B122 An Introduction to Retail management and Marketing
(8) Credit Hours
It is an introductory Level 1 course. As the retail industry is highly dynamic and innovative, this
course looks at how retailing has developed within a business context, and how retail outlets work and apply retail marketing. It offers a balance between theory and practice that is innovative and engaging. During your studies you will consider contemporary factors that affect retailing: globalization; the impact of ever-changing technology; and social and ethical issues. This course is designed for retail industry employees wishing to develop a career in management, and anyone interested in working in the retail sector, or simply wanting to know more about the world of retailing.
Course Code |
B122 |
Course Title |
An Introduction to Retail management and Marketing |
Pre-requisite |
BUS110 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
It is an introductory Level 1 course. As the retail industry is highly dynamic and innovative, this
course looks at how retailing has developed within a business context, and how retail outlets work and apply retail marketing. It offers a balance between theory and practice that is innovative and engaging. During your studies you will consider contemporary factors that affect retailing: globalization; the impact of ever-changing technology; and social and ethical issues. This course is designed for retail industry employees wishing to develop a career in management, and anyone interested in working in the retail sector, or simply wanting to know more about the world of retailing.
|
Course Objectives |
The academic aims of this module is to introduce you to the main functions and management of
a retail business and the key issues associated with understanding retail trading and retail environments. After studying the course, you should be able to: - Explain relevant theories and concepts of retailing
- Describe the key elements of a retail business and the retail trading environment
- Discuss issues associated with operating a business in a retail environment/context
- Outline the key course topics and explain why each topic is important to understanding the principles of retail management
- Explain linkages between components of the course
- Organise your studies, including paper-based and computer-based services
Continue to develop your awareness of how you learn and how different elements of the course applied to your individual learning style.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: retail technology, which focuses on the
virtual world of e-retailing; A2: the diversity of retail products and
sectors; A3: retail ethics and the environmental
impact; A4: the
implications of globalisation B. Cognitive
skills B1: Reflection and critical engagement into both domestic retail technology
and e-retailing B2: Critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis B3: Valuation
and comparison of retail management.
C. Practical
and professional skills C1: Time management, skills appropriate to business, such as
creativity, persuasion and attractiveness. C2: Study skills, learning to learn and reflecting on students’
own development as learners. C3: The ability to analyse work-related cases and situations to
identify challenges for organisations in developing responses in relation to
their environments. C4: The application of course ideas to students’ own interactions
with organisations and life experiences. D Key
transferable skills
D1: Decision making and problem solving making a viable approach to students to engage with data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation. D2: Immerse in related information, arguments and ideas. D3: Identify some of the key strengths and needs of their own learning and identify opportunities to address these. |
B123 Management Practice
(8) Credit Hours
This course introduces management ideas and uses activities to build on existing knowledge and skills through the application of management theory. It’s suitable if you’ve studied any introductory course and want to complete the Certificate in Business Studies or gain 30 credits towards our BA (Hons). This introductory Level 1 course introduces management ideas and uses activities to build on your existing knowledge and skills. You’ll also use your own workplace experiences to develop an academic understanding of management and valuable study skills, which you’ll demonstrate by writing about management and reflecting on your own skills as a learner.
Course Code |
B123 |
Course Title |
Management Practice |
Pre-requisite |
BUS110 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
This course introduces management ideas and uses activities to build on existing knowledge and skills through the application of management theory. It’s suitable if you’ve studied any introductory course and want to complete the Certificate in Business Studies or gain 30 credits towards our BA (Hons). This introductory Level 1 course introduces management ideas and uses activities to build on your existing knowledge and skills. You’ll also use your own workplace experiences to develop an academic understanding of management and valuable study skills, which you’ll demonstrate by writing about management and reflecting on your own skills as a learner. |
Course Objectives |
By the
end of this course you’ll have developed a new, more theoretical understanding
of how and why managers do what they do in organisations. You’ll build a
toolkit of management concepts, theories and models that you can use to tackle
workplace issues. You’ll also feel more confident in embarking on further
undergraduate study.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1. Demonstrated how learning they have undertaken previously in
the workplace can be utilised to inform the development of their management
practice A2. Selected and used a range of management theories, concepts and
ideas to help identify, analyse and address issues and situations in their
current practice setting. A3. Worked in collaboration with others in assessing the
applicability of selected management theories, etc. to their own and others’
identified practice problems. A4. Reflected
on the impact of their learning on their practice of management, and their
future development as a management practitioner. B. Cognitive
skills B1. Identify and draw upon appropriate forms of prior learning
relating to the development of their management practice. B2. Apply relevant theoretical knowledge of management to a
practical problem. B3. Collaborate with peers’ practitioners to, and begin to,
critically evaluate the applicability of selected management theories etc. B4. Reflect productively on the development of their practice of
management. C. Practical and professional skills C1. Communicate their understanding of management theory and its
application to practice in writing. C2. Work independently on identifying issues and situations in the
workplace and apply academic theories and concepts to these to gain a deeper
understanding of them. D. Key transferable skills. D1. Use of a range of tools and websites for finding and recording
information online: internet browsers, search engines, copy/ paste, e-portfolios
and download functions
D2. Communicate with
peer learners via synchronous and asynchronous online media.
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B124 Fundamentals of Accounting
(8) Credit Hours
This module provides a broad introduction to accounting study at the university level. It covers the fundamentals of financial and management accounting as well as the essential skills, knowledge and ethics required to be a professional accountant. Fundamentals of Accounting module is required for all business with accounting track. It is strongly recommended that students study this module before Financial accounting (B291) and Management accounting (B292).
Course Code |
B124 |
Course Title |
Fundamentals of Accounting |
Pre-requisite |
BUS110 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
This module provides a broad introduction to accounting study at the university level. It covers the fundamentals of financial and management accounting as well as the essential skills, knowledge and ethics required to be a professional accountant. Fundamentals of Accounting module is required for all business with accounting track. It is strongly recommended that students study this module before Financial accounting (B291) and Management accounting (B292). |
Course Objectives |
It aims to equip students with the essential principles of measuring management performance and improving financial planning, control and decision-making. Students can gain an understanding of financial reports through their preparation, based on the double-entry bookkeeping system which is essential for the management of any organisation.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge and understanding A1: Awareness and understanding of the role of accounting in business and other organisations and of its theory, principles, concepts, practices, techniques, ethics, limitations, and techniques central to bookkeeping and accounting.
A2: Demonstrate the ability to prepare financial statements based on application of accounting concepts, regulations and principles. A3: Demonstrate understanding of the types of costs and how they behave in order to calculate cost-volume-profit relationships, A4: Demonstrate understanding of management's decision-making process as it relates to product pricing, production, adding and dropping, etc. A5: Demonstrate understanding of the types of budgets and be able to prepare operating budgets, financial budgets and capital budgets. A6: Demonstrate understanding of the responsibility centers and balanced scorecard.
B. Cognitive skills
B1: Review and illustrate the purpose, context and environmental influences and constraints on financial accounting and business practices. B2: Explain the balance sheet equation, the basic financial statements and the information conveyed in each of the statements. B3: Explain the steps in the accounting cycle for service and merchandising companies. B4: Explain the relevant factors in making different decisions. B5: Explain methods that don't use present value versus those that do use present value B6: Explain the features of responsibility reports and differentiate between cost centres, profit centres and investment centres.
C. Practical and professional skills C1: Record transactions
and events, and maintain accounting records as required for bookkeeping and
accounting.
C2: Prepare basic
financial statements based upon Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. C3: Develop the
general practical and professional skills of management accounting that can be
used for personal and career goals.
D Key transferable skills D1: Use simple mathematics for the purpose of calculations in bookkeeping, accounting and preparing/analysing financial statements, including basic ratio analysis.
D2: Compare critically and use different approaches to issues and problems within management accounting.
D3: Communicate management accounting information effectively and appropriately.
D4: Use fundamental business mathematics and other quantitative methods effectively and appropriately.
