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BUSI59515: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a perspective on the particular issues relating to the smaller business, this Module will draw on the schools particular expertise in small business.

Content

  • Definitions of a Small Firm
  • Role of Small Firms in the Economy
  • Small Firms and Regional Development
  • Small Firms and Technological Development
  • Government and Small Firm Public Policies
  • Enterprise Support Network
  • Strategic Partnering: Large Firm-Small Firm Relationship
  • Franchising

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • understand the development of small firms and their economic role/function, their management and the conditions necessary for their survival and growth;
  • apply appropriate knowledge and techniques to analysing small enterprise performance and problems.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • identify the critical characteristics of a small firm.

Key Skills:

  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading150 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Assignment4,000 words maximum100Same

Formative Assessment

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.

More information

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