Business Economics BA (Hons): XJTLU 2+2 programme

The module aims to introduce students to the modern theory of finance and financial management. Theoretical concepts like the net present value, decision making under uncertainty, portfolio selection and the capital asset pricing model are introduced. These concepts serve as prerequisites for investment and financing decisions which are exemplified by an analysis of valuation of firms, capital structure decisions and dividend policy. More specifically, the topics covered are the value and capital budgeting, portfolio theory, models of security valuation, efficient markets, long-term financing, company dividend decisions, capital structure, and interactions of investment and financing decisions. In all cases contemporary examples will be used to make theory come to life.

The module provides training in the principal methodologies, theories and techniques of modern macroeconomic analysis. It is designed to introduce classic macroeconomic issues such as growth, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, exchange rates, technological progress, and budget deficits. The course will provide a unified framework to address these issues and to study the impact of different policies, such as monetary and fiscal policies, on the aggregate behaviour of individuals. These analytical tools will be used to understand the recent experience of the United States and other countries and to address how current policy initiatives affect their macroeconomic performance.

This module introduces students to the essentials of microeconomic theory in a non-technical manner. The module will develop and extend three of the topics introduced in Principles of Microeconomics, namely, Consumer Theory, Producer Theory and General Equilibrium and prepare students for the more technical modules such as Microeconomics 2 and Game Theory.

This module introduces students to basic econometrics and its application to problem solving and decision making within an economics and business context. Initially, students will be shown the concepts and theory (nontechnical) behind the econometric techniques followed by examples of their application to real data sets. Subsequently, students will have the opportunity in tutorials to apply taught learnings from class to analyse and interpret econometric analysis outputs from real economics and business applications.

The module explores the main theoretical perspectives that are used in economics to explain the behaviour of firms. It relates the perspectives to models which managers have found useful in understanding and solving their practical problems.

In a globalised world, companies of all kinds are no longer limited to producing and selling their goods and services in domestic markets. They explore global markets and operate across national borders. What challenges do companies face as they operate in multiple nation-states? How are they different from the domestic companies? How can multinational companies (MNCs) be managed effectively in order to stay competitive in the global market? This module aims to produce the knowledge and skills for students to address these questions. The module is structured into three parts. The first part discusses globalisation and MNCs, providing an overview of the changing landscape of the global economy. The second part focuses on the challenges that faced by MNCs with an analysis on the complex and often conflicting external environmental factors that shape the strategy and management of MNCs. The third part discusses how MNCs manage these challenges, exploring different strategies and practices that managers could consider in managing operation, talents and knowledge across borders.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined concepts of capitalism and international development in the global economy. The module is divided into 2 parts; (1) international development of developed economies and (2) international development of developing and emerging economies. Capitalism has played a significant role in international development- however, this has generated positive and negative effects. On one hand, we see how capitalism has led to substantial economic growth and better standards of life in countries that are now developed. On the other hand, capitalism is also associated with the increase in inequality and other societal and environmental issues.

The module will enable an in-depth analysis of the central issues associated with the economics and policies of international development and will provide an insight into problems, challenges and recent trends in international development as well as i dentify future policy directions.

A module to introduce students to the impact the law of England and Wales on business. Contract law, tort, employment law, discrimination and intellectual property are the main areas of focus.

This module will address key macroeconomic policy issues facing the global economy. Topics that will be explored in this module will include monetary and macroprudential policy, financial regulation, fiscal policy, exchange rate arrangements, and capital account management. At the end of this module, successful students will be able to critically analyse topical policy debates and the implications for the business environment.

Industrial organisation is concerned with the economic analysis of firms and industries, with a particular focus on how well consumers (society) are being served by particular industry structures and firm actions. The module incorporates debate between alternative schools of thought. The coursework is based on an industry case study selected by each student, which they research and which develops skills of independent research, writing, analysis and critical appraisal. In particular students are asked to evaluate which school of thought provides the most plausible interpretation of firm strategies and market outcomes.

All decisions involving uncertainty run the risk of failure. This module examines why people and organizations sometimes make unwise decisions and how to make better decisions.

This module provides a detailed coverage of the nature and determinants of the pattern of world trade and financial, capital and labour flows. The module also aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of why conflicts arise between nations due to international economic activity and what policy options are most appropriate for countries both individually and cooperatively to adopt. Throughout the module emphasis is placed upon the role of theory in enhancing understanding of the key issues in international economic relations.

The key focus of this module is for the students to build a strong understanding on contemporary issues concerning the International Business discipline as well as develop their critical thinking and critical discussion skills on a variety of controversial issues in IB. Through reading and interpretation of the academic international business literature as well as recent trends and developments in the global marketplace, students will be encouraged to analyse and debate the topics in order to form and express their own perspective in a structured and convincing manner. The module will draw on the research expertise of academic staff at ULMS and appropriate external speakers.

