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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1 - Demonstrate an understanding of simple business calculations
2 - Use MS-Excel to interpret numerical data and basic statistics
3 - Identify and work collaboratively to devise, design and plan a live business-related consultancy project
4 - Present a coherent account of a live business-related consultancy project.
This module is structured into two distinct parts, aimed at developing the foundational skills necessary for effective business analysis and consultancy, with a focus on practical application and team collaboration.
Part 1: Numeracy and Basic Business Analysis (Semester 1)
- Introduction to Business Analysis: The foundational concepts of business analysis will be explored, covering key analytical tools and techniques. This part aims to equip students with the skills to understand and apply statistical data in business decision-making processes
- Numeracy for Business: Students will begin by enhancing their numeracy skills, learning to interpret numerical data and basic statistics crucial for business analysis. The emphasis will be on practical applications using MS-Excel, enabling students to conduct thorough data analysis and visualisation
- Live Business Brief: The semester concludes with a live brief from an external business, providing students with an opportunity to apply their learned skills in a real-world context. This project will serve as a practical assessment and a bridge to the more advanced concepts covered in the second part of the module.
Part 2: Consultancy Project (Semester 2)
- Business Solution Presentation: Students will be put into groups and will select one project proposal for further development. This culminates in a group assignment where the chosen proposal is refined and presented to the business partner, showcasing the team's analytical and consultancy skills. This final presentation allows students to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding and skills in business analysis and consultancy in a professional setting.
This module's content is designed to provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the challenges of the business world with a strong foundation in analysis and consultancy.
A variety of learning and teaching methods is employed in this module, including lectures, workshops and student-led activities. There is a balance of the different modes of learning and teaching to engage the foundation level students effectively.
The first part of the module is delivered in Semester 1 through workshops (which will include a lecture element) in a computer laboratory environment. The lecture element provides the concepts on numerical and basic statistics, followed up by workshop activity, which will enable the students to practise what is being taught using MS-excel.
The second part of the module is delivered in Semester 2 through a series of workshops guiding students to work collaboratively in teams to devise, design and plan a business-related project.
Throughout both semesters, Community Building Sessions are incorporated to further enrich the student experience. These sessions are specifically designed to foster team building, skills development and a strong sense of community among business students. The sessions provide a supportive environment where students can engage in activities that enhance their collaboration, communication and problem-solving abilities. They also offer opportunities for networking and peer interaction, helping students to build a strong professional network and a supportive community.
Last but not least, the bootcamp held after the Easter break, serves as a final preparatory phase, ensuring that students are ready for their project submissions and presentations. It provides an opportunity for last-minute refinements and guidance from instructors. This requires students to be in person for at least 1 full day and 2 half days during a two-week period, followed by two weeks for final groupwork preparation and assessment support before the final in-person client day. During the client assessment day, students will be able to present to their client as well as receive feedback from them and to network with other student groups and clients, where applicable.
Learning is supported with materials posted on Moodle prepared by the course tutor. Social media is used to communicate regularly with the students to bolster the feeling that the study of business can be part of everyday life, thus addressing some of the concerns of the target student audience.
Furthermore, the programme is designed to ensure that students receive 20 weeks of comprehensive teaching followed by 4 weeks dedicated to assessments. Lastly, the module is aligned with Leeds Trinity University's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, adhering to the 'Pre-Live-Post' pedagogical structure that underpins all programmes within the University's academic portfolio. This structured approach to learning ensures a coherent and comprehensive educational experience for our students, facilitating deeper engagement with the subject matter and promoting a more effective learning process.
- Pre: Prior to each class, students will engage with preparatory materials and activities.
- Live: During class, concepts and information are formally introduced through a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions.
- Post: Following the class, students are encouraged to consolidate their learning through post-class activities and assignments.
Workshops (Semester 1)
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: 30
Workshops (Semester 2)
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: 30
Community Building Sessions (Semesters 1&2)
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Post-Easter Project Bootcamp and Assessment Support
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Client Presentation Assessment Day
Hours: 5
Intended Group Size: Cohort
Guided independent study
Hours: 200
Further Detail Relating to Assessment
Semester 1: Individual Proposal
Objective: Each student is tasked with developing a comprehensive proposal to address a specific issue presented by an external business client. This phase focuses on individual research, analysis and strategic thinking. Based on their analysis, each student develops a strategic proposal. The proposal should outline a clear, innovative solution to the client's issue, including proposed actions, expected outcomes and a preliminary timeline.
Semester 2: Business Solution Presentation Group Assignment
In groups of 3-4, students will discuss and select one of the individual proposals from Semester 1 to further develop into a comprehensive business solution. This phase emphasises collaboration, project management and presentation skills. The group works collaboratively to expand the selected proposal into a detailed business solution. This involves refining the strategy, conducting additional research, developing a business plan and preparing a presentation. Groups may also consider feedback received on the initial proposal to strengthen their solution.
Formative feedback on development of their assessments is provided to students during the workshop sessions, as well as on post class activities. Opportunities to gain more practice and feedback through formative assessments are built into in-class activities, as well as pre and post activities where applicable.
Full details are available within the Module Handbook.
Module Coordinator - Lilian Nwachukwu
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL