2. BSc (Honours) Business Administration programme is in three stages.
Year 1: NCC Education International Diploma in Business
Year 2: NCC Education International Advanced Diploma in Business
Year 3: BSc (Hons) in Business Administration, delivered online by NCC Education, validated
and awarded by the University of Wales. *For futher details regarding the University and its validation services, please
log on to www.wales.ac.uk/validation or email validation@wales.ac.uk
International Advanced Diploma in Business
(IADB) is equivalent to year two of a UK Honours Degree (60 ECTS)
The programme is delivered in two 15-week semesters (12 teaching weeks) in which four modules are studied.
Each academic year requires around 400 hours of compulsory study in classroom (equivalent to 14/15h per week)
plus homework and other independent study.
Starting point for students embarking on a career in Business
4. Module Title: Managerial Economics Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
This module examines how an organisation can achieve its objectives most efficiently
through the application of micro-economic theory and the tools of analysis of decision
science, such as statistics and quantitative methods. It shows how economic analysis can be
used in formulating business policies.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 The nature and scope of Managerial Economics. Tutorial topic: The Theory of the Firm.
2 Types of analysis: optimisation. Tutorial topic: Optimisation using Total, Average and
Marginal Relationships.
3 Risk analysis. Tutorial topic: Incorporating Risk into Managerial Decisions.
4 Regression analysis. Tutorial Topic: Multiple Regression Analysis.
5 Demand theory. Tutorial Topic: Point and Arc Elasticity of demand.
6 Demand analysis and forecasting. Tutorial Topic: Time Series Analysis.
7 Production theory and estimation. Tutorial Topic: The Production Function with Two
Variable Inputs.
8 Cost theory and estimation. Tutorial Topic: Short Run and Long Cost Curves. Minimisation.
9 Linear programming. Tutorial Topic: Constrained Cost
10 Market structure. Tutorial Topic: Imperfect Competition.
11 Pricing practices. Tutorial Topic: Price Discrimination.
12 Capital budgeting, public goods and cost- benefit analysis. Tutorial Topic: The Cost of
Capital.
Indicative reading
Essential Textbook: Salvatore, D. (2004) Managerial Economics in a Global Economy 5th ed.
Thomson Learning
ISBN-10: 0324171870
5. ISBN-13: 978-0324171877
Or
Salvatore, D. (2007) Managerial Economics in a Global Economy 6th ed. Oxford University
Press
ISBN-10: 0195307194
ISBN-13: 978-0195307191
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Discuss and explain the well established concepts and Understanding principles, and
their limits in managerial economics.
Intellectual Skills
1. Evaluate and assess the application of alternative theories, techniques and principles
to real life business problems.
2. Evaluate the alternative solutions developed from the application of analysis
techniques.
Practical Skills
1. Apply a range of suitable techniques to develop alternative solutions to business
problems.
Transferable Skills
1. Application of quantitative methods.
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Examination (Open Book) 100%
6. Module Title: Quantitative Methods Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
This module builds on a student’s previous experience of quantitative methods, introducing
more advanced techniques applicable to decision-making in business.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Introduction and measures of central tendency. Practise lecture topics by working through
review activity page 63.
2 Measures of dispersion. Practise lecture topics by reading page 75, working through
review activity 2 page 74, one of questions 1-3 page 76, one of questions 5-7 page 77.
3 Sampling methods. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity on page 11,
questions 4, 6 page 19.
4 Correlation analysis, regression analysis. Practise lecture topics by working through review
activity 1 on pages 91, review activity 2 on page 94, review activity 3 on page 98, question
6 on page 103. Review topic with key points to remember on pages 99-100.
5 Time series analysis. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity on page
201, review activity 3 on page 207, question 2 on page 209. Review topic with key points on
page 208.
6 Index numbers. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity 1 on page 181,
2 on page 185, questions 3, 4 on pages 186-187. Review topic with key points on pages
185. Work through supplementary questions 1.
7 Confidence intervals. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity 1 on page
129, 2 on page 135, 3 on page 139, questions 3, 6, 7 on pages 140-141.
8 Significance testing. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift: Practise
lecture topics by working through assessment 2 question 3 page 559, assessment 3 on
pages 574-575 questions 1, 3, 4. Review topic with structure on page 557.
9 Algebra applied to Business and Economics. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by
Louise Swift: Practise lecture topics by working
through assessment 3 question 1 on
7. page 148, assessment 4 question 2 on
page 157, assessment 3 question 4 on
page 180, assessment 2 question 3 on
page 200, assessment 6 on page 215
question 1.
10 Differentiation. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift: Practise lecture
topics by working through assessment 1 questions 1, 2, 3 on page 223. Complete all the
examples in the lecture notes.
11 Applications of differentiation. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift:
Practise lecture topics by working through assessment 3 questions 3, 4, 5, 6 on page 236.
Assessment 4 questions 6, 7.
12 Integration, applications of integration. Work through supplementary questions
Indicative reading
Essential Textbook: McGrane, A and Smailes, J. (2000) Essential Business Statistics
FT Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273643339
ISBN-13: 978-0273643333
Other Materials: Swift, L. and Piff, S. (2005) Quantitative Methods for Business, Management
and Finance 2nd ed. Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN-10: 1403935289
ISBN-13: 978-1403935281
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Understand a range of mathematical concepts and Understanding techniques.
2. Explain how mathematical techniques can be used to support decision-making in
business.
Intellectual Skills
1. Evaluate different approaches to business problem-solving.
Practical Skills
1. Apply a range of mathematical techniques to the solution of business problems.
2. Present, evaluate and interpret data, to develop lines of argument and make sound
judgements in areas of business and management.
Transferable Skills
1. Communicate results of studies/research effectively.
8. Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Examination 100%
Module Title: Marketing Management Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
This module highlights the need for managers to view the role of marketing as critical to
their organisation. The crucial role of marketing in contributing to the success of
organisations will be emphasised.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Marketing and customer r/ships in the 21st century. Case study analysis.
2 Strategic marketing planning, implementation and control. Newspaper/Journal articles,
reading and discussion.
3 Buyer behaviour in consumer markets. Class discussion, with real-life examples.
4 Buyer behaviour in business markets. Case study analysis.
5 Competitive advantage. Class discussion, with real-life examples.
6 Market segmentation. Class discussion in small groups.
7 Market targeting. Cases and class discussions.
8 Product management. Cases and class discussions.
9 Product planning and promotion. Cases and class discussions.
10 Design and management of services. Case study analysis.
11 Development of pricing strategies. Case study analysis.
12 Selecting and managing marketing channels and managing the sales force. Class
discussion.
Indicative reading
Essential Textbook: Kotler, P, Keller, K (2005) Marketing Management 12th ed. FT Prentice
Hall
ISBN-10: 0131457578
ISBN-13: 978-0131457577
9. 3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Discuss and explain marketing management.
Intellectual Skills
1. Explain the building of strong brands and shaping market offerings.
2. Analyse the building of brands and the shaping of markets.
Practical Skills
1. Capture marketing insights and know how to connect with customers.
2. Deliver and communicate value.
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Assignment 100%
10. Module Title: Human Resource Management Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module
This module covers the dynamic role of human resource management policies and practices
in contemporary organisations and their contribution to organisation goals. It defines and
critically examines the major philosophies, policies, procedures and practices related to the
management of human resources.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Overview of HRM: Introduction to the nature of HRM; link between business and HR
strategy, role of HRM in strategy; scope of planning, analysing and forecasting needs.
2 Resourcing: Strategic aspects, analysing trends and labour markets, flexibility; contracts,
consultants, outsourcing.
3 Recruitment and Selection: Vacancies, methods, advertising, evaluation, shortlisting;
selection process, criteria, and methods, and decision-making.
4 Retention and Contracts: Turnover rates, analysis and costing, retention strategies; unfair,
constructive, and wrongful dismissal, compensation, retirement.
5 Strategic and Organisational Performance: Influences and processes, high performance, HR
policies, initiatives, evaluation; learning organisations, knowledge management and managing
knowledge.
6 Individual and Team Performance: Performance management and appraisal, stages, 360
degree feedback; nature of teamwork, team types and effectiveness.
7 Leadership, Motivation, and Managing Absence: Leadership traits, styles, and behaviours,
situational context, influence of motivation; process and causes of absence, managing
attendance.
8 Development: Organisational strategy, labour market, training and development roles;
competence(s) and behaviours; nature, methods, and evaluation for learning and
development; career development and management.
9 Employee Relations: Trends, individual and collective perspectives; union recognition, law,
and consultation; health, safety, and welfare, stress, occupational health.
