PE7003 - The Business Environment

The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. The teaching materials support your learning. Each session delivers flexible, interactive learning materials, accessible in a variety of formats such as audio and video presentations, podcasts, MP3 files and hard copies. Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning style. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction or, if you choose to, external student supported platforms. Each session is supported by directed reading from the core texts accessed through the electronic reading list.

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and each session includes a link to enable you to email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. Responses will be fed back either directly or via the module discussion board. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO2: Critically apply strategic management and organisational development theories, concepts and techniques to built environment in order to determine the future strategic direction of organisations
• MLO3: Critically evaluate and appraise the interaction of strategic and organisational development theories in relation to the creation of successful organisations in complex environments

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4: Critically analyse information, identify solutions, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision making

Formative assessment: there are a range of tasks embedded within the module sessions. Formative feedback, where appropriate, is provided in a variety of formats after completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.

Summative assessment: this module is assessed by one piece of coursework.

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The coursework, a report, applies strategic management and organisational development theories and techniques to an organisation with which you are familiar. This coursework tests

Coursework will be submitted, assessed and feedback provided to you online

Coursework two, a report, applies strategic management and organisational development theories and techniques to an organisation with which you are familiar. This coursework has a value of 65% and tests MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5.

Coursework will be submitted, assessed and feedback provided to you online.

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This module aims to develop your understanding of the business environment within which built environment professional disciplines operate. Topics explored include: the evaluation of operational environments; determining strategic choice and planning for implementation; the role of structure, culture, management and leadership within organisational development; and why and how organisations change. Learning materials are delivered online, are interactive and are supported by tasks to extend, consolidate and test your knowledge and understanding. Assessment is through one piece of coursework that is supported by a module specific approach to research rich learning. This approach provides you with a contextual framework that you then actively apply to markets and organisations operating within the built environment. As an autonomous, self-directed learner your engagement with the module and its assessment will assist in the development of the knowledge, skills and attributes that are valued by employers.