Open Learning Foundation – serie

Quantitative Methods is part of a new national programme of highly developed texts and modules for undergraduate business programmes, to be published by Blackwell Business in association with the Open Learning Foundation.The text introduces a knowledge of quantitative methods which will enable students to process numerical information of the type and style found in the business environment. It emphasizes the practical application of quantitative methods to business decision-making.A rudimentary knowledge of mathematics is assumed, but an additional unit is included on basic mathematics which is suitable for those students who enroll on a business studies course without formal mathematics qualifications.Topics covered include: Foundation mathematics.Data presentation.Regression and correlation analysis.Probability.Sampling theory.Index numbers and time series.

Organisational Structures and Processes provides a framework for students to examine the varied and dynamic nature of organization's structures and internal relations. The workbook looks at: The identification, evaluation and designing of organizational structures Communications in organizations Identifying and changing organizational culture

The emphasis of this workbook is on the interrelation of finance and information stressing that the effective management of any resources, including financial, depends on good information on which to base decision making. Each section gives a clear framework in which to review, examine and apply the key concepts, theories and systems to give the student the ability to: * Identify and evaluate the sources of company finance. * Evaluate the financial performance of companies and use financial information to support decision making. * Understand the scope and purpose of mangament information systems and use them to store, retrieve and analyze information.

Operating Environment is divided into three major sections giving a clear framework in which to review the economic, political and social contexts of business activity: The national economic context.The environmental factors affecting business activities.Business firms in markets.

This workbook is divided into two sections looking at both the management of people and activities in detail. Each section gives the student a clear framework in which to review cultural, organizational and operational aspects of business activity including: * Management andleadership. * Individual and team behaviour. * Work planning and organization. * Objectives and performance.

Business Decision Analysis is part of a major new national programme of texts and modules designed for undergraduate students on Business Studies degree courses. It provides 150 hours of high quality study to be used in a supported learning environment.The module provides a comprehensive introduction to the quantitative analysis and solution of business problems and covers some of the key topics in the field, including an introduction to model building for business decision analysis, linear programming, regression analysis, time-series analysis and simulation techniques. Business Decision Analysis contains numerous activities and exercises to develop an understanding of the subject, including many utilizing Microsoft Excel in version 5.0 or later (not supplied with this publication). The module provides the most effective teaching and learning resource available at this level.

This introduction to Business Functions delivers the knowledge and skills required to understand the key characteristics of business organisations and the core functions that contribute to their operations.