10 Equality: The legal framework and discrimination; diversity and defined minority groups;
Milgram experiments, discipline and grievance processes and procedures.
11. 11 Pay and Incentives: Reward strategy, employee objectives, approaches and elements,
equity; job evaluation structures and methods; incentive schemes and disadvantages;
pensions and benefits.
12 Cross-functional issues: International and cultural differences, barriers to communication;
ethical issues and dilemmas; work life balance practices and problems; Measuring HR,
scorecards.
Indicative reading
TEXT:
Torrington, D. And Hall, L. And Taylor, S. (2004) Human Resource Management 6th ed. FT
Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273687131
ISBN-13: 978-0273687139
Or
Torrington, D. And Hall, L. And Taylor, S. (2007) Human Resource Management 7th ed. FT
Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273710753
ISBN-13: 978-0273710752
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Discuss and explain the established principles and practices of HRM and their
contribution to organisational goals and change.
Intellectual Skills:
1. Evaluate and asses the application of alternative policies, practices and techniques to
real world HRM problems.
2. Apply a range of HRM policies, practices, and techniques in novel situations to
develop alternative solutions to business problems.
3. Evaluate the impact of worker/management relationships and HRM policies in
selected geographical regions of the world.
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
100%: Final Assignment
12. Module Title: Understanding Consumer Behaviour Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module
This module explores the factors that influence consumer behaviour including individual
influences such as motives, values and perceptions and influences that derive from being
part of a group. It also aims to provide insights into why consumers respond the way they
do to marketing activities and the relevance of the theories of consumer behaviour to
marketing decisions. The focus of the unit is on the consumer as an individual but
comparisons will also be made with organisational buying decisions.
2. Module Delivery:
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Introduction to consumer behaviour. Influence of consumer motives and values. Module
overview. Examination of needs and wants and the theories of motivation. Relationship
between values and motivation. Evans et al Ch 1
2 Influence of consumer demographics. Examination of the role of age, gender and social
grade in consumer behaviour. Evans et al Ch5
3 Influence of consumer psychographics. Examination of the role of personality in consumer
behaviour. Evans et al Ch 6
4 Influence of social groups, family and culture. Examination of the nature of social group
influence of consumer behaviour. Examination of how families buy and the relative
contributions to the buying process. Examination of the nature of different consumer values
across cultures. Evans et al Ch 7 & 8
5 New product buying. Examination of new product buying behaviour – diffusion-adoption of
innovation theories. Evans et al Ch 9
6 Repeat buying, loyalty and relational buying. Examination of the nature of switching,
defection and repeat purchasing. Encouraging customer loyalty. The nature and benefits of
relational interaction between consumers and organisations. Evans et al Ch 10
7 Organisational buying behaviour. Examination of the differences between consumer and
business markets. The organisation buying centre. The organization buying process and
major influences. Evans et al Ch 13
8 Consumer response to marketing – exposure, attention and perception. Examination of
the hierarchy of effects model- exposure, attention and perception Evans et al Ch 2
13. 9 Consumer response to marketing – learning, attitude and action. Examination of the
hierarchy of effects model – learning, attitude and action. Evans et al Ch 3 & 4
10 Consumer response to marketing – post- purchase. Examination of how consumers
respond post-purchase. Customer satisfaction, post-purchase dissonance. Levels of
consumer involvement in decision making. Evans et al Ch 4
11 Researching consumer behaviour. Examination of the complexity of identifying
consumers’ motives. Motivation research techniques. Attitude measures. Evans et al Ch 1
&3
12 Researching consumer behaviour – personalised databases. Examination of the use of
consumer buying information to explain and predict consumers’ behaviour and facilitate
individualised consumer-organisational interaction. Transactional data, pre- purchase data,
geodemographics. Evans et al CH 11
Indicative reading
TEXT: Evans M, Jamal A, Foxhall G (2009) Consumer Behaviour, 2ed. John Wiley & Sons
Ltd
ISBN-10: 0470994657
ISBN-13: 978-0470994658
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Describe and appraise the importance of understanding consumer behaviour
2. Describe and explain the established theories used to explain consumer behaviour
3. Compare the differences between consumer and organisational buying decisions
Intellectual Skills
1. Demonstrate the relationship between the theory of consumer behaviour and the
development of marketing activities
2. Critically analyse marketing activities and identify underlying consumer behaviour
theories
Practical Skills
1. Apply theoretical frameworks to real world consumer contexts
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
14. Final Assignment- 100%
Module Title: Applications of Financial Control Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
This module is designed to build upon the general financial intelligence students will have
accumulated in the pre-requisite module. Students will not be expected to demonstrate in
depth knowledge of existing accounting standards.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Preparing Published Financial Statements I.
