The aim of this module is to introduce students to the nature and operation of the business environment.  It will illustrate, through example, the interrelated nature of business activity, and the pressures and tensions that shape the process of business decision making.  Through analysing data and other business information, the module aims to show students how the business environment might be effectively evaluated and understood.

By the end of this module students should be able to

 ·         Identify a range of issues and debates through which to illustrate the impact of the business environment on business activity.

·         Evaluate the conceptual categorisation of the business environment, and use models based on this categorisation in analysis.

·         Describe how different business functions respond to changes in the business environment.

·         Use, interpreter and understand a range of statistical and non-statistical tools and techniques to analyse business data and information.

·         Reflect upon learning and make connections between issues, business activity and appropriate data.