes discussed in the module. The assessment will concern learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5. Module Assessment criteria Students will be assessed on their ability 1. Demonstrate a capacity to analyse the impact of contemporary and pervasive issues in relation to their impact on the present structures and processes of business organisations and their possible evolution. 2. Show a capacity to integrate a range of subjects and disciplines in the field of organisation and management in order to analyse contemporary and pervasive issues related to business. 3. Demonstrate an ability to consider contemporary issues in relation to the perspectives of different social groups and stakeholders. 4. Place the function and processes of business within a wider socio-economic context. 5. Demonstrate a capacity to communicate their understanding in writing and verbally and, when required, to co-operate effectively with others in providing assessed outputs. Learning Outcome Assessment Criterion Level descriptors fail PASS 2.2 2.1 First 1 Project and Presentation Little evidence of understanding of contemporary and pervasive issues in the environment of business and management description of some contemporary and pervasive issues in the environment of business and management but an incomplete understanding some evidence of understanding of contemporary and pervasive issues in the environment of business and management but little integration of theory and evidence A capacity to integrate both theory and data to facilitate understanding of contemporary and pervasive issues in the environment of business and management Thorough and systematic use of theory and data to secure an understanding of contemporary and pervasive environmental issues 2 Project and Presentation inadequate integration of relevant material Modest effort to integrate relevant material Some integration of differing material but without demonstrating a capacity to independently establish insights or links methodical and well reasoned integration of relevant material demonstrating some insight comprehensive, creative and astute application integration of relevant material to provide unexpected depth and insight. 3 Project and Presentation Little or no capacity to demonstrate an understanding of differing perspectives towards relevant issues restricted and/or confused capacity to demonstrate an understanding of differing perspectives towards relevant issues Some evidence of a capacity to understand different perspectives towards r5elevant issues. A well though out analysis of a relevant issue in terms of relating the issues to differing perspectives A capacity to analyse issues from a comprehensive range of different perspectives and to be able to comment and understand the basis for differing views 4 Project and Presentation Little or no capacity to place business within its wider socio-economic context A patchy and often inaccurate capacity to place business within its socio economic context A reasonable capacity to place business within its socio-economic context but one based largely on descriptive sources that lack critical analysis A capacity to soundly place business with a socio-economic context and to understand how this framework impacts on business development An ability to fully understand business within its socio-economic context and to critically analyse how this framework can impact on the present and developing structure of business 5 Project and Presentation Poor communication in English of ideas either in writing or verbally and unprofessional presentational skills Uneven communication skills in writing or verbally and a poor capacity to professionally present material Adequate communication and presentational skills Competent communication skills both in writing or verbally and a sound professional style of presentation in either academic or business formats Very competent communication skills either verbally or in writing and a thoroughly professional business or academic presentational style 6 Presentation irresponsible approach to collaboration with others minimal collaboration with others adequate level of collaboration with others full and responsible collaboration with others, makes a full contribution to the group and learns from other members full and responsible collaboration with others, makes a full contribution to the group, learns from other members and shows leadership • use of wide range of sources - including library-based, internet, placement, earlier modules • depth and breadth of knowledge • understanding • analytical and other cognitive skills • research skills • oral communication skills • written communication skills - i.e. ability to gather, marshal and present material as a reasoned and coherent argument • team-working Teaching and Learning Strategy and Methods There will be a series of lectures designed to illustrate the breadth, pervasiveness and pertinence of contemporary issues. In parallel, there will be a programme of seminars the function of which will evolve. Initially it will be to support the lectures, subsequently it will provide the forum for the delivery of the group presentations and finally it will provide support to students in the preparation of their individual essay. Indicative Content A framework for analysis - models and theories Overview of contemporary issues e.g. • innovation, creativity and enterprise • e-commerce • knowledge management • sustainability • globalisation • ethics, values and norms • environmentalism • changing role of the state • public/private/third sector conjunction • poverty and underclass • ideological challenge • the British economy and Europe • health • law and order Clearly this is a limitless and ever-changing picture. Not all of these issues could or will be covered every time and new issues would be added and others would disappear.