The module covers the history and development of corporate governance, and the key principles and systems that underpin corporate governance today. It also provides the opportunity to assess the practical application of corporate governance systems across major international organisations based on UK regulation.

The module provides students with a fundamental understanding of the core theoretical and empirical aspects involved in corporate finance (such as bond/stock valuation, capital structure, dividend policy and leasing contracts).

This module aims to give students a broad understanding of the key contemporary issues faced by political institutions and policymakers in the United Kingdom and in an international context. The module will analyse key challenges faced by democratic institutions around the world as well as by policymakers in the areas of education, labour and health. The module will also briefly cover the present and future challenges presented by Brexit and the policy reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the module will assess the contribution that Economics as a discipline can offer to tackle the challenges presented by environmental changes and congestion. The module will allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real life challenges

According to the advisory firm Deloitte, their football finance unit generates more media enquiries than all other industry areas combined. With the increasing globalisation of the sport, and the impact of commercial and media deals having a large impact on clubs both on and off the field of play, a knowledge of finance for anyone with an interest in the sport is beneficial. This module aims to:
(1) Utilise financial statements produced by football clubs and organisations.
(2) Review and apply financial reporting standards that have a significant impact on the financial statements, especially in relation to key assets such as player registrations.
(3) Analyse financial results using standard and industry specific ratios and KPI’s alongside available accessible data.
(4) Discuss and apply methods of valuing clubs using historic financial data and different valuation models.
(5) Use financial modelling techniques and spreadsheet analysis to prepare bespoke data and analysis of football clubs.
(6) Identify potential warning signs of financial distress in football clubs.
(7) Discuss topical financial issues arising in the industry and their potential consequences for stakeholders.
(8) Analyse the effectiveness or otherwise of cost control methods in the industry

This module introduces the main insights of environmental and ecological economics and discusses the development of sustainability policies. The interrelated nature of environmental, social, and economic systems is analysed together with the main theories and tools used to address some of the main sustainability constraints of the 21st century.
The analysis of the mutual dependencies existing between the human and the ecological systems, together with the limits imposed by the natural resources constraints allows students to gain a critical understanding of the socio-environmental implications of economic activities.
Given the increasing demand for professionals able to use interdisciplinary perspectives for the resolution of real-world problems, the module will complement and integrate the critical abilities developed during the previous years of studies towards this aim.

This module critically explores the economics of the sports sector, in particular the market for professional team sport. Over the past number of years, the sports sector has grown in social and economic significance, however, in some instances, there are peculiar aspects that merit economic inquiries. For example, collusion and collaboration between firms are generally prohibited, however, professional clubs organised in leagues are able to engage in collusive behaviour. At the same time, sports markets have many characteristics that make it particularly relevant to test general economic theories.

The aim of this module is to apply economic theories and principles to enhance knowledge and understanding of the sports sector and its constituent markets, and to use sports markets to understand general economic theories. The module will critically explore a range of issues and in doing so will make use of econometric modelling. Therefore, students will be able to develop an informed view of how an analytical view of sports can be used to guide decision making.

This is an optional module focusing on the business environment in emerging markets. MNEs based in these countries will also be discussed.

The aim of this module is to develop and enhance students’ critical understanding of the key issues surrounding the contemporary football sector. Students will develop a critical understanding of how economics, finance, marketing and other business and management disciplines can be used to analyse features of the football business sector. Furthermore, various concepts and theories from the aforementioned disciplines will be used to analyse critically decision-making within the sector. Where appropriate alternative outcomes will be considered that might improve efficiency and effectiveness within the sector.

The creative sector of the economy rivals the financial services sector in size in the UK. This module first provides context for the sector in both the UK and globally. It then explores the application and development of economic theory in a sector which is often characterised by ‘non-standard’ markets (i.e. markets where neoclassical microeconomic assumptions may not hold) such as: Insubstitutability of labour for capital; superstar labour markets; intangible property of copyrights; fundamental measures of economic ‘value’; demand under utility models influenced by taste formation and differing levels of public sector influence. It is applied by examining a variety of creative industries, including fine arts, music, broadcasting, movies and others.

This module will provide an advanced, albeit non-technical, critical understanding for students with a variety of academic backgrounds of a number of current issues faced by both academics and practitioners in the area of finance for development. These will include, for example, trying to answer the question of whether foreign aid works, the impact of multinational firms upon the economy of host countries, the evolving roles of the IMF and World Bank and whether microcredit really provides a “silver bullet” solution to poverty. The module will also cover the main principles of Islamic Finance. This a very strongly research-led module. Finally, the module will have a developmental form of assessment in the form of a research-based proposal for a new textbook that will allow students to revisit the knowledge they have acquired in the module from a perspective of their choice like, for instance, de-colonisation of the curriculum, sustainability, environment, fintech, financial inclusion, gender.