An introduction to business studies
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| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This course is the first in our Business Studies degree and forms the core of the Certificate in Business Studies. It explores the question ‘what is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, marketing, accounting and finance. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced. You’ll also be encouraged to make use of internet resources.
Course content
This course introduces you to the different internal and external elements of a business, helping you to understand the context in which a business operates. It explores common aims and characteristics of business and what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.
The course explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, marketing and accounting and finance. It consists of five study books:
- What is a business?
- An introduction to human resource management in business
- An introduction to accounting and finance in business
- An introduction to marketing in business
- Different ways of looking at business.
Together with learning resources accessed through the course website, these bring together all the various functional elements in an analysis of a business case study.
You will learn
In addition to improving your employability and awareness of business issues, the course will also help you to develop the necessary skills for studying at more advanced university levels.
Entry
This course is for anyone with an interest in business. No work or management experience, or previous educational qualifications are assumed. No technical knowledge is assumed, but you will be expected to participate in some online work.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
This course is relevant to business students in both a UK and non-UK context.
Qualifications
B120 is a compulsory course in our
- BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (B54)
- Certificate in Business Studies (C63)
- Foundation Degree in Business (G07)
- Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management (G08)
- Foundation Degree in Business Information Technology (G13)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Business (E42)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Leadership and Management (E43)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Business Information Technology (E45)
B120 is an optional course in our
- BA (Honours) Business Studies (B04)
- Foundation Degree in Financial Services (G16)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Financial Services (E54)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences (E50)
- Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences (C95)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The course is taught using course texts, which are supported by a website and online discussion forums. You will be expected to submit your assignments electronically. If you think you may have difficulty handling text material or operating a computer, please talk to our Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs. The course materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The books are available in a comb-bound format. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Five core course books and a Study Companion to guide you through the course; course website; supplementary online resources; online forums.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to The Open University, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day-schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where tutorials are held depends on the distribution of students taking each course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
There will be one self-marked assignment (SMA).
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May and November 2010. We expect it to be available twice a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Business and Management, Law and Social Sciences.
Study explained
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- Credit points
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- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
As with most OU courses B120 makes use of various resources. I found the balance between these resources very good. ...
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Never having done any study regarding business studies and being in my 50s I thought this course would be far ...
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