Module Information

Module Identifier
IC03030
Module Title
Keys to Business, Economic, Finance & Accounting for BSC Comp Sci with Fnd Year
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
IC03130 Keys to Film, Television, Media and Theatre Studies
Pre-Requisite
Completion of 4 year BSC Computer Science with Foundation Year semester 1 modules
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 22 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Seminar Presentation  10 minutes  15%
Semester Assessment Essay  2000 words  45%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam  2 hours  40%
Supplementary Assessment Seminar Presentation  10 minutes  15%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  2000 words  45%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Exam  40%

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate, through oral discussion and in written work, an understanding of key concepts and debates in the subject areas covered in the module.

Be able to relate the interdependence of the subject areas covered.

Utilise case studies and other examples to relate the concepts developed to the 'real world'.

Demonstrate critical engagement with, and understanding of, key contemporary issues in Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting.

Demonstrate an ability to meet the required academic standards in relation to the preparation and presentation of assessed work.

Brief description

This module was originally developed for the IFC Foundation Scheme but has since been included by the Department of Computer Science in their 4 year BSc Computer Science Degree with foundation year.

The module aims to provide the 4 year BSc Computer Science Degree students with a comprehensive introduction to the language, core ideas and issues discussed in Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting. In doing so, students are able to develop a subject-specific vocabulary, and academic skills including identification and analysis of relevant study material and essay/exam writing skills

The module introduces students to key concepts found in each of the subject areas covered. In this respect, the module aims to familiarize students with the language and concepts of Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting. Key areas include the internal and external Business environment, the operation of markets, sources of finance and introduction to accounting methods. The module concludes by considering some of the key contemporary challenges faced by businesses.

Aims

1. To develop student understandings of key concepts in the areas of Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting.
2. To introduce students to key theoretical issues and debates.
3. To enable students, through case studies and other examples to relate theories to the 'real world'.
4. To develop student engagement with the key contemporary challenges in subject areas covered.
5. To develop independent study skills in research, academic writing, group work and effective note-taking

Content

Week 1. Introduction to course/needs analysis; how are the subject areas covered in this module related?
Week 2. Introduction to the business environment
Week 3. The internal business environment
Week 4. The internal structure and organization of firms
Week 5. The external environment
Week 6. Markets and their role in Society
Week 7. Demand & supply and market equilibrium
Week 8. Introduction to Marketing Principles
Week 9. Essay Planning and Writing
Week 10. Basic building blocks of the macro economy
Week 11. The sources of funds and finance
Week 12. Recording business transactions 1–Income statements
Week 13. Assessment Week
Week 14. Recording business transactions 2–Balance sheets
Week 15. Assessment feedback

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will be required to carry out some basic calculations and to use statistical material to support and/or present and argument
Communication Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing, and present their arguments most effectively. They will learn the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to best advantage. They will learn to be clear in their writing and speaking and to be direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic, focus and objectives of their argument or discussion. This module will particularly test aural and oral communication skills as it involves assessed seminar performance. Students will also be required to submit their essays in word-processed format and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management but within a context in which support and assistance is available from both the convenor and fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and exercising their own initiative, including searching for sources and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their coursework and presentation topics. The need to prepare for assessed seminar participation and to meet coursework deadlines will focus students’ attention on the need to manage their time.
Information Technology Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources.
Personal Development and Career planning This module is designed to hone and test skills of use to students in their working lives, particularly in speaking to small groups, listening, thinking and responding to the statement of others. Moreover, writing clearly and concisely as well as using quantitative material is expected in the workplace. Students will be encouraged throughout to reflect on their performance and to consider lessons for future application.
Problem solving Independent work to solve problems is a central goal of the module; the submission of an essay and preparation for seminar discussions will require that students develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: examine case studies; organize data and estimate an answer to the problem; construct alternative solutions; reason logically; construct and apply theoretical models; consider similar cases; look for patterns; divide issues into smaller problems.
Research skills Independent work to solve problems will be one central goal of the module; the submission of an essay and preparation for seminar discussions will require that students develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; organize data and estimate an answer to the problem; consider extreme cases; reason logically; construct theoretical models; consider similar cases; look for patterns; divide issues into smaller problems.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work Students will undertake group exercises in the seminars. For many of the topics of this module, seminars will consist of small-group discussions where students will be asked to discuss as a group the core issues related to the seminar topic. These class discussions and debates form a significant part of the module, and will allow students to approach and examine a given topic through team work.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3