Business and Technology
12 ECTS
Business and Technology
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Module Description
This module introduces the learner to all the aspects related to a business. The student is introduced to the different forms of businesses such as private businesses, NGO’s and cooperatives and the different functions of a business. The different structures of an organisation are studied together with underlying theories and the internal and external stakeholders and their interest in the business are examined. The way the business interacts with the external environment and the environmental issues which influence the business are discussed.
The duties of the Human Resources function such as selection and recruitment, performance and appraisals interviews and health and safety regulations will be studied. The student will also be introduced to microeconomics and macroeconomics and how the government can influence the economy.
Marketing theories will be discussed together with the communication models and the student will be introduced to management and leadership skills including team development and theories of motivation. Internal and external audit and the regulatory framework are discussed and all aspects of ethical issues including the Code of Ethics will be dealt with intensively.
Students will learn about Corporate Governance, Corporate Social responsibility, how to detect and avoid fraud and will also be introduced to money laundering. Students will also be introduced to the different types of accounting software including cloud computing and blockchain and the importance of data protection. Throughout the module studies will be backed by several theories related to the topic being discussed.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
• A related qualification at MQF Level 4
and/or
• Two ‘A’ Levels (MQF Level 4) or equivalent one of which should be related to Accounts, Business or Economics and a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
• Preference will be given to applicants having 1 year work experience related to the study programme.
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course.
Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Accounting.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of accounting, consulting, financial and managerial career paths.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate financial related data.
Module / Unit Instructions
The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:
- Face to Face sessions
Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.
- Online Learning Activities
Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Assess the business organisation and its stakeholders.
- Examine how the business organisation is structured.
- Evaluate how different systems, functions, and innovative technologies play a role in communicating and reporting financial information.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of leadership and management.
- Analyse the importance of abiding by the existing professional ethics in accounting and business.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Assess the business organisation and its stakeholders.
- Examine how the business organisation is structured.
- Evaluate how different systems, functions, and innovative technologies play a role in communicating and reporting financial information.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of leadership and management at work.
- Analyse the importance of abiding by the existing professional ethics in accounting and business.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Use marketing knowledge gained to the benefit of the organisation in which they work.
- Analyse how the market responds to different levels of demand and supply and to government intervention.
- Evaluate the link between technology, business, and society at large.
- Instill motivation and teamwork among workers.
- Analyse how the market functions, how demand and supply influence price and about price elasticity.
- Effectively apply the knowledge gained from the various theories created from studies by theorists such as Maslow, Porter, and Mintzberg.
- Discuss money laundering and the risk this carries.
- Analyse how technology impacts the supply chain; electronic markets, shared economy, and digital marketing.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Communicate ideas, problems, and solutions effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences verbally or in writing (PowerPoint presentations, reports, etc.).
- Participate in class/online discussions and in organised workshops.
- Present ideas, work, and findings to peers, lecturers, and specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Contribute to team work as required.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Abide by the existing Code of Ethics at the workplace
- Formulate strategies to avoid fraud
- Apply appropriate knowledge of how the market functions and how the market responds to different circumstances and different environments.
- Take the necessary precautions to protect data
- Participate more actively in decision-making.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Assess how various digital technologies can be employed to evaluate strategic choices.
- Outline the different types of computer software available and which software is better suited for each type of business. ·
- Examine the importance of data protection and how to protect digital information.
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.