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B207A Shaping Business Opportunities I
(8) Credit Hours
B207A is an 8-credit (30 points), Level 5 UK-OU based course offered through the Business Program at the Arab Open University as a compulsory course for all students enrolled in all tracks in the program. Entry into this course is contingent upon the successful completion of BS110. The B207 module in this new study plan is equivalent to B203 module in the old study plan (which is itself previously equivalent to B202)
Course Code |
B207A |
Course Title |
Shaping Business Opportunities I |
Pre-requisite |
BS110 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
B207A is an 8-credit (30 points), Level 5 UK-OU based course offered through the Business Program at the Arab Open University as a compulsory course for all students enrolled in all tracks in the program. Entry into this course is contingent upon the successful completion of BS110. The B207 module in this new study plan is equivalent to B203 module in the old study plan (which is itself previously equivalent to B202) |
Course Objectives |
This module is designed to provide intermediate conceptual and practical learning to students in operations management, marketing and human resource management. The module comprises 16 study weeks (including final assessment).
Operations Management: (4 weeks) The following subjects will be covered: - Introduction to operations management
- Operations strategy
- Product, service and process design
- International location of operations
- Global supply chain
- Operations: changing market conditions
Operations: risk and resilience
Marketing: (6 weeks)
The following subjects will be covered: - Marketing: purpose and mission
- Marketing (external environment, brand formulation, segmentation and targeting, market research)
- Analysing market growth potential
- International marketing and global branding
- Consumer behaviour
- Business-to-business marketing
Marketing (integrated marketing; lifecycle maturity, product portfolio, brand refreshing, monitoring and measuring success, crisis management)
Human Resource Management (3 weeks)
- What does it mean to move from employee relations to HRM in a global context?
- Employment relations
- Change management
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge and understanding A1: Develop a critical appreciation of the interactions between various business functions (operations management, marketing and human resource management) and the integrative complexity that shapes business innovation. A2: Develop a critical understanding of why new products and services are imperative to contemporary business practice. Also to develop knowledge and understanding of external issues affecting the successful running of organizations, including how they compete in a global context.
A3: Develop knowledge and understanding of the elements required to build long-term success in organizations, and how students can contribute to the fostering of long-term value creation. A4: develop knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, concepts and models of different business functions (operations management, marketing and human resource management). B. Cognitive skills
B1: Select and critically analyse information relevant to a particular problem or issue related to business and management. B2/B3: Evaluate and compare competing perspectives, theoretical models and concepts in the context of practical situations B2/B4: Gather and synthesise material from a variety of sources in constructing arguments applied to business and management
C. Practical and professional skills
C3: Communicate in a professional manner in written work, face to face and online. Plan, monitor and review progress as independent learner, including a focus on personal skills development. C4: Develop an awareness of ethical issues and professional standards relevant to business and management
D Key transferable skills D2: Search for and use relevant digital and non-digital information from sources other than the module materials. D3: Compare critically and use different approaches to issues and problems within business management. Engage in critical reflection. D4: Consolidate an understanding of academic language and literacy practices in order to effectively engage with the academic knowledge and skills of Level 5 study.
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B207B Shaping Business Opportunities
(8) Credit Hours
B207B is an 8-credit (30 points), Level 5 UK-OU based course offered through the Business Program at the Arab Open University as a compulsory course for all students enrolled in all tracks in the program. Entry into this course is contingent upon the successful completion of B207A.
Course Code |
B207B |
Course Title |
Shaping Business Opportunities |
Pre-requisite |
B207A |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
B207B is an 8-credit (30 points), Level 5 UK-OU based course offered through the Business Program at the Arab Open University as a compulsory course for all students enrolled in all tracks in the program. Entry into this course is contingent upon the successful completion of B207A. |
Course Objectives |
This
module is designed to provide intermediate conceptual and practical learning to
students in management and accounting. The module comprises 16 study weeks
(including final assessment).
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge and understanding A1: Develop a critical appreciation of the interactions between various business functions (management and accounting) and the integrative complexity that shapes business innovation.
A2: Develop knowledge and understanding of the elements required to build long-term success in organizations, and how students can contribute to the fostering of long-term value creation.
A3: develop knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, concepts and models of different business functions. B. Cognitive skills
B1: Select and critically analyse information relevant to a particular problem or issue related to business and management.
B2: Evaluate and compare competing perspectives, theoretical models and concepts in the context of practical situations
B3: Gather and synthesise material from a variety of sources in constructing arguments applied to business and management
C. Practical and professional skills C1: Communicate in a professional manner in written work, face to face and online. Plan, monitor and review progress as independent learner, including a focus on personal skills development.
C2: Develop an awareness of ethical issues and professional standards relevant to business and management
D Key transferable skills D1: Search for and use relevant digital and non-digital information from sources other than the module materials. D2: Compare critically and use different approaches to issues and problems within business management. Engage in critical reflection.
D3: Consolidate an understanding of academic language and literacy practices in order to effectively engage with the academic knowledge and skills of Level 5 study.
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B325 Managing across organisational and cultural boundaries
(8) Credit Hours
B325 is offered as an option at level 3 in the awards: BA (Hons) Business Studies; BA (Hons) Leadership and management. The course aligns well within the educational aims of these programs by developing “the student’s interest in and knowledge of the world of business”. By providing students with the opportunity to draw on their own experience and critically engage with theory with theory relevant to managing across organisational and cultural boundaries, it supports the program’s aim of developing “graduates who bring to their employment in business or organisations of any sort, a range of critically important and highly valued skills”. B325 will complement other courses within the existing suite of courses offered within management and business studies. It will embrace all learners irrespective of their level of attained experience and position within their own organisation.
Course Code |
B325 |
Course Title |
Managing across organisational and cultural boundaries |
Pre-requisite |
BUS310 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
B325 is offered as an option at level 3 in the awards: BA (Hons) Business Studies; BA (Hons) Leadership and management. The course aligns well within the educational aims of these programs by developing “the student’s interest in and knowledge of the world of business”. By providing students with the opportunity to draw on their own experience and critically engage with theory with theory relevant to managing across organisational and cultural boundaries, it supports the program’s aim of developing “graduates who bring to their employment in business or organisations of any sort, a range of critically important and highly valued skills”. B325 will complement other courses within the existing suite of courses offered within management and business studies. It will embrace all learners irrespective of their level of attained experience and position within their own organisation. |
Course Objectives |
The
aim of the course is fairly to provide students with ways if understanding and
analysing different organisational, inter- organisational and international
context and the ways in which such different contexts influence individuals’
experience of work. Secondly, the course aims to provide students with
knowledge and understanding of themes and challenges pertaining to organising
and managing across this different context; managing aims, power, politics,
trust, cultural diversity and the darker side of organising. The course
embassies the relationships between theory and practice; putting emphasis on
the theoretical underpinnings and debates surrounding the themes whilst at the
same time requiring students to draw on their own experience. Achieving the
intended learning outcomes (covering both knowledge and skills) fully supports
this dual aim.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1:
Inter-organisational collaboration, organisational behaviour, and international
management theories and concepts relevant to managing across organisational and
cultural boundaries. A2: Themes
and challenges pertaining to organizing and managing across intra,
inter-organisational and international contexts including the management of
aims, power, politics, trust, cultural diversity and the darker side of
organising. B. Cognitive
skills B1: Use conceptual frameworks to describe functions of organising and
managing in and across organisational and international contexts. B2: Identify and critically assess different perspectives on
managing and organising. B3: Synthesise, critically evaluate and challenge course relevant
theories of inter-organisational collaboration, organisational behaviour, and
international management. B4: Critically evaluate theories in relation to personal
experiences, organisational, inter-organisational and international setting
with which you are familiar and the relative standpoints of others within
different contexts. C. Practical and professional skills C1: Use and adopt relevant concepts and theories to practically
engage with a range of problems and issues in the work place. C2: Use specific inter-organisational collaboration,
organisational behaviour, and international management knowledge, cognitive and
key skills developed during the course to enhance individual work / practice. D. Key transferable skills. D1: Read and interpret
information presented in a variety of forms including academic journals, books
and on-line text. D2: Articulate ideas and communicate effectively using appropriate
interorganisational collaboration, organisational behaviour, and international
management theories and concepts. D3: Identify and ask questions appropriate to
the exploration and complex concepts. D4: Engage in
reflective, experiential and collaborative learning in face to face and virtual
context.