Lecture (Chapters 3 and 4 of Elliot text): Balance sheet, Income statement
Tutorial:
Questions 1, 2 (pages 86-88)
Questions 1, 2 (pages 109-110)
2 Preparing Published Financial Statements II
Lecture (Chapter 21 of Elliot text): Cash flow statement
Tutorial:
Questions 1,2 (pages 486-488)
3 Preparation of Consolidated Accounts I
Lecture (Chapters 15 and 16 of Elliot text): Balance sheet
Tutorial:
Questions 7, 8 on page 376-377
Question 1 on pages 389
4 Preparation of Consolidated Accounts II
Lecture (Chapter 17 and 18 of Elliot text): Income statement
Tutorial:
Questions 1, 2 (pages 400-401)
Questions 1, 2 (pages 419-421)
15. 5 Interpretation of Consolidated Accounts
Lecture (Chapter 22 of Elliot text): Ratio analysis
Tutorial:
Question 3 (page 527)
6 Corporate Governance and Ethics
Lecture (Chapter 25 and 27 of Elliot text): Corporate governance, Ethical codes
Tutorial:
Question 2 page 618
7 Standard Costing
Lecture (Chapter 22 of Weetman text): The control process, Cost variances, Variance
analysis
Tutorial:
Questions B22.1-B22.3 and C22.1-C22.3 (pages 621-625)
8 Break Even Analysis
Lecture (Chapter 20 of Weetman text): Applications, Limitations, Pricing decisions
Tutorial:
Questions B20.1-C20.1 (pages 554-555)
9 Performance Evaluation
Lecture (Chapter 23 of Weetman text): Preparing performance reports, Performance
measures
Tutorial:
Questions C23.1-C23.2 (pages 646-647)
10 Capital Investment Appraisal I
Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text pages 652-655): ARR, NPV
Tutorial:
Questions B24.1, B24.3, B24.4 (pages 675- 676)
11 Capital Investment Appraisal II
Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text pages 665-679): IRR, Mutually exclusive projects
Tutorial:
Questions B24.2, C24.1-C24.2 (pages 676-677)
12 Business Strategy and Management Accounting
Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text): Control of investment projects
Tutorial:
Questions B25.1-C25.1 (pages 693-694)
Indicative reading
16. Essential Textbook: Elliiot, B and Elliot, J. (2005) Financial Accounting, Reporting and
Analysis: International Edition 2nd ed. FT Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 027370253X
ISBN-13: 978-0273702535
Weetman, P. (2006) Financial and Management Accounting: An Introduction
FT Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273703692
ISBN-13: 978-0273703693
Other Materials www.pearsoned.co.uk/elliot_elliot www.pearsoned.co.uk/weetman
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Understand published financial statements and the preparation of balance sheets,
income statements and cash flow statements.
2. Discuss and explain group accounting including associate and subsidiary companies.
3. Discuss and explain standard costing and the preparation and interpretation of
variance analysis statements.
4. Discuss and explain the techniques of performance evaluation.
5. Understand the role of management accounting in supporting strategic decision
making.
Intellectual Skills
1. Interpret and analyse financial performance using ratio analysis and preparation of
relevant reports.
2. Critically evaluate the role of good corporate governance and ethics in accounting.
3. Critically analyse the relative advantages and disadvantages of investment appraisal
reports.
4. Critically reflect on the role of management accounting in supporting strategic decision
making.
Practical Skills
1. Prepare consolidated balance sheets and consolidated income statements.
2. Prepare break even analysis statements and interpretation of computations.
3. Prepare investment appraisal reports using standard appraisal techniques.
Assessment Methods:
17. Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Examination (Open Book) 100%
Module Title: Principles of Business Operations Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
The Operations Management function is about creating and sustaining effective and efficient
operations that deliver the products or services in a manner that achieves the objectives of
the organisation, with respect to cost, quality, flexibility, dependability and speed.
