BAM6202 - Contemporary Business and Marketing Issues

Objectives:

(1) Identify and critically assess some of the major contemporary challenges facing businesses
(2) Explore and assess the potential interactions between these challenges and their impact on business functions via specific examples (case studies)
(3) Identify ways in which businesses might respond to such contemporary challenges and explore the systematic implications of those responses
(4) Contribute effectively to group debate and discussion of contemporary business and marketing issues through comprehensive evaluation and analysis

Content:

Module content will vary, year on year, in order to reflect the contemporary issues that confront businesses.
A definitive module content is not possible in these circumstances. However, it is likely that some combination of the following topics will be covered:

Contextual factors - globalisation; demographics; labour force trends; ecological awareness; sustainability: business ethics; diversity management.
Technology- e.commerce and the internet; pace of new technology; new economy; dot.com. industry.
Strategic impact- diversification; globalisation strategies (customisation / standardisation); ‘cannibalisation’; merger and acquisition, brand building and decline.
Impact on individuals- leadership; ‘portfolio people’; tele/homeworking; creativity and enterprise.
Organisational culture- knowledge management; flexibility; reflexivity; teamworking in virtual environments.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In semester 1 the 2-hour session will normally be conducted on the basis of lecture input followed by tutorial discussion. A team of staff, drawn from all sections of the Department, will deliver the lecture programme, each member of staff focussing on a contemporary issue relevant to their own field of expertise.
Where appropriate, guest speakers may be used.
Semester 2 will be student driven. Students will make presentations based on case study analysis/research of specific issues to be followed by open discussion of the case / topic.

Lecture
Contact hours 9
Number of groups 1

Tutorial (Semester 1)
Contact hours 9
Number of groups 2

Presentations (Semester 2)
Contact hours 18
Number of groups 1

Assessment: