This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of sustainability, quality management, and ethical practices in driving long-term business success. In the context of globalisation and rapidly changing business environments, this module addresses how transnational practices, corporate social responsibility, and quality management principles contribute to building a sustainable and ethical business landscape.

Making Sense of Strategy, is a course which looks at the world of business strategy, of how organisations analyse their external environments and make strategic choices as to where and how to position themselves in relation to their customers and competitors. The course begins with an introduction to strategy looking at what the course means by the word strategy and at its historical antecedents. Block Two, Perspectives on Strategy, further develops these themes and looks at how the “rational” perspective achieved and maintained its prime position. Block Three, The Strategy Toolkit, then moves on to look at the ways the external environment is analysed from within this perspective and at the choices that emanate from such analyses for the organisation. Block Four is a case study in which students collaborate in the virtual environment to analyse, applying some of the tools in the toolkit. Block Five, entitled Implementation, then looks at the thorny issue of how strategies are implemented and the constraints that surround such implementation. The final Block, Where next for Strategy?, goes on to look at some ways of trying to understand strategy that are different from the “rational” perspective.

The Events Management module explores the principles and practices of managing events, with a particular focus on the relationship between the events sector and the tourism and hospitality industries. Students will learn about the classification and characteristics of different types of events, including meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE), and hospitality events such as weddings and corporate dinners. The course provides insights into the selection of event venues, such as hotels and conference centres, and explores the benefits of event management for businesses, including brand exposure, customer engagement, and revenue generation. Additionally, the module delves into the impact of global crises—such as pandemics, terrorism, and economic or political upheavals—on the MICE sector, and addresses the importance of sustainability in event management.

The module explores the key legal frameworks, policies, and planning processes that shape the tourism industry at local, national, and international levels. It provides students with an understanding of how public policy influences tourism development, management, and sustainability. The course delves into the complexities of tourism policy-making, the roles of various stakeholders, and the implementation of tourism policies. Students will analyze the relationship between tourism and other areas of public policy, such as environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development. Through practical case studies and theoretical insights, students will gain skills in developing destination management plans and understanding tourism’s impact on sustainable development.

The aim of this module is to explore the role of emerging and existing technologies in shaping the tourism and hospitality sectors. It provides an understanding of how technological advancements have revolutionized consumer behavior, business operations, and competitive dynamics in the industry. Students will learn about the evolution of technology in tourism, from traditional systems like Global Distribution Systems (GDS) to modern innovations like virtual visitor guides and metaverse platforms. The course also focuses on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), mobile and wireless systems, online travel agencies (OTAs), and cutting-edge immersive technologies such as Extended Reality (XR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). Through practical examples, students will examine the impact of online marketing, social media, and data protection on enhancing customer experience and gaining a competitive advantage.

The Business Research Project module is designed to enhance learners’ ability to conduct independent research in a business and management context. The aim is to equip students with the skills needed to formulate a research question, develop a structured research plan, and implement appropriate research techniques. Learners will conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and present their findings, culminating in the evaluation and presentation of their research outcomes.