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B327 Creating futures: Sustainable enterprise and innovation
(8) Credit Hours
This module is designed to provide intermediate/advanced conceptual and practical learning to students interested in the theory and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation in different contexts. B327 is a new level three course in the B.A. (Hons) in Business Studies with Marketing track. This module is a direct replacement for B322 (Investigating entrepreneurial opportunities). Structured around 4 study blocks, B327 addresses the societal impacts of entrepreneurship and innovation, researching entrepreneurship and innovation, and sustainable enterprise challenge.
Course Code |
B327 |
Course Title |
Creating futures: Sustainable enterprise and innovation |
Pre-requisite |
BUS310 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
This module is designed to provide intermediate/advanced conceptual and practical learning to students interested in the theory and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation in different contexts. B327 is a new level three course in the B.A. (Hons) in Business Studies with Marketing track. This module is a direct replacement for B322 (Investigating entrepreneurial opportunities). Structured around 4 study blocks, B327 addresses the societal impacts of entrepreneurship and innovation, researching entrepreneurship and innovation, and sustainable enterprise challenge. |
Course Objectives |
The
academic purpose of this module is to enable learners to develop independent
research and online collaborative skills necessary to engage in enterprise and
innovation practices in new and existing organisations. The module encourages
students to do so by articulating how entrepreneurship and innovation can be
used to satisfy individual goals/objectives while contributing to solving
societal problems in an ethical and sustainable manner. The module also
explores the theoretical and practical connections between the distinct yet
closely-interrelated fields of study.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: Create
and manage sustainable forms of innovative and entrepreneurial ventures within
a range of specialist areas, such as Engineering, science and information
technology; Creative, leisure and cultural industries; Health and social care. A2: Research
entrepreneurship and innovations within a specialist real world setting,
recognising that specialist areas have to be explored at multiple levels of
analysis. A3: Apply
core theories, concepts and frameworks of innovation and entrepreneurship to
understand the strategy, process and operations of enterprises at different
stages of their life cycle. A4: Discuss the impact of innovation and
entrepreneurship on society, both at a conceptual and a practical level,
including ethics and sustainability, economic and social benefits to you, the
economy and local communities. B. Cognitive
skills B1: Differentiate the distinctive roles played by start-ups and
established enterprises in the process of developing and commercializing
various forms of innovations. B2: Distinguish the responsibilities of founders, managers,
employees and directors within particular types of sustainable enterprises and
innovations, including roles and rewards. B3: Use concepts from enterprise and innovation to critically
analyse and evaluate solutions to a variety of societal challenges. C. Practical and professional skills C1: Work independently and as part of a collaborative virtual team
to develop attributes and capabilities for entrepreneurial success in a complex
and changing environment. C2: Undertake independent research to inform practice within your
area of specialism. C3: Critically evaluate and reflect on your own career development
objectives. D. Key transferable skills. D1: Select and apply conceptual thinking for the process of
enterprise development. D2: Critically analyse and design competitive and sustainable
strategies for developing and introducing innovations into particular markets. D3: Negotiating, influencing, and agreeing roles and rewards
within founder teams in entrepreneurial settings, doing so in a legitimate
ethical manner. D4: Appropriately plan and solve problems in entrepreneurial and
innovative settings.
D5: Deploying effective
networking and persuasive communication skills.
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BUS101 Introduction to Math for Business
(4) Credit Hours
The world is a small place these days with business becoming more and more of a global endeavour. This course, Introduction to Math for Business aim to equip students with technical skills and business knowledge needed for further advanced courses in finance. Students need to have effective financial skills for both their personal and professional lives.
Course Code |
BUS101 |
Course Title |
Introduction to Math for Business |
Pre-requisite |
EL099 |
Credit Hours |
4 |
Course Description |
The world is a small place these days with business becoming more and more of a global endeavour. This course, Introduction to Math for Business aim to equip students with technical skills and business knowledge needed for further advanced courses in finance. Students need to have effective financial skills for both their personal and professional lives. |
Course Objectives |
The overall aims of
this course are to introduce entry knowledge of finance and to provide the
computational skills needed for evaluating financial decisions. Thus providing
learners a footstep into the world of Business Mathematics. This introductory
module introduces learners to the mathematical concepts, vocabulary, and
terminology employed nowadays in the business world in Finance, Banking, and
Accounting to name a few. More specifically, the
students will gain practical experience into aspects such as percentages,
discounts, markups and markdowns, payroll, interest calculations, installment
buying, and annuities. |
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: Knowledge
and understanding of the depth of relation between math and business
(particularly finance) A2: Knowledge
and understanding of a range of ideas concerning basic business mathematics and
its applications. A3: Knowledge
and understanding of relevant ideas, tools, and techniques that are widely used
in everyday business practice. B. Cognitive skills B1: the ability to develop skills in interpreting and explaining mathematics. B2: the ability to integrate mathematical ideas into everyday thinking. B3: the ability to develop mathematical modeling skills. B4: the ability to develop basic mathematical financial skills. B5: the ability to use techniques from the course to analyse and solve problems in a range of contexts. B6: the ability to recognize, interpret and criticize the use of mathematics in different contexts. B7: the ability to reason logically using mathematical ideas and principles of the course.
C. Practical and professional skills C1: practically deal with numbers and
manipulate them confidently. C2: easily use a calculator and its
functions.
C3: master the techniques of discounts,
mark-ups/markdowns, payroll, credit consumer, simple & compounded
interests, and annuities.
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BUS102 Introduction to Statistics
(4) Credit Hours
The course helps students understand the relationship between statistics and the world, bringing life to the theory and methods. It incorporates an unprecedented amount of real and interesting data that will help students to connect statistics to their daily lives.
BUS102 is considered an introductory course for BUS202 (data analysis). At the undergraduate level, both modules (BUS102 and BUS202) are considered as part of common modules for all tracks in Business Programme.
It is well-known that Statistics is a science that deals with collection, description, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Statistics can be used to describe a particular data set, termed descriptive statistics (BUS102) as well as to draw conclusions about the population from a particular data set, termed inferential statistics (BUS102 and BUS202). The course applies statistical methods in a business context in order to address business related questions and help make evidence based decisions. The course will provide students with the knowledge they need to become stronger analysts and better decision makers.
Course Code |
BUS102 |
Course Title |
Introduction to Statistics |
Pre-requisite |
EL111 |
Credit Hours |
4 |
Course Description |
The course helps students understand the relationship between statistics and the world, bringing life to the theory and methods. It incorporates an unprecedented amount of real and interesting data that will help students to connect statistics to their daily lives.
BUS102 is considered an introductory course for BUS202 (data analysis). At the undergraduate level, both modules (BUS102 and BUS202) are considered as part of common modules for all tracks in Business Programme.
It is well-known that Statistics is a science that deals with collection, description, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Statistics can be used to describe a particular data set, termed descriptive statistics (BUS102) as well as to draw conclusions about the population from a particular data set, termed inferential statistics (BUS102 and BUS202). The course applies statistical methods in a business context in order to address business related questions and help make evidence based decisions. The course will provide students with the knowledge they need to become stronger analysts and better decision makers.
