Business and Management

Diploma in Business Studies

View Spring 2012 timetable here

This programme is designed to give the student an understanding of the theoretical and practical skills necessary for success in the business environment. The broad philosophy of this programme is to provide students with an appropriate base of relevant business knowledge, to promote personal development and business career advancement. Students have the opportunity to study many key areas in the business world and are encouraged to use the benefits of the programme to further their careers.

This programme is divided into two semesters with each semester consisting of four modules. The eight modules are delivered over one academic year with exams held in January and May. Generally students complete the programme within one academic year. However it may also be taken over two years (attending one night of lectures a week) to facilitate varying career commitments.

The fundamental aim of this subject is to introduce the student to the basic principles of financial and management accounting. The course will enable the student to develop basic skills in respect of recording, summarising and interpreting. The objectives of the course will be for the student to appreciate the role of accounting in planning, decision making and control and to provide a foundation for students to pursue further studies within this key area.

This subject will introduce the student to the complexity of modern business organisational structures and give the student a sound knowledge of the major function and service activities within a business. An awareness of the critical interrelationships that exist within the modern business organisation will be developed and the course will enable the student to contribute to the planning and control process.

This module is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of marketing and to introduce them to the application of marketing thinking to business decisions. This module provides an introduction to many of the techniques employed by marketers to achieve business success.

This module is designed to give the student an excellent grounding in the fundamentals and functions of economics in today’s business environment. This module covers a wide range of topics from supply and demand theory to national and international trade issues. A large part of this module focuses on national banking, inflation, income, unemployment and fiscal issues.

This module is designed to provide information about consumer/customer communications including advertising, public relations, promotions and Internet marketing.

This module introduces students to the theories and concepts of research techniques and shows how mathematical models can be applied to basic research activities. It will prove to be essential for those who endeavour to undertake any form of research within the correct environment. On completion of this module the student should clearly understand
the role of marketing research in organisations. It also introduces students to various mathematical and statistical concepts required to develop skills in the practical application of these concepts in relevant business situations.

The objective of this module is to provide an understanding of the legal system in Ireland and Europe with a particular focus on company law. Students will gain competence in the legal aspects of the creation of a limited company and the
shareholder relationship with a limited company. Other topics covered include tort law, agency and contract law.

A comprehensive review of management theory and practice will be provided within this module. On completion of this subject, the student will be able to understand the complexities of modern management and will be familiar with the process of management decision-making and organisational design. The module will also empower the student to gain an insight into the interdependencies of a typical management structure.

For students interested in further study, the Diploma in Business Studies will entitle them to exemptions at Level 1 of some of the Evening Business Degree programmes at DBS.

Typically, students participating on this programme have come from a variety of backgrounds from those starting out in the business world to those for whom business skills are an advantage, in areas such as health, education, IT, engineering, hospitality etc. The programme can also be beneficial to nonbusiness students who are seeking supervisory/ management roles in the future.