INTO Foundation pathway to programmes in Caledonian Business School

Specialist academic modules for this pathway include:

• Introduction to Financial Analysis
• Introduction to Economic Analysis
• International Business: Global Context and Management
• Marketing and Communications
• Financial and Economic Analysis
• Introduction to Financial Management
• Conceptualising Cultural Environments.

See below for details of these modules.

Visit the website for Caledonian Business School for more information.

Introduction to Financial Analysis
This module is for students to understand that the effective use of financial information is a vital part of the management process. This module aims to develop the understanding of financial information for the use by managers emphasising an understanding of financial information rather than preparation of sets of accounts. On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: understand the significant role played by accounting and finance in the management process; appreciate the basic content and international accounting terminology of domestic/international financial reports produced for a variety of business types and organisations; use selectively the content of financial reports in the assessment of the financial performance and position of a business.

Introduction to Economic Analysis

This module provides an introduction to the operation of the major factors which together shape the economic environment within which all business enterprises function in a mixed market economy. The aim is to highlight the operation of the forces at local, national and international level which influence, guide and often determine the economic aspects of the behaviour of both producers and consumers. On successful completion of the module students should be able to: use with confidence economic vocabulary and concepts to describe key business issues; identify and use appropriate tools of analysis to develop an understanding of general issues arising from the operation of business in a mixed market economy; interpret evidence relating to trends and fluctuations in activity in a mixed market economy; instructively discuss the key characteristics of specific sectoral, national and international aspects of business activity.

 

International Business: Global Context and Management

The module is intended to introduce the distinctive characteristics of business activities that cross national boundaries. This involves discussion of some of general concepts and issues prior to consideration of trends in relevant phenomena such as FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and international trade. The institutional context of this will be explored. The implications of these environmental variables will also be analysed by consideration of stereotypical MNC’s (Multi-National Corporations). The module will consider how cultural and social differences impact upon the ability of businesses to operate across borders. On successful completion of this module the student should be able to: understand and explain the main factors that shape the environment for cross-border business including the policies of key institutions; appreciate the significance and implications of the expansion of international trade since 1970’s and the proportionately greater upswing in FDI evidenced by the growth of MNC’s; appreciate the differing motivation and nature of MNCs; demonstrate an understanding of how cultural and social differences affect the manner in which international businesses are managed.

Marketing and Communications

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing and the central role of the consumer in marketing within different types of organisations. It provides an introductory understanding of key marketing decision areas and an overview of the challenges facing marketers in the 21st century. It places emphasis on aspects of marketing, interpersonal and intercultural communications. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to: demonstrate understanding of the concept of marketing, market segmentation and target marketing; demonstrate understanding of the key influences in the consumer buying process; analyse the macro and micro environmental factors impacting on marketing practice; explain the role and function of marketing research; identify and demonstrate an understanding of the key decision-making areas in marketing; understand the key role that communication plays in marketing and business relations.

Introduction to Financial Services

This module provides an introduction to (i) the financial services sector in the UK; and (ii) the themes of personal finance, corporate finance and investment, banking and international finance and risk, which are key to all financial services and which form the basis of the BA/BA (Hons) Finance, Investment and Risk to which students might transfer. The module will also reflect upon current contemporary issues affecting financial services in the UK and more widely. On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: identify, and demonstrate an understanding of the main functions of, the key institutions in the UK financial services sector; explain the role of the different types of financial markets; explain how government policy influences the financial services industry; outline a range of issues affecting consumers of financial services; demonstrate an understanding of the themes of personal finance, corporate finance and investment, banking and international finance and risk.

Financial and Economic Analysis

The rationale for this module is for students to understand that the effective use of accounting and economic information is a vital part of the financial process. This module aims to develop the understanding of this information for the use by financial advisers, investors, insurers, or risk managers. On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: understand the role played by financial accounts and financial processes; appreciate the uses of domestic/international financial reports produced for a variety of business types and organisations; use selectively the content of financial reports in the assessment of the financial performance and position of a business; understand costing and sunk costing on products and services profits; explain the difference between fixed and variable costs and their implications; appreciate the budget process and the use of cash projections in financial processes; understand the problems caused by economic growth; discuss globalisation and its implications for financial services; explain the impact of economic factors on the stock market; appreciate the problems of international diversification; discuss major currency issues including the Euro and exchange rates; discuss the role of Government intervention in an economy.

Conceptualising Cultural Environments

This module explores both the historical and contemporary forces central to the emergence of the modern cultural economy. This includes the fields of sport, events, tourism and media. It charts those forces that have led to the production, consumption and regulation of modern cultural economies and industries. It consists of three inter-related parts. First, it highlights the socio-historical foundations and development of culture, which establishes the contexts for cultural activity. Second, and drawing from a range of theoretical perspectives and practical examples, it examines the importance of culture, how we think about and practise cultural activity and the opportunities and constraints this brings. Third, in witnessing, describing and discussing the delivery of current cultural practises, students are sensitized to how contemporary culture is managed, can be investigated, challenged and transformed. This provides students with a rounded introduction into culture and the issues and challenges that face the cultural industries, which will inform students as to future academic and career choices. Upon completion of this module students will be able to: discuss the socio-historical development and contemporary significance of the cultural economy and its industries; review key trends and contemporary challenges impacting upon the culture industries and practitioners; understand and appreciate the relevance and relationships between theory and practice within the cultural economy; demonstrate understanding, articulate and debate current issues impacting upon the cultural economy and industries.