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Course Objectives |
The course covers basic statistical concepts and introduces some advanced topics and tools that are very useful for decision-makers in different business disciplines. The topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, and estimations for small and large samples of data (statistical inference). An emphasis will be given to the understanding, applicability of statistical analysis and interpretation of output using MS Excel spreadsheets and/ or any available open source analytical tools. Attitudinal aims In addition to specific learning outcomes, the course aims to shape the attitudes of learners regarding the field of Statistics. Specifically, the course aims to 1. Motivate in students an intrinsic interest in statistical thinking. 2. Instil the belief that Statistics is important for scientific research. 3. Provide a foundation and motivation for exposure to statistical ideas subsequent to the course
|
Course Outcomes |
A.
Knowledge and understanding A1:
knowledge of how to formulate data analysis problems in a statistical
framework. A2:
knowledge of how to assemble relevant information and construct appropriate
arguments. A3:
knowledge of how to exercise judgment in selection and application of a wide
range of statistical tools and techniques. B. Cognitive skills B1: the ability to approach statistical problems and tasks in a flexible way.
B2: the ability to choose appropriate models for situations involving uncertainty, and understand their key elements and properties.
B3: the ability to comment critically on choices of model and analyses resulting from them.
B4: the ability to evaluate statistical evidence and to interpret the results of a statistical analysis B5: the ability to create statistical models and draw justifiable inferences
C. Practical and professional skills C1: practically deal with numbers and
manipulate them confidently. C2: easily use a calculator and its
functions.
C3: master the techniques of discounts,
mark-ups/markdowns, payroll, credit consumer, simple & compounded
interests, and annuities
D. Key transferable skills D1: Work with others effectively, participate as a member of a team and thus contribute to group effort. D2: Work hard to satisfy others expectations. D3: Exercise Leadership and communicate ideas clearly to convince others and responsibly challenge his classmates having other ideas, opinions, or methods of solving. D4: Collaborate with classmates to solve a problem and teach others new skills. D5: Apply technologies to task (exercises, problems, situations) and work with a variety of technologies and solve problems using calculators, and computers.
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BUS110 Introduction to Business
(8) Credit Hours
“Introduction to Business” is an introductory course, which surveys the role of business in society. At its simplest level, business is the exchange of goods and services for mutual benefit or profit. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of topics including the terms, trends, organizational structure and opportunities inherent in this exchange, the course introduces the student to the contemporary business world, the business of managing, people in organizations, the principles of marketing, managing information, and financial issues.
Course Code |
BUS110 |
Course Title |
Introduction to Business |
Pre-requisite |
EL111 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
“Introduction to Business” is an introductory course, which surveys the role of business in society. At its simplest level, business is the exchange of goods and services for mutual benefit or profit. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of topics including the terms, trends, organizational structure and opportunities inherent in this exchange, the course introduces the student to the contemporary business world, the business of managing, people in organizations, the principles of marketing, managing information, and financial issues. |
Course Objectives |
The primary objective is to give the student an understanding of
basic business principles. Global business, entrepreneurship, management,
marketing, information technology, and financial management will be discussed.
Another purpose of this course is to build a foundation of knowledge on the
different theoretical approaches to management and decision making • develop
analytical skills to identify the links between the functional areas in
management, organisations, management practices and the business environment. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course students will
have a firm understanding of the following business topics:
The
relationship between business and society in a free market economy Common forms of business ownership Business ethics and social
responsibility International business and the global
economy Fundamentals of business management Business organization and structure Human resources, motivation and
productivity Marketing, accounting, finance,
operations management and other business specialties
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge and understanding A1: Identify
business functions A2: Recognize
different business models and forms A3: Acquire
knowledge of business ethics and social responsibility
A4: Be aquatinted with the fundamentals of management. B. Cognitive skills B1: Differentiate between business structures
and business forms. B2: Examine different models and theories and
its effect in business life. B3: analysing and evaluating different
perspectives, identifying biases and hidden assumptions in different models and
forms of businesses.
C. Practical and professional skills C1: Analyse different business-related situations and forms.
C2: Deduce problems and solutions and its pathways
D Key transferable skills D1: Read financial and business related reports
D2: Communicate knowledge and understanding of business issues to different stakeholders.
D3: Analyse situations in an academic manner.
|
BUS310 Strategic Management
(8) Credit Hours
Strategic Management: This module examines concepts and the different approaches to - and techniques of - strategic management including analysis of the external and internal environments, the nature of competitive advantage, development of the organization and how they make strategic choices as to where and how to position themselves in relation to their customers and competitors.
The module has been designed to encourage and develop greater critical analytical skills especially at level 3. Significant amount of ‘case study’ work have been embedded to develop the students’ analytical and problem solving skills.
Course Code |
BUS310 |
Course Title |
Strategic Management |
Pre-requisite |
B207B |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
Strategic Management: This module examines concepts and the different approaches to - and techniques of - strategic management including analysis of the external and internal environments, the nature of competitive advantage, development of the organization and how they make strategic choices as to where and how to position themselves in relation to their customers and competitors.
The module has been designed to encourage and develop greater critical analytical skills especially at level 3. Significant amount of ‘case study’ work have been embedded to develop the students’ analytical and problem solving skills.
|
Course Objectives |
The aims of this course are to:
Provide students with concepts and tangible strategic skills that can readily be put into practice in often changing business environments. -Present the 21st century competitive/business landscape from a strategic management perspective and to assess how global and technological influences shape it -Provide students with a critical overview of the main tools of contemporary strategic practice in organizations in a way which is relevant to their professional needs Achieving the intended learning outcomes (covering both knowledge and skills) fully supports this aim.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge and understanding A1. The structure and dynamics of business environments; how
businesses seek to track and analyse their environments; A2. Markets, market economies and how they function; how consumers,
firms and governments behave as economic agents; why and how markets fail and
how this failure is managed; A3. Business processes and how they operate; the nature, structure
and functioning of organisations; how and why organisations are changing; A4. Key business functions such as Marketing, Human Resources,
Information Management, Accounting & Finance, Operations – their nature and
contribution to organisational success, their historic origins and their
interactions; A5. How businesses develop strategies; the different forms and
theories of strategy; A6. How organisations make decisions and organise decision-making
processes; the various sources of decision-making irrationality; the nature,
role and implications of governmental, regional and supranational business
policy on businesses;
A7. How to apply key ideas in mathematics, including some statistics, and algebra. B. Cognitive skills
B1.
Read material questioningly, identifying and recording key ideas and concepts
in business studies; B2.
Synthesise material from a variety of sources, analysing and evaluating
different perspectives, identifying biases and hidden assumptions; B3.
Classify, recognise and organise material in distinct and relevant categories;
B4. Construct, defend and evaluate an argument, using relevant evidence,
giving reasons for conclusions.
C. Practical and professional skills
C1. Transfer
and use relevant key skills in the workplace context; C2.
Use the more specific knowledge, analytic skills and methods, rooted in the
different disciplines as a strong basis for work in many professions; Students will have become better informed, more
active and questioning members of an organisation by: C3.
The ability to engage critically with the underlying challenges and problems
facing a business;
C4. The ability to identify and evaluate conflicting arguments, including recognising
the significance of different value positions in these arguments.
D Key transferable skills D1. Interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation;
D2. Ability to conduct research into business and management issues, either individually or as part of a team for projects/dissertations/presentations. This requires familiarity with and an evaluative approach to a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process; including the development of personal and team attributes and capabilities for entrepreneurial success;
D3. Self reflection and criticality including self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues;
D4. Skills of learning to learn and developing a continuing appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning.
|
ECO101 Principle of Microeconomics
(4) Credit Hours
This key introductory Level 1 course is the first economics module in our degree in business studies and forms the core of business studies- economics track. Students should first understand the economic problem before they move to learn its economic implications and economic changes. Every day people make decisions, what to buy and what to sell? All people are participating in consumption or production. These activities are the basic units of an economy and are concerned with the economic problem: how best to satisfy unlimited wants using the limited available resources. This module develops skills such as logical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is designed to explain the theoretical ideas and applies them to real life examples and case studies from the Arab region, without ignoring the international aspects. Therefore, this module directly addresses the Arab countries’ characteristics, problems, and economic policies. For some of students, economics is not the main area of study. However, understanding of basic economic concepts will still prove useful to all students whatever direction their studies and subsequent career may take.
