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This module addresses the inter-related activities of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured organisational problems. Such activities are often classed as problem structuring activities, and they can be contrasted with activities that are directed specifically towards problem solution. The underlying rationale is that most organisational problems are so rich in complexity, uncertainty, and subjectivity that they need to be structured before they can be solved (or otherwise dealt with), and that for ill-structured problems, structuring may be a far more challenging task than solution.
As anyone with any organisational experience knows, organisational problems that present in a well-structured form are the exception rather than the rule. Most problems are “messy”: ill-defined, complex and subtle, often vague and poorly expressed, and with as many subjective versions as there are people involved. Further, such problems rarely lend themselves in any obvious way to quantification or neat solution by the traditional methods of, say, management science.
In recent years, management scientists have increasingly recognised the limitations of traditional, generally mathematical, problem solving methods, and have developed a corresponding interest in methods for structuring messy problems: methods which enable problem owners to define, discuss, explore and work with problems in a constructive way, without over-simplifying or distorting problems by attempting to fit them into a traditional, often quantitative, framework. Such methods are centrally informed by systems thinking, which emphasises a holistic, as opposed to a reductionist, perspective on problem-solving.
Problem Structuring Methods PSMs) of this type, and their underlying systemic nature, are the subject matter of this module.

This module addresses the inter-related activities of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured organisational problems. Such activities are often classed as problem structuring activities, and they can be contrasted with activities that are directed specifically towards problem solution. The underlying rationale is that most organisational problems are so rich in complexity, uncertainty, and subjectivity that they need to be structured before they can be solved (or otherwise dealt with), and that for ill-structured problems, structuring may be a far more challenging task than solution.
As anyone with any organisational experience knows, organisational problems that present in a well-structured form are the exception rather than the rule. Most problems are “messy”: ill-defined, complex and subtle, often vague and poorly expressed, and with as many subjective versions as there are people involved. Further, such problems rarely lend themselves in any obvious way to quantification or neat solution by the traditional methods of, say, management science.
In recent years, management scientists have increasingly recognised the limitations of traditional, generally mathematical, problem solving methods, and have developed a corresponding interest in methods for structuring messy problems: methods which enable problem owners to define, discuss, explore and work with problems in a constructive way, without over-simplifying or distorting problems by attempting to fit them into a traditional, often quantitative, framework. Problem Structuring Methods PSMs) of this type, and their underlying systemic nature, are the subject matter of this module.

In today’s IT and digital marketing landscape, and with the growing popularity of cloud computing, web and mobile applications are often the technologies of choice for organisations to deliver content and services, either externally or internally. The aim of this module is to consider the many and diverse practices and technologies required to design, develop, operate and promote websites and other web or mobile applications. You will learn to interpret project briefs, assess business and technical requirements, and create integrated proposals for digital solutions. Through a combination of design, coding, and consultancy practices, the module develops both technical fluency and commercial awareness, preparing students to manage digital projects from concept to implementation.

In today’s IT and digital marketing landscape, and with the growing popularity of cloud computing, web and mobile applications are often the technologies of choice for organisations to deliver content and services, either externally or internally. The aim of this module is to consider the many and diverse practices and technologies required to design, develop, operate and promote websites and other web or mobile applications and in so doing offer you an opportunity to appreciate the complexity of real-world systems.

Assessment consists of two tasks: a group project in which you will write up a business proposal for a new website or app (70% of the mark) and a practical web design or coding assignment (30%). For the group project, your team will be assuming the role of digital consultants; starting from a project brief, you will be preparing and undertaking a client interview with a member of the module’s teaching team to extract further requirements for the project.

This module provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the global challenges confronting businesses and societies today. From social class, culture, education and technology, to aging population, migration, health and environment, this module provides a current and topical look at the forces driving globalisation, its governance and business practice while ensuring complex information understandable to all students. It is therefore pertinent for students who wish to develop their role as global citizens.

This module provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the global challenges confronting businesses and societies today. From social class, culture, education and technology, to aging population, migration, health and environment, this module provides a current and topical look at the forces driving globalisation, its governance and business practice while ensuring complex information understandable to all students. It is therefore pertinent for students who wish to develop their role as global citizens.

The important contributions that high-growth firms make to the economy through their generation of revenue and jobs have long been recognised. Entrepreneurs often seek growth to maximise their returns, while others embark on a trajectory of ‘accidental growth’ based on high demand for their innovative goods and services. However, high-growth creates considerable challenges for many organisations. It can place them under strain, and can result in firm failure. This unique module examines the theoretical frameworks which explain firm growth and provides practical insight into how the associated challenges can be managed. This module will be of interest to students seeking to develop their own business, or who plan on working in dynamic, high-growth firms.

The important contributions that high-growth firms make to the economy through their generation of revenue and jobs have long been recognised. Entrepreneurs often seek growth to maximise their returns, while others embark on a trajectory of ‘accidental growth’ based on high demand for their innovative goods and services. However, high-growth creates considerable challenges for many organisations. It can place them under strain, and can result in firm failure. This unique module examines the theoretical frameworks which explain firm growth and provides practical insight into how the associated challenges can be managed. This module will be of interest to students seeking to develop their own business, or who plan on working in dynamic, high-growth firms.