INU0510 : Introduction to Business
INU0510 : Introduction to Business
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Michael Cheng
- Co-Module Leader: Mrs Helen Grinsell
- Owning School: INTO Newcastle University
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
This module introduces students to a range of business and organisational theory and practice. It is targeted at preparing students to enter Newcastle University or other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to study a wide range of business degrees at undergraduate level.
The module does not require previous study in the subject.
The specific aims of the module are:
• To provide students with an introduction to the key concepts and principles of business management.
• To introduce students to theoretical concepts in business and how to apply them to analyse their potential impact on business operations.
• To introduce key features of business management and how they fit in relation to their economic setting.
• To provide students with the lexical variety required to study business.
Outline Of Syllabus
Entrepreneurship
Leadership and management
Motivation
Organisational structure
Marketing mix
Market research
Portfolio strategy
Strategy choice
Scale of operations
Supply chain
Inventory management
Corporate responsibility
Competitive environment
PEST analysis
Strategic investments
Globalisation
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
• Explain business management theory and apply it to different business contexts.
• Explain how entrepreneurship and leadership interact in a business.
• Explain the key theoretical concepts of marketing.
• Analyse the potential impact of different business strategies.
• Explain how micro- and macro-economic factors affect businesses.
Intended Skill Outcomes
• Interpret and critically analyse theory.
• Demonstrate written academic level communication.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Written exercise |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Computer assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Formative assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Seminars. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Study clinic |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | e.g. directed research and reading. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture PowerPoint presentations will be available on CANVAS for self-preparation in advance of each week. Lectures are a formal sharing of ideas, concepts, and models, to assist the student in comparing different theoretical models and providing a framework for the specific week’s topic.
Lectures do not contain all the information on a specific topic that the student needs to learn, students are expected to build on the lecture framework.
Each week students will need to read the appropriate chapters in the core textbook and make additional notes on the topic. The students are expected to support this further through their own personal research using the library. To help start this journey there is a module library reading list on CANVAS.
Seminars will take place weekly and will explore the theory in more depth using individual and group exercises to embed the intended knowledge outcomes and develop the intended skills outcomes.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 50 | 50 multiple choice questions. |
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 50 | Written examination consisting of longer form and short essay questions. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 30 multiple choice questions. 45 minutes. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formative Multiple Choice question exam will familiarise the students' with the assessment method and test knowledge of the semester 1 topics introduced in the lectures and seminars in the first few weeks.
The Multiple Choice question exam will test students' knowledge of all of the semester 1 topics introduced in the lectures and seminars.
The written examination consists of longer form and short essay questions from topics covered in both semester 1 and 2. It will test students' ability to analyse applications and apply knowledge gained from the lectures and seminars.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- INU0510's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- INU0510's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.