Course Code |
ECO101 |
Course Title |
Principle of Microeconomics |
Pre-requisite |
BUS110 |
Credit Hours |
4 |
Course Description |
This key introductory Level 1 course is the first economics module in our degree in business studies and forms the core of business studies- economics track. Students should first understand the economic problem before they move to learn its economic implications and economic changes. Every day people make decisions, what to buy and what to sell? All people are participating in consumption or production. These activities are the basic units of an economy and are concerned with the economic problem: how best to satisfy unlimited wants using the limited available resources. This module develops skills such as logical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is designed to explain the theoretical ideas and applies them to real life examples and case studies from the Arab region, without ignoring the international aspects. Therefore, this module directly addresses the Arab countries’ characteristics, problems, and economic policies. For some of students, economics is not the main area of study. However, understanding of basic economic concepts will still prove useful to all students whatever direction their studies and subsequent career may take.
|
Course Objectives |
The academic purpose of this course is designed to introduce learners to the internal and external elements of Microeconomics. Students are not expected to have taken any courses in economics, or to have any knowledge or experience of ICT. Nevertheless, this is a Level 2 course and students need the general study techniques appropriate to Level 2 study in the social sciences. After studying the module students should be able to:
- understand the domain of economics as a social theory
- understand the main analytical tools which are used in economic analysis
- learn the main conclusions derived from economic analysis and to develop their understanding of the organisational and policy implications
to participate in debates on economic matters.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: A strong
set of introductory chapters. A2: Early
coverage of policy issues. A3: Complete
coverage of monopolistic competition. B. Cognitive
skills B1: Recognise, compare, and contrast different ways of analysing
business case studies within the Arabian region and other material about
contemporary business practice. B2: Apply their knowledge in the analysis of practical business
problems and issues. B3: Recognise, compare and contrast different interpretations of
and approaches to practical business problems and issues C. Practical and professional skills C1: The ability to understand the labour market and other factors
of production. C2: Pricing strategy
D. Key transferable skills. D1: Students develop many transferable skills that are highly
valued by employers such as time management, self-reliance, problem-solving,
the ability to understand and evaluate new concepts, and prioritising effectively.
Skills required include: i) effective communication skills – both written and oral (These
are extremely important, as is the ability to work well as part of a
team.) ii)taking the initiative in the classroom but also allowing the
students enough freedom to further develop their own personality and
abilities iii) working closely with other teachers, parents and other
education professionals iv) creativity in presenting ideas v) time management both inside and outside the classroom
vi) enthusiasm, patience
|
ECO102 Principle of Macroeconomics
(4) Credit Hours
This key introductory Level 1 course is the first economics module in our degree in business studies and forms the core of business studies- economics track. Students should first understand the economic problem before they move to learn its economic implications and economic changes. Every day people make decisions, what to buy and what to sell? All people are participating in consumption or production. These activities are the basic units of an economy and are concerned with the economic problem: how best to satisfy unlimited wants using the limited available resources. This module develops skills such as logical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is designed to explain the theoretical ideas and applies them to real life examples and case studies from the Arab region, without ignoring the international aspects. Therefore, this module directly addresses the Arab countries’ characteristics, problems, and economic policies. For some of students, economics is not the main area of study. However, understanding of basic economic concepts will still prove useful to all students whatever direction their studies and subsequent career may take.
Course Code |
ECO102 |
Course Title |
Principle of Macroeconomics |
Pre-requisite |
BUS110 |
Credit Hours |
4 |
Course Description |
This key introductory Level 1 course is the first economics module in our degree in business studies and forms the core of business studies- economics track. Students should first understand the economic problem before they move to learn its economic implications and economic changes. Every day people make decisions, what to buy and what to sell? All people are participating in consumption or production. These activities are the basic units of an economy and are concerned with the economic problem: how best to satisfy unlimited wants using the limited available resources. This module develops skills such as logical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is designed to explain the theoretical ideas and applies them to real life examples and case studies from the Arab region, without ignoring the international aspects. Therefore, this module directly addresses the Arab countries’ characteristics, problems, and economic policies. For some of students, economics is not the main area of study. However, understanding of basic economic concepts will still prove useful to all students whatever direction their studies and subsequent career may take.
|
Course Objectives |
The academic purpose of this course is designed to introduce learners to the internal and external elements of Microeconomics. Students are not expected to have taken any courses in economics, or to have any knowledge or experience of ICT. Nevertheless, this is a Level 2 course and students need the general study techniques appropriate to Level 2 study in the social sciences. After studying the module students should be able to:
- understand the domain of economics as a social theory
- understand the main analytical tools which are used in economic analysis
- learn the main conclusions derived from economic analysis and to develop their understanding of the organisational and policy implications to participate in debates on economic matters.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: A strong
set of introductory chapters. A2: Early
coverage of policy issues. A3: Complete
coverage of monopolistic competition. B. Cognitive
skills B1: Recognise, compare, and contrast different ways of analysing
business case studies within the Arabian region and other material about
contemporary business practice. B2: Apply their knowledge in the analysis of practical business
problems and issues. B3: Recognise, compare and contrast different interpretations of
and approaches to practical business problems and issues C. Practical and professional skills C1: The ability to understand the labour market and other factors
of production. C2: Pricing strategy
D. Key transferable skills. D1: Students develop many transferable skills that are highly
valued by employers such as time management, self-reliance, problem-solving,
the ability to understand and evaluate new concepts, and prioritising effectively.
Skills required include: i) effective communication skills – both written and oral (These
are extremely important, as is the ability to work well as part of a
team.) ii)taking the initiative in the classroom but also allowing the
students enough freedom to further develop their own personality and
abilities iii) working closely with other teachers, parents and other
education professionals iv) creativity in presenting ideas v) time management both inside and outside the classroom
vi) enthusiasm, patience
|
GR131 History and Civilization of AOU Branch Country
(3) Credit Hours
يتناول مقرر تاريخ البحرين (GR131 )تاريخ البحرين حتى القرن الثامن عشر الميلادي، و الجذور التاريخية لتكوين الهوية الوطنية للبلاد منذ ذلك الوقت. ويستعرض المقرر المقومات التاريخية للدولة الحديثة وتطور الحياة الدستورية فيها، مع التركيز على البعد العربي الإسلامي في هوية البحرين و القيم الأساسية للمجتمع و المسئوليات والواجبات والمشاركة المجتمعية، و التطور الاقتصادي والتنمية في البحرين، و علاقتها على الصعد المختلفة.
Course Code |
GR131 |
Course Title |
History and Civilization of AOU Branch Country |
Pre-requisite |
|
Credit Hours |
3 |
Course Description |
يتناول مقرر تاريخ البحرين (GR131 )تاريخ البحرين حتى القرن الثامن عشر الميلادي، و الجذور التاريخية لتكوين الهوية الوطنية للبلاد منذ ذلك الوقت. ويستعرض المقرر المقومات التاريخية للدولة الحديثة وتطور الحياة الدستورية فيها، مع التركيز على البعد العربي الإسلامي في هوية البحرين و القيم الأساسية للمجتمع و المسئوليات والواجبات والمشاركة المجتمعية، و التطور الاقتصادي والتنمية في البحرين، و علاقتها على الصعد المختلفة. |
Course Objectives |
|
Course Outcomes |
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GR131EL Bahrain Culture and history
(3) Credit Hours
Highlight the role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in its local, regional and international levels, through various historical eras, beginning with the Old Ages, through the Islamic era, to the modern era.
Course Code |
GR131EL |
Course Title |
Bahrain Culture and history |
Pre-requisite |
|
Credit Hours |
3 |
Course Description |
Highlight the role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in its local, regional and international levels, through various historical eras, beginning with the Old Ages, through the Islamic era, to the modern era. |
Course Objectives |
- To show the Arab and Islamic identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the vital role played by the politically and culturally. And is characterized by the specificity of civilization, from the perspective of its many cultures, ancient and modern world.
