Course Brief

The aim of this unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance, micro, SME, transnational and global) and how they operate. Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-making.


  • This course is covered in 50 contact hours.

Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the different types, size and scope of organisations.
  • Demonstrate the interrelationship of the various functions within an organisation and how they link to organisational structure.
  • Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact the macro environment has on business operations.
  • Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of specific businesses and explain their interrelationship with external macro factors.