Bachelor of Business (Hons.) (Year 4) (L8, 60 ECTS)

Semester 1 

Financial Performance Management 

Strategic Marketing 

Decision Making and Business Analytics 

Semester 2 

Applied Practice 4: Crafting and Executing Strategy 

Business Ethics and Sustainability 

Managing People and Organisational Change 

Module 1:   Financial Performance Management 

Module Aim 

This module aims to develop the ability to critically evaluate financial theory, and apply financial management concepts to various business situations. Students will be equipped to develop an underpinning appreciation of modern global financial theories and the ability to apply appropriate financial performance management interventions. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Assess the benefits and shortcomings of financial theory and models relating to diverse stakeholders. 
2. Interpret corporate financial data and related external information, given the political, societal and economic environment. 
3. Evaluate and select appropriate cost of capital, treasury management and investment decision-making techniques, and apply to various situations. 
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the usefulness & shortcomings of modern global financial theories, models, and the use of modern data collation. 
5. Ctritically analyse and synthesise the modern changing competitive international business environment (Political, Cultural & Sustainability issues) in order to formulate financial planning and control. 
6. Appraise corporate expansion proposals, and determine the likely impact of finance-choice on EPS, share price, financial risk and long term ethical sustainability

Module 2: Strategic Marketing 

Module Aim 

This module develops and applies the student’s marketing knowledge to honours degree level. It enables the student to develop plans for organisations which optimise resources to maximise returns in a way which aims to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Applied Strategic Marketing includes all the basic and long term marketing activities, which include: Analysing the business environment, opportunities available and identify threats; and Analysing available resources, unique competences and likely future developments to formulate, evaluate and select best-fit options and decisions to meet the objectives of the business organisation. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Formulate a marketing plan for a real business. 
2. Conduct original market research. 
3. Construct creative marketing programmes, themes and platforms. 
4. Present a marketing strategy in a constructive and persuasive manner. 
5. Appraise and evaluate alternative marketing strategies 
6. Evaluate methods for organising, implementing and controlling the marketing function.

Module 3: Decision Making and Business Analytics 

Module Aim 

The module aims to develop the ability to understand, analyse and use financial information as part of strategic planning and implementation process within an organisation. The student will develop an awareness of issues in financial reporting and corporate finance, as well as developing a strong foundation for further study. The module will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate business situations from a financial viewpoint, and to enable them to play a key role in financial decision-making and control at an executive level within an organisation. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically evaluate the factors impacting upon business performance. 
2. Interpret published financial statements as part of the evaluation of the appraisal of the performance and financial position of a business. 
3. Discuss the impact of cost structures on financial performance. 
4. Apply and critically review discounted cash flow techniques in the context of investment appraisal. 
5. Critique modern performance management techniques. 
6. Incorporate ethical and sustainable considerations into the financial decision-making process.

Module 4: Applied Practice 4: Crafting and Executing Strategy 

Module Aim 

This module is designed to enhance the student’s understanding and the capacity to evaluate critically the theory of strategic management and the challenges facing senior management in formulating strategy. The nature and complexity of the business environment will provide the framework for the development of skills and competencies to facilitate an analysis of resources and strategic capability across the organisation. Through case studies, group discussions and evaluative exercises, participants will learn how to appraise and select strategic options in relation to an organisation’s vision, structure and goals. The module also provides coverage of particular problems inherent in strategy implementation, change management, and management across cultures. The module will be applied to the candidates’ workplace and for those candidates that are not currently in employment, they will be supported with a live case study. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Evaluate the range of choices, actions and processes that collectively constitute an organisation’s strategy. 
2. Conduct strategic analysis in a variety of industries and competitive situations and especially to provide a stronger understanding of the competitive challenges of a global market environment. 
3. Formulate business strategy, reason carefully about strategic options, and use what-if analysis to evaluate action alternatives and make sound strategic decisions. 
4. Implement and critically appraise managerial tasks associated with implementing and executing company strategies. 
5. Discuss the importance of ethical principles, personal and company values, and socially responsible management practices. 
6. Develop written and oral business communication skills.

Module 5: Business Ethics and Sustainabiity 

Module Aim 

This module introduces students to the topic of business ethics and sustainability by covering aspects of moral philosophy, ethics in business, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and environmental social governance. On completion of the module students will develop an understanding of how ethical and sustainable practices can be utilised as a source of competitive advantage in business. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Discuss the theory of ethical behaviour and sustainable development. 
2. Utilise different theoretical perspectives in order to evaluate ethical dilemmas and sustainable development issues. 
3. Critique management tools and techniques that can support ethical, sustainable and socially responsible business conduct. 
4. Assess how businesses can integrate ethical behaviour and sustainable development as sources of competitive advantage. 
5. Explain ongoing contemporary developments in business ethics and sustainability. 
6. Display skills of analysis and critical judgement while evaluating a business case study.

Module 6: Managing People and Organisational Change 

Module Aim 

The aim of this module is to develop the students’ ability to apply knowledge gained in formal lectures and tutorials to practical HR situations and to further the students’ analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to human resource management issues. In addition, this module will enable the students to develop a critical awareness of good human resource theory and practice and its significance within a range of managerial situations. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Compare and contrast the links that exist between organisational structure and culture. 
2. Evaluate alternative approaches to managing conflict within an organisation. 
3. Critique the impact of a change management initiative on the organisation and propose change management interventions as appropriate. 
4. Apply internal, external and connected stakeholder perspectives to the analysis of business based problems and solutions. 
5. Critically analyse and propose actions in response to a variety of human resource issues. 
6. Reflect on how effective management principles may serve in a future management role.

Bachelor of Business (Level 7) qualification is required or Recognition of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)

2-3 evenings per week 6pm to 9pm (online) Plus selected Saturdays per 9am – 1pm (online).

€2,500

or 

This programme is funded under the Part Time Fee Scheme (SUSI) for Selected Undergraduate Programmes.

For more information on this scheme see https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/370/made/en/pdf

This is a Government Funded Scheme.

Students will be required to pay a deposit of €500 on registration, which will  be returned to the student on approval of SUSI funding for the student and the student’s active engagement during the first  four(4) weeks of the programme. 

For more information on funding and how to apply see https://www.susi.ie/funding-for-part-time-undergraduate-courses/

One Year

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 postgraduate business programmes within TUS and/or elsewhere. The University offers a range of part-time, online postgraduate business programmes in a variety of business disciplines.

This courses will prepare you for a successful business career. Areas you can specialise in include accounting, banking, insurance, marketing, human resource management, administration, retail services and computing. Our sought-after graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in companies ranging from small indigenous Irish companies to large multinational corporations.