Operations management deals with all planning and design activities, from the location of
any manufacturing or service company through to the acquisition of raw materials and
delivery of complete products/services. Those organisations that dominate their industry
sectors have demonstrated that successful operations management requires an enterprise-
wide awareness and control of activities, and their interfaces with supporting functions.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Content
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Operations Management activities and models: Introduction to the field and context of
Operations Management – case study.
2 Operations Management strategic objectives: the strategic role and objectives of operations,
performance objectives – research case study and discussion.
3 Operations strategy: The content and process of operations strategy – research case study
and discussion.
4 The deign of products and services: Process / product / service design. Research and
provide examples of design.
5 Job design of products and services: Ergonomics, scientific management, work
measurement – research case study and discussion.
6 Capacity planning and control: Volume / variety effect, choosing a capacity planning and
control approach.
7 Supply chain management: Supply chain behaviour, types of relationships in a supply chain
– research case study and discussion.
8 Lean operations and JIT: Lean philosophy, JIT techniques- research case study and
discussion.
9 Quality: Specification, process control, sampling- SPC tools and techniques.
10 Project Management: Project planning and control process - research case study and
discussion.
18. 11 Operational improvement: Approaches / techniques of improvement, failure and recovery -
research case study and discussion.
12 Operational challenges: Environmental / social challenges - research case study and
discussion.
Course text –book
TEXT: Slack, M, Chambers, S, Johnstone, R (2007) Operations Management 5th ed.
Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 140584700X
ISBN-13: 978-1405847001
1. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Describe and explain the established principles of operations management.
Intellectual Skills:
1. Evaluate and assess the application of operation management techniques to real life
operations management problems.
2. Critically evaluate the role of operations management in business competitiveness.
3. Apply a range of operations management techniques to relatively complex cases and
draw conclusions about operations management issues.
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Examination - 100%
19. Module Title: Information Systems and Organisations Level: IADB Credits 15
Overview of the module:
This module introduces participants to the subject of Information Systems and Technology
(IS&T) in organisations, taking a broad management perspective. Students will demonstrate
an understanding of the current and future role of IS and information in modern
organisations, including an appreciation of social, cultural and political aspects that are
important to successful adoption of technology.
2. Module Delivery
Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:
24 12 - - 114 150
Contents
CLASS SUBJECT
1 Organisations and Information Systems (IS). Data, information and knowledge. The
importance of IS for organisations.
2 Social Context and Perspectives on IS. Social contexts within organisations, different
perspectives, technology interaction with the organisation.
3 Internal IS, Enterprise Wide Systems. Evolution and classification of IS, information flows
and enterprise wide systems.
4 External IS, Knowledge, CRM and e-Business. Managing knowledge, customers and
external parties using IS.
5 Costs and Benefits of IS. Sources of cost and benefit, tangible and intangible factors,
formal-rational evaluation.
6 Evaluation of IS. Balanced portfolio of IS, wider criteria for evaluating IS, organisational
implications.
7 Cultural, Structural and Political aspects of IS. Culture and IS, how IS affect structure,
central and local decision making, political aspects of IS.
8 People and IS, Interpretation. Human needs ,information ownership, legal and ethical
issues.
9 People and IS, Virtuality and Control. Using IS for commitment and control, managing
distributed work.
10 People and IS, Technology Acceptance. Technology acceptance and the socio-technical
approach.
11 IS and Change. Implementing IS and the context of change, critical aspects of a project,
understanding models of change.
20. 12 Stakeholder. Identifying and influencing stakeholders. Management.
Indicative reading
Essential Textbook: Boddy, D., Boonstra ,A., Kennedy, G. (2004) Managing Information
Systems 2nd ed. FT Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273686356
ISBN-13: 978-0273686354
Or
Boddy, D., Boonstra ,A., Kennedy, G. (2008) Managing Information Systems 3rd ed. FT
Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0273716816
ISBN-13: 978-0273716815
3. Module Assessment
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Describe and explain a range of information systems (IS) and technology and their
applications.
Intellectual Skills
1. Identify and evaluate information system and technology possibilities within an
organisation.
2. Propose ways in which IS adoption can be achieved within the social context of an
organisation.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify risks to successful adoption of IS and related human
needs.
Assessment Methods:
Number, Type and Weighting of Element
Examination (Open Book) 100%
21. ESEI International Business School Barcelona
www.esei.es
info@esei.es
Phone: +34 93 417 46 77
ESEI International Business School Barcelona
www.esei.es
info@esei.es
Phone: +34 93 417 46 77