This module introduces students to how universities work and how they can be successful in their studies. It provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges at university. The module is designed to provide students with the main elements of the learning process. An important distinction is that students enter university to learn, not to be taught, and this module is designed to provide students with guidance in the learning process. It introduces study techniques addressing time management, academic reading and writing, note making, academic integrity, etc.

This module also introduces students to the different courses offered by the university to prepare them for their decision regarding which course they wish to take following successful completion on this foundational course. In addition, students are introduced to, and will practice, a wide range of skills necessary for successful academic study, such as exam technique, academic literacy, creativity and critical thinking.

With this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a wide range of academic skills, including time management, academic reading and writing, note making, academic integrity, finding resources.
• Describe the content of the courses offered by GSBL and its suitability for their continued study following successful completion of this foundational programme.

Reflect on their learning journey including their personal development of academic skills.

This module focuses on the skills needed for success in business. It provides students with opportunities to become aware of the essential communication, problem-solving, decision-making, commercial awareness, and the various other skills needed for succeeding in business. It is also designed to introduce and reinforce essential transferable skills with a focus on personal development, planning and reflective learning.

With this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a wide range of effective communication skills including business presentation skills
• Demonstrate an ability to take responsibility for the development of their approaches to learning about business, reflect effectively on their current position and future direction in a number of contexts;
• Work successfully in groups with other students, using written, oral and interpersonal skills;
• Research subject material from a wide range of sources and propose solutions to contemporary business problems using creative and dynamic approaches.

This module introduces students to the contexts of business. Business functions including innovation, operations, marketing, human resource management, finance and accounting, all of which interact with one another, can only be fully understood when the environmental, organisational, and strategic contexts within which the business operates are also understood. The focus of this module is the development of students’ understanding of how business organisations work and operate in the wider environment. Students’ have opportunities to examine the various functions of businesses and their relevant environments. They will analyse a variety of business situations and cases. This module introduces students to the concept of globalisation in terms of its impact on socio-cultural, political, economic and technological factors. The main aim of the module is to introduce students to the impact of various contexts on business itself, and to provide them with opportunities to enhance a wide range of academic and business skills such as commercial awareness, and sensitivity in terms of people and cultures.

With this module, you will be able to:

• Discuss the concept of business contexts and demonstrate a range of skills including commercial acumen;
• Explain the impact of globalisation on both large and small businesses;
• Identify and explain how a business of your choice works and deals with external challenges;
• Demonstrate commercial acumen and the ability to work collaboratively with other students.