- Support to communities, "Commissioner," migrating from the Arabian Peninsula, which was sent to feed s Aldermanic this civilization, in its distinctive culture and build bridges of understanding and trade with the peoples of the old population.
- Given the Arab tribal groupings living in the Islands of Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf coast of special interest in the formation of a political entity, and their contribution to the history of Islam.
- Shed light on the activity of a tribe Alatob, Al-Khalifa and the participation of actor in the events in the history of the Arabian Gulf, which led to a political entity in Bahrain, and to highlight the wise in peace and war, administration and trade, the centre of the midst of international and regional conflicts. And their success in the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain after independence, the Constitution and the Declaration of the National Action Charter and to seek to consolidate and sustain the democratic process and the development of civil society, human rights and the establishment of balanced political relations with the outside world, giving the regional level, l, and the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab and Muslim special attention.
-
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Course Outcomes |
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LAW107 Human Rights
(2) Credit Hours
يهدف هذا المقرر إلى طرح صورة مبسطة وشارحة لماهية حقوق اإلنسان ونشأتها وتطورها بدءاً من عصر الحضارات القديمة والعصور الوسطى حتى العصور الحديثة، وكذلك عرض أهم المصطلحات الأساسية والمصادر الرئيسية في مجال حقوق الإنسان في القانون الدولي، وتعريف بأهم المواثيق الدولية وبالألخص العهدين الدوليين الخاصين بحقوق الإنسان، وطبيعة إلتزامات الدول الناشئة عنهما، وآليات الرقابة والإشراف على تنفيذهما في القانون الدولي وأنظمة الأمم المتحدة، وأخيراً تطبيقهما في النظام القانوني الوطني للدول الأطراف.
Course Code |
LAW107 |
Course Title |
Human Rights |
Pre-requisite |
|
Credit Hours |
2 |
Course Description |
يهدف هذا المقرر إلى طرح صورة مبسطة وشارحة لماهية حقوق اإلنسان ونشأتها وتطورها بدءاً من عصر الحضارات القديمة والعصور الوسطى حتى العصور الحديثة، وكذلك عرض أهم المصطلحات الأساسية والمصادر الرئيسية في مجال حقوق الإنسان في القانون الدولي، وتعريف بأهم المواثيق الدولية وبالألخص العهدين الدوليين الخاصين بحقوق الإنسان، وطبيعة إلتزامات الدول الناشئة عنهما، وآليات الرقابة والإشراف على تنفيذهما في القانون الدولي وأنظمة الأمم المتحدة، وأخيراً تطبيقهما في النظام القانوني الوطني للدول الأطراف. |
Course Objectives |
|
Course Outcomes |
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LAW107EL Human Rights
(2) Credit Hours
This course covers the basic principles of human rights through the definition of
human rights and their scope with a focus on the International Convention of
Human Rights, which includes the following documents:
1. United Nations Charter
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
3. International Convention on Civil and Political Rights
4. International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
5. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or
Punishment. It also covers protective mechanisms and institutional
administration of rights and general freedoms
Course Code |
LAW107EL |
Course Title |
Human Rights |
Pre-requisite |
|
Credit Hours |
2 |
Course Description |
This course covers the basic principles of human rights through the definition of
human rights and their scope with a focus on the International Convention of
Human Rights, which includes the following documents:
1. United Nations Charter
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
3. International Convention on Civil and Political Rights
4. International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
5. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or
Punishment. It also covers protective mechanisms and institutional
administration of rights and general freedoms |
Course Objectives |
- To provide a substantial grounding in the history, concepts, doctrines, principles and institutions of the international human rights regime
- To critically consider current developments and questions arising in international human rights law
- To communicate doctrinal debates and arguments concerning human rights and to formulate them in a lucid and well-informed arguments
- To analyse the application of international human rights precepts in the context of Bahrain
|
Course Outcomes |
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LB170 Communication Skills for Business and Management
(8) Credit Hours
Personal and corporate success in business relies on effective communication. Communication Skills for Business and Management will help you acquire skills to distinguish you from your peers. This key introductory Level 1 course is practical and will empower you to undertake more insightful case-study analysis, write successful essays, and produce powerful reports. From proposals to emails, you’ll work with a wide range of texts from business studies courses and the wider business world, deepening your knowledge and developing your written communication skills - helping you to succeed in both business studies and business generally.
Course Code |
LB170 |
Course Title |
Communication Skills for Business and Management |
Pre-requisite |
EL 122: Intermediate English |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
Personal and corporate success in business relies on effective communication. Communication Skills for Business and Management will help you acquire skills to distinguish you from your peers. This key introductory Level 1 course is practical and will empower you to undertake more insightful case-study analysis, write successful essays, and produce powerful reports. From proposals to emails, you’ll work with a wide range of texts from business studies courses and the wider business world, deepening your knowledge and developing your written communication skills - helping you to succeed in both business studies and business generally. |
Course Objectives |
LB170’s design will be
relevant for students from OUBS Openings to Level 2 courses. Students’ confidence, performance and
progression potentials will be enhanced and ultimately academic standards will
be positively influenced as well as widening participation, retention and
completion rates. The emphasis in the
course is on processes and practices (the ‘skills’) of communication rather
than on content in a ‘traditional’ academic sense. As such the course reverses
the balance present in other OUBS courses where communication skills are fore
grounded but are always at the service of the course content and consequently
occupy a less significant position in the learning outcomes. The model of communication skill
development outlined above is a positive rather than a deficit model. It draws
on current thinking about literacy development in which a more traditional
skills development model which treats communication as an all-purpose set of
skills with universal application is overlain, firstly, with a model that
places literacy in context and sees literacy practices as situated within particular
spheres of activity (in this case, business, broadly, and business studies more
specifically). Secondly it draws on a model that highlights the ideological and
personal investment that come into play when individuals and organisations
engage in communicative acts.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and
Phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.The internal and
external factors affecting business organisations and their stakeholders. A2: understand sentences and frequently used expressions related
to areas of most immediate relevance in one’s major such as the operation and
management of the HR function of a business organisation. A3: Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and
disadvantages of various options. A4: Can
understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
meaning. Such as the operation and management of the marketing function of a
business organisation. B. Cognitive
skills B1 After studying the course, the student will have developed the
language they need to exercise the following thinking and communication skills
and have developed a critical perspective on this language in the light of a
range of alternative, available language and communication practices: B2: recognize, compare and contrast different ways of analysing
business case studies and other material about contemporary business practice. B3: apply their knowledge in the analysis of practical business
problems and issues. B4: recognize, compare and contrast different interpretations of
and approaches to practical business problems and issues. C. Practical and professional skills C1: analyse work-related cases and situations to identify problems
in the organization and management of a functional area. C2: identify and communicate potential solutions based on
knowledge of theory and apply it to their own work situation. C3: related the communication skills needed for academic study to
those needed in the workplace. D. Key transferable skills. D1: Read and précis written text materials for key salient points.
D2: communicate effectively
in writing, showing recognition of audience and purpose. D3: select data, information and ideas from different sources and
present in an appropriate fashion to support an argument.
D4: identify some of the
key strengths and needs of their own communication skills development and
identify opportunities to address these in the light of their critique of the
language and literacy practices they have encountered.
