Skills for Business module (BU21014)

​​Build the quantitative, analytical, and professional communication skills needed in business and economics.​

Credits
20
Module code
BU21014
Level
2
Semester
Semester 1
School
School of Business
Discipline
Economics

This module is designed to build the skills you'll use throughout your degree and into your career. It covers four core areas:

  • quantitative literacy
  • data skills
  • professional communication
  • teamwork

​You'll develop confidence with basic arithmetic, algebra, and simple equations, applying these to real business and economics examples. Excel skills are a key focus, with hands-on practice in data handling, summary tables, and charts.

​You'll also develop your research skills, learning how to find and assess credible economic data and use it appropriately. The module includes practical group tasks to build your collaborative working skills, and you'll develop experience presenting findings clearly to a non-technical audience.

​What you will learn

​In this module, you will:

  • ​Develop core quantitative literacy skills, including basic arithmetic, algebra, and simple equations applied to business and economics examples
  • ​Source, assess, and use economic data responsibly and ethically
  • ​Use Excel for data handling, analysis, and visualisation in business contexts
  • ​Communicate findings through short evidence-based reports and briefings
  • ​Work effectively in teams, managing roles and accountability in collaborative group tasks

​By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • ​Explain core quantitative concepts and understand how economic data and key indicators inform business and policy discussions
  • ​Recognise the importance of credible evidence, data reliability, and ethical practice in business analysis
  • ​Apply quantitative reasoning to business and economic examples, including market analysis and key macroeconomic indicators
  • ​Use Excel to organise and analyse business and economic data, producing summary tables and charts
  • ​Communicate findings through short evidence-based reports
  • ​Work effectively in teams and present findings confidently to a non-technical audience​

Assignments / assessment

  • ​​Individual coursework essay (40%)
  • ​Group presentation (60%)

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

  • ​​10 one-hour lectures introducing conceptual and applied material
  • ​10 one-hour workshops focused on applied problem-solving in business and economics contexts​

Courses

This module is available on the following courses: