There are six business discipline areas in the School of Business.
Accounting and Finance
In spite of the economic downturn there is still a very strong demand for graduates in the area of accounting and finance. International accounting firms offer a bewildering array of career opportunities to suit all interests including traditional auditing and assurance work, management consulting, corporate finance, IT consulting, tax planning, human resources (HR) and insolvency. The same is true for the large investment banks and financial institutions.
Business Information Systems
The discipline of Business Information Systems deals with how information and communications technology can be used to achieve strategic goals. The focus is on developing and using cutting-edge products to solve important organisational problems. With a global shortage of skilled people in information and communications technology, the salaries for our graduates are amongst the highest of any of the professions. Studying Business Information Systems will equip you to develop creative and innovative solutions to problems in government, businesses and non-profit organisations.
Economics
Economics will help you to appreciate more about how the world works. You will learn more about the impact decisions have at the level of the individual firm; the industry; and at national level. You will study more about the impact of international trade, both good and bad. You will discover the effect government policies have on the economy and on employment; again both good and bad. It will help you make more informed decisions as both a consumer and as a voter. It will also prepare you for a rewarding career in industry, government, financial services, academia and similar areas.
Management
The Management subject includes the areas of business communications, professional practice, organisational behaviour, strategy, ethics, international business, operations and supply chain management, and enterprise. It is a core area for all business programmes, at all levels, across the School and is supported by the research activities of faculty in the RIKON (Research in Innovation, Knowledge Transfer and Organisational Networks) and CEDRE (Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy) Research Centres.
Marketing
The largest subject area in the Department, in terms of faculty, is Marketing. It encompasses the areas of market research, advertising, digital and on-line marketing media, international marketing, sales and selling, social marketing, reputation and brand management, and retail management. Faculty in the subject area have strong links with profession bodies, including the Marketing Institute of Ireland. The Waterford Crystal Centre for Marketing Studies, established in 2004, brings together the expertise of the marketing faculty members. Key research interests at the Waterford Crystal Centre for Marketing Studies include marketing strategy, innovation and knowledge transfer, brand management and reputation management.
Human Resource Management
Human Resource Management is taught on all undergraduate programmes and many graduate programmes across the School. It focuses on the world of work and the relationship between employers and employees. Modules in this area include employment resourcing, performance management, employee relations, training and development, employment law and HR strategy. Skill development, in interviewing, negotiation, bargaining, mediation, discipline and grievance handling, is a key feature of many of the modules. Faculty have strong links with the local, national and international branches of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development who accredit our HR programmes.
A wide variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods are used by faculty in all the above subject areas. Apart from traditional lectures and examinations, case studies, ‘live’ business projects, presentations, group projects, business simulations, role play, peer assessment and guest lectures from an integral part of many modules.