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SYS210 Managing Technologies and Innovation
(8) Credit Hours
Technology plays a significant and invaluable role in the different aspects of human societies. It is a key resource of profound importance for a nation’s security and economic development. In addition, it is viewed as an important strategic factor and fundamental element for economic growth and as an instrumental means of controlling nature and resources. It also exerts a powerful influence on standards of living and quality of life. New knowledge, innovations and professional skills are an intrinsic part of new technology. Because technology is continuously changing, with new processes and products being developed or improved regularly, the need to manage technology is also continuous, and one that grows with the expansion of economic activities. Management of technology is a difficult and complex process, but it is an issue that faces all firms today. It involves the handling of technical and social issues in a broad spectrum of functional areas including manufacturing, design, development, information, processing, construction, pollution, violence, and so forth. Management of technology and innovation is concerned with developing and enhancing the capabilities of individuals and the characteristics of institutions to match the potential benefits, to contain the hazards resulting from technological change and also to find new ways to compete and survive. The role of MTI (Managing Technology and Innovation) is to ensure the proper execution of the following functions:
Selection of technology, or rather technological products
Effective negotiation and contracting for their acquisition
To integrate strategy and technology
Adaptation to local conditions (environmental, human, etc.).
Insights into MTI (Managing Technology and Innovation)
Course Code |
SYS210 |
Course Title |
Managing Technologies and Innovation |
Pre-requisite |
B123 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
Technology plays a significant and invaluable role in the different aspects of human societies. It is a key resource of profound importance for a nation’s security and economic development. In addition, it is viewed as an important strategic factor and fundamental element for economic growth and as an instrumental means of controlling nature and resources. It also exerts a powerful influence on standards of living and quality of life. New knowledge, innovations and professional skills are an intrinsic part of new technology. Because technology is continuously changing, with new processes and products being developed or improved regularly, the need to manage technology is also continuous, and one that grows with the expansion of economic activities. Management of technology is a difficult and complex process, but it is an issue that faces all firms today. It involves the handling of technical and social issues in a broad spectrum of functional areas including manufacturing, design, development, information, processing, construction, pollution, violence, and so forth. Management of technology and innovation is concerned with developing and enhancing the capabilities of individuals and the characteristics of institutions to match the potential benefits, to contain the hazards resulting from technological change and also to find new ways to compete and survive. The role of MTI (Managing Technology and Innovation) is to ensure the proper execution of the following functions:
Selection of technology, or rather technological products
Effective negotiation and contracting for their acquisition
To integrate strategy and technology
Adaptation to local conditions (environmental, human, etc.).
Insights into MTI (Managing Technology and Innovation)
|
Course Objectives |
The aim of this
module, after accomplishing both parts of it, is to familiarize students with
an integrative approach to the management of technology and innovation. It introduces the concept of MTI and examines
internal innovation planning, implementation and evaluation and control. It
also introduces building the capabilities necessary for MTI success. At the end of
both parts of the module, students are expected to attain the following
objectives: Understand the significance of technology, innovation and their
management Identify the key MTI concerns in strategy Understand both product and process innovation Recognize the foundations of internal innovation and its
implementation Determine if the firm has achieved the desired outcomes and design a
proper tool for evaluation and control Identify elements for planning for acquiring, implementing and
evaluating technology Understand the core capabilities for a sustainable competitive
advantage Determine what information the firm actually has and to turn this
information into knowledge
The course will prepare students with practical
skills through numerous realistic settings that are in line with the Quality
Assurance Agency’s benchmark statement expectations for business studies. It
also aims to enhance employability as the curriculum is of benefit to students
in the employment market and also relevant to many studying for their own
personal development. In so doing, the course provides students with a clear
understanding and appreciation of innovation dynamics both within and across
firm’s boundaries. By drawing from state of the art innovation literatures as
well as the extensive use of in-depth case study materials, the course analyses
opportunities and challenges related to creating, sustaining , managing
innovation and most of all integrating strategy and technology, with a specific
focus on technology-based organizations.
|
Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1:
Understand how organisations manage the internal process of innovation,
including effective search and knowledge acquisition, implementation, learning
and re–innovation A2:
Appreciate the links between Innovation and competitive advantage, the different
kinds of innovations (radical vs. incremental, continuous vs. discontinuous,
etc.) A3:
Understand innovation as a core business process and how it can be managed. A4:
Information gathering, Analyzing the external environment using management
models A5:
Conducting proper evaluation and control in innovation B. Cognitive
skills B1: Develop an awareness of the range, scope, and complexity of
the issues and problems related to the strategic management of technology and
innovation. B2: Develop an understanding of the “state of the art’ of the
strategic management of technology and innovation. B3: Expose students to tools and concepts used by organisations
engaged in technology intensive industries. B4: Designing Organizational structure based on the degree of
innovation needed B5: Develop appropriate capabilities for a sustainable
competitive advantage C. Practical and professional skills C1: Learn the basic skills necessary to construct a technology
strategy for an organisation. C2: Offer some practice in defining and working out strategic
management problems related to technological innovation and corporate
entrepreneurship. C3: Develop skills in leadership and engagement for a proper
implementation of an innovation strategy D. Key transferable skills. D1: Effective communication, both orally and in writing, of
information, arguments and ideas, using language and styles appropriate for a
business context and audience. D2: Problem-solving and
decision-making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including
data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation.
D3: Effective performance in a team environment
both in face-to-face and/or virtual contexts. D4: self-appraisal and reflective
thinking in the areas of creativity, teamwork, leadership, career selection.
|
SYS280 Principles and Practice of Systems’ Thinking
(8) Credit Hours
Traditionally, problems are frequently tackled by employing simple and convenient methods to achieve simple solutions. Such simple and popular approaches are not effective in solving complex, dynamic and diverse problems. Regardless of the preliminary seemingly simple and easy application, the emphasis seems to be on the elements of the problem, rather than the “bigger picture”. Thus, no attention is given to the interaction between the elements, with the belief that there is one best solution. As program failures intensify there is a growing need to develop and generate improved outcomes through systems thinking. Systems’ thinking is a discipline of seeing the “whole”, recognizing patterns and interrelationships, and learning how to innovate a more effective, efficient and creative system/holistic solution(s).
Holistic Systems Thinking considers the interdependent, inter-relational, and contextual aspects of phenomena and applies an integrated, inclusive mindset to problem solving. Holistic approaches are preoccupied with the assumptions, knowledge, methods, and implications of various disciplines and treats them as an integrated whole, or system. Systems can be ecological, social, institutional, or a combination of all three, and relationships, within and between systems are recognized as complex with cyclical interdependencies, or feedbacks. Higher-order, or emergent, properties become evident when systems are considered in this integrated fashion.
A holistic systems world-view is grounded in people taking responsibility for their own actions and being receptive to transformational change. Fundamental to this philosophy are personal beliefs that sustainability is a conscious choice by people to aspire to a purposeful and equitable integration of a systems view of life. Holism can be referred to using different terminology including ecological systems thinking, and ‘joined-up’ mindset.
This course will acquaint students with the basic concepts of systems thinking. The primary emphasis will be the introduction of basic systems thinking fundamentals, i.e. defining a systems perspective about any situation or problem, solving problems with that perspective, drawing appropriate diagrams to illustrate the problem, describing and modeling a problem, and designing and improving upon system solutions.
Course Code |
SYS280 |
Course Title |
Principles and Practice of Systems’ Thinking |
Pre-requisite |
B207B |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
Traditionally, problems are frequently tackled by employing simple and convenient methods to achieve simple solutions. Such simple and popular approaches are not effective in solving complex, dynamic and diverse problems. Regardless of the preliminary seemingly simple and easy application, the emphasis seems to be on the elements of the problem, rather than the “bigger picture”. Thus, no attention is given to the interaction between the elements, with the belief that there is one best solution. As program failures intensify there is a growing need to develop and generate improved outcomes through systems thinking. Systems’ thinking is a discipline of seeing the “whole”, recognizing patterns and interrelationships, and learning how to innovate a more effective, efficient and creative system/holistic solution(s).
Holistic Systems Thinking considers the interdependent, inter-relational, and contextual aspects of phenomena and applies an integrated, inclusive mindset to problem solving. Holistic approaches are preoccupied with the assumptions, knowledge, methods, and implications of various disciplines and treats them as an integrated whole, or system. Systems can be ecological, social, institutional, or a combination of all three, and relationships, within and between systems are recognized as complex with cyclical interdependencies, or feedbacks. Higher-order, or emergent, properties become evident when systems are considered in this integrated fashion.
