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A image to illustrate Contemporary issues in organisations module
This module will help you become a knowledge leader within your organisation by demonstrating that you're ahead of current organisational and business challenges. By defining contemporary organisational challenges, as influenced by technological change, internationalisation, complexity and ethics, you’ll develop key skills of planning and communication within and across organisations. You’ll become more adept at leading the transition to green ways of working, acting strategically in a multinational business environment, and taking smart decisions that will enhance performance. The module also gives you the opportunity to design a game concept that will enhance your strategic and communication skills.
Situating contemporary practice within the key themes of technological change, internationalisation, complexity and ethics, you'll engage with three key issues across three units:
Unit 1: Issues in decision making

This unit aims to:
Unit 2: Multinational dynamics in new frontier markets

This unit looks at key issues that Advanced Market Multinational Enterprises (AMNEs) contend with when they enter new frontier markets. You'll learn about:
Unit 3: Managing transition to a green economy

This unit considers the role of organisations in contributing to and solving climate change by transitioning to green practices. This challenge is framed around a transition to a green economy, where it is assumed that organisations and their managers can provide global leadership, offering hope and practical solutions to the ultimate complex problem of climate change. You'll learn about:
The module comprises 22 study weeks, and you'll be required to study around 7 hours per week. In addition to the three units, an introductory week will immerse you in the module’s key themes, assessment and learning approach.
The module is designed for professionals from a wide range of contexts and backgrounds who need and want to differentiate themselves as cutting-edge, contemporary practitioners.
Your learning will take place within a tutor-facilitated group of approximately 20 students. Your tutor is responsible for providing individual tuition, professional advice and support, mentoring, assessment and regular feedback on your performance throughout the module.
Course work includes:
As well as the individual tuition provision, you'll have access to regular opportunities for engagement with other students, university library access, an extensive variety of specially-written resources, all online and designed exclusively for this module, a learning game designed for the module, audio-visual material, case studies to help you develop your management thinking abilities.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
BB853 is an option module in our:
Contemporary issues in organisations starts once a year – in November.
This page describes the module that will start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2028.
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.
If you're taking this module as part of a qualification, such as the MBA, it is recommended you will have completed the compulsory modules prior to starting this module.
Alternatively, as it is possible to study this module on a standalone basis, you will need to ensure that you have the knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level. Please note that if you wish to study towards a qualification at a later date you must meet the entry requirements for that qualification.
You will also need an appropriate capability in the English language, sufficient to be able to work effectively at postgraduate level; generally, this means capability equivalent to an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.5. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies, you can visit the IELTS website. If you are unsure whether your skill level in English is adequate, you may find it helpful to look at our Skills for OU Study site.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Elements of this module are delivered online and include the use of real-time online discussions and an interactive whiteboard space, so time spent using a computer and the internet will be extensive. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials, contact us to discuss it before registering. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
07 Nov 202630 Apr 202715 Oct 2026£1,930
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
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 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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