Businesses make up a hugely significant aspect of global society and provide both goods and services for people to use and employment for a large proportion of the population. This introduction to the fascinating world of business consists of seven blocks of materials that cover a wide range of topics in contemporary business. Each block consists of a Readings book in addition to an online study planner and interactive activities. A wide variety of case studies are used to enhance your learning through application to real-world situations. Two large case studies of real, international companies – one of them in video form – will help you understand the complexities of business and management and how different aspects of a business work together.
In Block 1, you'll learn what a business is and what distinguishes it from other types of organisations in the public and voluntary sector. You will gain a first insight into a business’s external environment and its main business functions, as well as into the nature of organisational structures, cultures and values.
In Blocks 2, 3 and 4, you'll learn about three of the main business functions: human resources management, accounting and finance and marketing.
Block 2 looks at the people at work. You'll explore what motivates people to work and how organisations select, train and evaluate employees. Throughout the block, you'll learn about both the techniques that organisations use to manage their employees and how these human resource management techniques are perceived by and impact the people working in the organisation.
Block 3 gives you an accessible introduction to financial information for business. In this block you'll learn how to read and interpret the main financial statements produced in a business, a crucial skill for any business and management student.
Block 4 focuses on marketing, its importance in a business and how a marketing plan is put together. This includes collecting marketing research, understanding customer behaviour and tailoring products and services to meet customer requirements. You'll also learn about the significant role that marketing plays in contemporary consumer society.
In Blocks 5, 6 and 7, you'll explore the way in which business is embedded in its external environment.
Block 5 is about the economic and political context in which businesses and other organisations operate. You'll learn about topics such as supply and demand, the economic system, the role of central banks, and about the role of governments in making economic policy and regulating businesses.
Block 6 introduces you to the subject of business ethics. Businesses regularly face difficult ethical challenges, such as whether to use sweatshops to produce more cheaply or how to balance environmental concerns with the desire for growth. In this block, you'll explore some ethical theories that can help you to think through these issues.
Block 7 concludes the module with a look at the global context in which businesses operate. No matter how small a business may be, it will be influenced by globalisation. You'll learn what globalisation actually means, what drives it and how it impacts businesses. The block concludes with a look at some of the key challenges posed by globalisation.
In summary, this module offers a broad and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of business and management in its global context.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll be provided with seven printed module books, each covering one block of study, a printed module guide, and have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
B100 is a compulsory module in our:
B100 is an option module in our:
An introduction to business and management starts twice a year – in February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026 and February 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