A holistic systems world-view is grounded in people taking responsibility for their own actions and being receptive to transformational change. Fundamental to this philosophy are personal beliefs that sustainability is a conscious choice by people to aspire to a purposeful and equitable integration of a systems view of life. Holism can be referred to using different terminology including ecological systems thinking, and ‘joined-up’ mindset.
This course will acquaint students with the basic concepts of systems thinking. The primary emphasis will be the introduction of basic systems thinking fundamentals, i.e. defining a systems perspective about any situation or problem, solving problems with that perspective, drawing appropriate diagrams to illustrate the problem, describing and modeling a problem, and designing and improving upon system solutions.
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Course Objectives |
SYS280 is a compulsory course in Business Studies/Systems' track. Systems thinking is an inquiry-based method of learning that uses the technique of perspective-taking, fosters holistic thinking, and engages in belief-testing. Systems theory identifies and analyzes the linkages among various elements in a system. For those new to systems theory, it is important to note that “systems" is plural. Thus, systems theory does not presume that there is one grand system to be studied. One intellectual thread of systems theory is the field of systems thinking. Systems thinking is a methodology for understanding and managing complex feedback systems such as the ones at work in business and other social systems. Systems thinking uses mapping of interrelationships as a mean to improve decision-maker understanding of how to intervene and improve system performance.
Understanding the interworking of a system, or the relationships between the various actors of a system, is useful because it improves understanding of the outcomes of the system. For example, to understand why communities experience traffic congestion in a road system despite extensive road building requires an understanding of the relationships between the actors in the system. Students must understand how governments decide where to build or expand roads and how individuals select driving routes. If a government widens a congested road, it is likely to become congested again even if the destinations of current drivers, employment patterns, location of entertainment and service venues, and other determinants of driving patterns have not changed. The systems thinking approach builds theories for how the system works and uses them to develop insights about the behavior of the system over time, with the goal of improving system performance. The primary tools of systems thinking include system diagramming. After completing this course student will have opportunities to conduct inquire into, and represent their learning about holistic systems. Learning objectives might include: - Provide an overview of the history, research and perspectives into systems thinking.
- Understand and document system thinking objectives.
- Demonstrate a capacity to appreciate that all actions have consequences within, between and among systems.
- Establish a basic understanding of systems thinking terminology, theories, processes, methods, language and tools.
- Understand how tipping points, interdependencies, feedback loops, and emergent properties impact a variety of social, economic and ecological systems.
- Describe and model solutions that will enable system thinking ex. (mind maps, feedback & causal loops, behavior over time diagrams, etc.)
- Apply systems analysis to various problems (socio - technical, supply chain, value chain / lean, etc.).
- Comprehend systemic limits such as carrying capacity and the ways humans can and do impact ecological systems.
- Develop a set of diagramming techniques. This help in exploring your perceptions and understanding of a situation and in communicating this understanding to others. Specifically, you will:
- Recognize how diagrams can be used to support thinking about complex situations.
- Understand how diagrams can be used to develop and represent systems of interest within a complex situation.
- Know the main types of diagrams which are most frequently used in systems thinking and practice, the purpose they serve and the conventions they use.
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Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1: Systemic thinking and the systems concepts
and language. A2: The
various ways to think about the messes they are analyzing, helping them
understand one another, appreciate one another’s viewpoints and reduce
conflicts and misapprehensions. A3: How they
might function more effectively in a group by improving their working
relationships. A4: Different
diagrams that are mostly used in systems thinking and practice. B. Cognitive
skills B1: Critically assess the differences between being a manager and
a systems practitioner. B2: Better think about their relationships with others and thus
better understand the dynamics of these relationships. B3. Develop a mentality to work as systems practitioners B4. Recognize the importance of building explicit and implicit
models and drawing diagrams to facilitate the understanding of complex
situations. C. Practical and professional skills C1: Learn how to learn and reflect on their learning journey. C2: Develop techniques and practical skills that can often help to
improve relationships and understandings with other people. C3: Develop teamwork and leadership skills C4: Become a systems thinker and practitioner who is able to link
theory to practice focusing on the context.
D. Key transferable skills. D1: Better handle complex and messy situations. D2: Develop their learning abilities and reflection skills D3: Hone their critical and systemic skills and thus be able to
have a helicopter view of each situation and thus better understand it and
better cope with it.
D4: Understand people
and some aspects of organizational behaviour.
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SYS380 Managing Systems Complexity
(8) Credit Hours
Engage students with an awareness of the issues involved in managing change, moving them beyond "one-best way" approaches and providing them with access to multiple perspectives that they can draw upon in order to enhance their success in producing organizational change. These multiple perspectives provide a theme for the text as well as a framework for the way each chapter outlines different options open to managers in helping them to identify, in a reflective way, the actions and choices open to them. Multiple perspectives ensure that change managers are not trapped by a "one-best way" of approaching change that limits their options for action. Changing organizations is as messy as it is exhilarating, as frustrating as it is satisfying, as muddling-through and creative a process as it is a rational one. The module provides the student with an exploration into the tensions for those involved in managing organizational change. Rather than pretend that they do not exist it confronts them head on, identifying why they are there, how they can be managed and the limits they create for what the manager of organizational change can achieve.
Course Code |
SYS380 |
Course Title |
Managing Systems Complexity |
Pre-requisite |
SYS280 |
Credit Hours |
8 |
Course Description |
Engage students with an awareness of the issues involved in managing change, moving them beyond "one-best way" approaches and providing them with access to multiple perspectives that they can draw upon in order to enhance their success in producing organizational change. These multiple perspectives provide a theme for the text as well as a framework for the way each chapter outlines different options open to managers in helping them to identify, in a reflective way, the actions and choices open to them. Multiple perspectives ensure that change managers are not trapped by a "one-best way" of approaching change that limits their options for action. Changing organizations is as messy as it is exhilarating, as frustrating as it is satisfying, as muddling-through and creative a process as it is a rational one. The module provides the student with an exploration into the tensions for those involved in managing organizational change. Rather than pretend that they do not exist it confronts them head on, identifying why they are there, how they can be managed and the limits they create for what the manager of organizational change can achieve.
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Course Objectives |
- Develop students with a multiple perspectives approach to managing change
- Recognizes the variety of strategies to facilitate change interventions
- Reinforce students approach for the need for a tailored and creative approach to fit different contexts
- Introduce the student to new and emerging trends, developments, themes, debates, and practices in organizational development and change interventions
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Course Outcomes |
A. Knowledge
and understanding A1. Modern
trends in information systems and systems practice A2. The key concepts of
software development and maintenance, including principles of design, and the
representation and meaning of data A3.
Systemic methods of analysis, based on diagramming, modelling and other tools,
and how these can be used to improve computing practice and management decision
making A4. The range
of situations in which information systems are used, the ways in which people
interact with them and the ethical, social and legal problems that information
systems can create. B. Cognitive
skills B1. Apply systems thinking to academic literature and to
organisations, identifying suitable areas for systemic analysis and
appreciating the technical, economic and other factors at work B2. Analyse complex systems, and design and evaluate strategies or
software solutions for improving them B3. Describe, compare and contrast a variety of methods and tools,
identifying the best choices and applying them to specific problems B4. Develop and apply suitable analytical and management
techniques B5. Explain the various roles, functions and interactions of
Members of a workplace team. C. Practical and professional skills C1. Design, test and evaluate information systems C2. Use modern approaches and tools C3. Identify and handle the ethical, social and legal issues that
may arise during the design and use of information systems C4. Use diagramming and modelling tools to analyse complex
Systems. D. Key transferable skills. D1. Work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and
improving their own learning D2. Work in a group, communicating effectively D3. Find, assess and apply information from a variety of sources,
using information technology where necessary
D4. Use numerical and
analytical techniques to solve problems.
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